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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..592175e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #61113 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61113) diff --git a/old/61113-0.txt b/old/61113-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 69163c6..0000000 --- a/old/61113-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,29309 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Natural History of Pliny, volume 4 (of -6), by Pliny, the Elder - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: The Natural History of Pliny, volume 4 (of 6) - by Pliny, the Elder - -Author: Pliny, the Elder - -Translator: John Bostock - Henry T. Riley - -Release Date: January 6, 2020 [EBook #61113] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF PLINY *** - - - - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Stephen Rowland, Tony Browne, -Brian Wilcox and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -Transcriber’s notes: - -Italic text is denoted _thus_. - -See further note at the end of this volume. - - - - - BOHN’S CLASSICAL LIBRARY. - - NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY. - - VOL. IV. - - - - - THE - - NATURAL HISTORY - - OF - - PLINY. - - TRANSLATED, - - WITH COPIOUS NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS - - - BY THE LATE - - JOHN BOSTOCK, M.D., F.R.S., - - AND - - H. T. RILEY, ESQ., B.A., - - LATE SCHOLAR OF CLARE HALL, CAMBRIDGE. - - VOL. IV. - - LONDON: - HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. - MDCCCLVI. - - - - -CONTENTS - -OF THE FOURTH VOLUME. - - - BOOK XVIII. - - THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GRAIN. - - CHAP. Page - - 1. Taste of the ancients for agriculture 1 - - 2. When the first wreaths of corn were used at Rome 3 - - 3. The jugerum of land 4 - - 4. How often and on what occasions corn has sold at a remarkably - low price 7 - - 5. Illustrious men who have written upon agriculture 9 - - 6. Points to be observed in buying land 11 - - 7. The proper arrangements for a farm-house 13 - - 8. Maxims of the ancients on agriculture 16 - - 9. The different kinds of grain 19 - - 10. The history of the various kinds of grain _ib._ - - 11. Spelt 24 - - 12. Wheat 25 - - 13. Barley: rice 27 - - 14. Polenta 28 - - 15. Ptisan 29 - - 16. Tragum _ib._ - - 17. Amylum _ib._ - - 18. The nature of barley 30 - - 19. Arinca, and other kinds of grain that are grown in the - East 31 - - 20. Winter wheat. Similago, or fine flour 32 - - 21. The fruitfulness of Africa in wheat 35 - - 22. Sesame. Erysimum or irio. Horminum 36 - - 23. The mode of grinding corn _ib._ - - 24. Millet 38 - - 25. Panic _ib._ - - 26. The various kinds of leaven _ib._ - - 27. The method of making bread: origin of the art 39 - - 28. When bakers were first introduced at Rome 40 - - 29. Alica 41 - - 30. The leguminous plants: the bean 43 - - 31. Lentils. Pease 46 - - 32. The several kinds of chick-pease _ib._ - - 33. The kidney-bean 47 - - 34. The rape _ib._ - - 35. The turnip 48 - - 36. The lupine 49 - - 37. The vetch 51 - - 38. The fitch _ib._ - - 39. Silicia _ib._ - - 40. Secale or asia 52 - - 41. Farrago: the cracca _ib._ - - 42. Ocinum: ervilia _ib._ - - 43. Lucerne 53 - - 44. The diseases of grain: the oat 54 - - 45. The best remedies for the diseases of grain 57 - - 46. The crops that should be sown in the different soils 59 - - 47. The different systems of cultivation employed by various - nations 60 - - 48. The various kinds of ploughs 62 - - 49. The mode of ploughing _ib._ - - 50. The methods of harrowing, stubbing, and hoeing, employed - for each description of grain. The use of the harrow 66 - - 51. Extreme fertility of soil 67 - - 52. The method of sowing more than once in the year 68 - - 53. The manuring of land _ib._ - - 54. How to ascertain the quality of seed 69 - - 55. What quantity of each kind of grain is requisite for - sowing a jugerum 71 - - 56. The proper times for sowing 72 - - 57. Arrangement of the stars according to the terrestrial days - and nights 74 - - 58. The rising and setting of the stars 77 - - 59. The epochs of the seasons 78 - - 60. The proper time for winter sowing 79 - - 61. When to sow the leguminous plants and the poppy 81 - - 62. Work to be done in the country in each month - respectively _ib._ - - 63. Work to be done at the winter solstice 82 - - 64. Work to be done between the winter solstice and the - prevalence of the west winds 83 - - 65. Work to be done between the prevalence of the west winds - and the vernal equinox 84 - - 66. Work to be done after the vernal equinox 86 - - 67. Work to be done after the rising of the Vergiliæ: - hay-making 88 - - 68. The summer solstice 92 - - 69. Causes of sterility 97 - - 70. Remedies against these noxious influences 101 - - 71. Work to be done after the summer solstice 102 - - 72. The harvest 103 - - 73. The methods of storing corn 104 - - 74. The vintage, and the works of autumn 107 - - 75. The revolutions of the moon 111 - - 76. The theory of the winds 113 - - 77. The laying out of lands according to the points of the - wind 114 - - 78. Prognostics derived from the sun 117 - - 79. Prognostics derived from the moon 119 - - 80. Prognostics derived from the stars 120 - - 81. Prognostics derived from thunder 121 - - 82. Prognostics derived from clouds _ib._ - - 83. Prognostics derived from mists 122 - - 84. Prognostics derived from fire kindled by man _ib._ - - 85. Prognostics derived from water _ib._ - - 86. Prognostics derived from tempests 123 - - 87. Prognostics derived from aquatic animals and birds _ib._ - - 88. Prognostics derived from quadrupeds 124 - - 89. Prognostics derived from plants 125 - - 90. Prognostics derived from food _ib._ - - - BOOK XIX. - - THE NATURE AND CULTIVATION OF FLAX, AND AN ACCOUNT OF VARIOUS - GARDEN PLANTS. - - 1. The nature of flax—marvellous facts relative thereto 129 - - 2. How flax is sown: twenty-seven principal varieties of it 131 - - 3. The mode of preparing flax 135 - - 4. Linen made of asbestos 136 - - 5. At what period linen was first dyed 138 - - 6. At what period coloured awnings were first employed in the - theatres _ib._ - - 7. The nature of spartum 139 - - 8. The mode of preparing spartum 140 - - 9. At what period spartum was first employed 141 - - 10. The bulb eriophorus _ib._ - - 11. Plants which spring up and grow without a root—plants - which grow, but cannot be reproduced from seed 142 - - 12. Misy; iton; and geranion 143 - - 13. Particulars connected with the truffle 144 - - 14. The pezica _ib._ - - 15. Laserpitium, laser, and maspetum _ib._ - - 16. Magydaris 147 - - 17. Madder 148 - - 18. The radicula _ib._ - - 19. The pleasures of the garden 149 - - 20. The laying out of garden ground 154 - - 21. Plants other than grain and shrubs 155 - - 22. The natural history of twenty different kinds of plants - grown in gardens—the proper methods to be followed in - sowing them respectively _ib._ - - 23. Vegetables of a cartilaginous nature—cucumbers. Pepones 156 - - 24. Gourds 158 - - 25. Rape. Turnips 161 - - 26. Radishes 162 - - 27. Parsnips 165 - - 28. The skirret 166 - - 29. Elecampane 167 - - 30. Bulbs, squills, and arum 168 - - 31. The roots, flowers, and leaves of all these plants. - Garden plants which lose their leaves 170 - - 32. Varieties of the onion 171 - - 33. The leek 173 - - 34. Garlic 174 - - 35. The number of days required for the respective plants to - make their appearance above ground 177 - - 36. The nature of the various seeds 178 - - 37. Plants of which there is but a single kind. Plants of - which there are several kinds 179 - - 38. The nature and varieties of twenty-three garden plants. - The lettuce; its different varieties 180 - - 39. Endive 182 - - 40. Beet: four varieties of it 183 - - 41. Cabbages; the several varieties of them 185 - - 42. Wild and cultivated asparagus 188 - - 43. Thistles 190 - - 44. Other plants that are sown in the garden: ocimum; rocket; - and nasturtium 191 - - 45. Rue _ib._ - - 46. Parsley 192 - - 47. Mint _ib._ - - 48. Olusatrum 193 - - 49. The caraway 194 - - 50. Lovage _ib._ - - 51. Dittander 195 - - 52. Gith _ib._ - - 53. The poppy 196 - - 54. Other plants which require to be sown at the autumnal - equinox 197 - - 55. Wild thyme; sisymbrium _ib._ - - 56. Four kinds of ferulaceous plants. Hemp 198 - - 57. The maladies of garden plants 199 - - 58. The proper remedies for these maladies. How ants are best - destroyed. The best remedies against caterpillars and - flies 200 - - 59. What plants are benefitted by salt water 201 - - 60. The proper method of watering gardens _ib._ - - 61. The juices and flavours of garden herbs 202 - - 62. Piperitis, libanotis, and smyrnium 203 - - - BOOK XX. - - REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE GARDEN PLANTS. - - 1. Introduction 206 - - 2. The wild cucumber: twenty-six remedies 207 - - 3. Elaterium: twenty-seven remedies 208 - - 4. The anguine or erratic cucumber: five remedies 209 - - 5. The cultivated cucumber: nine remedies 210 - - 6. Pepones: eleven remedies 211 - - 7. The gourd: seventeen remedies. The somphus: one remedy 212 - - 8. The colocynthis: ten remedies _ib._ - - 9. Rape: nine remedies 213 - - 10. Wild rape: one remedy 214 - - 11. Turnips; those known as bunion and bunias: five - remedies _ib._ - - 12. The wild radish, or armoracia: one remedy 215 - - 13. The cultivated radish: forty-three remedies _ib._ - - 14. The parsnip: five remedies. The hibiscum, wild mallow, or - plistolochia: eleven remedies 218 - - 15. The staphylinos, or wild parsnip: twenty-two remedies _ib._ - - 16. Gingidion: one remedy 219 - - 17. The skirret: eleven remedies 220 - - 18. Sile, or hartwort: twelve remedies 221 - - 19. Elecampane: eleven remedies 222 - - 20. Onions: twenty-seven remedies _ib._ - - 21. Cutleek: thirty-two remedies 223 - - 22. Bulbed leek: thirty-nine remedies 225 - - 23. Garlic: sixty-one remedies _ib._ - - 24. The lettuce: forty-two remedies. The goat-lettuce: - four remedies 228 - - 25. Cæsapon: one remedy. Isatis: one remedy. The wild lettuce: - seven remedies _ib._ - - 26. Hawk-weed: seventeen remedies 229 - - 27. Beet: twenty-four remedies 232 - - 28. Limonion, or neuroides: three remedies 233 - - 29. Endive: three remedies _ib._ - - 30. Cichorium or chreston, otherwise called pancration or - ambula: twelve remedies 234 - - 31. Hedypnoïs: four remedies _ib._ - - 32. Seris, three varieties of it: seven remedies borrowed - from it 235 - - 33. The cabbage: eighty-seven remedies. Recipes mentioned - by Cato _ib._ - - 34. Opinions of the Greeks relative thereto 237 - - 35. Cabbage-sprouts 239 - - 36. The wild cabbage: thirty-seven remedies 240 - - 37. The lapsana: one remedy 241 - - 38. The sea-cabbage: one remedy _ib._ - - 39. The squill: twenty-three remedies _ib._ - - 40. Bulbs: thirty remedies 243 - - 41. Bulbine: one remedy. Bulb emetic 244 - - 42. Garden asparagus; with the next, twenty-four remedies 245 - - 43. Corruda, libycura, or orminum _ib._ - - 44. Parsley: seventeen remedies 246 - - 45. Apiastrum, or melissophyllum 247 - - 46. Olusatrum or Hipposelinon: eleven remedies. Oreoselinon: - two remedies. Helioselinon: one remedy 248 - - 47. Petroselinon: one remedy. Buselinon: one remedy _ib._ - - 48. Ocimum: thirty-five remedies 249 - - 49. Rocket: twelve remedies 250 - - 50. Nasturtium: forty-two remedies 251 - - 51. Rue: eighty-four remedies 252 - - 52. Wild mint: twenty remedies 256 - - 53. Mint: forty-one remedies 257 - - 54. Pennyroyal: twenty-five remedies 259 - - 55. Wild pennyroyal: seventeen remedies 260 - - 56. Nep: nine remedies 261 - - 57. Cummin: forty-eight remedies. Wild cummin: twenty-six - remedies 262 - - 58. Ammi: ten remedies 263 - - 59. The capparis or caper: eighteen remedies 264 - - 60. Ligusticum, or lovage: four remedies 265 - - 61. Cunila bubula: five remedies _ib._ - - 62. Cunila gallinacea, or origanum: five remedies 266 - - 63. Cunilago: eight remedies _ib._ - - 64. Soft cunila: three remedies. Libanotis: three remedies _ib._ - - 65. Cultivated cunila: three remedies. Mountain cunila: seven - remedies 267 - - 66. Piperitis, or siliquastrum: five remedies _ib._ - - 67. Origanum, onitis, or prasion: six remedies 268 - - 68. Tragoriganum: nine remedies _ib._ - - 69. Three varieties of Heracleotic origanum: thirty remedies _ib._ - - 70. Dittander: three remedies 270 - - 71. Gith, or melanthion: twenty-three remedies _ib._ - - 72. Anise: sixty-one remedies 271 - - 73. Where the best anise is found: various remedies derived - from this plant 272 - - 74. Dill: nine remedies 274 - - 75. Sacopenium, or sagapenon: thirteen remedies _ib._ - - 76. The white poppy: three remedies. The black poppy: eight - remedies. Remarks on sleep. Opium. Remarks in disfavour - of the potions known as “anodynes, febrifuges, - digestives, and cœliacs.” In what way the juices of - these plants are to be collected 275 - - 77. The poppy called rhœas: two remedies 278 - - 78. The wild poppy called ceratitis, glaucium, or paralium: - six remedies _ib._ - - 79. The wild poppy called heraclium, or aphron: four remedies. - Diacodion _ib._ - - 80. The poppy called tithymalon, or paralion: three remedies 279 - - 81. Porcillaca or purslain, otherwise called peplis: - twenty-five remedies 280 - - 82. Coriander: twenty-one remedies 282 - - 83. Orage: fourteen remedies _ib._ - - 84. The mallow called malope: thirteen remedies. The mallow - called malache: one remedy. The mallow called althæa or - plistolochia: fifty-nine remedies 283 - - 85. Wild lapathum or oxalis, otherwise called lapathum - cantherinum, or rumex: one remedy. Hydrolapathum: two - remedies. Hippolapathum: six remedies. Oxylapathum: - four remedies 287 - - 86. Cultivated lapathum: twenty-one remedies. Bulapathum: one - remedy 288 - - 87. Mustard, the three kinds of it: forty-four remedies _ib._ - - 88. Adarca: forty-eight remedies 290 - - 89. Marrubium or prasion, otherwise linostrophon, philopais, - or philochares: twenty-nine remedies _ib._ - - 90. Wild thyme: eighteen remedies 292 - - 91. Sisymbrium or thymbræum: twenty-three remedies 293 - - 92. Linseed: thirty remedies 294 - - 93. Blite: six remedies 295 - - 94. Meum, and meum athamanticum: seven remedies _ib._ - - 95. Fennel: twenty-two remedies 296 - - 96. Hippomarathron, or myrsineum: five remedies _ib._ - - 97. Hemp: nine remedies 297 - - 98. Fennel-giant: eight remedies 298 - - 99. The thistle or scolymos: six remedies 299 - - 100. The composition of theriaca _ib._ - - - BOOK XXI. - - AN ACCOUNT OF FLOWERS, AND THOSE USED FOR CHAPLETS MORE - PARTICULARLY. - - 1. The nature of flowers and gardens 304 - - 2. Garlands and chaplets _ib._ - - 3. Who invented the art of making garlands: when they first - received the name of “corollæ,” and for what reason 305 - - 4. Who was the first to give chaplets with leaves of silver - and gold. Lemnisci: who was the first to emboss them 306 - - 5. The great honour in which chaplets were held by the - ancients _ib._ - - 6. The severity of the ancients in reference to chaplets 307 - - 7. A citizen decked with flowers by the Roman people 308 - - 8. Plaited chaplets. Needle-work chaplets. Nard-leaf chaplets. - Silken chaplets _ib._ - - 9. Authors who have written on flowers. An anecdote relative - to Queen Cleopatra and chaplets 309 - - 10. The rose: twelve varieties of it 310 - - 11. The lily: four varieties of it 314 - - 12. The narcissus: three varieties of it 316 - - 13. How seed is stained to produce tinted flowers 317 - - 14. How the several varieties of the violet are respectively - produced, grown, and cultivated. The three different - colours of the violet. The five varieties of the yellow - violet _ib._ - - 15. The caltha. The scopa regia 318 - - 16. The bacchar. The combretum. Asarum _ib._ - - 17. Saffron: in what places it grows best. What flowers were - known at the time of the Trojan war 319 - - 18. The nature of odours 321 - - 19. The iris 324 - - 20. The saliunca 325 - - 21. The polium or teuthrion _ib._ - - 22. Fabrics which rival the colour of flowers 326 - - 23. The amaranth 327 - - 24. The cyanos: the holochrysos 328 - - 25. The petilium: the bellio _ib._ - - 26. The chrysocome, or chrysitis 329 - - 27. Shrubs, the blossoms of which are used for chaplets _ib._ - - 28. Shrubs, the leaves of which are used for chaplets _ib._ - - 29. The melothron, spiræa, and origanum. The oneorum or - cassia; two varieties of it. The melissophyllum or - melittæna. The melilote, otherwise known as Campanian - garland 330 - - 30. Three varieties of trefoil: the myophonum _ib._ - - 31. Two varieties of thyme. Plants produced from blossoms and - not from seed 331 - - 32. Conyza 332 - - 33. The flower of Jove. The hemerocalles. The helenium. The - phlox. Plants in which the branches and roots are - odoriferous 333 - - 34. The abrotonum. The adonium: two varieties of it. Plants - which reproduce themselves. The leucanthemum 334 - - 35. Two varieties of the amaracus _ib._ - - 36. The nyctegreton, or chenamyche, or nyctalops 335 - - 37. Where the melilote is found _ib._ - - 38. The succession in which flowers blossom: the spring - flowers. The violet. The chaplet anemone or phrenion. - The herb œnanthe. The melanthium. The helichrysos. - The gladiolus. The hyacinth 336 - - 39. The summer flowers—the lychnis: the tiphyon. Two varieties - of the pothos. Two varieties of the orsinum. The - vincapervinca or chamædaphne—a plant which is an - ever-green 337 - - 40. The duration of life in the various kinds of flowers 339 - - 41. Plants which should be sown among flowers for bees. The - cerintha _ib._ - - 42. The maladies of bees, and the remedies for them 340 - - 43. The food of bees _ib._ - - 44. Poisoned honey, and the remedies to be employed by those - who have eaten it 341 - - 45. Maddening honey 342 - - 46. Honey that flies will not touch 343 - - 47. Beehives, and the attention which should be paid to them 344 - - 48. That bees are sensible of hunger 345 - - 49. The method of preparing wax. The best kinds of wax. Punic - wax _ib._ - - 50. Plants which grow spontaneously: the use made of them by - various nations, their nature, and remarkable facts - connected with them. The strawberry, the tamnus, and - the butcher’s broom. The batis, two varieties of it. - The meadow parsnip. The hop 347 - - 51. The colocasia _ib._ - - 52. The cichorium. The anthalium or anticellium, or anthyllum. - The œtum. The arachidna. The aracos. The candryala. The - hypochœris. The caucalis. The anthriscum. The scandix. - The tragopogon. The parthenium or leucanthes, amaracus, - perdicium, or muralis. The trychnum or strychnum, - halicacabum, callias, dorycnion, manicon, peritton, - neuras, morio, or moly. The corchorus. The aphace. The - acynopos. The epipetron. Plants which never flower. - Plants which are always in flower 348 - - 53. Four varieties of the cnecos 350 - - 54. Plants of a prickly nature: the erynge, the glycyrrhiza, - the tribulus, the anonis, the pheos or stœbe, and the - hippophaes _ib._ - - 55. Four varieties of the nettle. The lamium and the scorpio 351 - - 56. The carduus, the acorna, the phonos, the leucanthos, the - chalceos, the cnecos, the polyacanthos, the onopyxos, - the helxine, the scolymos, the chamæleon, the tetralix, - and acanthice mastiche 353 - - 57. The cactos: the pternix, pappos, and ascalias 354 - - 58. The tribulus: the anonis 355 - - 59. Plants classified according to their stems: the coronopus, - the anchusa, the anthemis, the phyllanthes, the crepis, - and the lotus _ib._ - - 60. Plants classified according to their leaves. Plants which - never lose their leaves: plants which blossom a little - at a time: the heliotropium and the adiantum, the - remedies derived from which will be mentioned in the - following Book 356 - - 61. The various kinds of eared plants: the stanyops; the - alopecuros; the stelephurus, ortyx, or plantago; the - thryallis 357 - - 62. The perdicium. The ornithogale _ib._ - - 63. Plants which only make their appearance at the end of a - year. Plants which begin to blossom at the top. Plants - which begin to blossom at the lower part 358 - - 64. The lappa, a plant which produces within itself. The - opuntia, which throws out a root from the leaf _ib._ - - 65. The iasione. The chondrylla. The picris, which remains in - flower the whole year through _ib._ - - 66. Plants in which the blossom makes its appearance before - the stem. Plants in which the stem appears before the - blossom. Plants which blossom three times in the year 359 - - 67. The cypiros. The thesion _ib._ - - 68. The asphodel, or royal spear. The anthericus or albucus _ib._ - - 69. Six varieties of the rush: four remedies derived from the - cypiros 361 - - 70. The cyperos: fourteen remedies. The cyperis. The cypira 363 - - 71. The holoschœnus 364 - - 72. Ten remedies derived from the sweet-scented rush, or - teuchites _ib._ - - 73. Remedies derived from the flowers before mentioned: - thirty-two remedies derived from the rose _ib._ - - 74. Twenty-one remedies derived from the lily 366 - - 75. Sixteen remedies derived from the narcissus 367 - - 76. Seventeen remedies derived from the violet 368 - - 77. Seventeen remedies derived from the bacchar. One remedy - derived from the combretum _ib._ - - 78. Eight remedies derived from asarum 369 - - 79. Eight remedies derived from gallic nard _ib._ - - 80. Four remedies derived from the plant called “phu” 370 - - 81. Twenty remedies derived from saffron _ib._ - - 82. Syrian crocomagna: two remedies _ib._ - - 83. Forty-one remedies derived from the iris: two remedies - derived from the saliunca 371 - - 84. Eighteen remedies derived from the polium 372 - - 85. Three remedies derived from the holochrysos. Six remedies - derived from the chrysocome 373 - - 86. Twenty-one remedies derived from the melissophyllum _ib._ - - 87. Thirteen remedies derived from the melilote 374 - - 88. Four remedies derived from the trefoil _ib._ - - 89. Twenty-eight remedies derived from thyme 375 - - 90. Four remedies derived from the hemerocalles 376 - - 91. Five remedies derived from the helenium _ib._ - - 92. Twenty-two remedies derived from the abrotonum 377 - - 93. One remedy derived from the leucanthemum. Nine remedies - derived from the amaracus 378 - - 94. Ten remedies derived from the anemone or phrenion 379 - - 95. Six remedies derived from the œnanthe 380 - - 96. Eleven remedies derived from the helichrysos _ib._ - - 97. Eight remedies derived from the hyacinth 381 - - 98. Seven remedies derived from the lychnis _ib._ - - 99. Four remedies derived from the vincapervinca 382 - - 100. Three remedies derived from butcher’s broom _ib._ - - 101. Two remedies derived from the batis _ib._ - - 102. Two remedies derived from the colocasia _ib._ - - 103. Six remedies derived from the anthyllium or anthyllum 383 - - 104. Eight remedies derived from the parthenium, leucanthes, - or amaracus _ib._ - - 105. Eight remedies derived from the trychnum or strychnum, - halicacabum, callias, dorycnion, manicon, neuras, - morio, or moly 384 - - 106. Six remedies derived from the corchorus 386 - - 107. Three remedies derived from the cnecos _ib._ - - 108. One remedy derived from the pesoluta _ib._ - - 109. An explanation of Greek terms relative to weights and - measures _ib._ - - - BOOK XXII. - - THE PROPERTIES OF PLANTS AND FRUITS. - - 1. The properties of plants 389 - - 2. Plants used by nations for the adornment of the person _ib._ - - 3. Employment of plants for dyeing. Explanation of the terms - sagmen, verbena, and clarigatio 390 - - 4. The grass crown: how rarely it has been awarded 392 - - 5. The only persons that have been presented with this crown 393 - - 6. The only centurion that has been thus honoured 394 - - 7. Remedies derived from other chaplet plants 395 - - 8. The erynge or eryngium 396 - - 9. The eryngium, called centum capita: thirty remedies 397 - - 10. The acanos: one remedy 398 - - 11. The glycyrrhiza or adipsos: fifteen remedies 399 - - 12. Two varieties of the tribulus: twelve remedies 400 - - 13. The stœbe or pheos 401 - - 14. Two varieties of the hippophaes: two remedies _ib._ - - 15. The nettle: sixty-one remedies 402 - - 16. The lamium: seven remedies 404 - - 17. The scorpio, two kinds of it: one remedy 405 - - 18. The leucacantha, phyllos, ischias, or polygonatos: four - remedies _ib._ - - 19. The helxine: twelve remedies 406 - - 20. The perdicium, parthenium, urceolaris, or astercum: eleven - remedies 407 - - 21. The chamæleon, ixias, ulophonon, or cynozolon; two - varieties of it: twelve remedies _ib._ - - 22. The coronopus 409 - - 23. The anchusa: fourteen remedies _ib._ - - 24. The pseudoanchusa, echis, or doris: three remedies 410 - - 25. The onochilon, archebion, onochelis, rhexia, or enchrysa: - thirty remedies _ib._ - - 26. The anthemis, leucanthemis, leucanthemum, chamæmelum, or - melanthium; three varieties of it: eleven remedies 411 - - 27. The lotus plant: four remedies 412 - - 28. The lotometra: two remedies _ib._ - - 29. The heliotropium, helioscopium, or verrucaria: twelve - remedies. The heliotropium, tricoccum, or scorpiuron: - fourteen remedies 413 - - 30. The adiantum, callitrichos, trichomanes, polytrichos, or - saxifragum; two varieties of it: twenty-eight remedies 415 - - 31. The picris: one remedy. The thesion: one remedy 417 - - 32. The asphodel: fifty-one remedies _ib._ - - 33. The halimon: fourteen remedies 419 - - 34. The acanthus, pæderos, or melamphyllos: five remedies 421 - - 35. The bupleuron: five remedies _ib._ - - 36. The buprestis: one remedy 422 - - 37. The elaphoboscon: nine remedies _ib._ - - 38. The scandix: nine remedies. The anthriscum: two remedies 423 - - 39. The iasione: four remedies _ib._ - - 40. The caucalis: twelve remedies 424 - - 41. The sium: eleven remedies _ib._ - - 42. The sillybum 425 - - 43. The scolymos or limonia: five remedies _ib._ - - 44. The sonchos: two varieties: fifteen remedies 426 - - 45. The condrion or chondrylla: six remedies 427 - - 46. Mushrooms; peculiarities of their growth 428 - - 47. Fungi; signs by which the venomous kinds may be - recognized: nine remedies 429 - - 48. Silphium: seven remedies 431 - - 49. Laser: thirty-nine remedies 432 - - 50. Propolis: five remedies 434 - - 51. The various influences of different aliments upon the - disposition 435 - - 52. Hydromel: eighteen remedies 436 - - 53. Honied wine: six remedies 437 - - 54. Melitites: three remedies 438 - - 55. Wax: eight remedies _ib._ - - 56. Remarks in disparagement of medicinal compositions 439 - - 57. Remedies derived from grain. Siligo: one remedy. Wheat: - one remedy. Chaff: two remedies. Spelt: one remedy. - Bran: one remedy. Olyra or arinca: two remedies 440 - - 58. The various kinds of meal: twenty-eight remedies 441 - - 59. Polenta: eight remedies 442 - - 60. Fine flour: five remedies. Puls: one remedy. Meal used - for pasting papyrus, one remedy _ib._ - - 61. Alica: six remedies 443 - - 62. Millet: six remedies 444 - - 63. Panic: four remedies _ib._ - - 64. Sesame: seven remedies. Sesamoides: three remedies. - Anticyricum: three remedies _ib._ - - 65. Barley: nine remedies. Mouse-barley, by the Greeks called - phœnice: one remedy 445 - - 66. Ptisan: four remedies 446 - - 67. Amylum: eight remedies. Oats: one remedy _ib._ - - 68. Bread: twenty-one remedies 447 - - 69. Beans: sixteen remedies _ib._ - - 70. Lentils: seventeen remedies 448 - - 71. The elelisphacos, sphacos, or salvia: thirteen remedies 449 - - 72. The chickpea and the chicheling vetch: twenty-three - remedies 450 - - 73. The fitch: twenty remedies 451 - - 74. Lupines: thirty-five remedies 452 - - 75. Irio or erysimum, by the Gauls called vela: fifteen - remedies 453 - - 76. Horminum: six remedies 454 - - 77. Darnel: five remedies _ib._ - - 78. The plant miliaria: one remedy 455 - - 79. Bromos: one remedy _ib._ - - 80. Orobanche or cynomorion: one remedy _ib._ - - 81. Remedies for injuries inflicted by insects which breed - among leguminous plants _ib._ - - 82. The use made of the yeast of zythum 456 - - - BOOK XXIII. - - THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CULTIVATED TREES. - - 1. Introduction 457 - - 2. The vine _ib._ - - 3. The leaves and shoots of the vine: seven remedies 458 - - 4. Omphacium extracted from the vine: fourteen remedies 459 - - 5. Œnanthe: twenty-one remedies 460 - - 6. Grapes, fresh gathered 461 - - 7. Various kinds of preserved grapes: eleven remedies _ib._ - - 8. Cuttings of the vine: one remedy 462 - - 9. Grape-stones: six remedies _ib._ - - 10. Grape-husks: eight remedies 463 - - 11. The grapes of the theriaca: four remedies _ib._ - - 12. Raisins, or astaphis: fourteen remedies _ib._ - - 13. The astaphis agria, otherwise called staphis or taminia: - twelve remedies 464 - - 14. The labrusca, or wild vine: twelve remedies 465 - - 15. The salicastrum: twelve remedies _ib._ - - 16. The white vine, otherwise called ampeloleuce, staphyle, - melothron, psilotrum, archezostis, cedrostis, or madon: - thirty-one remedies 466 - - 17. The black vine, otherwise called bryonia, chironia, - gynæcanthe, or apronia: thirty-five remedies 468 - - 18. Must: fifteen remedies _ib._ - - 19. Particulars relative to wine 469 - - 20. The Surrentine wines: three remedies. The Alban wines: - two remedies. The Falernian wines: six remedies 470 - - 21. The Setine wines; one observation upon them. The Statan - wines; one observation upon them. The Signian wines: - one remedy 471 - - 22. Other wines: sixty-four remedies _ib._ - - 23. Sixty-one observations relative to wine 473 - - 24. In what maladies wine should be administered; how it - should be administered, and at what times 474 - - 25. Ninety-one observations with reference to wine 477 - - 26. Artificial wines _ib._ - - 27. Vinegar: twenty-eight remedies 478 - - 28. Squill vinegar: seventeen remedies 480 - - 29. Oxymeli: seven remedies 481 - - 30. Sapa: seven remedies _ib._ - - 31. Lees of wine: twelve remedies 482 - - 32. Lees of vinegar: seventeen remedies 483 - - 33. Lees of sapa: four remedies 484 - - 34. The leaves of the olive-tree: twenty-three remedies _ib._ - - 35. The blossom of the olive: four remedies _ib._ - - 36. White olives: four remedies. Black olives: three remedies 485 - - 37. Amurca of olives: twenty-one remedies 486 - - 38. The leaves of the wild olive: sixteen remedies 487 - - 39. Omphacium: three remedies 488 - - 40. Oil of œnanthe: twenty-eight remedies _ib._ - - 41. Castor oil: sixteen remedies 489 - - 42. Oil of almonds: sixteen remedies 490 - - 43. Oil of laurel: nine remedies _ib._ - - 44. Oil of myrtle: twenty remedies _ib._ - - 45. Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine; oil of cypros; oil of - citrus; oil of walnuts; oil of cnidium; oil of mastich; - oil of balanus; various remedies 491 - - 46. The cyprus, and the oil extracted from it; sixteen - remedies. Gleucinum: one remedy 492 - - 47. Oil of balsamum: fifteen remedies _ib._ - - 48. Malobathrum: five remedies 493 - - 49. Oil of henbane: two remedies. Oil of lupines: one remedy. - Oil of narcissus: one remedy. Oil of radishes: five - remedies. Oil of sesame: three remedies. Oil of lilies: - three remedies. Oil of Selga: one remedy. Oil of - Iguvium: one remedy _ib._ - - 50. Elæomeli: two remedies. Oil of pitch: two remedies 494 - - 51. The palm: nine remedies _ib._ - - 52. The palm which produces the myrobalanum: three remedies 495 - - 53. The palm called elate: sixteen remedies _ib._ - - 54. Remedies derived from the blossoms, leaves, fruit, - branches, bark, juices, roots, wood, and ashes of - various kinds of trees. Six observations upon apples. - Twenty-two observations upon quinces. One observation - upon struthea 496 - - 55. The sweet apples called melimela: six observations upon - them. Sour apples: four observations upon them 497 - - 56. Citrons: five observations upon them 498 - - 57. Punic apples, or pomegranates: twenty-six remedies _ib._ - - 58. The composition called stomatice: fourteen remedies 499 - - 59. Cytinus: eight remedies 500 - - 60. Balaustium: twelve remedies _ib._ - - 61. The wild pomegranate 501 - - 62. Pears: twelve observations upon them 502 - - 63. Figs: one hundred and eleven observations upon them _ib._ - - 64. The wild fig: forty-two observations upon it 505 - - 65. The herb crineon: three remedies 507 - - 66. Plums: four observations upon them _ib._ - - 67. Peaches: two remedies 508 - - 68. Wild plums; two remedies _ib._ - - 69. The lichen on plum-trees; two remedies _ib._ - - 70. Mulberries; thirty-nine remedies _ib._ - - 71. The medicament called stomatice, arteriace, or - panchrestos; four remedies 509 - - 72. Cherries: five observations upon them 511 - - 73. Medlars: two remedies. Sorbs: two remedies 512 - - 74. Pine-nuts: thirteen remedies _ib._ - - 75. Almonds: twenty-nine remedies _ib._ - - 76. Greek nuts: one remedy 513 - - 77. Walnuts: twenty-four remedies. The Mithridatic antidote 514 - - 78. Hazel-nuts: three observations upon them. Pistachio-nuts: - eight observations upon them. Chesnuts: five - observations upon them 515 - - 79. Carobs: five observations upon them. The cornel: one - remedy. The fruit of the arbutus 516 - - 80. The laurel: sixty-nine observations upon it _ib._ - - 81. Myrtle: sixty observations upon it 519 - - 82. Myrtidanum: thirteen remedies 521 - - 83. The wild myrtle, otherwise called oxymyrsine, or - chamæmyrsine, and the ruscus: six remedies _ib._ - - - - -NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY. - - - - -BOOK XVIII. - -THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GRAIN. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—TASTE OF THE ANCIENTS FOR AGRICULTURE. - - -We now pass on to the Natural History of the various grains, of the -garden plants and flowers, and indeed of all the other productions, -with the exception of the trees and shrubs, which the Earth, in her -bounteousness, affords us—a boundless field for contemplation, if -even we regard the herbs alone, when we take into consideration the -varieties of them, their numbers, the flowers they produce, their -odours, their colours, their juices, and the numerous properties they -possess—all of which have been engendered by her with a view to either -the preservation or the gratification of the human race. - -On entering, however, upon this branch of my subject, it is my wish -in the first place to plead the cause of the Earth, and to act as -the advocate of her who is the common parent of all, although in the -earlier[1] part of this work I have already had occasion to speak in -her defence. For my subject matter, as I proceed in the fulfilment -of my task, will now lead me to consider her in the light of being -the producer of various noxious substances as well; in consequence of -which it is that we are in the habit of charging her with our crimes, -and imputing to her a guilt that is our own. She has produced poisons, -it is true; but who is it but man that has found them out? For the -birds of the air and the beasts of the field, it is sufficient to be -on their guard against them, and to keep at a distance from them. The -elephant, we find, and the urus, know how to sharpen[2] and renovate -their teeth against the trunks of trees, and the rhinoceros against -rocks; wild boars, again, point their tusks like so many poniards by -the aid of both rocks and trees; and all animals, in fact, are aware -how to prepare themselves for the infliction of injury upon others; but -still, which is there among them all, with the exception of man, that -dips his weapons in poison? As for ourselves, we envenom the point of -the arrow,[3] and we contrive to add to the destructive powers of iron -itself; by the aid of poisons we taint the waters of the stream, and we -infect the various elements of Nature; indeed, the very air even, which -is the main support of life, we turn into a medium for the destruction -of life. - -And it is not that we are to suppose that animals are ignorant of these -means of defence, for we have already had occasion to point out[4] the -preparations which they make against the attacks of the serpent, and -the methods they devise for effecting a cure when wounded by it; and -yet, among them all, there is not one that fights by the aid of the -poison that belongs to another, with the sole exception of man. Let us -then candidly confess our guilt, we who are not contented even with the -poisons as Nature has produced them; for by far the greater portion of -them, in fact, are artificially prepared by the human hand! - -And then besides, is it not the fact, that there are many men, the -very existence of whom is a baneful poison, as it were? Like that of -the serpent, they dart their livid tongue, and the venom of their -disposition corrodes every object upon which it concentrates itself. -Ever vilifying and maligning, like the ill-omened birds of the night, -they disturb the repose of that darkness which is so peculiarly their -own, and break in upon the quiet of the night even, by their moans and -wailings, the only sounds they are ever heard to emit. Like animals -of inauspicious presage, they only cross our path to prevent us from -employing our energies or becoming useful to our fellow-men; and the -only enjoyment that is sought by their abominable aspirations is -centred in their universal hatred of mankind. - -Still, however, even in this respect Nature has asserted her majestic -sway; for how much more numerous[5] are the good and estimable -characters which she has produced! just in the same proportion that we -find her giving birth to productions which are at once both salutary -and nutritious to man. It is in our high esteem for men such as these, -and the commendations they bestow, that we shall be content to leave -the others, like so many brakes and brambles, to the devouring flames -of their own bad passions, and to persist in promoting the welfare of -the human race; and this, with all the more energy and perseverance, -from the circumstance that it has been our object throughout, rather -to produce a work of lasting utility than to ensure ourselves a -widely-spread renown. We have only to speak, it is true, of the -fields and of rustic operations; but still, it is upon these that -the enjoyment of life so materially depends, and that the ancients -conferred the very highest rank in their honours and commendations. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (2.)—WHEN THE FIRST WREATHS OF CORN WERE USED AT ROME. - - -Romulus was the first who established the Arval[6] priesthood at -Rome. This order consisted of the eleven sons of Acca Larentia, his -nurse,[7] together with Romulus himself, who assumed the appellation -of the twelfth of the brotherhood. Upon this priesthood he bestowed, -as being the most august distinction that he could confer upon it, a -wreath of ears of corn, tied together with a white fillet; and this, in -fact, was the first chaplet that was ever used at Rome. This dignity -is only ended with life itself, and whether in exile or in captivity, -it always attends its owner. In those early days, two jugera of land -were considered enough for a citizen of Rome, and to none was a larger -portion than this allotted. And yet, at the present day, men who but -lately were the slaves of the Emperor Nero have been hardly content -with pleasure-gardens that occupied the same space as this; while they -must have fishponds, forsooth, of still greater extent, and in some -instances I might add, perhaps, kitchens even as well. - -Numa first established the custom of offering corn to the gods, and -of propitiating them with the salted[8] cake; he was the first, too, -as we learn from Hemina, to parch spelt, from the fact that, when -in this state, it is more wholesome as an aliment.[9] This method, -however, he could only establish one way: by making an enactment, to -the effect that spelt is not in a pure state for offering, except when -parched. He it was, too, who instituted the Fornacalia,[10] festivals -appropriated for the parching of corn, and others,[11] observed with -equal solemnity, for the erection and preservation of the “termini,” -or boundaries of the fields: for these termini, in those days, they -particularly regarded as gods; while to other divinities they gave the -names of Seia,[12] from “sero,” “to sow,” and of Segesta, from the -“segetes,” or “crops of standing corn,” the statues of which goddesses -we still see erected in the Circus. A third divinity it is forbidden by -the rules of our religion to name even[13] beneath a roof. In former -days, too, they would not so much as taste the corn when newly cut, nor -yet wine when just made, before the priests had made a libation of the -first-fruits. - - - - -CHAP. 3. (3.)—THE JUGERUM OF LAND. - - -That portion of land used to be known as a “jugerum,” which was -capable of being ploughed by a single “jugum,” or yoke of oxen, in -one day; an “actus”[14] being as much as the oxen could plough at a -single spell, fairly estimated, without stopping. This last was one -hundred and twenty feet in length; and two in length made a jugerum. -The most considerable recompense that could be bestowed upon generals -and valiant citizens, was the utmost extent of land around which a -person could trace a furrow with the plough in a single day. The whole -population, too, used to contribute a quarter[15] of a sextarius of -spelt, or else half a one, per head. - -From agriculture the earliest surnames were derived. Thus, for -instance, the name of Pilumnus was given to him who invented the -“pilum,” or pestle of the bake-house, for pounding corn; that of -Piso was derived from “piso,” to grind corn; and those of Fabius, -Lentulus, and Cicero, from the several varieties[16] of leguminous -plants in the cultivation of which respectively these individuals -excelled. One individual of the family of the Junii received the name -of “Bubulcus,”[17] from the skill he displayed in breeding oxen. Among -the sacred ceremonials, too, there was nothing that was held more holy -than the marriage by confarreation,[18] and the woman just married used -to present a cake made of spelt.[19] Careless cultivation of the land -was in those times an offence that came under the cognizance of the -censors; and, as we learn from Cato,[20] when it was said that such -and such a man was a good agriculturist or a good husbandman, it was -looked upon as the very highest compliment that could be paid him. A -man came to be called “locuples,” or “rich,” from being “loci plenus,” -or “full of earth.” Money, too, received its name of “pecunia,”[21] -from “pecus,” “cattle.” At the present day, even, in the registers of -the censors, we find set down under the head of “pascua,” or “pasture -lands,” everything from which the public revenues are derived, from the -fact that for a long period of time pasture lands were the only sources -of the public revenue. Fines, too, were only imposed in the shape of -paying so many sheep or so many oxen; and the benevolent spirit of the -ancient laws deserves remark, which most considerately enjoined that -the magistrate, when he indicted a penalty, should never impose a fine -of an ox before having first condemned the same party to the payment of -a sheep. - -Those who celebrated the public games in honour of the ox received the -name of Bubetii.[22] King Servius was the first who impressed upon our -copper coin[23] the figures of sheep and oxen. To depasture cattle -secretly by night upon the unripe crops on plough lands, or to cut them -in that state, was made by the Twelve Tables[24] a capital offence in -the case of an adult; and it was enacted that the person guilty of it -should be hanged, in order to make due reparation to the goddess Ceres, -a punishment more severe, even, than that inflicted for murder. If, on -the other hand, the offender was not an adult, he was beaten at the -discretion of the prætor; a penalty double the amount of the damage was -also exacted. - -The various ranks, too, and distinctions in the state had no other -origin than the pursuits of agriculture. The rural tribes held the -foremost rank, and were composed of those who possessed lands; while -those of the city, a place to which it was looked upon as ignominious -to be transferred, had the discredit thrown upon them of being an -indolent race. Hence it was that these last were only four in number, -and received their names from the several parts of the City which they -respectively inhabited; being the Suburran, the Palatine, Colline, and -Exquiline tribes. Every ninth day[25] the rural tribes used to visit -the city for the purpose of marketing, and it was for this reason that -it was made illegal to hold the comitia upon the Nundinæ; the object -being that the country people might not be called away thereby from -the transaction of their business. In those days repose and sleep were -enjoyed upon straw. Even to glory itself, in compliment to corn, the -name was given of “adorea.”[26] - -For my own part, I greatly admire[27] the modes of expression -employed in our ancient language: thus, for instance, we read in the -Commentaries of the Priesthood to the following effect:—“For deriving -an augury from the sacrifice of a bitch,[28] a day should be set apart -before the ear of corn appears from out of the sheath,[29] and then -again before it enters the sheath.” - - - - -CHAP. 4.—HOW OFTEN AND ON WHAT OCCASIONS CORN HAS SOLD AT A REMARKABLY -LOW PRICE. - - -The consequence was, that when the Roman manners were such as these, -the corn that Italy produced was sufficient for its wants, and it had -to be indebted to no province for its food; and not only this, but -the price of provisions was incredibly cheap. Manius Marcius, the -ædile[30] of the people, was the first who gave corn to the people at -the price of one as for the modius. L. Minutius Augurinus,[31] the -same who detected, when eleventh tribune of the people, the projects -of Spurius Mælius, reduced the price of corn on three market days,[32] -to one as per modius; for which reason a statue was erected in honour -of him, by public subscription, without the Trigeminian Gate.[33] -T. Seius distributed corn to the people, in his ædileship,[34] at -one as per modius, in remembrance of which statues were erected in -honour of him also in the Capitol and the Palatium: on the day of his -funeral he was borne to the pile on the shoulders of the Roman people. -In the year,[35] too, in which the Mother of the Gods was brought -to Rome, the harvest of that summer, it is said, was more abundant -than it had been for ten years before. M. Varro informs us, that in -the year[36] in which L. Metellus exhibited so many elephants in his -triumphal procession, a modius of spelt was sold for one as, which was -the standard price also of a congius of wine, thirty pounds’ weight -of dried figs, ten pounds of olive oil, and twelve pounds of flesh -meat. Nor did this cheapness originate in the wide-spread domains of -individuals encroaching continually upon their neighbours, for by a -law proposed by Licinius Stolo, the landed property of each individual -was limited to five hundred jugera; and he himself was convicted under -his own law of being the owner of more than that amount, having as a -disguise prevailed upon his son to lend him his name. Such were the -prices of commodities at a time when the fortunes of the republic were -rapidly on the increase. The words, too, that were uttered by Manius -Curius[37] after his triumphs and the addition of an immense extent of -territory to the Roman sway, are well known: “The man must be looked -upon,” said he, “as a dangerous citizen, for whom seven jugera of land -are not enough;” such being the amount of land that had been allotted -to the people after the expulsion of the kings. - -What, then, was the cause of a fertility so remarkable as this? The -fact, we have every reason to believe, that in those days the lands -were tilled by the hands of generals even, the soil exulting beneath -a plough-share crowned with wreaths of laurel, and guided by a -husbandman graced with triumphs: whether it is that they tended the -seed with the same care that they had displayed in the conduct of -wars, and manifested the same diligent attention in the management of -their fields that they had done in the arrangement of the camp, or -whether it is that under the hands of honest men everything prospers -all the better, from being attended to with a scrupulous exactness. -The honours awarded to Serranus[38] found him engaged in sowing his -fields, a circumstance to which he owes his surname.[39] Cincinnatus -was ploughing his four jugera of land upon the Vaticanian Hill—the -same that are still known as the “Quintian Meadows,”[40] when the -messenger brought him the dictatorship—finding him, the tradition says, -stripped to the work, and his very face begrimed with dust. “Put on -your clothes,” said he, “that I may deliver to you the mandates of the -senate and people of Rome.” In those days these messengers bore the -name of “viator,” or “wayfarer,” from the circumstance that their usual -employment was to fetch the senators and generals from their fields. - -But at the present day these same lands are tilled by slaves whose -legs are in chains, by the hands of malefactors and men with a branded -face! And yet the Earth is not deaf to our adjurations, when we address -her by the name of “parent,” and say that she receives our homage[41] -in being tilled by hands such as these; as though, forsooth, we ought -not to believe that she is reluctant and indignant at being tended in -such a manner as this! Indeed, ought we to feel any surprise were the -recompense she gives us when worked by chastised slaves,[42] not the -same that she used to bestow upon the labours of warriors? - - - - -CHAP. 5.—ILLUSTRIOUS MEN WHO HAVE WRITTEN UPON AGRICULTURE. - - -Hence it was that to give precepts upon agriculture became one of -the principal occupations among men of the highest rank, and that -in foreign nations even. For among those who have written on this -subject we find the names of kings even, Hiero, for instance, Attalus -Philometor, and Archelaüs, as well as of generals, Xenophon, for -example, and Mago the Carthaginian. Indeed, to this last writer did -the Roman senate award such high honours, that, after the capture of -Carthage, when it bestowed the libraries of that city upon the petty -kings of Africa, it gave orders, in his case only, that his thirty-two -Books should be translated into the Latin language, and this, although -M. Cato had already compiled his Book of Precepts; it took every care -also to entrust the execution of this task to men who were well versed -in the Carthaginian tongue, among whom was pre-eminent D. Silanus, a -member of one of the most illustrious families of Rome. I have already -indicated,[43] at the commencement of this work, the numerous learned -authors and writers in verse, together with other illustrious men, -whose authority it is my intention to follow; but among the number I -may here more particularly distinguish M. Varro, who, at the advanced -age of eighty-eight years, thought it his duty to publish a treatise -upon this subject. - -(4.) Among the Romans the cultivation of the vine was introduced at a -comparatively recent period, and at first, as indeed they were obliged -to do, they paid their sole attention to the culture of the fields. The -various methods of cultivating the land will now be our subject; and -they shall be treated of by us in no ordinary or superficial manner, -but in the same spirit in which we have hitherto written; enquiry shall -be made with every care first into the usages of ancient days, and then -into the discoveries of more recent times, our attention being devoted -alike to the primary causes of these operations, and the reasons upon -which they are respectively based. We shall make mention,[44] too, -of the various constellations, and of the several indications which, -beyond all doubt, they afford to the earth; and the more so, from the -fact that those writers who have hitherto treated of them with any -degree of exactness, seem to have written their works for the use of -any class of men but the agriculturist. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—POINTS TO BE OBSERVED IN BUYING LAND. - - -First of all, then, I shall proceed in a great measure according to -the dicta of the oracles of agriculture; for there is no branch of -practical life in which we find them more numerous or more unerring. -And why should we not view in the light of oracles those precepts which -have been tested by the infallibility of time and the truthfulness of -experience? - -(5.) To make a beginning, then, with Cato[45]—“The agricultural -population,” says he, “produces the bravest men, the most valiant -soldiers,[46] and a class of citizens the least given of all to evil -designs.—Do not be too eager in buying a farm.—In rural operations -never be sparing of your trouble, and, above all, when you are -purchasing land.—A bad bargain is always a ground for repentance.—Those -who are about to purchase land, should always have an eye more -particularly to the water there, the roads, and the neighbourhood.” -Each of these points is susceptible of a very extended explanation, and -replete with undoubted truths. Cato[47] recommends, too, that an eye -should be given to the people in the neighbourhood, to see how they -look: “For where the land is good,” says he, “the people will look -well-conditioned and healthy.” - -Atilius Regulus, the same who was twice consul in the Punic War, used -to say[48] that a person should neither buy an unhealthy piece of -land in the most fertile locality, nor yet the very healthiest spot -if in a barren country. The salubrity of land, however, is not always -to be judged of from the looks of the inhabitants, for those who are -well-seasoned are able to withstand the effects of living in pestilent -localities even. And then, besides, there are some localities that are -healthy during certain periods of the year only; though, in reality, -there is no soil that can be looked upon as really valuable that is not -healthy all the year through. “That[49] is sure to be bad land against -which its owner has a continual struggle.” Cato recommends us before -everything, to see that the land which we are about to purchase not -only excels in the advantages of locality, as already stated, but is -really good of itself. We should see, too, he says, that there is an -abundance of manual labour in the neighbourhood, as well as a thriving -town; that there are either rivers or roads, to facilitate the carriage -of the produce; that the buildings upon the land are substantially -erected, and that the land itself bears every mark of having been -carefully tilled—a point upon which I find that many persons are -greatly mistaken, as they are apt to imagine that the negligence of -the previous owner is greatly to the purchaser’s advantage; while the -fact is, that there is nothing more expensive than the cultivation of a -neglected soil. - -For this reason it is that Cato[50] says that it is best to buy land -of a careful proprietor, and that the methods adopted by others ought -not to be hastily rejected—that it is the same with land as with -mankind—however great the proceeds, if at the same time it is lavish -and extravagant, there will be no great profits left. Cato looks upon -a vineyard as the most[51] profitable investment; and he is far from -wrong in that opinion, seeing that he takes such particular care to -retrench all superfluous expenses. In the second rank he places gardens -that have a good supply of water, and with good reason, too, supposing -always that they are near a town. The ancients gave to meadow lands the -name of “parata,” or lands “always ready.”[52] - -Cato being asked, on one occasion, what was the most certain source -of profit, “Good pasture land,” was his answer; upon which, enquiry -was made what was the next best. “Pretty good[53] pasture lands,” -said he—the amount of all which is, that he looked upon that as the -most certain source of income which stands in need of the smallest -outlay. This, however, will naturally vary in degree, according to the -nature of the respective localities; and the same is the case with the -maxim[54] to which he gives utterance, that a good agriculturist must -be fond of selling. The same, too, with his remark, that in his youth -a landowner should begin to plant without delay, but that he ought -not to build until the land is fully brought into cultivation, and -then only a little at a time: and that the best plan is, as the common -proverb has it, “To profit by the folly of others;”[55] taking due -care, however, that the keeping up of a farm-house does not entail too -much expense. Still, however, those persons are guilty of no falsehood -who are in the habit of saying that a proprietor who is well housed -comes all the oftener to his fields, and that “the master’s forehead is -of more use than his back.”[56] - - - - -CHAP. 7. (6.)—THE PROPER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A FARM-HOUSE. - - -The proper plan to be pursued is this:[57] the farm-house must not -be unsuitable for the farm, nor the farm for the house; and we must -be on our guard against following the examples of L. Lucullus and Q. -Scævola, who, though living in the same age, fell into the two opposite -extremes; for whereas the farm-house of Scævola was not large enough -for the produce of his farm, the farm of Lucullus was not sufficiently -large for the house he built upon it; an error which gave occasion to -the reproof of the censors, that on his farm there was less of ground -for ploughing than of floor for sweeping. The proper arrangements for -a farm-house are not to be made without a certain degree of skill. C. -Marius, who was seven times consul, was the last person who had one -built at Misenum;[58] but he erected it with such a degree of that -artistic skill which he had displayed in castrametation, that Sylla -Felix[59] even made the remark, that in comparison with Marius, all the -others had been no better than blind.[60] - -It is generally agreed, that a farm-house ought neither to be built -near a marsh, nor with a river in front of it; for, as Homer[61] has -remarked, with the greatest correctness, unwholesome vapours are always -exhaled from rivers before the rising of the sun. In hot localities, -a farm-house should have a northern aspect, but where it is cold, it -should look towards the south; where, on the other hand, the site is -temperate, the house should look due east. Although, when speaking[62] -of the best kinds of soil, I may seem to have sufficiently discussed -the characteristics by which it may be known, I shall take the present -opportunity of adding a few more indications, employing the words of -Cato[63] more particularly for the purpose. “The dwarf-elder,” says -he, “the wild plum,[64] the bramble the small bulb,[65] trefoil, -meadow grass,[66] the quercus, and the wild pear and wild apple, are -all of them indicative of a corn land. The same is the case, too, -where the land is black, or of an ashy colour. All chalky soils are -scorching, unless they are very thin; the same, too, with sand, unless -it is remarkably fine. These remarks, however, are more applicable to -champaign localities than declivities.” - -The ancients were of opinion, that before everything, moderation should -be observed in the extent of a farm; for it was a favourite maxim of -theirs, that we ought to sow the less, and plough the more: such too, I -find, was the opinion entertained by Virgil,[67] and indeed, if we must -confess the truth, it is the wide-spread domains that have been the -ruin[68] of Italy, and soon will be that of the provinces as well. Six -proprietors were in possession of one half of Africa,[69] at the period -when the Emperor Nero had them put to death. With that greatness of -mind which was so peculiarly his own, and of which he ought not to -lose the credit, Cneius Pompeius would never purchase the lands that -belonged to a neighbour. Mago has stated it as his opinion, that a -person, on buying a farm, ought at once to sell his town house;[70] an -opinion, however, which savours of too great rigidity, and is by no -means conformable to the public good. It is with these words, indeed, -that he begins his precepts; a good proof, at all events, that he looks -upon the personal inspection of the owner as of primary importance. - -The next point which requires our care is to employ a farm-steward[71] -of experience, and upon this, too, Cato[72] has given many useful -precepts. Still, however, it must suffice for me to say that the -steward ought to be a man nearly as clever as his master, though -without appearing to know it. It is the very worst plan of all, to have -land tilled by slaves let loose from the houses of correction, as, -indeed, is the case with all work entrusted to men who live without -hope. I may possibly appear guilty of some degree of rashness in making -mention of a maxim of the ancients, which will very probably be looked -upon as quite incredible—“That nothing is so disadvantageous as to -cultivate land in the highest style of perfection.” L. Tarius Rufus, a -man who, born in the very lowest ranks of life, by his military talents -finally attained the consulship,[73] and who in other respects adhered -to the old-fashioned notions of thriftiness, made away with about one -hundred millions of sesterces, which, by the liberality of the late -Emperor Augustus, he had contrived to amass, in buying up lands in -Picenum, and cultivating them in the highest style, his object being -to gain a name thereby; the consequence of which was, that his heir -renounced[74] the inheritance. Are we of opinion, then, that ruin and -starvation must be the necessary consequence of such a course as this? -Yes, by Hercules! and the very best plan of all is to let moderation -guide our judgment in all things. To cultivate land well is absolutely -necessary, but to cultivate it in the very highest style is mere -extravagance, unless, indeed, the work is done by the hands of a man’s -own family, his tenants, or those whom he is obliged to keep at any -rate. But besides this, even when the owner tills the land itself, -there are some crops which it is really not worth the while to gather, -if we only take into account the manual labour expended upon them. The -olive, too, should never be too highly[75] cultivated, nor must certain -soils, it is said, be too carefully tilled, those of Sicily,[76] for -instance; hence it is, that new comers there so often find themselves -deceived.[77] - - - - -CHAP. 8.—MAXIMS OF THE ANCIENTS ON AGRICULTURE. - - -In what way, then, can land be most profitably cultivated? Why, in -the words of our agricultural oracles, “by making good out of bad.” -But here it is only right that we should say a word in justification -of our forefathers, who in their precepts on this subject had nothing -else in view but the benefit of mankind: for when they use the term -“bad” here, they only mean to say that which costs the smallest amount -of money. The principal object with them was in all cases to cut down -expenses to the lowest possible sum; and it was in this spirit that -they made the enactments which pronounced it criminal for a person who -had enjoyed a triumph, to be in possession, among his other furniture, -of ten pounds’ weight of silver plate: which permitted a man, upon the -death of his farm-steward, to abandon all his victories, and return to -the cultivation of his lands—such being the men the culture of whose -farms the state used to take upon itself; and thus, while they led our -armies, did the senate act as their steward. - -It was in the same spirit, too, that those oracles of ours have given -utterance to these other precepts, to the effect that he is a bad -agriculturist who has to buy what his farm might have supplied him -with; that the man is a bad manager who does in the day-time what he -might have done in the night, except, indeed, when the state of the -weather does not allow it; that he is a worse manager still, who does -on a work-day what he might have done on a feast-day;[78] but that -he is the very worst of all, who works under cover in fine weather, -instead of labouring in the fields. - -I cannot refrain from taking the present opportunity of quoting one -illustration afforded us by ancient times, from which it will be found -that it was the usage in those days to bring before the people even -questions connected with the various methods employed in agriculture, -and will be seen in what way men were accustomed to speak out in their -own defence. C. Furius Chresimus, a freedman, having found himself -able, from a very small piece of land, to raise far more abundant -harvests than his neighbours could from the largest farms, became the -object of very considerable jealousy among them, and was accordingly -accused of enticing away the crops of others by the practice of -sorcery. Upon this, a day was named by Spurius Calvinus, the curule -ædile, for his appearance. Apprehensive of being condemned, when the -question came to be put to the vote among the tribes, he had all his -implements of husbandry brought into the Forum, together with his -farm servants, robust, well-conditioned, and well-clad people, Piso -says. The iron tools were of first-rate quality, the mattocks were -stout and strong, the plough-shares ponderous and substantial, and -the oxen sleek and in prime condition. When all this had been done, -“Here, Roman citizens,” said he, “are my implements of magic; but it is -impossible for me to exhibit to your view, or to bring into this Forum, -those midnight toils of mine, those early watchings, those sweats, -and those fatigues.” Upon this, by the unanimous voice of the people, -he was immediately acquitted. Agriculture, in fact, depends upon the -expenditure of labour and exertion; and hence it is that the ancients -were in the habit of saying, that it is the eye of the master that does -more towards fertilizing a field than anything else. - -We shall give the rest of these precepts in their appropriate places, -according as we find them adapted to each variety of cultivation; but -in the meantime we must not omit some of a general nature, which here -recur to our recollection, and more particularly that maxim of Cato, -as profitable as it is humane: “Always act in such a way as to secure -the love of your neighbours.” He then proceeds to state his reasons -for giving this advice, but it appears to me that no one surely can -entertain the slightest doubt upon the subject. One of the very first -recommendations that he gives is to take every care that the farm -servants are kept in good condition.[79] It is a maxim universally -agreed upon in agriculture, that nothing must be done too late; and -again, that everything must be done at its proper season; while there -is a third precept, which reminds us that opportunities lost can never -be regained. The malediction uttered by Cato against rotten ground -has been treated of at some length already;[80] but there is another -precept which he is never tired of repeating, “Whatever can be done by -the help of the ass, will cost the least money.” - -Fern will be sure to die at the end of a couple of years, if you -prevent it from putting forth leaves; the most efficient method of -ensuring this is to beat the branches with a stick while they are in -bud; for then the juices that drop from it will kill the roots.[81] It -is said, too, that fern will not spring up again if it is pulled up by -the roots about the turn of the summer solstice, or if the stalks are -cut with the edge of a reed, or if it is turned up with a plough-share -with a reed placed[82] upon it. In the same way, too, we are told -that reeds may be effectually ploughed up, if care is taken to place -a stalk of fern upon the share. A field infested with rushes should -be turned up with the spade, or, if the locality is stony, with a -two-pronged mattock: overgrown shrubs are best removed by fire. Where -ground is too moist, it is an advantageous plan to cut trenches in it -and so drain it; where the soil is cretaceous, these trenches should he -left open; and where it is loose, they should be strengthened with a -hedge to prevent them from falling in. When these drains are made on a -declivity, they should have a layer of gutter tiles at the bottom, or -else house tiles with the face upwards: in some cases, too, they should -be covered[83] with earth, and made to run into others of a larger -size and wider; the bottom, also, should, if possible, have a coating -of stones or of gravel. The openings, too, should be strengthened -with two stones placed on either side, and another laid upon the top. -Democritus has described a method of rooting up a forest, by first -macerating the flower of the lupine[84] for one day in the juice of -hemlock, and then watering the roots of the trees with it. - - - - -CHAP. 9. (7.)—THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF GRAIN. - - -As the field is now prepared, we shall proceed to speak of the nature -of the various kinds of grain; we must premise, however, that there -are two principal classes of grain, the cereals,[85] comprising wheat -and barley, and the legumina, such as the bean and the chick-pea, for -instance. The difference between these two classes is too well known to -require any further description. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—THE HISTORY OF THE VARIOUS KINDS OF GRAIN. - - -The cereals are divided again into the same number of varieties, -according to the time of the year at which they are sown. The winter -grains are those which are put in the ground about the setting of -the Vergiliæ,[86] and there receive their nutriment throughout the -winter, for instance, wheat,[87] spelt,[88] and barley.[89] The summer -grains are those which are sown in summer, before the rising of the -Vergiliæ,[90] such as millet,[91] panic,[92] sesame,[93] horminum,[94] -and irio,[95] in accordance, however, with the usage of Italy only; -for in Greece and Asia all the grains are sown just after the setting -of the Vergiliæ. There are some, again, that are sown at either season -in Italy, and others at a third period, or, in other words, in the -spring. Some authors give the name of spring-grain to millet, panic, -lentils,[96] chick-peas,[97] and alica,[98] while they call wheat, -barley, beans, turnips, and rape, sementive or early sowing seeds. -Certain species of wheat are only sown to make fodder for cattle, and -are known by the name of “farrago,”[99] or mixed grain; the same, too, -with the leguminous plants, the vetch, for instance. The lupine,[100] -however, is grown in common as food for both cattle and men. - -All the leguminous[101] plants, with the exception of the bean, -have a single root, hard and tough, like wood, and destitute of -numerous ramifications; the chick-pea has the deepest root of all. -Corn has numerous fibrous roots, but no ramifications. Barley makes -its appearance[102] above ground the seventh day after sowing; the -leguminous plants on the fourth, or at the very latest, the seventh; -the bean from the fifteenth day to the twentieth: though in Egypt the -leguminous plants appear as early as the third day after they are sown. -In barley, one extremity of the grain throws out the root, and the -other the blade; this last flowers, too, before the other grain. In -the cereals in general it is the thicker end of the seed that throws -out the root, the thinner end the blossom; while in the other seeds -both root and blossom issue from the same part. - -During the winter, corn is in the blade; but in the spring winter -corn throws out a tall stem. As for millet and panic, they grow with -a jointed and grooved[103] stalk, while sesame has a stem resembling -that of fennel-giant. The fruit of all these seeds is either contained -in an ear, as in wheat and barley, for instance, and protected from -the attacks of birds and small animals by a prickly beard bristling -like so many palisades; or else it is enclosed in pods, as in the -leguminous plants, or in capsules, as in sesame and the poppy. Millet -and panic can only be said to belong to the grower and the small -birds in common, as they have nothing but a thin membrane to cover -them, without the slightest protection. Panic receives that name from -the panicule[104] or down that is to be seen upon it; the head of it -droops languidly, and the stalk tapers gradually in thickness, being -of almost the toughness and consistency of wood: the head is loaded -with grain closely packed, there being a tuft upon the top, nearly -a foot in length. In millet the husks which embrace the grain bend -downward with a wavy tuft upon the edge. There are several varieties -of panic, the mammose, for instance, the ears of which are in clusters -with small edgings of down, the head of the plant being double; it is -distinguished also according to the colour, the white, for instance, -the black, the red, and the purple even. Several kinds of bread are -made from millet, but very little from panic: there is no grain known -that weighs heavier than millet, and which swells more in baking. A -modius of millet will yield sixty pounds’ weight of bread; and three -sextarii steeped in water will make one modius of fermenty.[105] A kind -of millet[106] has been introduced from India into Italy within the -last ten years, of a swarthy colour, large grain, and a stalk like -that of the reed. This stalk springs up to the height of seven feet, -and has tufts of a remarkable size, known by the name of “phobæ.”[107] -This is the most prolific of all the cereals, for from a single grain -no less than three sextarii[108] are produced: it requires, however, to -be sown in a humid soil. - -Some kinds of corn begin to form the ear at the third joint, and others -at the fourth, though at its first formation the ear remains still -concealed. Wheat, however, has four[109] articulations, spelt[110] six, -and barley eight. In the case of these last, the ear does not begin -to form before the number of joints, as above mentioned, is complete. -Within four or five days, at the very latest, after the ear has given -signs of forming, the plant begins to flower, and in the course of as -many days or a little more, sheds its blossom: barley blossoms at the -end of seven days at the very latest. Varro says that the grains are -perfectly formed at the end of four times[111] nine days from their -flowering, and are ready for cutting at the ninth month. - -The bean, again, first appears in leaf, and then throws out a stalk, -which has no articulations[112] upon it. The other leguminous plants -have a tough, ligneous stalk, and some of them throw out branches, -the chick-pea, the fitch, and the lentil, for instance. In some of -the leguminous plants, the pea, for example, the stem creeps along -the ground, if care is not taken to support it by sticks: if this -precaution is omitted, the quality is deteriorated. The bean and the -lupine are the only ones among the leguminous plants that have a -single stem: in all the others the stem throws out branches, being of -a ligneous nature, very thin, and in all cases hollow. Some of these -plants throw out the leaves from the root, others at the top.[113] -Wheat, barley, and the vetch, all the plants, in fact, which produce -straw, have a single leaf only at the summit: in barley, however, this -leaf is rough, while in the others it is smooth. * * * In the bean, -again, the chick-pea, and the pea, the leaves are numerous and divided. -In corn the leaf is similar to that of the reed, while in the bean it -is round, as also in a great proportion of the leguminous plants. In -the ervilia[114] and the pea the leaf is long,[115] in the kidney-bean -veined, and in sesame[116] and irio the colour of blood. The lupine and -the poppy are the only ones among these plants that lose[117] their -leaves. - -The leguminous plants remain a longer time in flower, the fitch and the -chick-pea more particularly; but the bean is in blossom the longest of -them all, for the flower remains on it forty days; not, indeed, that -each stalk retains its blossom for all that length of time, but, as the -flower goes off in one, it comes on in another. In the bean, too, the -crop is not ripe all at once, as is the case with corn; for the pods -make their appearance at different times, at the lowest parts first, -the blossom mounting upwards by degrees. - -When the blossom is off in corn, the stalk gradually thickens, and it -ripens within forty days at the most. The same is the case, too, with -the bean, but the chick-pea takes a much shorter time to ripen; indeed, -it is fit for gathering within forty days from the time that it is -sown. Millet, panic, sesame, and all the summer grains are ripe within -forty days after blossoming, with considerable variations, of course, -in reference to soil and weather. Thus, in Egypt, we find barley cut -at the end of six months, and wheat at the end of seven, from the time -of sowing. In Hellas, again, barley is cut in the seventh month, and -in Peloponnesus in the eighth; the wheat being got in at a still later -period. - -Those grains which grow on a stalk of straw are enclosed in an -envelope protected by a prickly beard; while in the bean and the -leguminous plants in general they are enclosed in pods upon branches -which shoot alternately from either side. The cereals are the best -able to withstand the winter, but the leguminous plants afford the -most substantial food. In wheat, the grain has several coats, but in -barley,[118] more particularly, it is naked and exposed; the same, -too, with arinca,[119] but most of all, the oat. The stem is taller in -wheat than it is in barley, but the ear is more bearded[120] in the -last. Wheat, barley, and winter-wheat[121] are threshed out; they are -cleaned, too, for sowing just as they are prepared for the mill, there -being no necessity for parching[122] them. Spelt, on the other hand, -millet, and panic, cannot be cleaned without parching them; hence it is -that they are always sown raw and with the chaff on. Spelt is preserved -in the husk, too, for sowing, and, of course, is not in such case -parched by the action of fire. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—SPELT. - - -Of all these grains barley is the lightest,[123] its weight rarely -exceeding fifteen pounds to the modius, while that of the bean is -twenty-two. Spelt is much heavier than barley, and wheat heavier than -spelt. In Egypt they make a meal[124] of olyra,[125] a third variety -of corn that grows there. The Gauls have also a kind of spelt peculiar -to that country: they give it the name of “brace,”[126] while to us it -is known as “sandala:” it has a grain of remarkable whiteness. Another -difference, again, is the fact that it yields nearly four pounds more -of bread to the modius than any other kind of spelt. Verrius states -that for three hundred years the Romans made use of no other meal than -that of corn. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—WHEAT. - - -There are numerous kinds of wheat which have received their names from -the countries where they were first produced. For my part, however, -I can compare no kind of wheat to that of Italy either for whiteness -or weight, qualities for which it is more particularly distinguished: -indeed it is only with the produce of the more mountainous parts of -Italy that the foreign wheats can be put in comparison. Among these -the wheat of Bœotia[127] occupies the first rank, that of Sicily the -second, and that of Africa the third. The wheats of Thrace, Syria, -and, more recently, of Egypt, used to hold the third rank for weight, -these facts having been ascertained through the medium of the athletes; -whose powers of consumption, equal to those of beasts of burden, have -established the gradations in weight, as already stated. Greece, too, -held the Pontic[128] wheat in high esteem; but this has not reached -Italy as yet. Of all the varieties of grain, however, the Greeks -gave the preference to the kinds called dracontion, strangia, and -Selinusium, the chief characteristic of which is a stem of remarkable -thickness: it was this, in the opinion of the Greeks, that marked -them as the peculiar growth of a rich soil. On the other hand, they -recommended for sowing in humid soils an extremely light and diminutive -species of grain, with a remarkably thin stalk, known to them as -speudias, and standing in need of an abundance of nutriment. Such, at -all events, were the opinions generally entertained in the reign of -Alexander the Great, at a time when Greece was at the height of her -glory, and the most powerful country in the world. Still, however, -nearly one hundred and forty-four years before the death of that prince -we find the poet Sophocles, in his Tragedy of “Triptolemus,” praising -the corn of Italy before all others. The passage, translated word for -word, is to the following effect:— - - “And favour’d Italy grows white with hoary wheat.” - -And it is this whiteness that is still one of the peculiar merits of -the Italian wheat; a circumstance which makes me the more surprised to -find that none of the Greek writers of a later period have made any -reference to it. - -Of the various kinds of wheat which are imported at the present day -into Rome, the lightest in weight are those which come from Gaul and -Chersonnesus; for, upon weighing them, it will be found that they do -not yield more than twenty pounds to the modius. The grain of Sardinia -weighs half a pound more, and that of Alexandria one-third of a pound -more than that of Sardinia; the Sicilian wheat is the same in weight as -the Alexandrian. The Bœotian wheat, again, weighs a whole pound more -than these last, and that of Africa a pound and three quarters. In -Italy beyond the Padus, the spelt, to my knowledge, weighs twenty-five -pounds to the modius, and, in the vicinity of Clusium, six-and-twenty. -We find it a rule, universally established by Nature, that in every -kind of commissariat bread[129] that is made, the bread exceeds the -weight of the grain by one-third; and in the same way it is generally -considered that that is the best kind of wheat, which, in kneading, -will absorb one congius of water.[130] There are some kinds of wheat -which give, when used by themselves, an additional weight equal to -this: the Balearic wheat, for instance, which to a modius of grain -yields thirty-five pounds weight of bread. Others, again, will only -give this additional weight by being mixed with other kinds, the -Cyprian wheat and the Alexandrian, for example; which, if used by -themselves, will yield no more than twenty pounds to the modius. The -wheat of Cyprus is swarthy, and produces a dark bread; for which reason -it is generally mixed with the white wheat of Alexandria; the mixture -yielding twenty-five pounds of bread to the modius of grain. The wheat -of Thebais, in Egypt, when made into bread, yields twenty-six pounds -to the modius. To knead the meal with sea-water, as is mostly done -in the maritime districts, for the purpose of saving the salt, is -extremely pernicious; there is nothing, in fact, that will more readily -predispose the human body to disease. In Gaul and Spain, where they -make a drink[131] by steeping corn in the way that has been already -described—they employ the foam[132] which thickens upon the surface as -a leaven: hence it is that the bread in those countries is lighter than -that made elsewhere. - -There are some differences, also, in the stem of wheat; for the better -the kind the thicker it is. In Thrace, the stem of the wheat is covered -with several coats,[133] which are rendered absolutely necessary by the -excessive cold of those regions. It is the cold, also, that led to the -discovery there of the three-month[134] wheat, the ground being covered -with snow most of the year. At the end mostly of three months after -it has been sown, this wheat is ready for cutting, both in Thrace and -in other parts of the world as well. This variety is well known, too, -throughout all the Alpine range, and in the northern provinces there -is no kind of wheat that is more prolific; it has a single stem only, -is by no means of large size in any part of it, and is never sown but -in a thin, light soil. There is a two-month[135] wheat also found in -the vicinity of Ænos, in Thrace, which ripens the fortieth day after -sowing; and yet it is a surprising fact, that there is no kind of wheat -that weighs heavier than this, while at the same time it produces no -bran. Both Sicily and Achaia grow it, in the mountainous districts -of those countries; as also Eubœa, in the vicinity of Carystus. So -greatly, then, is Columella in error,[136] in supposing that there is -no distinct variety of three-month wheat even; the fact being that -these varieties have been known from the very earliest times. The -Greeks give to these wheats the name of “setanion.” It is said that in -Bactria the grains of wheat are of such an enormous size, that a single -one is as large as our ears of corn.[137] - - - - -CHAP. 13.—BARLEY: RICE. - - -Of all the cereals the first that is sown is barley. We shall state -the appropriate time for sowing each kind when we come to treat of the -nature of each individually. In India, there is both a cultivated -and a wild[138] barley, from which they make excellent bread, as well -as alica.[139] But the most favourite food of all there is rice,[140] -from which they prepare a ptisan[141] similar to that made from barley -in other parts of the world. The leaves of rice are fleshy,[142] very -like those of the leek, but broader; the stem is a cubit in height, the -blossom purple, and the root globular, like a pearl in shape.[143] - - - - -CHAP. 14.—POLENTA. - - -Barley is one of the most ancient aliments of man, a fact that is -proved by a custom of the Athenians, mentioned by Menander,[144] -as also by the name of “hordearii,”[145] that used to be given to -gladiators. The Greeks, too, prefer barley to anything else for making -polenta.[146] This food is made in various ways: in Greece, the barley -is first steeped in water, and then left a night to dry. The next day -they parch it, and then grind it in the mill. Some persons parch it -more highly, and then sprinkle it again with a little water; after -which they dry it for grinding. Others shake the grain from out of the -ear while green, and, after cleaning and soaking it in water, pound it -in a mortar. They then wash the paste in baskets, and leave it to dry -in the sun; after which they pound it again, clean it, and grind it in -the mill. But whatever the mode of preparation adopted, the proportions -are always twenty pounds of barley to three pounds of linseed,[147] -half a pound of coriander, and fifteen drachmæ[148] of salt: the -ingredients are first parched, and then ground in the mill. - -Those who want it for keeping, store it in new earthen vessels, with -fine flour and bran. In Italy, the barley is parched without being -steeped in water, and then ground to a fine meal, with the addition -of the ingredients already mentioned, and some millet as well. Barley -bread, which was extensively used by the ancients, has now fallen into -universal disrepute, and is mostly used as a food for cattle only. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—PTISAN. - - -With barley, too, the food called ptisan[149] is made, a most -substantial and salutary aliment, and one that is held in very high -esteem. Hippocrates, one of the most famous writers on medical science, -has devoted a whole volume to the praises of this aliment. The ptisan -of the highest quality is that which is made at Utica; that of Egypt -is prepared from a kind of barley, the grain of which grows with two -points.[150] In Bætica and Africa, the kind of barley from which this -food is made is that which Turranius calls the “smooth”[151] barley: -the same author expresses an opinion, too, that olyra[152] and rice are -the same. The method of preparing ptisan is universally known. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—TRAGUM. - - -In a similar manner, too, tragum is prepared from seed[153] wheat, but -only in Campania and Egypt. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—AMYLUM. - - -Amylum is prepared from every kind of wheat, and from winter-wheat[154] -as well; but the best of all is that made from three-month wheat. -The invention of it we owe to the island of Chios, and still, at the -present day, the most esteemed kind comes from there; it derives its -name from its being made without the help of the mill.[155] Next to the -amylum made with three-month wheat, is that which is prepared from the -lighter kinds of wheat. In making it, the grain is soaked in fresh -water, placed in wooden vessels; care being taken to keep it covered -with the liquid, which is changed no less than five times in the course -of the day. If it can be changed at night as well, it is all the better -for it, the object being to let it imbibe the water gradually and -equally. When it is quite soft, but before it turns sour, it is passed -through linen cloth, or else wicker-work, after which it is poured out -upon a tile covered with leaven, and left to harden in the sun. Next to -the amylum of Chios, that of Crete is the most esteemed, and next to -that the Ægyptian. The tests of its goodness are its being light and -smooth: it should be used, too, while it is fresh. Cato,[156] among our -writers, has made mention of it. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—THE NATURE OF BARLEY. - - -Barley-meal, too, is employed for medicinal purposes; and it is a -curious fact, that for beasts of burden they make a paste of it, which -is first hardened by the action of fire, and then ground. It is then -made up into balls, which are introduced with the hand into the paunch, -the result of which is, that the vigour and muscular strength of the -animal is considerably increased. In some kinds of barley, the ears -have two rows of grains,[157] and in others more; in some cases, as -many as six.[158] The grain itself, too, presents certain differences, -being long and thin, or else short or round, white, black,[159] or, -in some instances, of a purple colour. This last kind is employed for -making polenta: the white is ill adapted for standing the severity -of the weather. Barley is the softest of all the grains: it can only -be sown in a dry, loose soil,[160] but fertile withal. The chaff of -barley ranks among the very best; indeed, for litter there is none that -can be compared with it. Of all grain, barley is the least exposed to -accidents, as it is gathered before the time that mildew begins to -attack wheat; for which reason it is that the provident agriculturist -sows only as much wheat as may be required for food. The saying is, -that “barley is sown in a money-bag,” because it so soon returns a -profit. The most prolific kind of all is that which is got in at -Carthage,[161] in Spain, in the month of April. It is in the same month -that it is sown in Celtiberia, and yet it yields two harvests in the -same year. All kinds of barley are cut sooner than other grain, and -immediately after they are ripe; for the straw is extremely brittle, -and the grain is enclosed in a husk of remarkable thinness. It is said, -too, that a better polenta[162] is made from it, if it is gathered -before it is perfectly ripe. - - - - -CHAP. 19. (8.)—ARINCA, AND OTHER KINDS OF GRAIN THAT ARE GROWN IN THE -EAST. - - -The several kinds of corn are not everywhere the same; and even where -they are the same, they do not always bear a similar name. The kinds -most universally grown are spelt, by the ancients known as “adorea,” -winter wheat,[163] and wheat;[164] all these being common to many -countries. Arinca was originally peculiar to Gaul, though now it -is widely diffused over Italy as well. Egypt, too, Syria, Cilicia, -Asia, and Greece, have their own peculiar kinds, known by the names -of zea,[165] olyra, and tiphe.[166] In Egypt, they make a fine flour -from wheat of their own growth, but it is by no means equal to that of -Italy. Those countries which employ zea, have no spelt. Zea, however, -is to be found in Italy, and in Campania more particularly, where -it is known by the name of “seed.”[167] The grain that bears this -name enjoys a very considerable celebrity, as we shall have occasion -to state[168] on another occasion; and it is in honour of this that -Homer[169] uses the expression, ζείδωρος ἄρουρα, and not, as -some suppose, from the fact of the earth giving life.[170] Amylum is -made, too, from this grain, but of a coarser[171] quality than the -kind already mentioned;[172] this, however, is the only difference that -is perceptible. - -The most hardy kind, however, of all the grains is spelt, and the best -to stand the severity of the weather; it will grow in the very coldest -places, as also in localities that are but half tilled, or soils that -are extremely hot, and destitute of water. This was the earliest food -of the ancient inhabitants of Latium; a strong proof of which is the -distributions of adorea that were made in those times, as already -stated.[173] It is evident, too, that the Romans subsisted for a long -time upon pottage,[174] and not bread; for we find that from its name -of “puls,” certain kinds of food are known, even at the present day, -as “pulmentaria.”[175] Ennius, too, the most ancient of our poets, -in describing the famine in a siege, relates how that the parents -snatched away the messes of pottage[176] from their weeping children. -At the present day, even, the sacrifices in conformity with the ancient -rites, as well as those offered upon birthdays, are made with parched -pottage.[177] This food appears to have been as much unknown in those -days in Greece as polenta was in Italy. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—WINTER WHEAT. SIMILAGO, OR FINE FLOUR. - - -There is no grain that displays a greater avidity than wheat, and -none that absorbs a greater quantity of nutriment. With all propriety -I may justly call winter wheat[178] the very choicest of all the -varieties of wheat. It is white, destitute of all flavour,[179] and not -oppressive[180] to the stomach. It suits moist localities particularly -well, such as we find in Italy and Gallia Comata; but beyond the -Alps it is found to maintain its character only in the territory of -the Allobroges and that of the Memini; for in the other parts of -those countries it degenerates at the end of two years into common -wheat.[181] The only method of preventing this is to take care and sow -the heaviest grains only. - -(9.) Winter wheat furnishes bread of the very finest quality and the -most esteemed delicacies of the bakers. The best bread that is known -in Italy is made from a mixture of Campanian winter wheat with that -of Pisæ. The Campanian kind is of a redder colour, while the latter -is white; when mixed with chalk,[182] it is increased in weight. The -proper proportion for the yield of Campanian wheat to the modius of -grain is four sextarii of what is known as bolted flour;[183] but when -it is used in the rough and has not been bolted, then the yield should -be five sextarii of flour. In addition to this, in either case there -should be half a modius of white meal, with four sextarii of coarse -meal, known as “seconds,” and the same quantity of bran.[184] The Pisan -wheat produces five sextarii of fine flour to the modius; in other -respects it yields the same as that of Campania. The wheat of Clusium -and Arretium gives another sextarius of fine flour, but the yield is -similar to that of the kinds already mentioned in all other respects. -If, however, as much of it as possible is converted into fine wheat -meal, the modius will yield sixteen pounds weight of white bread, -and three of seconds, with half a modius of bran. These differences, -however, depend very materially upon the grinding; for when the grain -is ground quite dry it produces more meal, but when sprinkled with salt -water[185] a whiter flour, though at the same time a greater quantity -of bran. It is very evident that “farina,” the name we give to meal, is -derived from “far.” A modius of meal made from Gallic winter wheat, -yields twenty-two pounds of bread; while that of Italy, if made into -bread baked in tins,[186] will yield two or three pounds more. When the -bread is baked in the oven,[187] two pounds must be added in weight in -either case. - -(10.) Wheat yields a fine flour[188] of the very highest quality. In -African wheat the modius ought to yield half a modius of fine flour and -five sextarii of pollen, that being the name given to fine wheat meal, -in the same way that that of winter wheat is generally known as “flos,” -or the “flower.” This fine meal is extensively used in copper works -and paper manufactories. In addition to the above, the modius should -yield four sextarii of coarse meal, and the same quantity of bran. -The finest wheaten flour will yield one hundred[189] and twenty-two -pounds of bread, and the fine meal of winter wheat one hundred[189] -and seventeen, to the modius of grain. When the prices of grain are -moderate, meal sells at forty asses the modius, bolted wheaten flour at -eight asses more, and bolted flour of winter wheat, at sixteen asses -more. There is another distinction again in fine wheaten flour, which -originated formerly in the days of L. Paulus. There were three classes -of wheat; the first of which would appear to have yielded seventeen -pounds of bread, the second eighteen, and the third nineteen pounds and -a third: to these were added two pounds and a half of seconds,[190] and -the same quantity of brown[190] bread, with six sextarii of bran.[191] - -Winter wheat never ripens all at once, and yet there is none of the -cereals that can so ill brook any delay; it being of so delicate a -nature, that the ears directly they are ripe will begin to shed their -grain. So long, however, as it is in stalk, it is exposed to fewer -risks than other kinds of wheat, from the fact of its always having -the ear upright, and not retaining the dew, which is a prolific cause -of mildew. - -From arinca[192] a bread of remarkable sweetness is made. The grains -in this variety lie closer than they do in spelt; the ear, too, is -larger and more weighty. It is rarely the case that a modius of this -grain does not weigh full sixteen pounds. In Greece they find great -difficulty in threshing it; and hence it is that we find Homer[193] -saying that it is given to beasts of burden, this being the same as -the grain that he calls “olyra.” In Egypt it is threshed without -any difficulty, and is remarkably prolific. Spelt has no beard, and -the same is the case with winter wheat, except[194] that known as -the Laconian variety. To the kinds already mentioned we have to add -bromos,[195] the winter wheat just excepted, and tragos,[196] all -of them exotics introduced from the East, and very similar to rice. -Tiphe[197] also belongs to the same class, from which in our part -of the world a cleaned grain resembling rice is prepared. Among the -Greeks, too, there is the grain known as zea; and it is said that -this, as well as tiphe, when cleaned from the husk and sown, will -degenerate[198] and assume the form of wheat; not immediately, but in -the course of three years. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—THE FRUITFULNESS OF AFRICA IN WHEAT. - - -There is no grain more prolific than wheat, Nature having bestowed -upon it this quality, as being the substance which she destined for -the principal nutriment of man. A modius of wheat, if the soil is -favourable, as at Byzacium,[199] a champaign district of Africa, -will yield as much as one hundred and fifty[200] modii of grain. The -procurator of the late Emperor Augustus sent him from that place—a fact -almost beyond belief—little short of four hundred shoots all springing -from a single grain; and we have still in existence his letters on the -subject. In a similar manner, too, the procurator of Nero sent him -three hundred and sixty stalks all issuing from a single grain.[201] -The plains of Leontium in Sicily, and other places in that island, -as well as the whole of Bætica, and Egypt more particularly, yield -produce a hundred-fold. The most prolific kinds of wheat are the ramose -wheat,[202] and that known as the “hundred-grain”[203] wheat. Before -now, as many as one hundred beans, too, have been found on a single -stalk. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—SESAME. ERYSIMUM, OR IRIO. HORMINUM. - - -We have spoken[204] of sesame, millet, and panic as belonging to the -summer grains. Sesame[205] comes from India, where they extract an -oil from it; the colour of its grain is white. Similar in appearance -to this is the erysimum of Asia and Greece, and indeed it would be -identical with it were it not that the grain is better filled.[206] -It is the same grain that is known among us as “irio;” and strictly -speaking, ought rather to be classed among the medicaments than the -cereals. Of the same nature, too, is the plant called “horminum”[207] -by the Greeks, though resembling cummin[208] in appearance; it is sown -at the same time as sesame: no animal will eat either this or irio -while green. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—THE MODE OF GRINDING CORN. - - -All the grains are not easily broken. In Etruria they first parch the -spelt in the ear, and then pound it with a pestle shod with iron at -the end. In this instrument the iron is notched[209] at the bottom, -sharp ridges running out like the edge of a knife, and concentrating -in the form of a star; so that if care is not taken to hold the pestle -perpendicularly while pounding, the grains will only be splintered and -the iron teeth broken. Throughout the greater part of Italy, however, -they employ a pestle that is only rough[210] at the end, and wheels -turned by water, by means of which the corn is gradually ground. I -shall here set forth the opinions given by Mago as to the best method -of pounding corn. He says that the wheat should be steeped first of -all in water, and then cleaned from the husk; after which it should be -dried in the sun, and then pounded with the pestle; the same plan, he -says, should be adopted in the preparation of barley. In the latter -case, however, twenty sextarii of grain require only two sextarii of -water. When lentils are used, they should be first parched, and then -lightly pounded with the bran; or else, adopting another method, a -piece of unbaked brick and half a modius of sand[211] should be added -to every twenty sextarii of lentils. - -Ervilia should be treated in the same way as lentils. Sesame should -be first steeped in warm water, and then laid out to dry, after which -it should be rubbed out briskly, and then thrown into cold water, so -that the chaff may be disengaged by floating to the surface. After -this is done, the grain should again be spread out in the sun, upon -linen cloths, to dry. Care, however, should be taken to lose no time -in doing this, as it is apt to turn musty, and assume a dull, livid -colour. The grains, too, which are just cleaned from the husk, require -various methods of pounding. When the beard is ground by itself, -without the grain, the result is known as “acus,”[212] but it is only -used by goldsmiths.[213] If, on the other hand, it is beaten out on -the threshing-floor, together with the straw, the chaff has the name of -“palea,” * * * * and in most parts of the world is employed as fodder -for beasts of burden. The residue of millet, panic, and sesame, is -known to us as “apluda;” but in other countries it is called by various -other names. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—MILLET. - - -Campania is particularly prolific in millet, and a fine white porridge -is made from it: it makes a bread, too, of remarkable sweetness. The -nations of Sarmatia[214] live principally on this porridge, and even -the raw meal, with the sole addition of mares’ milk, or else blood[215] -extracted from the thigh of the horse. The Æthiopians know of no other -grain but millet and barley. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—PANIC. - - -The people of Gaul, and of Aquitania[216] more particularly, make use -of panic; the same is the case, too, in Italy beyond the Padus, with -the addition, however, of the bean, without which they prepare none -of their food. There is no aliment held in higher esteem than panic -by the nations of Pontus. The other summer grains thrive better in -well-watered soils than in rainy localities; but water is by no means -beneficial to millet or panic when they are coming into blade. It -is recommended not to sow them among vines or fruit-trees, as it is -generally thought that these crops impoverish the soil. - - - - -CHAP. 26. (11)—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF LEAVEN. - - -Millet is more particularly employed for making leaven; and if kneaded -with must,[217] it will keep a whole year. The same is done, too, with -the fine wheat-bran of the best quality; it is kneaded with white must -three days old, and then dried in the sun, after which it is made -into small cakes. When required for making bread, these cakes are -first soaked in water, and then boiled with the finest spelt flour, -after which the whole is mixed up with the meal; and it is generally -thought that this is the best method of making bread. The Greeks have -established a rule that for a modius of meal eight ounces of leaven is -enough. - -These kinds of leaven, however, can only be made at the time of -vintage, but there is another leaven which may be prepared with barley -and water, at any time it may happen to be required. It is first made -up into cakes of two pounds in weight, and these are then baked upon -a hot hearth, or else in an earthen dish upon hot ashes and charcoal, -being left till they turn of a reddish brown. When this is done, the -cakes are shut close in vessels, until they turn quite sour: when -wanted for leaven, they are steeped in water first. When barley bread -used to be made, it was leavened with the meal of the fitch,[218] or -else the chicheling vetch,[219] the proportion being, two pounds of -leaven to two modii and a half of barley meal. At the present day, -however, the leaven is prepared from the meal that is used for making -the bread. For this purpose, some of the meal is kneaded before adding -the salt, and is then boiled to the consistency of porridge, and left -till it begins to turn sour. In most cases, however, they do not warm -it at all, but only make use of a little of the dough that has been -kept from the day before. It is very evident that the principle which -causes the dough to rise is of an acid nature, and it is equally -evident that those persons who are dieted upon fermented bread are -stronger[220] in body. Among the ancients, too, it was generally -thought that the heavier wheat is, the more wholesome it is. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—THE METHOD OF MAKING BREAD: ORIGIN OF THE ART. - - -It seems to me quite unnecessary to enter into an account of -the various kinds of bread that are made. Some kinds, we find, -receive their names from the dishes with which they are eaten, the -oyster-bread,[221] for instance: others, again, from their peculiar -delicacy, the artolaganus,[222] or cake-bread, for example; and -others from the expedition with which they are prepared, such as the -“speusticus,”[223] or “hurry-bread.” Other varieties receive their -names from the peculiar method of baking them, such as oven-bread,[224] -tin-bread,[225] and mould-bread.[226] It is not so very long since that -we had a bread introduced from Parthia, known as water-bread,[227] from -a method in kneading it, of drawing out the dough by the aid of water, -a process which renders it remarkably light, and full of holes, like -a sponge: some call this Parthian bread. The excellence of the finest -kinds of bread depends principally on the goodness of the wheat, and -the fineness of the bolter. Some persons knead the dough with eggs or -milk, and butter even has been employed for the purpose by nations -that have had leisure to cultivate the arts of peace, and to give -their attention to the art of making pastry. Picenum still maintains -its ancient reputation for making the bread which it was the first to -invent, alica[228] being the grain employed. The flour is kept in soak -for nine days, and is kneaded on the tenth with raisin juice, in the -shape of long rolls; after which it is baked in an oven in earthen -pots, till they break. This bread, however, is never eaten till it has -been well[229] soaked, which is mostly done in milk mixed with honey. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—WHEN BAKERS WERE FIRST INTRODUCED AT ROME. - - -There were no bakers at Rome until[230] the war with King Perseus, more -than five hundred and eighty years after the building of the City. The -ancient Romans used to make their own bread, it being an occupation -which belonged to the women, as we see the case in many nations even -at the present day. Plautus speaks of the artopta, or bread-tin, in -his Comedy of the Aulularia,[231] though there has been considerable -discussion for that very reason among the learned, whether or not that -line really belongs to him. We have the fact, too, well ascertained, in -the opinion of Ateius Capito, that the cooks in those days were in the -habit of making the bread for persons of affluence, while the name of -“pistor”[232] was only given to the person who pounded, or “pisebat,” -the spelt. In those times, they had no cooks in the number of their -slaves, but used to hire them for the occasion from the market. The -Gauls were the first to employ the bolter that is made of horse-hair; -while the people of Spain make their sieves and meal-dressers of -flax,[233] and the Egyptians of papyrus and rushes. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—ALICA. - - -But among the very first things of all, we ought to speak of the -method employed in preparing alica,[234] a most delightful and most -wholesome food, and which incontestably confers upon Italy the highest -rank among the countries that produce the cereals. This delicacy is -prepared, no doubt, in Egypt as well, but of a very inferior quality, -and not worth our notice. In Italy, however, it is prepared in numerous -places, the territories of Verona and Pisæ, for example; but that of -Campania is the most highly esteemed. There, at the foot of mountains -capped with clouds, runs a plain, not less in all than forty miles -in extent. The land here—to give a description first of the nature -of the soil—is dusty on the surface, but spongy below, and as porous -as pumice. The inconveniences that generally arise from the close -vicinity of mountains are here converted into so many advantages: for -the soil, acting on it as a sort of filter, absorbs the water of the -abundant rains that fall; the consequence of which is, that the water -not being left to soak or form mud on the surface, the cultivation is -greatly facilitated thereby. This land does not return, by the aid of -any springs, the moisture it has thus absorbed, but thoroughly digests -it, by warming it in its bosom, in a heated oven as it were. The ground -is kept cropped the whole year through, once with panic, and twice -with spelt; and yet in the spring, when the soil is allowed to have a -moment’s repose, it will produce roses more odoriferous by far than -the cultivated rose: for the earth here is never tired of producing, -a circumstance in which originated the common saying, that Campania -produces more unguents[235] than other countries do oil. - -In the same degree, however, that the Campanian soil excels that of -all other countries, so does that part of it which is known to us as -Laboriæ,[236] and to the Greeks as Phlegræum, surpass all the rest. -This district is bounded on two sides by the consular high road, which -leads from Puteoli to Capua on the one side, and from Cumæ on the other. - -Alica is prepared from the grain called zea, which we have already -mentioned[237] as being known to us as “seed” wheat. The grain is -cleansed in a wooden mortar, for fear lest stone, from its hardness, -should have the effect of grating it. The motive power for raising the -pestle, as is generally known, is supplied by slaves working in chains, -the end of it being enclosed in a case of iron. After the husks have -been removed by this process, the pure grain is broken to pieces, the -same implements being employed. In this way, there are three different -kinds of alica made, the finest, the seconds, and the coarse, which -last is known as “aphærema.”[238] Still, however, these various -kinds have none of them that whiteness as yet for which they are so -distinguished, though even now they are preferable to the Alexandrian -alica. With this view—a most singular fact—chalk[239] is mixed with -the meal, which, upon becoming well incorporated with it, adds very -materially to both the whiteness and the shortness[240] of the mixture. -This chalk is found between Puteoli and Neapolis, upon a hill called -Leucogæum;[241] and there is still in existence a decree of the late -Emperor Augustus, (who established a colony at Capua), which orders a -sum of twenty thousand sesterces to be paid annually from his exchequer -to the people of Neapolis, for the lease of this hill. His motive for -paying this rent, he stated, was the fact that the people of Campania -had alleged that it was impossible to make their alica without the -help of this mineral. In the same hill, sulphur is found as well, and -the springs of Araxus issue from its declivities, the waters of which -are particularly efficacious for strengthening the sight, healing -wounds, and preventing the teeth from becoming loose. - -A spurious kind of alica is made, more particularly of a degenerate -kind of zea grown in Africa; the ears of it are larger and blacker -than those of the genuine kind, and the straw is short. This grain is -pounded with sand, and even then it is with the greatest difficulty -that the outer coats are removed; when stripped, the grain fills one -half only of the original measure. Gypsum, in the proportion of one -fourth, is then sprinkled[242] over it, and after the mixture has been -well incorporated, it is bolted through a meal-sieve. The portion that -remains behind, after this is done, is known as “excepticia,”[243] and -consists of the coarser parts; while that which has passed through is -submitted to a second process, with a finer sieve; and that which then -refuses to pass has the name of “secundaria.”[244] That, again, which, -in a similar manner, is submitted to a third sifting, with a sieve of -the greatest fineness, which will only admit of sand passing through -it, is known as “cribraria,”[245] when it remains on the top of the -sieve. - -There is another method, again, that is employed every where for -adulterating it. They pick out the whitest and largest grains of wheat, -and parboil them in earthen pots; these are then dried in the sun till -they have regained their original size, after which they are lightly -sprinkled with water, and then ground in a mill. A better granæum[246] -is made from zea than from wheat, although it is nothing else, in fact, -but a spurious alica: it is whitened by the addition of boiled milk, in -place of chalk. - - - - -CHAP. 30. (12.)—THE LEGUMINOUS PLANTS: THE BEAN. - - -We now come to the history of the leguminous plants, among which -the place of honour must be awarded to the bean;[247] indeed, some -attempts have even been made to use it for bread. Bean meal is known -as “lomentum;” and, as is the case with the meal of all leguminous -plants, it adds considerably, when mixed with flour, to the weight of -the bread. Beans are on sale at the present day for numerous purposes, -and are employed for feeding cattle, and man more particularly. They -are mixed, also, among most nations, with wheat,[248] and panic -more particularly, either whole or lightly broken. In our ancient -ceremonials, too, bean pottage[249] occupies its place in the religious -services of the gods. Beans are mostly eaten together with other food, -but it is generally thought that they dull the senses, and cause -sleepless nights attended with dreams. Hence it is that the bean has -been condemned[250] by Pythagoras; though, according to some, the -reason for this denunciation was the belief which he entertained -that the souls of the dead are enclosed in the bean: it is for this -reason, too, that beans are used in the funereal banquets of the -Parentalia.[251] According to Varro, it is for a similar cause that the -Flamen abstains from eating beans: in addition to which, on the blossom -of the bean, there are certain letters of ill omen to be found. - -There are some peculiar religious usages connected with the bean. It -is the custom to bring home from the harvest a bean by way of auspice, -which, from that circumstance, has the name of “referiva.”[252] In -sales by public auction, too, it is thought lucky to include a bean -in the lot for sale. It is a fact, too, that the bean is the only one -among all the grains that fills out at the increase of the moon,[253] -however much it may have been eaten away: it can never be thoroughly -boiled in sea-water, or indeed any other water that is salt. - -The bean is the first leguminous plant that is sown; that being done -before the setting of the Vergiliæ, in order that it may pass the -winter in the ground. Virgil[254] recommends that it should be sown in -spring, according to the usage of the parts of Italy near the Padus: -but most people prefer the bean that has been sown early to that of -only three months’ growth; for, in the former case, the pods as well as -the stalk afford a most agreeable fodder for cattle. When in blossom -more particularly, the bean requires water; but after the blossom has -passed off, it stands in need of but very little. It fertilizes[255] -the ground in which it has been sown as well as any manure; hence it -is that in the neighbourhood of Thessaly and Macedonia, as soon as it -begins to blossom, they turn up[256] the ground. - -The bean, too, grows wild in most countries, as in those islands of the -Northern Ocean, for instance, which for that reason have been called by -us the “Fabariæ.”[257] In Mauritania, also, it is found in a wild state -in various parts, but so remarkably hard that it will never become soft -by boiling. - -In Egypt there is a kind of bean[258] which grows upon a thorny stalk; -for which reason the crocodiles avoid it, being apprehensive of danger -to their eyes. This stalk is four cubits in length, and its thickness, -at the very most, that of the finger: were it not for the absence of -articulations in it, it would resemble a soft reed in appearance. The -head is similar to that of the poppy, being of a rose colour: the beans -enclosed in this head are not above thirty in number; the leaves are -large, and the fruit is bitter and odoriferous. The root, however, is -highly esteemed by the natives as a food, whether eaten raw or well -boiled; it bears a strong resemblance to that of the reed. This plant -grows also in Syria and Cilicia, and upon the banks of Lake Torone in -Chalcidice. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—LENTILS. PEASE. - - -Among the leguminous plants the lentil is sown in the month of -November, and the pea,[259] among the Greeks. The lentil thrives best -in a soil that is rather thin than rich, and mostly stands in need of -dry weather. There are two kinds of lentil grown in Egypt; one of which -is rounder and blacker than the other, which has a peculiar shape of -its own. The name of this plant has been applied to various uses, and -among others has given origin to our word “lenticula.”[260] I find it -stated in some authors that a lentil diet is productive of evenness of -temper. The pea requires to be sown in a warm, sunny spot, and is ill -able to endure cold; hence in Italy and the more rigorous climates, it -is sown in the spring only, a light, loose soil being chosen for the -purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—THE SEVERAL KINDS OF CHICK-PEASE. - - -The chick-pea[261] is naturally salt,[262] for which reason it is -apt to scorch the ground, and should only be sown after it has been -steeped a day in water. This plant presents considerable differences in -reference to size, colour,[263] form, and taste. One variety resembles -in shape a ram’s head, from which circumstance it has received the name -of “arietinum;” there are both the white and the black arietinum. There -is also the columbine chick-pea, by some known as the “pea of Venus;” -it is white, round, and smooth, being smaller than the arietinum, and -is employed in the observances of the night festivals or vigils. The -chicheling vetch,[264] too, is a diminutive kind of chick-pea, unequal -and angular, like[265] the pea. The chick-pea that is the sweetest in -flavour is the one that bears the closest resemblance to the fitch; the -pod in the black and the red kinds is more firmly closed than in the -white ones. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—THE KIDNEY-BEAN. - - -The pod of the chick-pea is rounded, while in other leguminous plants -it is long and broad, like the seed which it contains; in the pea, -again, it is of a cylindrical form. In the case of the kidney-bean[266] -it is usual to eat the pod together with the seed. This last may -be sown in all kinds of soils indifferently, between the ides of -October[267] and the calends of November.[268] As soon as ever the -leguminous plants begin to ripen, they ought to be plucked, for the -pods will very soon open and the seed fall out, in which case it is -very difficult to find: the same is the case, too, with the lupine. -But before we pass on to the lupine, it will be as well to make some -mention of the rape.[269] - - - - -CHAP. 34. (13.)—THE RAPE. - - -The Latin writers have only treated of this plant in a cursory manner, -while those of Greece have considered it a little more attentively; -though even they have ranked it among the garden plants. If, however, a -methodical arrangement is to be strictly observed, it should be spoken -of immediately after corn, or the bean, at all events; for next to -these two productions, there is no plant that is of more extensive use. -For, in the first place, all animals will feed upon it as it grows; -and it is far from being the least nutritious plant in the fields for -various kinds of birds, when boiled in water more particularly. Cattle, -too, are remarkably fond of the leaves of rape; and the stalks and -leaves, when in season, are no less esteemed as a food for man than -the sprouts of the cabbage;[269] these, too, when turned yellow and -left to die in the barn, are even more highly esteemed than[270] when -green. As to the rape itself, it will keep all the better if left in -its mould, after which it should be dried in the open air till the -next crop is nearly ripe, as a resource in case of scarcity. Next to -those of the grape and corn, this is the most profitable harvest of -all for the countries that lie beyond the Padus. The rape is by no -means difficult to please in soil, for it will grow almost anywhere, -indeed where nothing else can be sown. It readily derives nutriment -from fogs and hoar-frosts, and grows to a marvelous size; I have seen -them weighing upwards of forty pounds.[271] It is prepared for table -among us in several ways, and is made to keep till the next crop, its -fermentation[272] being prevented by preserving it in mustard. It is -also tinted with no less than six colours in addition to its own, and -with purple even; indeed, that which is used by us as food ought to be -of no other colour.[273] - -The Greeks have distinguished two principal species of rape, the male -and the female,[274] and have discovered a method of obtaining them -both from the same seed; for when it is sown thick, or in a hard, -cloggy soil, the produce will be male. The smaller the seed the better -it is in quality. There are three kinds of rape in all; the first is -broad and flat, the second of a spherical shape, and the third, to -which the name of “wild” rape[275] has been given, throws out a long -root, similar in appearance to a radish, with an angular, rough leaf, -and an acrid juice, which, if extracted about harvest, and mixed with -a woman’s milk, is good for cleansing the eyes and improving defective -sight. The colder the weather the sweeter they are, and the larger, it -is generally thought; heat makes them run to leaf. The finest rape of -all is that grown in the district of Nursia: it is valued at as much as -one sesterce[276] per pound, and, in times of scarcity, two even. That -of the next best quality is produced on Mount Algidus. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—THE TURNIP. - - -The turnip[277] of Amiternum, which is pretty nearly of the same -nature as the rape, thrives equally well in a cold soil. It is sown -just before the calends of March,[278] four sextarii of seed to the -jugerum. The more careful growers recommend that the ground should be -turned up five times before putting in the turnip, and four for rape, -care being taken, in both cases, to manure it well. Rape, they say, -will thrive all the better, if it is sown together with some chaff. -They will have it, too, that the sower ought to be stripped, and that -he should offer up a prayer while sowing, and say: “I sow this for -myself and for my neighbours.” The proper time for sowing both kinds -is the period that intervenes between the festivals[279] of the two -divinities, Neptune and Vulcan. It is said, too—and it is the result -of very careful observation—that these plants will thrive wonderfully -well, if they are sown as many days after the festival of Neptune as -the moon was old when the first snow fell the previous winter. They are -sown in spring as well, in warm and humid localities. - - - - -CHAP. 36. (14.)—THE LUPINE. - - -The lupine is the next among the leguminous plants that is in -extensive use, as it serves for food for man in common with the hoofed -quadrupeds. To prevent it from springing out of the pod[280] while -being gathered, and so lost, the best plan is to gather it immediately -after a shower. Of all the seeds that are sown, there is not one of a -more marvellous nature than this, or more favoured by the earth. First -of all, it turns every day with the sun,[281] and shows the hour to -the husbandman, even though the weather should happen to be cloudy and -overcast. It blossoms, too, no less than three times, and so attached -is it to the earth, that it does not require to be covered with the -soil; indeed, this is the only seed that does not require the earth to -be turned up for sowing it. It thrives more particularly on a sandy, -dry, and even gravelly soil; and requires no further care to be taken -in its cultivation. To such a degree is it attached to the earth, that -even though left upon a soil thickly covered with brambles, it will -throw out a root amid the leaves and brakes, and so contrive to reach -the ground. We have already stated[282] that the soil of a field or -vineyard is enriched by the growth of a crop of lupines; indeed, so -far is it from standing in need of manure, that the lupines will act -upon it as well as the very best. It is the only seed that requires no -outlay at all, so much so, in fact, that there is no necessity to carry -it even to the spot where it is sown; for it may be sown the moment it -is brought from the threshing-floor:[283] and from the fact that it -falls from the pod of its own accord, it stands in need of no one to -scatter it. - -This is[284] the very first grain sown and the last that is gathered, -both operations generally taking place in the month of September; -indeed, if this is not done before winter sets in, it is liable to -receive injury from the cold. And then, besides, it may even be left -with impunity to lie upon the ground, in case showers should not -immediately ensue and cover it in, it being quite safe from the attacks -of all animals, on account of its bitter taste: still, however, it is -mostly covered up in a slight furrow. Among the thicker soils, it is -attached to a red earth more particularly. In order to enrich[285] -this earth, it should be turned up just after the third blossom; but -where the soil is sandy, after the second. Chalky and slimy soils are -the only ones that it has an aversion to; indeed, it will never come -to anything when sown in them. Soaked in warm water, it is used as a -food, too, for man. One modius is a sufficient meal for an ox, and it -is found to impart considerable vigour to cattle; placed, too, upon the -abdomen[286] of children, it acts as a remedy in certain cases. It is -an excellent plan to season the lupine by smoking it; for when it is -kept in a moist state, maggots are apt to attack the germ, and render -it useless for reproduction. If cattle have eaten it off while in leaf, -as a matter of necessity it should be ploughed in as soon as possible. - - - - -CHAP. 37. (15.)—THE VETCH. - - -The vetch,[287] too, enriches the soil, and its cultivation entails no -labour on the agriculturist. It is sown after the ground has been but -once turned up, and requires neither hoeing nor manuring; nothing at -all, indeed, except harrowing. There are three periods for sowing it; -the first is about the setting of Arcturus, when it is intended for -feeding cattle in the month of December, while in the blade; this crop, -too, is the best of all for seed, for, although grazed upon, it will -bear just as well. The second crop is sown in the month of January, -and the last in March; this last being the best crop for fodder. Of -all the seeds this is the one that thrives best in a dry soil; still, -however, it manifests no repugnance to a shaded locality. This grain, -if gathered when quite ripe, produces a chaff superior to that of any -other. If sown near vines supported by trees, the vetch will draw away -the juices from the vines, and make them languid. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE FITCH. - - -The cultivation of the fitch,[288] too, is attended with no difficulty. -It requires weeding, however, more than the vetch. Like it, the fitch -has certain medicinal[289] properties; for we find the fact still kept -in remembrance by some letters of his, that the late Emperor Augustus -was cured by its agency. Five modii will sow as much ground as a yoke -of oxen can plough in a day. If sown in the month of March,[290] it -is injurious, they say, to oxen: and when sown in autumn, it is apt -to produce head-ache. If, however, it is put in the ground at the -beginning of spring, it will be productive of no bad results. - - - - -CHAP. 39. (16.)—SILICIA. - - -Silicia,[291] or, in other words, fenugreek, is sown after a light -ploughing[292] merely, the furrows being no more than some four -fingers in depth; the less the pains that are bestowed upon it the -better it will thrive—a singular fact that there should be anything -that profits from neglect. The kinds, however, that are known as -“secale” and “farrago” require harrowing only. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—SECALE OR ASIA. - - -The people of Taurinum, at the foot of the Alps, give to secale[293] -the name of “asia;” it is a very inferior[294] grain, and is only -employed to avert positive famine. It is prolific, but has a straw -of remarkable thinness; it is also black and sombre-looking, but -weighs extremely heavy. Spelt is mixed with this grain to modify its -bitterness,[295] and even then it is very disagreeable to the stomach. -It will grow upon any soil, and yields a hundred-fold; it is employed -also as a manure for enriching the land. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—FARRAGO: THE CRACCA. - - -Farrago, a mixture made of the refuse of “far,” or spelt, is sown very -thick, the vetch being sometimes mingled with it; in Africa, this -mixture is sometimes made with barley. All these mixtures, however, -are only intended for cattle, and the same is the case with the -cracca,[296] a degenerate kind of leguminous plant. Pigeons, it is -said, are so remarkably fond of this grain, that they will never leave -the place where it has been given to them. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—OCINUM: ERVILIA. - - -Among the ancients there was a sort of fodder, to which Cato[297] gives -the name of “ocinum;” it was employed by them to stop scouring in oxen. -This was a mixture of various kinds of fodder, cut green before the -frosts came on. Mamilius Sura, however, explains the term differently, -and says that ten modii of beans, two of vetches, and the same quantity -of ervilia,[298] were mixed and sown in autumn on a jugerum of land. -He states, also, that it is a still better plan to mix some Greek -oats[299] with it, the grain of which never falls to the ground; this -mixture, according to him, was ocinum, and was usually sown as a food -for oxen. Varro[300] informs us that it received its name on account of -the celerity with which it springs up, from the Greek ὠκέως, “quickly.” - - - - -CHAP. 43.—LUCERNE. - - -Lucerne[301] is by nature an exotic to Greece even, it having been -first introduced into that country from Media,[302] at the time of -the Persian wars with King Darius; still it deserves to be mentioned -among the very first of these productions. So superior are its -qualities, that a single sowing will last more than thirty[303] -years. It resembles trefoil in appearance, but the stalk and leaves -are articulated. The longer it grows in the stalk, the narrower is -the leaf. Amphilochus has devoted a whole book to this subject and -the cytisus.[304] The ground in which it is sown, being first cleaned -and cleared of stones, is turned up in the autumn, after which it is -ploughed and harrowed. It is then harrowed a second and a third time, -at intervals of five days; after which manure is laid upon it. This -seed requires either a soil that is dry, but full of nutriment, or -else a well-watered one. After the ground has been thus prepared, the -seed is put in in the month of May;[305] for if sown earlier, it is in -danger from the frosts. It is necessary to sow the seed very thick, -so that all the ground may be occupied, and no room left for weeds to -shoot up in the intervals; a result which may be secured by sowing -twenty modii to the jugerum. The seed must be stirred at once with the -rake, to prevent the sun from scorching it, and it should be covered -over with earth as speedily as possible. If the soil is naturally damp -or weedy, the lucerne will be overpowered, and the spot degenerate -into an ordinary pasture; it is necessary, therefore, directly the -crop is an inch in height, to disengage it from all weeds, by hand, in -preference to the weeding-hook. - -It is cut when it is just beginning to flower, and this is repeated -as often as it throws out new blossoms; which happens mostly six[306] -times in the year, and four at the very least. Care should be taken to -prevent it from running to seed, as it is much more valuable as fodder, -up to the third year. It should be hoed in the spring, and cleared of -all other plants; and in the third year the surface should be well -worked with the weeding-hook. By adopting this method, the weeds will -be effectually destroyed, though without detriment to the lucerne, in -consequence of the depth of its roots. If the weeds should happen to -get ahead of it, the only remedy is to turn it up repeatedly with the -plough, until the roots of the weeds are thoroughly destroyed. This -fodder should never be given to cattle to satiety, otherwise it may be -necessary to let blood; it is best, too, when used while green. When -dry, it becomes tough and ligneous, and falls away at last into a thin, -useless dust. As to the cytisus, which also occupies the very foremost -rank among the fodders, we have already spoken[307] of it at sufficient -length when describing the shrubs. It remains for us now to complete -our account of all the cereals, and we shall here devote a portion of -it to the diseases to which they are subject. - - - - -CHAP. 44. (17.)—THE DISEASES OF GRAIN: THE OAT. - - -The foremost feature of disease in wheat is the oat.[308] Barley, -too, will degenerate into the oat; so much so, in fact, that the oat -has become an equivalent for corn; for the people of Germany are in -the habit of sowing it, and make their porridge of nothing else. This -degeneracy is owing more particularly to humidity of soil and climate; -and a second cause is a weakness in the seed, the result of its being -retained too long in the ground before it makes its appearance above -it. The same, too, will be the consequence, if the seed is decayed -when put in the ground. This may be known, however, the moment it -makes its appearance, from which it is quite evident that the defect -lies in the root. There is another form of disease, too, which closely -resembles the oat, and which supervenes when the grain, already -developed to its full size, but not ripe, is struck by a noxious blast, -before it has acquired its proper body and strength; in this case, the -seed pines away in the ear, by a kind of abortion, as it were, and -totally disappears. - -The wind is injurious to wheat and barley, at three[309] periods of -the year in particular: when they are in blossom, directly the blossom -has passed off, and just as the seed is beginning to ripen. In this -last case, the grain wastes away, while in the two former ones it is -prevented from being developed. Gleams of sunshine, every now and -then, from the midst of clouds, are injurious to corn. Maggots, too, -breed[310] in the roots, when the rains that follow the seed-time are -succeeded by a sudden heat, which encloses the humidity in the ground. -Maggots make their appearance,[311] also, in the grain, when the ear -ferments through heat succeeding a fall of rain. There is a small -beetle, too, known by the name of “cantharis,”[312] which eats away -the blade. All these insects die, however, as soon as their nutriment -fails them. Oil,[313] pitch, and grease are prejudicial to grain, and -care should be taken not to let them come in contact with the seed -that is sown. Rain is only beneficial to grain while in the blade; it -is injurious to wheat and barley while they are in blossom, but is -not detrimental to the leguminous plants, with the exception of the -chick-pea. When grain is beginning to ripen, rain is injurious, and -to barley in particular. There is a white grass[314] that grows in -the fields, very similar to panic in appearance, but fatal to cattle. -As to darnel,[315] the tribulus,[316] the thistle,[317] and the -burdock,[318] I can consider them, no more than the bramble, among -the maladies that attack the cereals, but rather as so many pests -inflicted on the earth. Mildew,[319] a malady resulting from the -inclemency of the weather, and equally attacking the vine[320] and -corn, is in no degree less injurious. It attacks corn most frequently -in localities which are exposed to dews, and in vallies which have -not a thorough draught for the wind; windy and elevated spots, on the -other hand, are totally exempt from it. Another evil, again, in corn, -is over-luxuriance, when it falls to the ground beneath the weight[321] -of the grain. One evil, however, to which all crops in common, the -chick-pea even, are exposed, is the attacks of the caterpillar, when -the rain, by washing away the natural saltness of the vegetation, makes -it[322] all the more tempting for its sweetness. - -There is a certain plant,[323] too, which kills the chick-pea and -the fitch, by twining around them; the name of it is “orobanche.” In -a similar manner, also, wheat is attacked by darnel,[324] barley by -a long-stalked plant, called “ægilops,”[325] and the lentil by an -axe-leafed grass, to which, from the resemblance[326] of the leaf, the -Greeks have given the name of “pelecinon.” All these plants, too, kill -the others by entwining around them. In the neighbourhood of Philippi, -there is a plant known as ateramon,[327] which grows in a rich soil, -and kills the bean, after it has been exposed, while wet, to the -blasts of a certain wind: when it grows in a thin, light soil, this -plant is called “teramon.” The seed of darnel is extremely minute, -and is enclosed in a prickly husk. If introduced into bread, it will -speedily produce vertigo; and it is said that in Asia and Greece, the -bath-keepers, when they want to disperse a crowd of people, throw this -seed upon burning coals. The phalangium, a diminutive insect of the -spider genus,[328] breeds in the fitch, if the winter happens to be -wet. Slugs, too, breed in the vetch, and sometimes a tiny snail makes -its way out of the ground, and eats it away in a most singular manner. - -These are pretty nearly all the maladies to which grain is subject. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—THE BEST REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF GRAIN. - - -The best remedy for these maladies, so long as grain is in the blade, -is the weeding-hook, and, at the moment of sowing, ashes.[329] As to -those diseases which develope themselves in the seed and about the -root, with due care precautions may be effectually employed against -them. It is generally supposed that if seed has been first steeped in -wine,[330] it will be less exposed to disease. Virgil[331] recommends -that beans should be drenched with nitre and amurca of olives; and he -says that if this is done, they will be all the larger. Some persons, -again, are of opinion, that they will grow of increased size, if the -seed is steeped for three days before it is sown in a solution of -urine and water. If the ground, too, is hoed three times, a modius -of beans in the pod, they say, will yield not less than a modius of -shelled[332] beans. Other seeds, again, it is said, will be exempt -from the attacks of maggots, if bruised cypress[333] leaves are mixed -with them, or if they are sown just at the moon’s conjunction. Many -persons, for the more effectual protection of millet, recommend that -a bramble-frog should be carried at night round the field before the -hoeing is done, and then buried in an earthen vessel in the middle of -it. If this is done, they say, neither sparrows nor worms will attack -the crop. The frog, however, must be disinterred before the millet -is cut; for if this is neglected, the produce will be bitter. It is -pretended, too, that all seeds which have been touched by the shoulders -of a mole are remarkably productive. - -Democritus recommends that all seeds before they are sown should be -steeped in the juice of the herb known as “aizoüm,”[334] which grows on -tiles or shingles, and is known to us by the Latin name of “sedum” or -“digitellum.”[335] If blight prevails, or if worms are found adhering -to the roots, it is a very common remedy to sprinkle the plants with -pure amurca of olives without salt, and then to hoe the ground. If, -however, the crop should be beginning to joint, it should be stubbed -at once, for fear lest the weeds should gain the upper hand. I know -for certain[336] that flights of starlings and sparrows, those pests -to millet and panic, are effectually driven away by means of a certain -herb, the name of which is unknown to me, being buried at the four -corners of the field: it is a wonderful thing to relate, but in such -case not a single bird will enter it. Mice are kept away by the ashes -of a weasel or a cat being steeped in water and then thrown upon the -seed, or else by using the water in which the body of a weasel or a -cat has been boiled. The odour, however, of these animals makes itself -perceived in the bread even; for which reason it is generally thought -a better plan to steep the seed in ox-gall.[337] As for mildew, that -greatest curse of all to corn, if branches of laurel are fixed in the -ground, it will pass away from the field into the leaves of the laurel. -Over-luxuriance in corn is repressed by the teeth of cattle,[338] but -only while it is in the blade; in which case, if depastured upon ever -so often, no injury to it when in the ear will be the result. If the -ear, too, is once cut off, the grain, it is well known, will assume a -larger[339] form, but will be hollow within and worthless, and if sown, -will come to nothing. - -At Babylon, however, they cut the blade twice, and then let the cattle -pasture on it a third time, for otherwise it would run to nothing -but leaf. Even then, however, so fertile is the soil, that it yields -fifty, and, indeed, with care, as much as a hundred, fold. Nor is the -cultivation of it attended with any difficulty, the only object being -to let the ground be under water as long as possible, in order that -the extreme richness and exuberance of the soil may be modified. The -Euphrates, however, and the Tigris do not deposit a slime, in the same -way that the Nilus does in Egypt, nor does the soil produce vegetation -spontaneously; but still, so great is the fertility, that, although the -seed is only trodden in with the foot, a crop springs up spontaneously -the following year. So great a difference in soils as this, reminds me -that I ought to take this opportunity of specifying those which are the -best adapted for the various kinds of grain. - - - - -CHAP. 46.—THE CROPS THAT SHOULD BE SOWN IN THE DIFFERENT SOILS. - - -This, then, is the opinion expressed by Cato[340] on the subject: “In -a dense and fertile soil wheat should be sown: but if the locality is -subject to fogs, rape, radishes, millet, and panic. Where the land[341] -is cold and moist, sowing should be commenced earlier; but where it is -hot, at a later period. In a red, black, or gravelly soil, provided -it is not watery, lupines should be sown; but in chalk, red earth, or -a watery soil, spelt.[342] Where a locality is dry, free from weeds, -and not overshadowed, wheat should be put in; and where the soil is -strong and powerful, beans. Vetches should be grown in a soil as free -from water and weeds as possible; while wheat and winter wheat are best -adapted to an open, elevated locality, fully exposed to the warmth of -the sun. The lentil thrives best in a meagre, red earth, free from -weeds. Barley is equally suited for fallow land and for a soil that is -not intended to be fallow, and three-month wheat, for a soil upon which -a crop of ordinary wheat would never ripen, but strong enough to bear.” - -The following, too, is sound advice:[343] Those plants should be sown -in a thin soil which do not stand in need of much nutriment, the -cytisus, for instance, and such of the leguminous plants, with the -exception of the chick-pea, as are taken up by the roots and not cut. -From this mode of gathering them—“legere”—the legumina derive their -name. Where it is a rich earth, those plants should be grown which -require a greater proportion of nutriment, coleworts for instance, -wheat, winter-wheat, and flax. The result, then, will be, that a light -soil will be given to barley—the root of that grain standing in need -of less nutriment—while a more dense, though easily-worked soil, will -be assigned to wheat. In humid localities spelt should be sown in -preference to wheat; but where the soil is of moderate temperature, -either wheat or barley may be grown. Declivities produce a stronger -growth of wheat, but in smaller quantities. Spelt and winter-wheat -adopt a moist, cretaceous soil in preference to any other. - -(18.) The only occasion on which there ever was a prodigy connected -with grain, at least that I am aware of, was in the consulship of -P. Ælius and Cneius Cornelius, the year[344] in which Hannibal was -vanquished: on that occasion, we find it stated, corn was seen growing -upon trees.[345] - - - - -CHAP. 47.—THE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF CULTIVATION EMPLOYED BY VARIOUS -NATIONS. - - -As we have now spoken at sufficient length of the several varieties -of grain and soil, we shall proceed to treat of the methods adopted -in tilling the ground, taking care, in the very first place, to make -mention of the peculiar facilities enjoyed by Egypt in this respect. -In that country, performing the duties of the husbandman, the Nile -begins to overflow, as already stated,[346] immediately after the -summer solstice or the new moon, gradually at first, but afterwards -with increased impetuosity, as long as the sun remains in the sign -of Leo. When the sun has passed into Virgo, the impetuosity of the -overflow begins to slacken, and when he has entered Libra the river -subsides. Should it not have exceeded twelve cubits in its overflow, -famine is the sure result; and this is equally the case if it should -chance to exceed sixteen; for the higher it has risen, the more slowly -it subsides, and, of course, the seed-time is impeded in proportion. It -was formerly a very general belief that immediately upon the subsiding -of the waters the Egyptians were in the habit of driving herds of -swine over the ground, for the purpose of treading the seed into the -moist soil—and it is my own impression that this was done in ancient -times. At the present day even, the operation is not attended with much -greater labour. It is well known, however, that the seed is first laid -upon the slime that has been left by the river on its subsidence, and -then ploughed in; this being done at the beginning of November. After -this is done, a few persons are employed in stubbing, an operation -known there as “botanismos.” The rest of the labourers, however, have -no occasion to visit the land again till a little before the calends -of April,[347] and then it is with the reaping-hook. The harvest is -completed in the month of May. The stem is never so much as a cubit in -length, as there is a stratum of sand beneath the slime, from which -last alone the grain receives its support. The best wheat of all is -that of the region of Thebais, Egypt[348] being of a marshy character. - -The method adopted at Seleucia in Babylonia is very similar to this, -but the fertility there is still greater, owing to the overflow of the -Euphrates and Tigris,[349] the degree of irrigation being artificially -modified in those parts. In Syria, too, the furrows are made extremely -light, while in many parts of Italy, again, it takes as many as -eight oxen to pant and blow at a single plough. All the operations -of agriculture, but this in particular, should be regulated by the -oracular precept—“Remember that every locality has its own tendencies.” - - - - -CHAP. 48.—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF PLOUGHS. - - -Ploughs are of various kinds. The coulter[350] is the iron part that -cuts up the dense earth before it is broken into pieces, and traces -beforehand by its incisions the future furrows, which the share, -reversed,[351] is to open out with its teeth. Another kind—the common -plough-share—is nothing more than a lever, furnished with a pointed -beak; while another variety, which is only used in light, easy soils, -does not present an edge projecting from the share-beam throughout, -but only a small point at the extremity. In a fourth kind again, this -point is larger and formed with a cutting edge; by the agency of which -implement, it both cleaves the ground, and, with the sharp edges at the -sides, cuts up the weeds by the roots. There has been invented, at a -comparatively recent period, in that part of Gaul[352] known as Rhætia, -a plough with the addition of two small wheels, and known by the name -of “plaumorati.”[353] The extremity of the share in this has the form -of a spade: it is only used, however, for sowing in cultivated lands, -and upon soils which are nearly fallow. The broader the plough-share, -the better it is for turning up the clods of earth. Immediately after -ploughing, the seed is put into the ground, and then harrows[354] -with long teeth are drawn over it. Lands which have been sown in this -way require no hoeing, but two or three pairs of oxen are employed in -ploughing. It is a fair estimate to consider that a single yoke of oxen -can work forty jugera of land in the year, where the soil is light, and -thirty where it is stubborn. - - - - -CHAP. 49. (19.)—THE MODE OF PLOUGHING. - - -In ploughing, the most rigid attention should be paid to the oracular -precepts given by Cato[355] on the subject. “What is the essence of -good tillage? Good ploughing. What is the second point? Ploughing -again. What is the third point? Manuring. Take care not to make crooked -furrows. Be careful to plough at the proper time.” In warm localities -it is necessary to open the ground immediately after the winter -solstice, but where it is cold, directly after the vernal equinox: -this, too, should be done sooner in dry districts than in wet ones, in -a dense soil than a loose one, in a rich land than a meagre one. In -countries where the summers are hot and oppressive, the soil cretaceous -or thin, it is the best plan to plough between the summer solstice and -the autumnal equinox. Where, on the other hand, the heat is moderate, -with frequent falls of rain, and the soil rich and full of vegetation, -the ploughing should be done during the prevalence of the heat. A deep, -heavy soil, again, should be ploughed in winter; but one that is very -thin and dry, only just before putting in the seed. - -Tillage, too, has its own particular rules[356]—Never touch the ground -while it is wet and cloggy; plough with all your might; loosen the -ground before you begin to plough. This method has its advantages, for -by turning up the clods the roots of the weeds are killed. Some persons -recommend that in every case the ground should be turned up immediately -after the vernal equinox. Land that has been ploughed once in spring, -from that circumstance has the name of “vervactum.”[357] This, too, -is equally necessary in the case of fallow land, by which term is -meant land that is sown only in alternate years. The oxen employed in -ploughing should be harnessed as tightly as possible, to make them -plough with their heads up; attention paid to this point will prevent -them from galling the neck. If it is among trees and vines that you are -ploughing, the oxen should be muzzled, to prevent them from eating off -the tender buds. There should be a small bill-hook, too, projecting -from the plough-tail, for the purpose of cutting up the roots; this -plan being preferable to that of turning them up with the share, and so -straining the oxen. When ploughing, finish the furrow at one spell, and -never stop to take breath in the middle. - -It is a fair day’s work to plough one jugerum, for the first time, nine -inches in depth; and the second time, one jugerum and a half—that is to -say, if it is an easy soil. If this, however, is not the case, it will -take a day to turn up half a jugerum for the first time, and a whole -jugerum the second; for Nature has set limits to the powers of animals -even. The furrows should be made, in every case, first in a straight -line, and then others should be drawn, crossing them obliquely.[358] -Upon a hill-side the furrows are drawn transversely[359] only, the -point of the share inclining upwards at one moment and downwards[360] -at another. Man, too, is so well fitted for labour, that he is able to -supply the place of the ox even; at all events, it is without the aid -of that animal that the mountain tribes plough, having only the hoe to -help them.[361] - -The ploughman, unless he stoops to his work, is sure to -prevaricate,[362] a word which has been transferred to the Forum, as a -censure upon those who transgress—at any rate, let those be on their -guard against it, where it was first employed. The share should be -cleaned every now and then with a stick pointed with a scraper. The -ridges that are left between every two furrows, should not be left in a -rough state, nor should large clods be left protruding from the ground. -A field is badly ploughed that stands in need of harrowing after the -seed is in; but the work has been properly done, when it is impossible -to say in which direction the share has gone. It is a good plan, too, -to leave a channel every now and then, if the nature of the spot -requires it, by making furrows of a larger size, to draw off the water -into the drains. - -(20.) After the furrows have been gone over again transversely, the -clods are broken, where there is a necessity for it, with either the -harrow or the rake;[363] and this operation is repeated after the -seed has been put in. This last harrowing is done, where the usage of -the locality will allow of it, with either a toothed harrow, or else a -plank attached to the plough. This operation of covering in the seed -is called “lirare,” from which is derived the word “deliratio.”[364] -Virgil,[365] it is generally thought, intends to recommend sowing after -_four_ ploughings, in the passage where he says that land will bear the -best crop, which has twice felt the sun and twice the cold. Where the -soil is dense, as in most parts of Italy, it is a still better plan to -go over the ground five times before sowing; in Etruria, they give the -land as many as nine ploughings first. The bean, however, and the vetch -may be sown with no risk, without turning up the land at all; which, of -course, is so much labour saved. - -We must not here omit to mention still one other method of ploughing, -which the devastations of warfare have suggested in Italy that lies -beyond the Padus. The Salassi,[366] when ravaging the territories which -lay at the foot of the Alps, made an attempt to lay waste the crops of -panic and millet that were just appearing above the ground. Finding, -however, that Nature resisted all their endeavours, they passed the -plough over the ground, the result of which was that the crops were -more abundant than ever; and this it was that first taught us the -method of ploughing in, expressed by the word “artrare,” otherwise -“aratrare,” in my opinion the original form. This is done either just -as the stem begins to develope itself, or else when it has put forth -as many as two or three leaves. Nor must we withhold from the reader -a more recent method, which was discovered the year but one before -this,[367] in the territory of the Treviri. The crops having been -nipped by the extreme severity of the winter, the people sowed the land -over again in the month of March, and had a most abundant harvest. - -We shall now proceed to a description of the peculiar methods employed -in cultivating each description of grain. - - - - -CHAP. 50. (21.)—THE METHODS OF HARROWING, STUBBING, AND HOEING, -EMPLOYED FOR EACH DESCRIPTION OF GRAIN. THE USE OF THE HARROW. - - -For winter wheat, spelt, wheat, zea,[368] and barley, harrow, hoe and -stub upon the days which will be mentioned[369] in the sequel. A single -hand per jugerum will be quite enough for any one of these kinds of -grain. The operation of hoeing loosens the ground in spring when it has -been hardened and saddened by the rigours of the winter, and admits -the early sun to the interior. In hoeing, every care must be taken not -to go beneath the roots of the corn; in the case of wheat, zea, and -barley, it is best to give a couple of hoeings. Stubbing,[370] when -the crop is just beginning to joint, cleanses it of all noxious weeds, -disengages the roots of the corn, and liberates the growing blade from -the clods. Among the leguminous plants, the chick-pea requires the same -treatment that spelt does. The bean requires no stubbing, being quite -able of itself to overpower all weeds; the lupine, too, is harrowed -only. Millet and panic are both harrowed and hoed; but this operation -is never repeated, and they do not require stubbing. Fenugreek and the -kidney-bean require harrowing only. - -There are some kinds of ground, the extreme fertility of which obliges -the grower to comb down the crops while in the blade—this is done with -a sort of harrow[371] armed with pointed iron teeth—and even then he -is obliged to depasture cattle upon them. When, however, the blade has -been thus eaten down, it stands in need of hoeing to restore it to its -former vigour. - -But in Bactria, and at Cyrenæ in Africa, all this trouble has been -rendered quite unnecessary by the indulgent benignity of the climate, -and after the seed is in, the owner has no occasion to return to the -field till the time has come for getting in the harvest. In those parts -the natural dryness of the soil prevents noxious weeds from springing -up, and, aided by the night dews alone, the soil supplies its nutriment -to the grain. Virgil[372] recommends that the ground should be left to -enjoy repose every other year; and this, no doubt, if the extent of -the farm will admit of it, is the most advantageous plan. If, however, -circumstances will not allow of it, spelt should be sown upon the -ground that has been first cropped with lupines, vetches, or beans; -for all these have a tendency to make the soil more fertile. We ought -to remark here more particularly, that here and there certain plants -are sown for the benefit of others, although, as already stated in the -preceding Book,[373] not to repeat the same thing over again, they are -of little value themselves. But it is the nature of each soil that is -of the greatest importance. - - - - -CHAP. 51. (22.)—EXTREME FERTILITY OF SOIL. - - -There is a city of Africa, situate in the midst of the sands as you -journey towards the Syrtes and Great Leptis, Tacape[374] by name. The -soil there, which is always well-watered, enjoys a degree of fertility -quite marvellous. Through this spot, which extends about three miles -each way, a spring of water flows—in great abundance it is true—but -still, it is only at certain hours that its waters are distributed -among the inhabitants. Here, beneath a palm of enormous size, grows -the olive, beneath the olive the fig, beneath the fig, again, the -pomegranate, beneath the pomegranate the vine, and beneath the vine -we find sown, first wheat, then the leguminous plants, and after them -garden herbs—all in the same year, and all growing beneath another’s -shade. Four cubits square of this same ground—the cubit[375] being -measured with the fingers contracted and not extended—sell at the rate -of four denarii.[376] But what is more surprising than all, is the fact -that here the vine bears twice, and that there are two vintages in the -year. Indeed, if the fertility of the soil were not distributed in this -way among a multitude of productions, each crop would perish from its -own exuberance: as it is, there is no part of the year that there is -not some crop or other being gathered in; and yet, it is a well-known -fact, that the people do nothing at all to promote this fruitfulness. - -There are very considerable differences, too, in the nature of water, -as employed for the purposes of irrigation. In the province of Gallia -Narbonensis there is a famous fountain, Orge by name; within it there -grow plants which are sought for with such eagerness by the cattle, -that they will plunge over head into the water to get at them; it is a -well ascertained[377] fact, however, that these plants, though growing -in the water, receive their nutriment only from the rains that fall. -It is as well then that every one should be fully acquainted with the -nature, not only of the soil, but of the water too. - - - - -CHAP. 52. (23.)—THE METHOD OF SOWING MORE THAN ONCE IN THE YEAR. - - -If the soil is of that nature which we have already[378] spoken of as -“tender,”[379] after a crop of barley has been grown upon it, millet -may be sown, and after the millet has been got in, rape. In succession -to these, again, barley may be put in, or else wheat, as in Campania; -and it will be quite enough, in such case, to plough the ground when -the seed is sown. There is another rotation again—when the ground has -been cropped with spelt,[380] it should lie fallow the four winter -months; after which, spring beans should be put in, to keep it occupied -till the time comes for cropping it with winter beans. Where the soil -is too rich, it may lie fallow one year, care being taken after sowing -it with corn to crop it with the leguminous plants the third year.[381] -Where, on the other hand, it is too thin, the land should lie fallow up -to the third year even. Some persons recommend that corn should never -be sown except in land which has lain fallow the year before. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—THE MANURING OF LAND. - - -The proper method of manuring is here a very important subject for -consideration—we have already treated of it at some length in the -preceding Book.[382] The only point that is universally agreed upon -is, that we must never sow without first manuring the ground; although -in this respect even there are certain rules to be observed. Millet, -panic, rape, and turnips should never be sown in any but a manured -soil. If, on the other hand, the land is not manured, sow wheat there -in preference to barley. The same, too, with fallow lands; though in -these it is generally recommended that beans should be sown. It should -be remembered, however, that wherever beans are sown, the land should -have been manured at as recent a period as possible. If it is intended -to crop ground in autumn, care must be taken to plough in manure in -the month of September, just after rain has fallen. In the same way, -too, if it is intended to sow in spring, the manure should be spread -in the winter. It is the rule to give eighteen cart-loads of manure to -each jugerum, and to spread it well before ploughing it in,[383] or -sowing the seed.[384] If this manuring, however, is omitted, it will -be requisite to spread the land with aviary dust just before hoeing -is commenced. To clear up any doubts with reference to this point, I -would here observe that the fair price for a cart-load of manure is one -denarius; where, too, sheep furnish one cart-load, the larger cattle -should furnish ten:[385] unless this result is obtained, it is a clear -proof that the husbandman has littered his cattle badly. - -There are some persons who are of opinion that the best method of -manuring land is to pen sheep there, with nets erected to prevent them -from straying. If land is not manured, it will get chilled; but if, on -the other hand, it is over-manured, it becomes burnt up: it is a much -better plan, too, to manure little and often than in excess. The warmer -the soil is by nature, the less manure it requires. - - - - -CHAP. 54. (24.)—HOW TO ASCERTAIN THE QUALITY OF SEED. - - -The best seed of all is that which is of the last year’s growth. That -which is two years old is inferior, and three the worst of all—beyond -that, it is unproductive.[386] The same definite rule which applies -to one kind of seed is applicable to them all: the seed which falls -to the bottom[387] on the threshing-floor, should be reserved for -sowing, for being the most weighty it is the best in quality: there is -no better method, in fact, of ascertaining its quality. The grains of -those ears which have intervals between the seed should be rejected. -The best grain is that which has a reddish hue,[388] and which, when -broken between the teeth, presents the same[389] colour; that which -has more white within is of inferior quality. It is a well-known fact -that some lands require more seed than others, from which circumstance -first arose a superstition that exists among the peasantry; it is their -belief that when the ground demands the seed with greater avidity -than usual, it is famished, and devours the grain. It is consistent -with reason to put in the seed where the soil is humid sooner than -elsewhere, to prevent the grain from rotting in the rain: on dry spots -it should be sown later, and just before the fall of a shower, so that -it may not have to lie long without germinating and so come to nothing. -When the seed is put in early it should be sown thick, as it is a -considerable time before it germinates; but when it is put in later, it -should be sown thinly, to prevent it from being suffocated. There is a -certain degree of skill, too, required in scattering the seed evenly; -to ensure this, the hand must keep time[390] with the step, moving -always with the right foot. There are certain persons, also, who have -a secret method[391] of their own, having been born[392] with a happy -hand which imparts fruitfulness to the grain. Care should be taken not -to sow seed in a warm locality which has been grown in a cold one, nor -should the produce of an early soil be sown in a late one. Those who -give advice to the contrary have quite misapplied their pains. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—WHAT QUANTITY OF EACH KIND OF GRAIN IS REQUISITE FOR SOWING A -JUGERUM. - - -[393] In a soil of middling quality, the proper proportion of seed is -five modii of wheat or winter-wheat to the jugerum, ten of spelt or of -seed-wheat—that being the name which we have mentioned[394] as being -given to one kind of wheat—six of barley, one-fifth more of beans than -of wheat, twelve of vetches, three of chick-pease, chicheling vetches, -and pease, ten of lupines, three of lentils—(these last, however, it is -said, must be sown with dry manure)—six of fitches, six of fenugreek, -four of kidney-beans, twenty of hay grass,[395] and four sextarii -of millet and panic. Where the soil is rich, the proportion must be -greater, where it is thin, less.[396] - -There is another distinction, too, to be made; where the soil is -dense, cretaceous, or moist, there should be six modii of wheat or -winter-wheat to the jugerum, but where the land is loose, dry, and -prolific, four will be enough. A meagre soil, too, if the crop is not -very thinly sown, will produce a diminutive, empty ear. Rich lands give -a number of stalks to each grain, and yield a thick crop from only a -light sowing. The result, then, is, that from four to six modii must be -sown, according to the nature of the soil; though there are some who -make it a rule that five modii is the proper proportion for sowing, -neither more nor less, whether it is a densely-planted locality, a -declivity, or a thin, meagre soil. To this subject bears reference an -oracular precept which never can be too carefully observed[397]—“Don’t -rob the harvest.”[398] Attius, in his Praxidicus,[399] has added that -the proper time for sowing is, when the moon is in Aries, Gemini, Leo, -Libra, and Aquarius. Zoroaster says it should be done when the sun has -passed twelve degrees of Scorpio, and the moon is in Taurus. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—THE PROPER TIMES FOR SOWING. - - -We now come to a subject which has been hitherto deferred by us, and -which requires our most careful attention—the proper times for sowing. -This is a question that depends in a very great degree upon the stars; -and I shall therefore make it my first care to set forth all the -opinions that have been written in reference to the subject. Hesiod, -the first writer who has given any precepts upon agriculture, speaks -of one period only for sowing—the setting of the Vergiliæ: but then -he wrote in Bœotia, a country of Hellas, where, as we have already -stated,[400] they are still in the habit of sowing at that period. - -It is generally agreed by the most correct writers, that with the -earth, as with the birds and quadrupeds, there are certain impulses -for reproduction; and the epoch for this is fixed by the Greeks at -the time when the earth is warm and moist. Virgil[401] says that -wheat and spelt should be sown at the setting of the Vergiliæ, barley -between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice, and vetches,[402] -kidney-beans, and lentils at the setting of Boötes:[403] it is of great -importance, therefore, to ascertain the exact days of the rising and -setting of these constellations, as well as of the others. There are -some, again, who recommend the sowing to be done before the setting -of the Vergiliæ, but only in a dry soil, and in those provinces where -the weather is hot; for the seed, they say,[404] if put in the ground -will keep, there being no moisture to spoil it, and within a single day -after the next fall of rain, will make its appearance above ground. -Others, again, are of opinion that sowing should begin about seven days -after the setting of the Vergiliæ, a period which is mostly followed by -rain. Some think that cold soils should be sown immediately after the -autumnal equinox, and a warm soil later, so that the blade may not put -forth too luxuriantly before winter. - -It is universally agreed, however, that the sowing should not be done -about the period of the winter solstice; for this very good reason—the -winter seeds, if put in before the winter solstice, will make their -appearance above ground on the seventh day, whereas, if they are sown -just after it, they will hardly appear by the fortieth. There are some, -however, who begin very early, and have a saying to justify their -doing so, to the effect that if seed sown too early often disappoints, -seed put in too late always does so. On the other hand, again, there -are some who maintain that it is better to sow in spring than in a -bad autumn; and they say that if they find themselves obliged to sow -in spring, they would choose the period that intervenes between the -prevalence of the west winds[405] and the vernal equinox. Some persons, -however, take no notice of the celestial phenomena, and only regulate -their movements by the months. In spring they put in flax, the oat, and -the poppy, up to the feast of the Quinquatria,[406] as we find done at -the present day by the people of Italy beyond the Padus. There, too, -they sow beans and winter-wheat in the month of November, and spelt at -the end of September, up to the ides of October:[407] others, however, -sow this last after the ides of October, as late as the calends of -November.[408] - -The persons who do this take no notice, consequently, of the phenomena -of Nature, while others, again, lay too much stress upon them, and -hence, by these refined subtleties and distinctions, only add to their -blindness; for here are ignorant rustics, not only dealing with a -branch of learning, but that branch astronomy! It must still, however, -be admitted that the observation of the heavens plays a very important -part in the operations of agriculture; and Virgil,[409] we find, -gives it as his advice, that before any thing else, we should learn -the theory of the winds, and the revolutions of the stars; for, as he -says, the agriculturist, no less than the mariner, should regulate his -movements thereby. It is an arduous attempt, and almost beyond all hope -of success, to make an endeavour to introduce the divine science of the -heavens to the uninformed mind of the rustic; still, however, with a -view to such vast practical results as must be derived from this kind -of knowledge, I shall make the attempt. There are some astronomical -difficulties, however, which have been experienced by the learned even, -that ought to be first submitted for consideration, in order that -the mind may feel some encouragement on abandoning the study of the -heavens, and may be acquainted with facts at least, even though it is -still unable to see into futurity. - - - - -CHAP. 57. (25.)—ARRANGEMENT OF THE STARS ACCORDING TO THE TERRESTRIAL -DAYS AND NIGHTS. - - -In the first place, it is almost an utter impossibility to calculate -with a fair degree of accuracy the days of the year and the movements -of the sun. To the three hundred and sixty-five days there are still to -be added the intercalary days, the result of the additional quarters of -a day and night: hence it is, that it is found impossible to ascertain -with exactness the proper periods for the appearance of the stars. To -this we must add, too, a certain degree of uncertainty connected with -these matters, that is universally admitted; thus, for instance, bad -and wintry weather will often precede, by several days, the proper -period for the advent of that season, a state of things known to the -Greeks as προχειμάζειν;[410] while at another time, it will last longer -than usual, a state of circumstances known as ἐπιχειμάζειν.[411] The -effects, too, of the changes that take place in the seasons will -sometimes be felt later, and at other times earlier, upon their -reaching the face of the earth; and we not unfrequently hear the remark -made, upon the return of fine weather, that the action of such and such -a constellation is now completed.[412] And then, again, as all these -phænomena depend upon certain stars, arranged and regulated in the -vault of heaven, we find intervening, in accordance with the movements; -of certain stars, hailstorms and showers, themselves productive of no -slight results, as we have already observed,[413] and apt to interfere -with the anticipated regular recurrence of the seasons. Nor are we to -suppose that these disappointments fall upon the human race only, for -other animated beings, as well as ourselves, are deceived in regard -to them, although endowed with even a greater degree of sagacity -upon these points than we are, from the fact of their very existence -depending so materially upon them. Hence it is, that we sometimes -see the summer birds killed by too late or too early cold, and the -winter birds by heat coming out of the usual season. It is for this -reason, that Virgil[414] has recommended us to study the courses of the -planets, and has particularly warned us to watch the passage of the -cold star Saturn. - -There are some who look upon the appearance of the butterfly as the -surest sign of spring, because of the extreme delicacy of that insect. -In this present year,[415] however, in which I am penning these lines, -it has been remarked that the flights of butterflies have been killed -three several times, by as many returns of the cold; while the foreign -birds, which brought us by the sixth of the calends of February[416] -every indication of an early spring, after that had to struggle against -a winter of the greatest severity. In treating of these matters, we -have to meet a twofold difficulty: first of all, we have to ascertain -whether or not the celestial phænomena are regulated by certain laws, -and then we have to seek how to reconcile those laws with apparent -facts. We must, however, be more particularly careful to take into -account the convexity of the earth, and the differences of situation -in the localities upon the face of the globe; for hence it is, that -the same constellation shows itself to different nations at different -times, the result being, that its influence is by no means perceptible -everywhere at the same moment. This difficulty has been considerably -enhanced, too, by various authors, who, after making their observations -in different localities, and indeed, in some instances, in the same -locality, have yet given us varying or contradictory results. - -There have been three great schools of astronomy, the Chaldæan, the -Ægyptian, and the Grecian. To these has been added a fourth school, -which was established by the Dictator Cæsar among ourselves, and to -which was entrusted the duty of regulating the year in conformity -with the sun’s revolution,[417] under the auspices of Sosigenes, -an astronomer of considerable learning and skill. His theory, too, -upon the discovery of certain errors, has since been corrected, no -intercalations having been made for twelve[418] successive years, -upon its being found that the year which before had anticipated the -constellations, was now beginning to fall behind them. Even Sosigenes -himself, too, though more correct than his predecessors, has not -hesitated to show, by his continual corrections in the three several -treatises which he composed, that he still entertained great doubts -on the subject. The writers, too, whose names are inserted at the -beginning of this work,[419] have sufficiently revealed the fact of -these discrepancies, the opinions of one being rarely found to agree -with those of another. This, however, is less surprising in the case -of those whose plea is the difference of the localities in which they -wrote. But with reference to those who, though living in the same -country, have still arrived at different results, we shall here mention -one remarkable instance of discrepancy. Hesiod—for under his name, -also, we have a treatise extant on the Science of the Stars[420]—has -stated that the morning setting of the Vergiliæ takes place at the -moment of the autumnal equinox; whereas Thales, we find, makes it the -twenty-fifth day after the equinox, Anaximander the twenty-ninth, and -Euctemon the forty-eighth. - -As for ourselves, we shall follow the calculations made by Julius -Cæsar,[421] which bear reference more particularly to Italy; though at -the same time, we shall set forth the dicta of various other writers, -bearing in mind that we are treating not of an individual country, -but of Nature considered in her totality. In doing this, however, we -shall name, not the writers themselves, for that would be too lengthy -a task, but the countries in reference to which they speak. The reader -must bear in mind, then, that for the sake of saving space, under the -head of Attica, we include the islands of the Cyclades as well; under -that of Macedonia, Magnesia and Thracia; under that of Egypt, Phœnice, -Cyprus, and Cilicia; under that of Bœotia, Locris, Phocis, and the -adjoining countries; under that of Hellespont, Chersonesus, and the -contiguous parts as far as Mount Athos; under that of Ionia, Asia[422] -and the islands of Asia; under that of Peloponnesus, Achaia, and the -regions lying to the west of it. Chaldæa, when mentioned, will signify -Assyria and Babylonia, as well. - -My silence as to Africa,[423] Spain, and the provinces of Gaul, will -occasion no surprise, from the fact that no one has published any -observations made upon the stars in those countries. Still, however, -there will be no difficulty in calculating them, even for these regions -as well, on reference being made to the parallels which have been set -forth in the Sixth Book.[424] By adopting this course, an accurate -acquaintance may be made with the astronomical relations, not only of -individual nations, but of cities even as well. By taking the circular -parallels which we have there appended to the several portions of the -earth respectively, and applying them to the countries in question, -that are similarly situate, it will be found that the rising of the -heavenly bodies will be the same for all parts within those parallels, -where the shadows projected are of equal length. It is also deserving -of remark, that the seasons have their periodical recurrences, without -any marked difference, every four years, in consequence of the -influence[425] of the sun, and that the characteristics of the seasons -are developed in excess every eighth year, at the revolution of every -hundredth moon. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE RISING AND SETTING OF THE STARS. - - -The whole of this system is based upon the observation of three -branches of the heavenly phænomena, the rising of the constellations, -their setting, and the regular recurrence of the seasons. These risings -and settings may be observed in two different ways:—The stars are -either concealed, and cease to be seen at the rising of the sun, or -else present themselves to our view at his setting—this last being more -generally known by the name of “emersion” than of “rising,” while their -disappearance is rather an “occultation” than a “setting.”—Considered, -again, in another point of view, when upon certain days they begin to -appear or disappear, at the setting or the rising of the sun, as the -case may be, these are called their morning or their evening settings -or risings, according as each of these phænomena takes place at -day-break or twilight. It requires an interval of three quarters of an -hour at least before the rising of the sun or after his setting, for -the stars to be visible to us. In addition to this, there are certain -stars which rise and set twice.[426] All that we here state bears -reference, it must be remembered, to the fixed stars only. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—THE EPOCHS OF THE SEASONS. - - -The year is divided into four periods or seasons, the recurrence of -which is indicated by the increase or diminution of the daylight. -Immediately after the winter solstice the days begin to increase, -and by the time of the vernal equinox, or in other words, in ninety -days and three hours, the day is equal in length to the night. After -this, for ninety-four days and twelve hours, the days continue -to increase, and the nights to diminish in proportion, up to the -summer solstice; and from that point the days, though gradually -decreasing, are still in excess of the nights for ninety-two days, -twelve hours, until the autumnal equinox. At this period the days -are of equal length with the nights, and after it they continue to -decrease inversely to the nights until the winter solstice, a period -of eighty-eight days and three hours. In all these calculations, it -must be remembered, equinoctial[427] hours are spoken of, and not -those measured arbitrarily in reference to the length of any one day -in particular. All these seasons, too, commence at the eighth degree -of the signs of the Zodiac. The winter solstice begins at the eighth -degree of Capricorn, the eighth[428] day before the calends of January, -in general;[429] the vernal equinox at the eighth degree of Aries; -the summer solstice, at the eighth degree of Cancer; and the autumnal -equinox at the eighth degree of Libra: and it is rarely that these -days do not respectively give some indication of a change in the -weather. - -These four seasons again, are subdivided, each of them, into two -equal parts. Thus, for instance, between the summer solstice and the -autumnal equinox, the setting of the Lyre,[430] on the forty-sixth -day, indicates the beginning of autumn; between the autumnal equinox -and the winter solstice, the morning setting of the Vergiliæ, on the -forty-fourth day, denotes the beginning of winter; between the winter -solstice and the vernal equinox, the prevalence of the west winds on -the forty-fifth day, denotes the commencement of spring; and between -the vernal equinox and the summer solstice, the morning rising of -the Vergiliæ, on the forty-eighth day, announces the commencement -of summer. We shall here make seed-time, or in other words, the -morning setting of the Vergiliæ, our starting-point;[431] and shall -not interrupt the thread of our explanation by making any mention of -the minor constellations, as such a course would only augment the -difficulties that already exist. It is much about this period that the -stormy constellation of Orion departs, after traversing a large portion -of the heavens.[432] - - - - -CHAP. 60.—THE PROPER TIME FOR WINTER SOWING. - - -Most persons anticipate the proper time for sowing, and begin to put in -the corn immediately after the eleventh day of the autumnal equinox, -at the rising of the Crown, when we may reckon, almost to a certainty, -upon several days of rainy weather in succession. Xenophon[433] is of -opinion, that sowing should not be commenced until the Deity has given -us the signal for it, a term by which Cicero understands the rains -that prevail in November. The true method to be adopted, however, is -not to sow until the leaves begin to fall. Some persons are of opinion -that this takes place at the setting of the Vergiliæ, or the third -day before the ides of November, as already stated,[434] and they -carefully observe it, for it is a constellation very easily remarked -in the heavens, and warns us to resume our winter clothes.[435] Hence -it is, that immediately on its setting, the approach of winter is -expected, and care is taken by those who are on their guard against -the exorbitant charges of the shop-keepers, to provide themselves with -an appropriate dress. If the Vergiliæ set with cloudy weather, it -forebodes a rainy winter, and the prices of cloaks[436] immediately -rise; but if, on the other hand, the weather is clear at that period, a -sharp winter is to be expected, and then the price of garments of other -descriptions is sure to go up. But as to the husbandman, unacquainted -as he is with the phænomena of the heavens, his brambles are to him -in place of constellations, and if he looks at the ground he sees it -covered with their leaves. This fall of the leaves, earlier in one -place and later in another, is a sure criterion of the temperature -of the weather; for there is a great affinity between the effects -produced by the weather in this respect, and the nature of the soil -and climate. There is this peculiar advantage, too, in the careful -observation of these effects, that they are sure to be perceptible -throughout the whole earth, while at the same time they have certain -features which are peculiar to each individual locality.—A person may -perhaps be surprised at this, who does not bear in mind that the herb -pennyroyal,[437] which is hung up in our larders, always blossoms on -the day of the winter solstice; so firmly resolved is Nature that -nothing shall remain concealed from us, and in that spirit has given us -the fall of the leaf as the signal for sowing. - -Such is the true method of interpreting all these phænomena, granted -to us by Nature as a manifestation of her will. It is in this way that -she warns us to prepare the ground, makes us a promise of a manure, as -it were, in the fall of the leaves, announces to us that the earth and -the productions thereof are thus protected by her against the cold, and -warns us to hasten the operations of agriculture. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—WHEN TO SOW THE LEGUMINOUS PLANTS AND THE POPPY. - - -Varro[438] has given no other sign but this[439] for our guidance in -sowing the bean. Some persons are of opinion that it should be sown at -full moon, the lentil between the twenty-fifth and thirtieth day of -the moon, and the vetch on the same days of the moon; and they assure -us that if this is done they will be exempt from the attacks of slugs. -Some say, however, that if wanted for fodder, they may be sown at -these periods, but if for seed, in the spring. There is another sign, -more evident still, supplied us by the marvellous foresight of Nature, -with reference to which we will give the words employed by Cicero[440] -himself: - - “The lentisk, ever green and ever bent - Beneath its fruits, affords a threefold crop: - Thrice teeming, thrice it warns us when to plough.” - -One of the periods here alluded to, is the same that is now under -consideration, being the appropriate time also for sowing flax and -the poppy.[441] With reference to this last, Cato gives the following -advice: “Burn, upon land where corn has been grown, the twigs and -branches which are of no use to you, and when that is done, sow the -poppy there.” The wild poppy, which is of an utility that is quite -marvellous, is boiled in honey as a remedy for diseases in the -throat,[442] while the cultivated kind is a powerful narcotic. Thus -much in reference to winter sowing. - - - - -CHAP. 62.—WORK TO BE DONE IN THE COUNTRY IN EACH MONTH RESPECTIVELY. - - -And now, in order to complete what we may call in some measure an -abridgment of the operations of agriculture, it is as well to add -that it will be a good plan at the same period to manure the roots of -trees, and to mould up the vines—a single hand being sufficient for -one jugerum. Where, too, the nature of the locality will allow it, the -vines, and the trees upon which they are trained, should be lopped, and -the soil turned up with the mattock for seed plots; trenches, too, -should be opened out, and the water drained from off the fields, and -the presses[443] should be well washed and put away. Never put eggs -beneath the hen between the calends of November[444] and the winter -solstice:[445] during all the summer and up to the calends of November, -you may put thirteen under the hen; but the number must be smaller in -winter, not less than nine, however. Democritus is of opinion, that -the winter will turn out of the same character[446] as the weather -on the day of the winter solstice and the three succeeding days; the -same too with the summer and the weather at the summer solstice. -About the winter solstice, for about twice seven days mostly, while -the halcyon[447] is sitting, the winds are lulled, and the weather -serene;[448] but in this case, as in all others, the influence of the -stars must only be judged of by the result, and we must not expect the -changes of the weather, as if out upon their recognizances,[449] to -make their appearance exactly on certain predetermined days. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—WORK TO BE DONE AT THE WINTER SOLSTICE. - - -Be careful never to touch the vine at the winter solstice. Hyginus -recommends us to strain and even rack-off wine at the seventh day after -the winter solstice, provided the moon is seven days old. About this -period, also, the cherry-tree, he says, should be planted. Acorns, -too, should now be put in soak for the oxen, a modius for each pair. -If given in larger quantities, this food will prove injurious to their -health; and whenever it is given, if they are fed with it for less than -thirty days in succession, an attack of scab in the spring, it is said, -will be sure to make you repent. - -This, too, is the period that we have already assigned[450] for -cutting timber—other kinds of work, again, may be found for the hours -of the night, which are then so greatly prolonged. There are baskets, -hurdles, and panniers to be woven, and wood to be cut for torches: -squared stays[451] for the vine may be prepared, too, thirty in the day -time, and if rounded,[452] as many as sixty. In the long hours of the -evening, too, some five squared stays, or ten rounded ones may be got -ready, and the same number while the day is breaking. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—WORK TO BE DONE BETWEEN THE WINTER SOLSTICE AND THE -PREVALENCE OF THE WEST WINDS. - - -Between the winter solstice and the period when the west winds begin -to prevail, the following, according to Cæsar, are the more important -signs afforded by the constellations: the Dog sets in the morning, upon -the third[453] day before the calends of January; a day on the evening -of which the Eagle sets to the people of Attica and the adjoining -countries. On the day before[454] the nones of January, according to -Cæsar’s computation, the Dolphin rises in the morning, and on the -next day, the Lyre, upon the evening of which the Arrow sets to the -people of Egypt. Upon the sixth[455] day before the ides of January, -the Dolphin sets in the evening, and Italy has many days of continuous -cold; the same is the case also when the sun enters Aquarius, about the -sixteenth[456] day before the calends of February. On the eighth[457] -before the calends of February, the star which Tubero calls the Royal -Star[458] sets in the morning in the breast of Leo, and in the evening -of the day before[459] the nones of February, the Lyre sets. - -During the latter days of this period, whenever the nature of the -weather will allow of it, the ground should be turned up with a double -mattock, for planting the rose and the vine—sixty men to a jugerum. -Ditches, too, should be cleaned out, or new ones made; and the time of -day-break may be usefully employed in sharpening iron tools, fitting on -handles, repairing such dolia[460] as may have been broken, and rubbing -up and cleaning their staves. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—WORK TO BE DONE BETWEEN THE PREVALENCE OF THE WEST WINDS AND -THE VERNAL EQUINOX. - - -Between the prevalence of the west winds and the vernal equinox, -the fourteenth day before[461] the calends of March, according to -Cæsar, announces three days of changeable weather; the same is the -case, too, with the eighth[462] before the calends of March, at the -first appearance of the swallow, Arcturus rising on the evening of -the next day. Cæsar has observed, that the same takes place on the -third[463] before the nones of March, at the rising of Cancer; and -most authorities say the same with reference to the emersion of the -Vintager.[464] On the eighth[465] before the ides of March, the -northern limb of Pisces[466] rises, and on the next day Orion, at which -period also, in Attica, the Kite is first seen. Cæsar has noted, too, -the setting of Scorpio on the ides of March,[467] a day that was so -fatal to him; and on the fifteenth[468] before the calends of April, -the Kite appears in Italy. On the twelfth[469] before the calends of -April, the Horse sets in the morning. - -This interval of time is a period of extreme activity for the -agriculturist, and affords him a great number of occupations, in -reference to which, however, he is extremely liable to be deceived. He -is summoned to the commencement of these labours, not upon the day on -which the west winds ought to begin, but upon the day on which they -really do begin, to blow. This moment then must be looked for with -the most careful attention, as it is a signal which the Deity has -vouchsafed us in this month, attended with no doubts or equivocations, -if only looked for with scrupulous care. We have already stated in the -Second Book,[470] the quarter in which this wind blows, and the exact -point from which it comes, and before long we shall have occasion to -speak of it again still more in detail. - -In the mean time, however, setting out from the day, whatever it may -happen to be, on which the west winds begin to prevail (for it is not -always on the seventh before the ides of February[471] that they do -begin), whether, in fact, they begin to blow before the usual time, as -is the case with an early spring, or whether after, which generally -happens when the winter is prolonged—there are subjects innumerable to -engage the attention of the agriculturist, and those, of course, should -be the first attended to, which will admit of no delay. Three month -wheat must now be sown, the vine pruned in the way we have already[472] -described, the olive carefully attended to, fruit-trees put in and -grafted, vineyards cleaned and hoed, seedlings laid out, and replaced -in the nursery by others, the reed, the willow, and the broom planted -and lopped, and the elm, the poplar, and the plane planted in manner -already mentioned. At this period, also, the crops of corn ought to -be weeded,[473] and the winter kinds, spelt more particularly, well -hoed. In doing this, there is a certain rule to be observed, the proper -moment being when four blades have made their appearance, and with the -bean this should never be done until three leaves have appeared above -ground; even then, however, it is a better plan to clean them only with -a slight hoeing, in preference to digging up the ground—but in no case -should they ever be touched the first fifteen days of their blossom. -Barley must never be hoed except when it is quite dry: take care, too, -to have all the pruning done by the vernal equinox. Four men will be -sufficient for pruning a jugerum of vineyard, and each hand will be -able to train fifteen vines to their trees.[474] - -At this period, too, attention should be paid to the gardens and -rose-beds, subjects which will be separately treated of in succeeding -Books; due care should be given to ornamental gardening as well. It is -now, too, the very best time for making ditches. The ground should now -be opened for future purposes, as we find recommended by Virgil[475] -in particular, in order that the sun may thoroughly warm the clods. It -is a piece of even more sound advice, which recommends us to plough no -lands in the middle of spring but those of middling quality; for if -this is done with a rich soil, weeds will be sure to spring up in the -furrows immediately; and if, on the other hand, it is a thin, meagre -land, as soon as the heat comes on, it will be dried up, and so lose -all the moisture which should be reserved to nourish the seed when -sown. It is a much better plan, beyond a doubt, to plough such soils as -these in autumn. - -Cato[476] lays down the following rules for the operations of spring. -“Ditches,” he says, “should be dug in the seed-plots, vines should be -grafted, and the elm, the fig, the olive, and other fruit-trees planted -in dense and humid soils. Such meadows[477] as are not irrigated, -must be manured in a dry moon, protected from the western blasts, and -carefully cleaned: noxious weeds must be rooted up, fig-trees cleared, -new seed-plots made, and the old ones dressed: all this should be done -before you begin to hoe the vineyard. When the pear is in blossom, too, -you should begin to plough, where it is a meagre gravelly soil. When -you have done all this, you may plough the more heavy, watery soils, -doing this the last of all.” - -The proper time for ploughing, then,[478] is denoted by these two -signs, the earliest fruit of the lentisk[479] making its appearance, -and the blossoming of the pear. There is a third sign however, as -well, the flowering of the squill among the bulbous,[480] and of the -narcissus among the garland, plants. For both the squill and the -narcissus, as well as the lentisk, flower three times, denoting by -their first flowering the first period for ploughing, by the second -flowering the second, and by the third flowering the last; in this -way it is that one thing affords hints for another. There is one -precaution, too, that is by no means the least important among them -all, not to let ivy touch the bean while in blossom; for at this -period the ivy is noxious[481] to it, and most baneful in its effects. -Some plants, again afford certain signs which bear reference more -particularly to themselves, the fig for instance; when a few leaves -only are found shooting from the summit, like a cup in shape, then it -is more particularly that the fig-tree should be planted. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—WORK TO BE DONE AFTER THE VERNAL EQUINOX. - - -The vernal equinox appears to end on the eighth[482] day before the -calends of April. Between the equinox and the morning rising of the -Vergiliæ, the calends[483] of April announce, according to Cæsar, -[stormy weather].[484] Upon the third[485] before the nones of April, -the Vergiliæ set in the evening in Attica, and the day after in -Bœotia, but according to Cæsar and the Chaldæans, upon the nones.[486] -In Egypt, at this time, Orion and his Sword begin to set. According -to Cæsar, the setting of Libra on the sixth before[487] the ides of -April announces rain. On the fourteenth before[488] the calends of -May, the Suculæ set to the people of Egypt in the evening, a stormy -constellation, and significant of tempests both by land and sea. -This constellation sets on the sixteenth[489] in Attica, and on the -fifteenth, according to Cæsar, announcing four days of bad weather in -succession: in Assyria it sets upon the twelfth[490] before the calends -of May. This constellation has ordinarily the name of Parilicium, -from the circumstance that the eleventh[491] before the calends of -May is observed as the natal day of the City of Rome; upon this day, -too, fine weather generally returns, and gives us a clear sky for our -observations. The Greeks call the Suculæ by the name of “Hyades,”[492] -in consequence of the rain and clouds which they bring with them; -while our people, misled by the resemblance of the Greek name to -another word[493] of theirs, meaning a “pig,” have imagined that the -constellation receives its name from that word, and have consequently -given it, in their ignorance, the name of “Suculæ,” or the “Little -Pigs.” - -In the calculations made by Cæsar, the eighth[494] before the calends -of May is a day remarked, and on the seventh[495] before the calends, -the constellation of the Kids rises in Egypt. On the sixth before[496] -the calends, the Dog sets in the evening in Bœotia and Attica, and the -Lyre rises in the morning. On the fifth[497] before the calends of May, -Orion has wholly set to the people of Assyria, and on the fourth[498] -before the calends the Dog. On the sixth before[499] the nones of May, -the Suculæ rise in the morning, according to the calculation of Cæsar, -and on the eighth before[500] the ides, the She-goat, which announces -rain. In Egypt the Dog sets in the evening of the same day. Such are -pretty nearly the movements of the constellations up to the sixth -before[501] the ides of May, the period of the rising of the Vergiliæ. - -In this interval of time, during the first fifteen days, the -agriculturist must make haste and do all the work for which he has not -been able to find time before the vernal equinox; and he should bear -in mind that those who are late in pruning their vines are exposed -to jibes and taunts, in imitation of the note of the bird of passage -known to us as the cuckoo.[502] For it is looked upon as a disgrace, -and one that subjects him to well-merited censure, for that bird, upon -its arrival, to find him only then pruning his vines. Hence it is, -too, that we find those cutting jokes,[503] of which our peasantry are -the object, at the beginning of spring. Still, however, all such jokes -are to be looked upon as most abominable, from the ill omens[504] they -convey. - -In this way, then, we see that, in agricultural operations, the most -trifling things are construed as so many hints supplied us by Nature. -The latter part of this period is the proper time for sowing panic -and millet; the precise moment, however, is just after the barley has -ripened. In the case of the very same land, too, there is one sign that -points in common both to the ripening of the barley and the sowing of -panic and millet—the appearance of the glow-worm, shining in the fields -at night. “Cicindelæ”[505] is the name given by the country people to -these flying stars, while the Greeks call them “lampyrides,”—another -manifestation of the incredible bounteousness of Nature. - - - - -CHAP. 67. (27.)—WORK TO BE DONE AFTER THE RISING OF THE VERGILIÆ: -HAY-MAKING. - - -Nature had already formed the Vergiliæ, a noble group of stars, in the -heavens; but not content with these, she has made others as well for -the face of the earth, crying aloud, as it were:[506] “Why contemplate -the heavens, husbandman? Why, rustic, look up at the stars? Do not the -nights already afford you a sleep too brief for your fatigues? Behold -now! I scatter stars amid the grass for your service, and I reveal them -to you in the evening, as you return from your work; and that you may -not disregard them, I call your attention to this marvel. Do you not -see how the wings of this insect cover a body bright and shining like -fire, and how that body gives out light in the hours of the night even? -I have given you plants to point out to you the hours, and, that you -may not have to turn your eyes from the earth, even to view the sun, -the heliotropium and the lupine have been made by me to move with his -movements. Why then still look upwards, and scan the face of heaven? -Behold, here before your very feet are your Vergiliæ; upon a certain -day do they make their appearance, and for a certain time do they stay. -Equally certain, too, it is that of that constellation they are the -offspring. Whoever, then, shall put in his summer seeds before they -have made their appearance, will infallibly find himself in the wrong.” - -It is in this interval, too, that the little bee comes forth, and -announces that the bean is about to blossom; for it is the bean -in flower that summons it forth. We will here give another sign, -which tells us when the cold is gone; as soon as ever you see the -mulberry[507] in bud, you have no occasion to fear any injury from the -rigour of the weather. - -It is the time, now, to put in cuttings of the olive, to clear away -between the olive-trees, and, in the earlier days of the equinox, to -irrigate the meadows. As soon, however, as the grass puts forth a -stem, you must shut off the water from the fields.[508] You must now -lop the leafy branches of the vine, it being the rule that this should -be done as soon as the branches have attained four fingers in length; -one labourer will be sufficient for a jugerum. The crops of corn, too, -should be hoed over again, an operation which lasts twenty days. It is -generally thought, however, that it is injurious to both vine and corn -to begin hoeing directly after the equinox. This is the proper time, -too, for washing sheep. - -After the rising of the Vergiliæ the more remarkable signs are, -according to Cæsar, the morning rising of Arcturus, which takes -place on the following day;[509] and the rising of the Lyre on the -third[510] before the ides of May. The She-goat sets in the evening of -the twelfth before[511] the calends of June, and in Attica the Dog. -On the eleventh[512] before the calends of June, according to Cæsar, -Orion’s Sword begins to appear; and, according to the same writer, -on the fourth[513] before the nones of June the Eagle rises in the -evening, and in Assyria as well. On the seventh[514] before the ides -of June Arcturus sets in the morning to the people of Italy, and on -the fourth[515] before the ides the Dolphin rises in the evening. On -the seventeenth[516] before the calends of July Orion’s Sword rises in -Italy, and, four days later, in Egypt. On the eleventh[517] before the -calends of July, according to Cæsar’s reckoning, Orion’s Sword begins -to set; and the eighth[518] before the calends of July, the longest day -in the year, with the shortest night, brings us to the summer solstice. - -In this interval of time the vine should be cleared of its superfluous -branches, and care taken to give an old vine one turning up at the -roots, a young tree two. Sheep, too, are sheared at this period, -lupines turned up for manuring the land, the ground dug, vetches cut -for fodder, and beans gathered in and threshed. - -(28.) About the calends of June[519] the meadows are mown; the -cultivation of which, the one which is the easiest of all, and -requires the smallest outlay, leads me to enter into some further -details relative to it. Meadow lands should be selected in a rich, -or else a moist or well-watered, soil, and care should be taken to -drain the rain-water upon them from the high-road. The best method -of ensuring a good crop of grass, is first to plough the land, and -then to harrow it: but, before passing the harrow over it, the ground -should be sprinkled with such seed as may have fallen from the hay in -the hay-lofts and mangers. The land should not be watered, however, -the first year,[520] nor should cattle be put to graze upon it before -the second hay-harvest, for fear lest the blade should be torn up by -the roots, or be trodden down and stunted in its growth. Meadow land -will grow old in time, and it requires to be renovated every now and -then, by sowing upon it a crop of beans, or else rape or millet, after -which it should be sown the next year with corn, and then left for hay -the third. Care, too, should be taken, every time the grass is cut, to -pass the sickle over the ground, and so cut the aftermath which the -mowers have left behind; for it is a very bad plan to leave any of the -grass and let it shed its seed there. The best crop for meadow land is -trefoil,[521] and the next best is grass;[522] nummulus[523] is the -very worst of all, as it bears a pod which is particularly injurious; -equisætis,[524] too, which derives its name from its resemblance to -horse-hair, is of a noxious character. The proper time for mowing grass -is when the ear begins to shed its blossom and to grow strong: care -must be taken to cut it before it becomes dry and parched. “Don’t mow -your hay too late,” says Cato;[525] “but cut it before the seed is -ripe.” Some persons turn the water upon it the day before mowing, where -it is practicable to do so. It is the best plan to cut hay in the night -while the dews are falling.[526] In some parts of Italy the mowing is -not done till after harvest. - -This operation, too, was a very expensive one in ancient times. In -those days the only whetstones[527] known were those of Crete and other -places beyond sea, and they only used oil to sharpen the scythe with. -For this purpose the mower moved along, with a horn, to hold the oil, -fastened to his thigh. Italy has since furnished us with whetstones -which are used with water, and give an edge to the iron quite equal -to that imparted by the file; these water-whetstones, however, turn -green very quickly. Of the scythe[528] there are two varieties; the -Italian,[529] which is considerably shorter than the other, and can -be handled among underwood even; and the Gallic, which makes quicker -work[530] of it, when employed on extensive domains, for there they -cut the grass in the middle only, and pass over the shorter blades. -The Italian mowers cut with one hand only. It is a fair day’s work -for one man to cut a jugerum of grass, and for another to bind twelve -hundred sheaves of four pounds each. When the grass is cut it should -be turned towards the sun, and must never be stacked until it is quite -dry. If this last precaution is not carefully taken, a kind of vapour -will be seen arising from the rick in the morning, and as soon as the -sun is up it will ignite to a certainty, and so be consumed. When -the grass has been cut, the meadow must be irrigated again, for the -purpose of ensuring a crop in the autumn, known to us as the “cordum,” -or aftermath. At Interamna in Umbria the grass is cut four times[531] -a-year, and this although the meadows there are not irrigated,—in most -places, three. After all this has been done, too, the pasturage of the -land is found no less lucrative than the hay it has produced. This, -however, is a matter of consideration for those more particularly who -rear large herds of cattle, and every one whose occupation it is to -breed beasts of burden, will have his own opinions upon the subject: it -is found, however, the most lucrative of all by those whose business it -is to train chariot-horses. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—THE SUMMER SOLSTICE. - - -We have already stated[532] that the summer solstice arrives at the -eighth degree of Cancer, and upon the eighth day before[533] the -calends of July: this is an important crisis in the year, and of great -interest to the whole earth. Up to this period from the time of the -winter solstice the days have gone on increasing, and the sun has -continued for six months making his ascension towards the north; having -now surmounted the heights of the heavens, at this point he reaches the -goal, and after doing so, commences his return towards the south; the -consequence of which is, that for the next six months he increases the -nights and subtracts from the length of the days. From this period, -then, it is the proper time to gather in and store away the various -crops in succession, and so make all due preparations for the rigour -and severity of the winter. - -It was only to be expected that Nature should point out to us the -moment of this change by certain signs of an indubitable character; -and she has accordingly placed them beneath the very hands of the -agriculturist, bidding the leaves turn round[534] upon that day, and -so denote that the luminary has now run its course. And it is not the -leaves of trees only that are wild and far remote that do this, nor -have those persons who are on the look-out for these signs to go into -devious forests and mountain tracts to seek them. Nor yet, on the other -hand, are they to be seen in the leaves of trees only that are grown -in the vicinity of cities or reared by the hand of the ornamental -gardener, although in them they are to be seen as well. Nature upon -this occasion turns the leaf of the olive which meets us at every -step; she turns the leaf of the linden, sought by us, as it is, for a -thousand purposes; she turns the leaf of the white poplar, too, wedded -to the vine that grows upon its trunk. And still, for her, all this -is not enough. “You have the elm,” she says, “reared for the support -of the vine, and the leaf of that I will make to turn as well. The -leaves of this tree you have to gather for fodder, the leaves of the -vine you prune away. Only look upon them, and there you behold the -solstice;[535] they are now pointing towards a quarter of the heavens -the reverse of that towards which they looked the day before. The -twigs of the withy, that most lowly of trees, you employ for tying -things without number. You are a head taller than it—I will make its -leaves to turn round as well. Why complain, then, that you are but a -rustic peasant? It shall be no fault of mine if you do not understand -the heavens and become acquainted with the movements of the celestial -bodies. I will give another sign, too, that shall address itself to -your ear—only listen for the cooing of the ring-doves; and beware -of supposing that the summer solstice is past, until you see the -wood-pigeon sitting on her eggs.” - -Between the summer solstice and the setting of the Lyre, on the sixth -day before the calends of July,[536] according to Cæsar’s reckoning, -Orion rises, and upon the fourth[537] before the nones of July, his -Belt rises to the people of Assyria. Upon the morning of the same -day, also, the scorching constellation of Procyon rises. This last -constellation has no name with the Romans, unless, indeed, we would -consider it as identical with Canicula,[538] or Lesser Dog, which we -find depicted among the stars; this last is productive of excessive -heat, as we shall shortly have further occasion to state. On the -fourth[539] before the nones of July, the Crown sets in the morning to -the people of Chaldæa, and in Attica, the whole of Orion has risen by -that day. On the day before[540] the ides of July, the rising of Orion -ends to the Egyptians also; on the sixteenth[541] before the calends -of August, Procyon rises to the people of Assyria, and, the day but -one after, of nearly all other countries as well, indicating a crisis -that is universally known among all nations, and which by us is called -the rising of the Dog-star; the sun at this period entering the first -degree of Leo. The Dog-star rises on the twenty-third day after the -summer solstice; the influence of it is felt by both ocean, and earth, -and even by many of the animals as well, as stated by us elsewhere on -the appropriate occasions.[542] No less veneration, in fact, is paid -to this star, than to those that are consecrated to certain gods; it -kindles the flames of the sun, and is one great source of the heats of -summer. - -On the thirteenth[543] day before the calends of August, the Eagle -sets in the morning to the people of Egypt, and the breezes that are -the precursors of the Etesian winds, begin to blow; these, according -to Cæsar, are first perceived in Italy, on the tenth before[544] the -calends of August. The Eagle sets in the morning of that day to the -people of Attica, and on the third before[545] the calends of August, -the Royal Star in the breast of Leo rises in the morning, according -to Cæsar. On the eighth before[546] the ides of August, one half of -Arcturus has ceased to be visible, and on the third before[547] the -ides the Lyre, by its setting, opens the autumn,—according to Cæsar at -least; though a more exact calculation has since shown, that this takes -place on the sixth day before[548] the ides of that month. - -The time that intervenes between these periods is one that is of -primary importance in the cultivation of the vine; as the constellation -of which we have spoken, under the name of Canicula, has now to decide -upon the fate of the grape. It is at this period that the grapes are -said to be charred,[549] a blight falling upon them which burns them -away, as though red-hot coals had been applied to them. There is no -hail that can be compared with this destructive malady, nor yet any -of those tempests, which have been productive of such scarcity and -dearth. For the evil effects of these, at the very utmost, are only -felt in isolated districts, while the coal blight,[550] on the other -hand, extends over whole countries, far and wide. Still, however, -the remedy would not be very difficult, were it not that men would -much rather calumniate Nature, than help themselves. It is said that -Democritus,[551] who was the first to comprehend and demonstrate that -close affinity which exists between the heavens and the earth, finding -his laborious researches upon that subject slighted by the more opulent -of his fellow-citizens, and presaging the high price of oil, which was -about to result upon the rising of the Vergiliæ, (as we have already -mentioned,[552] and shall have to explain more fully hereafter), bought -up all the oil in the country, which was then at a very low figure, -from the universal expectation of a fine crop of olives; a proceeding -which greatly surprised all who knew that a life of poverty and -learned repose was so entirely the object of his aspirations. When, -however, his motives had been fully justified by the result, and vast -riches had flowed in upon him apace, he returned all his profits to -the disappointed proprietors, whose avarice had now taught them to -repent, thinking it quite sufficient to have thus proved how easy it -was for him to acquire riches whenever he pleased. At a more recent -period, again, Sextius,[553] a Roman philosopher residing at Athens, -made a similar application of his knowledge. Such, then, is the utility -of science, the instruction provided by which it shall be my aim, as -clearly and as perspicuously as possible, to apply to the various -occupations of a country life. - -Most writers have said that it is the dew, scorched by a burning -sun, that is the cause of mildew[554] in corn, and of coal blight in -the vine; this, however, seems to me in a great measure incorrect, -and it is my opinion that all blights result entirely from cold, and -that the sun is productive of no injurious effects whatever. This, in -fact, will be quite evident, if only a little attention is paid to the -subject; for we find that the blight makes its appearance at first in -the night time only, and before the sun has shone with any vigour. The -natural inference is, that it depends entirely upon the moon, and more -particularly as such a calamity as this is never known to happen except -at the moon’s conjunction, or else at the full moon, periods at which -the influence of that heavenly body is at its greatest height. For at -both of these periods, as already[555] stated by us more than once, -the moon is in reality at the full; though during her conjunction she -throws back to the heavens all the light which she has received from -the sun. The difference in the effects produced by the moon at these -two periods is very great, though at the same time equally apparent; -for at the conjunction, that body is extremely hot in summer, but cold -in winter; while, on the other hand, at the full moon, the nights -are cold in summer, but warm in winter. The reason of this, although -Fabianus and the Greek writers adopt another method of explaining it, -is quite evident. During the moon’s conjunction in summer, she must -of necessity move along with the sun in an orbit nearer to the earth, -and so become warmed by the heat which she receives by reason of -her closer vicinity to the sun. In winter, again, at the time of the -conjunction, she is farther off from us, the sun being also removed to -a greater distance. On the other hand, again, when the moon is at the -full in summer, she is more remote from the earth, and in opposition -with the sun; while, in winter, she approaches nearer to us at that -period, by adopting the same orbit as at her conjunction in summer. -Naturally humid herself, as often as from her position she is cold, she -congeals to an unlimited extent the dews which fall at that period of -the year. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—CAUSES OF STERILITY. - - -But we ought always to bear in mind, more particularly, that there -are two varieties of evils that are inflicted upon the earth by the -heavens. The first of these, known by us under the name of “tempests,” -comprehends hail-storms, hurricanes and other calamities of a similar -nature; when these take place at the full moon, they come upon us with -additional intensity. These tempests take their rise in certain noxious -constellations, as already stated by us on several occasions, Arcturus, -for instance, Orion, and the Kids. - -The other evils that are thus inflicted upon us, supervene with a -bright, clear sky, and amid the silence of the night, no one being -sensible of them until we have perceived their effects. These -dispensations are universal and of a totally different character from -those previously mentioned, and have various names given to them, -sometimes mildew, sometimes blast, and sometimes coal blight; but in -all cases sterility is the infallible result. It is of these last that -we have now to speak, entering into details which have not hitherto -been treated of by any writer; and first of all we will explain the -causes of them. - -(29.) Independently of the moon, there are two principal causes of -these calamities, which emanate more particularly from two quarters -of the heavens of but limited extent. On the one hand, the Vergiliæ -exercise an especial influence on our harvests, as it is with their -rising that the summer begins, and with their setting, the winter; -thus embracing, in the space of six months, the harvest, the vintage, -and the ripening of all the vegetable productions. In addition to -this, there is a circular tract in the heavens, quite visible to the -human eye even, known as the Milky Way. It is the emanations from -this, flowing as it were from the breast, that supply their milky[556] -nutriment to all branches of the vegetable world. Two constellations -more particularly mark this circular tract, the Eagle in the north, and -Canicula in the south; of this last, we have already made mention[557] -in its appropriate place. This circle traverses also Sagittarius and -Gemini, and passing through the centre of the sun, cuts the equinoctial -line below, the constellation of the Eagle making its appearance at -the point of intersection on the one side, and Canicula on the other. -Hence it is that the influences of both these constellations develope -themselves upon all cultivated lands; it being at these points only -that the centre of the sun is brought to correspond with that of the -earth. If, then, at the moments of the rising and the setting of these -constellations, the air, soft and pure, transmits these genial and -milky emanations to the earth, the crops will thrive and ripen apace; -but if, on the other hand, the moon, as already[558] mentioned, sheds -her chilling dews, the bitterness thereof infuses itself into these -milky secretions, and so kills the vegetation in its birth. The measure -of the injury so inflicted on the earth depends, in each climate, upon -the combination of the one or other of these causes; and hence it is -that it is not felt in equal intensity throughout the whole earth, nor -even precisely at the same moment of time. We have already[559] said -that the Eagle rises in Italy on the thirteenth day[560] before the -calends of January, and the ordinary course of Nature does not permit -us before that period to reckon with any degree of certainty upon the -fruits of the earth; for if the moon should happen to be in conjunction -at that time, it will be a necessary consequence, that all the winter -fruits, as well as the early ones, will receive injury more or less. - -The life led by the ancients was rude and illiterate; still, as will -be readily seen, the observations they made were not less remarkable -for ingenuity than are the theories of the present day. With them there -were three set periods for gathering in the produce of the earth, and -it was in honour of these periods that they instituted the festive -days, known as the Robigalia,[561] the Floralia, and the Vinalia. The -Robigalia were established by Numa in the fortieth year of his reign, -and are still celebrated on the seventh day before the calends of -May, as it is at this period that mildew[562] mostly makes its first -attacks upon the growing corn. Varro fixes this crisis at the moment -at which the sun enters the tenth degree of Taurus, in accordance -with the notions that prevailed in his day: but the real cause is the -fact, that thirty-one[563] days after the vernal equinox, according -to the observations of various nations, the Dog-star sets between -the seventh and fourth before the calends of May, a constellation -baneful in itself, and to appease which a young dog should first be -sacrificed.[564] The same people also, in the year of the City 513, -instituted the Floralia, a festival held upon the fourth before[565] -the calends of May, in accordance with the oracular injunctions of the -Sibyl, to secure a favourable season for the blossoms and flowers. -Varro fixes this day as the time at which the sun enters the fourteenth -degree of Taurus. If there should happen to be a full moon during -the four days at this period, injury to the corn and all the plants -that are in blossom, will be the necessary result. The First Vinalia, -which in ancient times were established on the ninth before[566] the -calends of May, for the purpose of tasting[567] the wines, have no -signification whatever in reference to the fruits of the earth, any -more than the festivals already mentioned have in reference to the -vine and the olive; the germination of these last not commencing, in -fact, till the rising of the Vergiliæ, on the Sixth day before[568] the -ides of May, as already mentioned on previous occasions.[569] This, -again, is another period of four days, which should never be blemished -by dews, as the chilling constellation of Arcturus, which sets on the -following day, will be sure to nip the vegetation; still less ought -there to be a full moon at this period. - -On the fourth before[570] the nones of June, the Eagle rises again in -the evening, a critical day for the olives and vines in blossom, if -there should happen to be a full moon. For my part, I am of opinion -that the eighth[571] before the calends of July, the day of the -summer solstice, must be a critical day, for a similar reason; and -that the rising of the Dog-star, twenty-three days after the summer -solstice, must be so too, in case the moon is then in conjunction; for -the excessive heat is productive of injurious effects, and the grape -becomes prematurely ripened, shrivelled, and tough. Again, if there is -a full moon on the fourth before[572] the nones of July, when Canicula -rises to the people of Egypt, or at least on the sixteenth before[573] -the calends of August, when it rises in Italy, it is productive of -injurious results. The same is the case, too, from the thirteenth day -before[574] the calends of August, when the Eagle sets, to the tenth -before[575] the calends of that month. The Second Vinalia, which are -celebrated on the fourteenth[576] before the calends of September, bear -no reference to these influences. Varro fixes them at the period at -which the Lyre begins its morning setting, and says that this indicates -the beginning of autumn, the day having been set apart for the purpose -of propitiating the weather: at the present day, however, it is -observed that the Lyre sets on the sixth before[577] the ides of August. - -Within these periods there are exerted the sterilizing influences of -the heavens, though I am far from denying that they may be considerably -modified by the nature of the locality, according as it is cold or -hot. Still, however, it is sufficient for me to have demonstrated -the theory; the modifications of its results depending, in a great -degree, upon attentive observation. It is beyond all question too, -that either one of these two causes will be always productive of -its own peculiar effects, the full moon, I mean, or else the moon’s -conjunction. And here it suggests itself how greatly we ought to admire -the bounteous provisions made for us by Nature; for, in the first -place, these calamitous results cannot by any possibility befall us -every year, in consequence of the fixed revolutions of the stars; nor -indeed, when they do happen, beyond a few nights in the year, and it -may be easily known beforehand which nights those are likely to be. -In order, too, that we might not have to apprehend these injuries to -vegetation in all the months, Nature has so ordained that the times -of the moon’s conjunction in summer, and of the full moon in winter, -with the exception of two days only at those respective periods, are -well ascertained, and that there is no danger to be apprehended on any -but the nights of summer, and those nights the shortest of all; in -the day-time, on the other hand, there is nothing to fear. And then, -besides, these phænomena may be so easily understood, that the ant -even, that most diminutive of insects, takes its rest during the moon’s -conjunction, but toils on, and that during the night as well, when the -moon is at the full; the bird, too, called the “parra”[578] disappears -upon the day on which Sirius rises, and never reappears until that -star has set; while the witwall,[579] on the other hand, makes its -appearance on the day of the summer solstice. The moon, however, is -productive of no noxious effects at either of these periods, except -when the nights are clear, and every movement of the air is lulled; for -so long as clouds prevail, or the wind is blowing, the night dews never -fall. And then, besides, there are certain remedies to counteract these -noxious influences. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—REMEDIES AGAINST THESE NOXIOUS INFLUENCES. - - -When you have reason to fear these influences, make bonfires in the -fields and vineyards of cuttings or heaps of chaff, or else of the -weeds that have been rooted up; the smoke[580] will act as a good -preservative. The smoke, too, of burning chaff will be an effectual -protection against the effects of fogs, when likely to be injurious. -Some persons recommend that three crabs should be burnt[581] alive -among the trees on which the vines are trained, to prevent these from -being attacked by coal blight; while others say that the flesh of the -silurus[582] should be burnt in a slow fire, in such a way that the -smoke may be dispersed by the wind throughout the vineyard. - -Varro informs us, that if at the setting of the Lyre, which is the -beginning of autumn, a painted grape[583] is consecrated in the midst -of the vineyard, the bad weather will not be productive of such -disastrous results as it otherwise would. Archibius[584] has stated, in -a letter to Antiochus, king of Syria, that if a bramble-frog[585] is -buried in a new earthen vessel, in the middle of a corn-field, there -will be no storms to cause injury. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—WORK TO BE DONE AFTER THE SUMMER SOLSTICE. - - -The following are the rural occupations for this interval of time—the -ground must have another turning up, and the trees must be cleared -about the roots and moulded up, where the heat of the locality requires -it. Those plants, however, which are in bud must not be spaded at the -roots, except where the soil is particularly rich. The seed-plots, too, -must be well cleared with the hoe, the barley-harvest got in, and the -threshing-floor prepared for the harvest with chalk, as Cato[586] tells -us, slackened with amurca of olives; Virgil[587] makes mention of a -method still more laborious even. In general, however, it is considered -sufficient to make it perfectly level, and then to cover it with a -solution of cow-dung[588] and water; this being thought sufficient to -prevent the dust from rising. - - - - -CHAP. 72. (30.)—THE HARVEST. - - -The mode of getting in the harvest varies considerably. In the vast -domains of the provinces of Gaul a large hollow frame,[589] armed with -teeth and supported on two wheels, is driven through the standing corn, -the beasts being yoked[590] behind it; the result being, that the ears -are torn off and fall within the frame. In other countries the stalks -are cut with the sickle in the middle, and the ears are separated by -the aid of paddle-forks.[591] In some places, again, the corn is torn -up by the roots; and it is asserted by those who adopt this plan, -that it is as good as a light turning up for the ground, whereas, in -reality, they deprive it of its juices.[592] There are differences in -other respects also: in places where they thatch their houses with -straw, they keep the longest haulms for that purpose; and where hay is -scarce, they employ the straw for litter. The straw of panic is never -used for thatching, and that of millet is mostly burnt; barley-straw, -however, is always preserved, as being the most agreeable of all as a -food for oxen. In the Gallic provinces panic and millet are gathered, -ear by ear, with the aid of a comb carried in the hand. - -In some places the corn is beaten out by machines[593] upon the -threshing-floor, in others by the feet of mares, and in others with -flails. The later wheat is cut, the more prolific[594] it is; but if -it is got in early, the grain is finer and stronger. The best rule -is to cut it before the grain hardens, and just as it is changing -colour:[595] though the oracles on husbandry say that it is better to -begin the harvest two days too soon than two days too late. Winter -and other wheat must be treated exactly the same way both on the -threshing-floor and in the granary. Spelt, as it is difficult to be -threshed, should be stored with the chaff on, being only disengaged of -the straw and the beard. - -Many countries make use of chaff[596] for hay; the smoother and -thinner it is, and the more nearly resembling dust, the better; hence -it is that the chaff[597] of millet is considered the best, that -of barley being the next best, and that of wheat the worst of all, -except for beasts that are hard worked. In stony places they break the -haulms, when dry, with staves, for the cattle to lie upon: if there -is a deficiency of chaff, the straw as well is ground for food. The -following is the method employed in preparing it: it is cut early and -sprinkled with bay salt,[598] after which it is dried and rolled up in -trusses, and given to the oxen as wanted, instead of hay. Some persons -set fire to the stubble in the fields, a plan that has been greatly -extolled by Virgil:[599] the chief merit of it is that the seed of the -weeds is effectually destroyed. The diversity of the methods employed -in harvesting mainly depends upon the extent of the crops and the price -of labour. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—THE METHODS OF STORING CORN. - - -Connected with this branch of our subject is the method of storing -corn. Some persons recommend that granaries should be built for the -purpose at considerable expense, the walls being made of brick, and -not less than three[600] feet thick; the corn, they say, should be -let in from above, the air being carefully excluded, and no windows -allowed. Others, again, say that the granary should have an aspect in -no direction but the north-east or north, and that the walls should be -built without lime, that substance being extremely injurious[601] to -corn; as to what we find recommended in reference to amurca of olives, -we have already mentioned it on a former[602] occasion. In some places -they build their granaries of wood, and upon pillars,[603] thinking it -the best plan to leave access for the air on every side, and from below -even. Some persons think, however, that the grain diminishes in bulk if -laid on a floor above the level of the ground, and that it is liable -to ferment beneath a roof of tiles. Many persons say, too, that the -grain should never be stirred up to air[604] it, as the weevil is never -known to penetrate beyond four fingers in depth; consequently, beyond -that depth there is no danger. According to Columella,[605] the west -wind is beneficial to grain, a thing that surprises me, as that wind is -generally a very parching[606] one. Some persons recommend that, before -housing the corn, a bramble-frog should be hung up by one of the hind -legs at the threshold of the granary. To me it appears that the most -important precaution of all is to house the grain at the proper time; -for if it is unripe when cut, and not sufficiently firm, or if it is -got in in a heated state, it follows of necessity that noxious insects -will breed in it. - -There are several causes which contribute to the preservation of grain; -the outer[607] coats in some kinds are more numerous, as in millet, for -instance; the juices are of an oleaginous nature,[608] and so supply -ample moisture, as in sesame, for example; while in other kinds, again, -they are naturally bitter,[609] as in the lupine and the chicheling -vetch. It is in wheat more particularly that insects breed, as it is -apt to heat from the density of its juices, and the grain is covered -with a thick bran. In barley the chaff is thinner, and the same is the -case with all the leguminous seeds: it is for this reason that they do -not ordinarily breed insects. The bean, however, is covered with a coat -of a thicker substance; and hence it is that it ferments. Some persons -sprinkle wheat, in order to make it keep the longer, with amurca[610] -of olives, a quadrantal to a thousand modii: others, again, with -powdered Chalcidian or Carian chalk, or with worm-wood.[611] There is -a certain earth found at Olynthus, and at Cerinthus, in Eubœa, which -prevents grain from spoiling. If garnered in the ear, grain is hardly -ever found to suffer any injury. - -The best plan, however, of preserving grain, is to lay it up in -trenches, called “siri,” as they do in Cappadocia, Thracia, Spain, and -at * * * in Africa. Particular care is taken to dig these trenches in a -dry soil, and a layer of chaff is then placed at the bottom; the grain, -too, is always stored in the ear. In this case, if no air is allowed -to penetrate to the corn, we may rest assured that no noxious insects -will ever breed in it. Varro[612] says, that wheat, if thus stored, -will keep as long as fifty years, and millet a hundred; and he assures -us that beans and other leguminous grain, if put away in oil jars with -a covering of ashes, will keep for a great length of time. He makes -a statement, also, to the effect that some beans were preserved in a -cavern in Ambracia from the time of King Pyrrhus until the Piratical -War of Pompeius Magnus, a period of about two hundred and twenty years. - -The chick-pea is the only grain in which no insect will breed while in -the granary. Some persons place upon the heaps of the leguminous grains -pitchers full of vinegar and coated with pitch, a stratum of ashes -being laid beneath; and they fancy that if this is done, no injury -will happen. Some, again, store them in vessels which have held salted -provisions, with a coating of plaster on the top, while other persons -are in the habit of sprinkling lentils with vinegar scented with -laser,[613] and, when dry, giving them a covering of oil. But the most -effectual method of all is to get in everything that you would preserve -from injury at the time of the moon’s conjunction; and hence it is of -the greatest importance to know, when getting in the harvest, whether -it is for garnering or whether for immediate sale. If cut during the -increase of the moon, grain will increase in size. - - - - -CHAP. 74. (31.)—THE VINTAGE, AND THE WORKS OF AUTUMN. - - -In accordance with the ordinary divisions of the year, we now come to -autumn, a period which extends from the setting of the Lyre to the -autumnal equinox, and from that to the setting of the Vergiliæ and the -beginning of winter. In these intervals, the more important periods -are marked by the rising of the Horse to the people of Attica, in the -evening of the day before[614] the ides of August; upon which day also -the Dolphin sets in Egypt, and, according to Cæsar, in Italy. On the -eleventh[615] before the calends of September, the star called the -Vintager begins to rise in the morning, according to Cæsar’s reckoning, -and to the people of Assyria: it announces the ripening of the vintage, -a sure sign of which is the change of colour in the grape. On the -fifth[616] before the calends of September, the Arrow sets in Assyria, -and the Etesian winds cease to blow: on the nones[617] of September, -the Vintager rises in Egypt, and in the morning of that day, Arcturus -rises to the people of Attica: on the same morning, too, the Arrow -sets. In the fifth before[618] the ides of September, according to -Cæsar, the She-Goat rises in the evening; and one half of Arcturus -becomes visible on the day before[619] the ides of September, being -portentous[620] of boisterous weather for five days, both by land and -sea. - -The theory relative to the effects produced by Arcturus, is stated in -the following terms: if showers prevail, it is said, at the setting of -the Dolphin, they will not cease so long as Arcturus is visible. The -departure of the swallows may be looked upon as the sign of the rising -of Arcturus; for if overtaken by it, they are sure to perish. - -On the sixteenth day before[621] the calends of October, the Ear of -Corn, which Virgo holds, rises to the people of Egypt in the morning, -and by this day the Etesian winds have quite ceased to blow. According -to Cæsar, this constellation rises on the fourteenth[622] before -the calends, and it affords its prognostics to the Assyrians on the -thirteenth. On the eleventh before[623] the calends of October, the -point of junction[624] in Pisces disappears, and upon the eighth[625] -is the autumnal equinox. It is a remarkable fact, and rarely the -case, that Philippus, Callippus, Dositheus, Parmeniscus, Conon,[626] -Criton, Democritus, and Eudoxus, all agree that the She-Goat rises in -the morning of the fourth before[627] the calends of October, and on -the third[628] the Kids. On the sixth day before[629] the nones of -October, the Crown rises in the morning to the people of Attica, and -upon the morning of the fifth,[630] the Charioteer sets. On the fourth -before[631] the nones of October, the Crown, according to Cæsar’s -reckoning, begins to rise, and on the evening of the day after is the -setting of the constellation of the Kids. On the eighth before[632] -the ides of October, according to Cæsar, the bright star rises that -shines in the Crown, and on the evening of the sixth before[633] the -ides the Vergiliæ, rise. Upon the ides[634] of October, the Crown has -wholly risen. On the seventeenth before[635] the calends of November, -the Suculæ rise in the evening, and on the day before the calends, -according to Cæsar’s reckoning, Arcturus sets, and the Suculæ[636] rise -with the sun. In the evening of the fourth day before[637] the nones of -November, Arcturus sets. On the fifth before[638] the ides of November, -Orion’s Sword begins to set; and on the third[639] before the ides the -Vergiliæ set. - -In this interval of time, the rural operations consist in sowing rape -and turnips, upon the days which have been mentioned on a previous -occasion.[640] The people in the country are of opinion, that it is not -a good plan to sow rape after the departure of the stork; but for my -own part, I am of opinion that it should be sown after the Vulcanalia, -and the early kind at the same time as panic. After the setting of -the Lyre, vetches should be sown, kidney-beans and hay-grass: it is -generally recommended that this should be done while the moon is in -conjunction. This, too, is the proper time for gathering in the leaves: -it is fair work for one woodman, to fill four baskets[641] in the day. -If the leaves are gathered while the moon is on the wane, they will not -decay; they ought not to be dry, however, when gathered. - -The ancients were of opinion, that the vintage is never ripe before -the equinox; but at the present day I find that it is gathered in -before that period; it will be as well, therefore, to give the signs -and indications by which the proper moment may be exactly ascertained. -The rules for getting in the vintage are to the following effect: -Never gather the grape in a heated state,[642] or in other words, when -the weather is dry, and before the rains have fallen; nor ought it to -be gathered when covered with dew,—or in other words, when dews have -fallen during the night,—nor yet before the dews have been dispelled by -the sun. Commence the vintage when the bearing-shoots begin to recline -upon the stem, or when, after a grape is removed from the bunch, the -space left empty is not filled up; this being a sure proof that the -berry has ceased to increase in size. It is of the greatest consequence -to the grape, that it should be gathered while the moon is on the -increase. Each pressing should fill twenty culei,[643] that being the -fair proportion. To fill twenty culei and vats[644] from twenty jugera -of vineyard, a single press will be enough. In pressing the grape, -some persons use a single press-board, but it is a better plan to -employ two, however large the single ones may be. It is the length of -them that is of the greatest consequence, and not the thickness: if -wide, however, they press the fruit all the better. The ancients used -to screw down the press-boards with ropes and leather thongs, worked -by levers. Within the last hundred years the Greek press has been -invented, with thick spiral grooves running down the[645] stem. To -this stem there are spokes attached, which project like the rays of a -star, and by means of which the stem is made to lift a box filled with -stones—a method that is very highly approved of. It is only within the -last two-and-twenty years, that a plan has been discovered of employing -smaller press-boards, and a less unwieldy press: to effect this, the -height has been reduced, and the stem of the screw placed in the -middle, the whole pressure being concentrated upon broad planks[646] -placed over the grapes, which are covered also with heavy weights above. - -This is the proper time for gathering fruit; the best moment for doing -so is when it has begun to fall through ripeness, and not from the -effects of the weather. This is the season, too, for extracting the -lees of wine, and for boiling defrutum:[647] this last must be done -on a night when there is no moon, or if it is a full moon, in the -day-time. At other times of the year, it must be done either before -the moon has risen, or after it has set. The grapes employed for this -purpose should never be gathered from a young vine, nor yet from a tree -that is grown in a marshy spot, nor should any grapes be used but those -that are perfectly ripe: the liquor, too, should never be skimmed with -anything but a leaf,[648] for if the vessel should happen to be touched -with wood, the liquor, it is generally thought, will have a burnt and -smoky flavour. - -The proper time for the vintage is between the equinox and the setting -of the Vergiliæ, a period of forty-four days. It is a saying among the -growers, that to pitch wine-vessels after that day, in consequence of -the coldness of the weather, is only so much time lost. Still, however, -I have seen, before now persons getting in the vintage on the calends -of January[649] even, in consequence of the want of wine-vessels, and -putting the must into receivers,[650] or else pouring the old wine out -of its vessels, to make room for new liquor of a very doubtful quality. -This, however, happens not so often in consequence of an over-abundant -crop, as through carelessness, or else the avarice which leads people -to wait for a rise in prices. The method that is adopted by the most -economical managers, is to use the produce supplied by each year,[651] -and this, too, is found in the end the most lucrative mode of -proceeding. As for the other details relative to wines, they have been -discussed at sufficient length already;[652] and it has been stated on -a previous occasion,[653] that as soon as the vintage is got in, the -olives should at once be gathered, with other particulars relative to -the olive after the setting of the Vergiliæ. - - - - -CHAP. 75. (32.)—THE REVOLUTIONS OF THE MOON. - - -I shall now proceed to add some necessary information relative to the -moon, the winds, and certain signs and prognostics, in order that I -may complete the observations I have to make with reference to the -sidereal system. Virgil[654] has even gone so far, in imitation of -Democritus, as to assign certain operations to certain days[655] of the -moon; but my sole object shall be, as, indeed, it has been throughout -this work, to consult that utility which is based upon a knowledge and -appreciation of general principles. - -All vegetable productions are cut, gathered, and housed to more -advantage while the moon is on the wane than while it is on the -increase. Manure must never be touched except when the moon is on the -wane; and land must be manured more particularly while the moon is -in conjunction, or else at the first quarter. Take care to geld your -boars, bulls, rams, and kids, while the moon is on the wane. Put eggs -under the hen at a new moon. Make your ditches in the night-time, when -the moon is at full. Cover up the roots of trees, while the moon is at -full. Where the soil is humid, put in seed at the moon’s conjunction, -and during the four days about that period. It is generally -recommended, too, to give an airing to corn and the leguminous grains, -and to garner them, towards the end of the moon; to make seed-plots -when the moon is above the horizon; and to tread out the grape, to fell -timber, and to do many other things that have been mentioned in their -respective places, when the moon is below it. - -The observation of the moon, in general, as already observed in the -Second Book,[656] is not so very easy, but what I am about here to -state even rustics will be able to comprehend: so long as the moon is -seen in the west, and during the earlier hours of the night, she will -be on the increase, and one half of her disk will be perceived; but -when the moon is seen to rise at sunset and opposite to the sun, so -that they are both perceptible at the same moment, she will be at full. -Again, as often as the moon rises in the east, and does not give her -light in the earlier hours of the night, but shows herself during a -portion of the day, she will be on the wane, and one half of her only -will again be perceptible: when the moon has ceased to be visible, -she is in conjunction, a period known to us as “interlunium.”[657] -During the conjunction, the moon will be above the horizon the same -time as the sun, for the whole of the first day; on the second, she -will advance upon the night ten-twelfths of an hour and one-fourth of -a twelfth;[658] on the third day, the same as on the second, and * * -* so on in succession up to the fifteenth day, the same proportional -parts of an hour being added each day. On the fifteenth day she will be -above the horizon all night, and below it all day. On the sixteenth, -she will remain below the horizon ten-twelfths of an hour, and -one-fourth of a twelfth, at the first hour of the night, and so on in -the same proportion day after day, up to the period of her conjunction; -and thus, the same time which, by remaining under the horizon, she -withdraws from the first part of the night, she will add to the end -of the night by remaining above the horizon. Her revolutions, too, -will occupy thirty days one month, and twenty-nine the next, and so on -alternately. Such is the theory of the revolutions of the moon. - - - - -CHAP. 76. (33.)—THE THEORY OF THE WINDS. - - -The theory of the winds[659] is of a somewhat more intricate nature. -After observing the quarter in which the sun rises on any given day, at -the sixth[660] hour of the day take your position in such a manner as -to have the point of the sun’s rising on your left; you will then have -the south directly facing you, and the north at your back: a line drawn -through a field in this direction[661] is called the “cardinal”[662] -line. The observer must then turn round, so as to look upon his shadow, -for it will be behind him. Having thus changed his position, so as to -bring the point of the sun’s rising on that day to the right, and that -of his setting to the left, it will be the sixth hour of the day, at -the moment when the shadow straight before him is the shortest. Through -the middle of this shadow, taken lengthwise, a furrow must be traced -in the ground with a hoe, or else a line drawn with ashes, some twenty -feet in length, say; in the middle of this line, or, in other words, -at the tenth foot in it, a small circle must then be described: to -this circle we may give the name of the “umbilicus,” or “navel.” That -point in the line which lies on the side of the head of the shadow will -be the point from which the north wind blows. You who are engaged in -pruning trees, be it your care that the incisions made in the wood do -not face this point; nor should the vine-trees[663] or the vines have -this aspect, except in the climates of Africa,[664] Cyrenæ, or Egypt. -When the wind blows, too, from this point, you must never plough, nor, -in fact, attempt any other of the operations of which we shall have to -make mention.[665] - -That part of the line which lies between the umbilicus and the feet of -the shadow will look towards the south, and indicate the point from -which the south wind[666] blows, to which, as already mentioned,[667] -the Greeks have given the name of Notus. When the wind comes from this -quarter, you, husbandman, must never fell wood or touch the vine. -In Italy this wind is either humid or else of a burning heat, and -in Africa it is accompanied with intense heat[668] and fine clear -weather. In Italy the bearing branches should be trained to face this -quarter, but the incisions made in the trees or vines when pruned must -never face it. Let those be on their guard against this wind upon -the four[669] days at the rising of the Vergiliæ, who are engaged in -planting the olive, as well as those who are employed in the operations -of grafting or inoculating. - -It will be as well, too, here to give some advice, in reference to the -climate of Italy, as to certain precautions to be observed at certain -hours of the day. You, woodman, must never lop the branches in the -middle of the day; and you, shepherd, when you see midday approaching -in summer, and the shadow gradually decreasing, drive your flocks from -out of the sun into some well-shaded spot. When you lead the flocks to -pasture in summer, let them face the west before midday,[670] and after -that time, the east: if this precaution is not adopted, calamitous -results will ensue; the same, too, if the flocks are led in winter or -spring to pastures covered with dew. Nor must you let them feed with -their faces to the north, as already mentioned;[671] for the wind will -either close their eyes or else make them bleared, and they will die of -looseness. If you wish to have females,[672] you should let the dams -have their faces towards the north while being covered. - - - - -CHAP. 77. (34.)—THE LAYING OUT OF LANDS ACCORDING TO THE POINTS OF THE -WIND. - - -We have already stated[673] that the umbilicus should be described in -the middle of the line. Let another line be drawn transversely through -the middle of it, and it will be found to run from due east to due -west; a trench cut through the land in accordance with this line is -known by the name of “decumanus.” Two other lines must then be traced -obliquely across them in the form of the letter X, in such a way as to -run exactly from right and left of the northern point to left and right -of the southern one. All these lines must pass through the centre of -the umbilicus, and all must be of corresponding length, and at equal -distances. This method should always be adopted in laying out land; or -if it should be found necessary to employ it frequently, a plan[674] -of it may be made in wood, sticks of equal length being fixed upon the -surface of a small tambour,[675] but perfectly round. In the method -which I am here explaining, it is necessary to point out one precaution -that must always be observed by those who are unacquainted with the -subject. The point that must be verified first of all is the south, -as that is always the same; but the sun, it must be remembered, rises -every day at a point in the heavens different to that of his rising on -the day before, so that the east must never be taken as the basis for -tracing the lines. - -Having now ascertained the various points of the heavens, the extremity -of the line that is nearest to the north, but lying to the east of it, -will indicate the solstitial rising, or, in other words, the rising -of the sun on the longest day, as also the point from which the wind -Aquilo[676] blows, known to the Greeks by the name of Boreas. You -should plant all trees and vines facing this point, but take care -never to plough, or sow corn, or plant in seed plots, while this wind -is blowing, for it has the effect of drying up and blasting the roots -of the trees while being transplanted. Be taught in time—one thing is -good for grown trees, another for them while they are but young. Nor -have I forgotten the fact, that it is at this point of the heavens -that the Greeks place the wind, to which they give the name of Cæcias; -Aristotle, a man of most extensive learning, who has assigned to Cæcias -this position, explains that it is in consequence of the convexity -of the earth, that Aquilo blows in an opposite direction to the wind -called Africus. - -The agriculturist, however, has nothing to fear from Aquilo, in respect -to the operations before mentioned, all the year through; for this wind -is softened by the sun in the middle of the summer, and, changing -its name, is known by that of Etesias.[677] When you feel the cold, -then, be on your guard; for, whatever the noxious effects that are -attributed to Aquilo, the more sensibly will they be felt when the wind -blows from due north. In Asia, Greece, Spain, the coasts of Italy, -Campania, and Apulia, the trees that support the vines, as well as the -vines themselves, should have an aspect towards the north-east. If you -wish to have male produce, let the flock feed in such a way, that this -wind may have the opportunity of fecundating the male, whose office -it is to fecundate the females. The wind Africus, known to the Greeks -by the name of Libs, blows from the south-west, the opposite point to -Aquilo; when animals, after coupling, turn their heads towards this -quarter,[678] you may be sure that female produce has been conceived. - -The third[679] line from the north, which we have drawn transversely -through the shadow, and called by the name of “decumanus,” will -point due east, and from this quarter the wind Subsolanus blows, by -the Greeks called Apeliotes. It is to this point that, in healthy -localities, farm-houses and vineyards are made to look. This wind is -accompanied with soft, gentle showers; Favonius, however, the wind -that blows from due west, the opposite quarter to it, is of a drier -nature; by the Greeks it is known as Zephyrus. Cato has recommended -that olive-yards should look due west. It is this wind that begins the -spring, and opens the earth; it is moderately cool, but healthy. As -soon as it begins to prevail, it indicates that the time has arrived -for pruning the vine, weeding the corn, planting trees, grafting -fruit-trees, and trimming the olive; for its breezes are productive of -the most nutritious effects. - -The fourth[680] line from the north, and the one that lies nearest -the south on the eastern side, will indicate the point of the sun’s -rising at the winter solstice, and the wind Volturnus, known by the -name of Eurus to the Greeks. This wind is warm and dry, and beehives -and vineyards, in the climates of Italy and the Gallic provinces, -should face this quarter. Directly opposite to Volturnus, the wind -Corus blows; it indicates the point of the sun’s setting at the summer -solstice, and lies on the western side next to the north. By the -Greeks it is called Argestes, and is one of the very coldest of the -winds, which, in fact, is the case with all the winds that blow from -the north; this wind, too, brings hailstorms with it, for which reason -it is necessary to be on our guard against it no less than the north. -If Volturnus begins to blow from a clear quarter of the heavens, it -will not last till night; but if it is Subsolanus, it will prevail for -the greater part of the night. Whatever the wind that may happen to -be blowing, if it is accompanied by heat, it will be sure to last for -several days. The earth announces the approach of Aquilo, by drying on -a sudden, while on the approach of Auster, the surface becomes moist -without any apparent cause. - - - - -CHAP. 78. (35.)—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THE SUN. - - -Having now explained the theory of the winds, it seems to me the -best plan, in order to avoid any repetition, to pass on to the other -signs and prognostics that are indicative of a change of weather. I -find, too, that this is a kind of knowledge that greatly interested -Virgil,[681] for he mentions the fact, that during the harvest even, he -has often seen the winds engage in a combat that was absolutely ruinous -to the improvident agriculturist. There is a tradition, too, to the -effect that Democritus, already mentioned, when his brother Damasus was -getting in his harvest in extremely hot weather, entreated him to leave -the rest of the crop, and house with all haste that which had been -cut; and it was only within a very few hours that his prediction was -verified by a most violent storm. On the other hand, it is particularly -recommended never to plant reeds except when rain is impending, and -only to sow corn just before a shower; we shall therefore briefly -touch upon the prognostics of this description, making enquiry more -particularly into those among them that have been found the most useful. - -In the first place, then, we will consider those prognostics of the -weather which are derived from the sun.[682] If the sun is bright at -its rising, and not burning hot, it is indicative of fine weather, -but if pale, it announces wintry weather accompanied with hail. If the -sun is bright and clear when it sets, and if it rises with a similar -appearance, the more assured of fine weather may we feel ourselves. If -it is hidden in clouds at its rising, it is indicative of rain, and of -wind, when the clouds are of a reddish colour just before sunrise; if -black clouds are intermingled with the red ones, they betoken rain as -well. When the sun’s rays at its rising or setting appear to unite, -rainy weather may be looked for. When the clouds are red at sunset, -they give promise[683] of a fine day on the morrow; but if, at the -sun’s rising, the clouds are dispersed in various quarters, some to -the south, and some to the north-east, even though the heavens in the -vicinity of the sun may be bright, they are significant of rain and -wind. If at the sun’s rising or setting, its rays appear contracted, -they announce the approach of a shower. If it rains at sunset, or if -the sun’s rays attract the clouds towards them, it is portentous of -stormy weather on the following day. When the sun, at its rising, -does not emit vivid rays, although there are no clouds surrounding -it, rain may be expected. If before sunrise the clouds collect into -dense masses, they are portentous of a violent storm; but if they -are repelled from the east and travel westward, they indicate fine -weather. When clouds are seen surrounding the face of the sun, the less -the light they leave, the more violent the tempest will be: but if -they form a double circle round the sun, the storm will be a dreadful -one. If this takes place at sunrise or sunset, and the clouds assume -a red hue, the approach of a most violent storm is announced: and if -the clouds hang over the face of the sun without surrounding it, they -presage wind from the quarter from which they are drifting, and rain as -well, if they come from the south. - -If, at its rising, the sun is surrounded with a circle, wind may -be looked for in the quarter in which the circle breaks; but if it -disappears equally throughout, it is indicative of fine weather. If the -sun at its rising throws out its rays afar through the clouds, and the -middle of its disk is clear, there will be rain; and if its rays are -seen before it rises, both rain and wind as well. If a white circle -is seen round the sun at its setting, there will be a slight storm in -the night; but if there is a mist around it, the storm will be more -violent. If the sun is pale at sunset, there will be wind, and if there -is a dark circle round it, high winds will arise in the quarter in -which the circle breaks. - - - - -CHAP. 79.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THE MOON. - - -The prognostics derived from the moon, assert their right to occupy -our notice in the second place. In Egypt, attention is paid, more -particularly, to the fourth day of the moon. If, when the moon rises, -she shines with a pure bright light, it is generally supposed that -we shall have fine weather; but if she is red, there will be wind, -and if of a swarthy[684] hue, rain. If upon the fifth day of the moon -her horns are obtuse, they are always indicative of rain, but if -sharp and erect, of wind, and this on the fourth day of the moon more -particularly. If her northern horn is pointed and erect, it portends -wind; and if it is the lower horn that presents this appearance, the -wind will be from the south; if both of them are erect, there will be -high winds in the night. If upon the fourth day of the moon she is -surrounded by a red circle, it is portentous of wind and rain. - -In Varro we find it stated to the following effect:—“If, at the fourth -day of the moon, her horns are erect, there will be great storms at -sea, unless, indeed, she has a circlet[685] around her, and that -circlet unblemished; for by that sign we are informed that there will -be no stormy weather before full moon. If, at the full moon, one half -of her disk is clear, it is indicative of fine weather, but if it is -red, of wind, and if black, of rain. If a darkness comes over the face -of the moon, covered with clouds, in whatever quarter it breaks, from -that quarter wind may be expected. If a twofold circle surrounds the -moon, the storm will be more violent, and even more so still, if there -are three circles, or if they are black, broken, and disjointed. If -the new moon at her rising has the upper horn obscured, there will be -a prevalence of rainy weather, when she is on the wane; but if it is -the lower horn that is obscured, there will be rain before full moon; -if, again, the moon is darkened in the middle of her disk, there will -be rain when she is at full. If the moon, when full, has a circle -round her, it indicates wind from the quarter in the circle which is -the brightest; but if at her rising the horns are obtuse, they are -portentous of a frightful tempest. If, when the west wind prevails, -the moon does not make her appearance before her fourth day, there -will be a prevalence of stormy weather throughout the month. If on -the sixteenth day the moon has a bright, flaming appearance, it is a -presage of violent tempests.” - -There are eight different epochs of the moon, or periods at which -she makes certain angles of incidence with the sun, and most persons -only notice the prognostics derived from the moon, according to the -places which they occupy between these angles. The periods of these -angles are the third day, the seventh, the eleventh, the fifteenth, -the nineteenth, the twenty-third, the twenty-seventh, and that of the -conjunction. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THE STARS. - - -In the third rank must be placed the prognostics derived from the -stars. These bodies are sometimes to be seen shooting to and fro;[686] -when this happens, winds immediately ensue, in that part of the heavens -in which the presage has been afforded. When the heavens are equally -bright throughout their whole expanse, at the periods previously -mentioned,[687] the ensuing autumn will be fine and cool. If the spring -and summer have passed not without some rain, the autumn will be fine -and settled,[688] and there will be but little wind: when the autumn -is fine, it makes a windy winter. When the brightness of the stars is -suddenly obscured, though without[689] clouds or fog, violent tempests -may be expected. If numerous stars are seen to shoot,[690] leaving a -white track behind them, they presage wind from that quarter.[691] If -they follow in quick succession from the same quarter, the wind will -blow steadily, but if from various quarters of the heavens, the wind -will shift in sudden gusts and squalls. If circles are seen to surround -any of the planets, there will be rain.[692] In the constellation of -Cancer, there are two small stars to be seen, known as the Aselli,[693] -the small space that lies between them being occupied by a cloudy -appearance, which is known as the Manger;[694] when this cloud is -not visible in a clear sky, it is a presage of a violent storm. If a -fog conceals from our view the one of these stars which lies to the -north-east, there will be high winds from the south; but if it is -the star which lies to the south that is so obscured, then the wind -will be from the north-east. The rainbow, when double, indicates the -approach[695] of rain; but if seen after rain, it gives promise, though -by no means a certain one, of fine weather. Circular clouds around some -of the stars are indicative of rain. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THUNDER. - - -When, in summer, there is more thunder than lightning, wind may be -expected from that quarter; but if, on the other hand, there is not -so much thunder as lightning, there will be a fall of rain. When it -lightens in a clear sky, there will be rain, and if there is thunder as -well, stormy weather; but if it lightens from all four quarters of the -heavens, there will be a dreadful tempest. When it lightens from the -north-east only, it portends rain on the following day; but when from -the north, wind may be expected from that quarter. When it lightens on -a clear night from the south, the west, or the north-west, there will -be wind and rain from those quarters. Thunder[696] in the morning is -indicative of wind, and at midday of rain. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM CLOUDS. - - -When clouds are seen moving in a clear sky, wind may be expected in the -quarter from which they proceed; but if they accumulate in one spot, as -they approach the sun they will disperse. If the clouds are dispersed -by a north-east wind, it is a presage of high winds, but if by a wind -from the south, of rain. If at sunset the clouds cover the heavens -on either side of the sun, they are indicative of tempest; if they -are black and lowering in the east, they threaten rain in the night, -but if in the west, on the following day. If the clouds spread in -large numbers from the east, like fleeces of wool in appearance, they -indicate a continuance of rain for the next three days. When the clouds -settle on the summits of the mountains,[697] there will be stormy -weather; but if the clouds clear away, it will be fine. When the clouds -are white and lowering, a hailstorm, generally known as a “white”[698] -tempest, is close at hand. An isolated cloud, however small,[699] -though seen in a clear sky, announces wind and storm. - - - - -CHAP. 83.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM MISTS. - - -Mists descending from the summits of mountains, or from the heavens, or -settling in the vallies,[700] give promise of fine weather. - - - - -CHAP. 84.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM FIRE KINDLED BY MAN. - - -Next to these are the prognostics that are derived from fire kindled -upon the earth.[701] If the flames are pallid, and emit a murmuring -noise, they are considered to presage stormy weather; and fungi upon -the burning wick of the lamp are a sign of rain.[702] If the flame is -spiral and flickering, it is an indication of wind, and the same is the -case when the lamp goes out of itself, or is lighted with difficulty. -So, too, if the snuff hangs down, and sparks gather upon it, or if the -burning coals adhere[703] to vessels taken from off the fire, or if the -fire, when covered up, sends out hot embers or emits sparks, or if the -cinders gather into a mass upon the hearth, or the coals burn bright -and glowing. - - - - -CHAP. 85.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM WATER. - - -There are certain prognostics, too, that may be derived from water. -If, when the sea is calm, the water ripples in the harbour, with a -hollow, murmuring noise, it is a sign of wind, and if in winter, of -rain as well. If the coasts and shores re-echo while the sea is calm, -a violent tempest may be expected; and the same when the sea, though -calm, is heard to roar, or throws up foam and bubbling spray. If -sea pulmones[704] are to be seen floating on the surface, they are -portentous of stormy weather for many days to come. Very frequently, -too, the sea is seen to swell in silence, and more so than when ruffled -by an ordinary breeze; this is an indication that the winds are at work -within its bosom already. - - - - -CHAP. 86.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM TEMPESTS THEMSELVES. - - -The reverberations, too, of the mountains, and the roaring of the -forests, are indicative of certain phænomena; and the same is the case -when the leaves are seen to quiver,[705] without a breath of wind, -the downy filaments of the poplar or thorn to float in the air, and -feathers to skim along the surface of the water.[706] In champaign -countries, the storm gives notice of its approach by that peculiar -muttering[707] which precedes it; while the murmuring that is heard in -the heavens affords us no doubtful presage of what is to come. - - - - -CHAP. 87.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM AQUATIC ANIMALS, AND BIRDS. - - -The animals, too, afford us certain presages; dolphins, for instance, -sporting in a calm sea, announce wind in the quarter from which they -make their appearance.[708] When they throw up the water in a billowy -sea, they announce the approach of a calm. The loligo,[709] springing -out of the water, shell-fish adhering to various objects, sea-urchins -fastening by their stickles upon the sand, or else burrowing in it, -are so many indications of stormy weather: the same, too, when -frogs[710] croak more than usual, or coots[711] make a chattering in -the morning. Divers, too, and ducks, when they clean their feathers -with the bill, announce high winds; which is the case also when the -aquatic birds unite in flocks, cranes make for the interior, and -divers[712] and sea-mews forsake the sea or the creeks. Cranes when -they fly aloft in silence announce fine weather, and so does the -owlet,[713] when it screeches during a shower; but if it is heard in -fine weather, it presages a storm. Ravens, too, when they croak with a -sort of gurgling noise and shake their feathers, give warning of the -approach of wind, if their note is continuous: but if, on the other -hand, it is smothered, and only heard at broken intervals, we may -expect rain, accompanied with high winds. Jackdaws, when they return -late from feeding, give notice of stormy weather, and the same with -the white birds,[714] when they unite in flocks, and the land birds, -when they descend with cries to the water and besprinkle themselves, -the crow more particularly. The swallow,[715] too, when it skims along -the surface of the water so near as to ripple it every now and then -with its wings, and the birds that dwell in the trees, when they hide -themselves in their nests, afford similar indications; geese, too, when -they set up a continuous gabbling,[716] at an unusual time, and the -heron,[717] when it stands moping in the middle of the sands. - - - - -CHAP. 88.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM QUADRUPEDS. - - -Nor, indeed, is it surprising that the aquatic birds, or any birds, -in fact, should have a perception of the impending changes of the -atmosphere. Sheep, however, when they skip and frisk with their clumsy -gambols,[718] afford us similar prognostics; oxen, when they snuff -upwards towards the sky, and lick[719] themselves against the hair; -unclean swine, when they tear to pieces the trusses of hay that are put -for other animals;[720] bees, when, contrary to their natural habits -of industry, they keep close within the hive; ants, when they hurry to -and fro, or are seen carrying forth their eggs; and earthworms,[721] -emerging from their holes—all these indicate approaching changes in the -weather. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM PLANTS. - - -It is a well-known fact, that trefoil bristles up, and its leaves stand -erect, upon the approach of a tempest. - - - - -CHAP. 90.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM FOOD. - - -At our repasts, too, and upon our tables, when we see the vessels -sweat in which the viands are served, and leave marks upon the -side-board,[722] it is an indication that a dreadful storm is impending. - - -SUMMARY.—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, two thousand -and sixty. - - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Massurius Sabinus,[723] Cassius Hemina,[724] -Verrius Flaccus,[725] L. Piso,[726] Cornelius Celsus,[727] Turranius -Gracilis,[728] D. Silanus,[729] M. Varro,[730] Cato the Censor,[731] -Scrofa,[732] the Sasernæ,[733] father and son, Domitius Calvinus,[734] -Hyginus,[735] Virgil,[736] Trogus,[737] Ovid,[738] Græcinus,[739] -Columella,[740] Tubero,[741] L. Tarutius,[742] who wrote in Greek -on the Stars, Cæsar[743] the Dictator, who wrote upon the Stars, -Sergius Paulus,[744] Sabinus Fabianus,[745] M. Cicero,[746] Calpurnius -Bassus,[747] Ateius Capito,[748] Mamilius Sura,[749] Attius,[750] who -wrote the Praxidica. - - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Hesiod,[751] Theophrastus,[752] Aristotle,[753] -Democritus,[754] King Hiero,[755] King Attalus Philometor,[756] King -Archelaüs,[757] Archytas,[758] Xenophon,[759] Amphilochus[760] of -Athens, Anaxipolis[761] of Thasos, Aristophanes[762] of Miletus, -Apollodorus[763] of Lemnos, Antigonus[764] of Cymæ, Agathocles[765] -of Chios, Apollonius[766] of Pergamus, Aristander[767] of Athens, -Bacchius[768] of Miletus, Bion[769] of Soli, Chæreas[770] of Athens, -Chæristus[771] of Athens, Diodorus[772] of Priene, Dion[773] -of Colophon, Epigenes[774] of Rhodes, Euagon[775] of Thasos, -Euphronius[776] of Athens, Androtiou[777] who wrote on Agriculture, -Æschrion[778] who wrote on Agriculture, Lysimachus[779] who wrote -on Agriculture, Dionysius[780] who translated Mago, Diophanes[781] -who made an Epitome from Dionysius, Thales,[782] Eudoxus,[783] -Philippus,[784] Calippus,[785] Dositheus,[786] Parmeniscus,[787] -Meton,[788] Criton,[789] Œnopides,[790] Zenon,[791] Euctemon,[792] -Harpalus,[793] Hecatæus,[794] Anaximander,[795] Sosigenes,[796] -Hipparchus,[797] Aratus,[798] Zoroaster,[799] Archibius.[800] - - - - -BOOK XIX. - -THE NATURE AND CULTIVATION OF FLAX, AND AN ACCOUNT OF VARIOUS GARDEN -PLANTS. - - - - -CHAP. 1.—THE NATURE OF FLAX—MARVELLOUS FACTS RELATIVE THERETO. - - -We have now imparted a knowledge[801] of the constellations and of the -seasons, in a method unattended with difficulty for the most ignorant -even, and free from every doubt; indeed, to those who understand these -matters aright, the face of the earth contributes in no less a degree -to a due appreciation of the celestial phænomena, than does the science -of astronomy to our improvement in the arts of agriculture. - -Many writers have made it their next care to treat of horticulture; -but, for my own part, it does not appear to me altogether advisable -to pass on immediately to that subject, and, indeed, I am rather -surprised to find that some among the learned, who have either sought -the pleasures of knowledge in these pursuits, or have grounded their -celebrity upon them, have omitted so many particulars in reference -thereto; for no mention do we find in their writings of numerous -vegetable productions, both wild as well as cultivated, many of which -are found, in ordinary life, to be of higher value and of more extended -use to man than the cereals even. - -To commence, then, with a production which is of an utility that is -universally recognized, and is employed not only upon dry land but upon -the seas as well, we will turn our attention to flax,[802] a plant -which is reproduced from seed, but which can neither be classed among -the cereals nor yet among the garden plants. What department is there -to be found of active life in which flax is not employed? and in what -production of the earth are there greater marvels[803] revealed to -us than in this? To think that here is a plant which brings Egypt in -close proximity to Italy!—so much so, in fact, that Galerius[804] and -Balbillus,[805] both of them prefects of Egypt, made the passage to -Alexandria from the Straits of Sicily, the one in six days, the other -in five! It was only this very last summer, that Valerius Marianus, a -senator of prætorian rank, reached Alexandria from Puteoli in eight -days, and that, too, with a very moderate breeze all the time! To think -that here is a plant which brings Gades, situate near the Pillars of -Hercules, within six days of Ostia, Nearer Spain within three, the -province of Gallia Narbonensis within two, and Africa within one!—this -last passage having been made by C. Flavius, when legatus of Vibius -Crispus, the proconsul, and that, too, with but little or no wind to -favour his passage! - -What audacity in man! What criminal perverseness! thus to sow a thing -in the ground for the purpose of catching the winds and the tempests, -it being not enough for him, forsooth, to be borne upon the waves -alone! Nay, still more than this, sails even that are bigger than the -very ships themselves will not suffice for him, and although it takes -a whole tree to make a mast to carry the cross-yards, above those -cross-yards sails upon sails must still be added, with others swelling -at the prow and at the stern as well—so many devices, in fact, to -challenge death! Only to think, in fine, that that which moves to and -fro, as it were, the various countries of the earth, should spring from -a seed so minute, and make its appearance in a stem so fine, so little -elevated above the surface of the earth! And then, besides, it is not -in all its native strength that it is employed for the purposes of a -tissue; no, it must first be rent asunder, and then tawed and beaten, -till it is reduced to the softness of wool; indeed, it is only by such -violence done to its nature, and prompted by the extreme audacity of -man, and[806] * * * that it is rendered subservient to his purposes. -The inventor of this art has been already mentioned by us on a more -appropriate occasion;[807] not satisfied that his fellow-men should -perish upon land, but anxious that they should meet their end with no -sepulchral rites to await them, there are no execrations[808] to be -found that can equal his demerits! - -It is only in the preceding Book[809] that I was warning the -agriculturist, as he values the grain that is to form our daily -sustenance, to be on his guard against the storm and the tempest; -and yet, here we have man sowing with his own hand, man racking his -invention how best to gather, an object the only aspirations of which -upon the deep are the winds of heaven! And then, too, as if to let us -understand all the better how highly favoured is this instrument of our -punishment, there is no vegetable production that grows with greater -facility;[810] and, to prove to us that it is in despite of Nature -herself that it exists, it has the property of scorching[811] the -ground where it is grown, and of deteriorating the quality of the very -soil itself. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (1.)—HOW FLAX IS SOWN: TWENTY-SEVEN PRINCIPAL VARIETIES OF IT. - - -Flax is mostly sown in sandy[812] soils, and after a single ploughing -only. There is no plant that grows more rapidly[813] than this; sown -in spring,[814] it is pulled up in summer, and is, for this reason as -well, productive of considerable injury to the soil.[815] There may -be some, however, who would forgive Egypt for growing it, as it is by -its aid that she imports the merchandize of Arabia and India; but why -should the Gallic provinces base any of their reputation upon this -product?[816] Is it not enough, forsooth, for them to be separated by -mountains from the sea, and to have, upon the side on which they are -bounded by the Ocean, that void and empty space, as it is called?[817] -The Cadurci,[818] the Caleti, the Ruteni,[819] the Bituriges,[820] and -the Morini,[821] those remotest of all mankind, as it is supposed, the -whole of the Gallic provinces, in fact, are in the habit of weaving -sail-cloth; and at the present day our enemies even, who dwell beyond -the Rhenus, have learned to do the same; indeed, there is no tissue -that is more beautiful in the eyes of their females than linen. I am -here reminded of the fact, that we find it stated by M. Varro, that it -is a custom peculiar to the family of the Serrani[822] for the women -never to wear garments of linen. In Germany it is in caves[823] deep -under-ground that the linen-weavers ply their work; and the same is -the case, too, in the Alian territory, in Italy, between the rivers -Padus and Ticinus, the linen of which holds the third rank among -the kinds manufactured in Europe, that of Sætabis[824] claiming the -first, and those of Retovium[825] and of Faventia, in the vicinity -of Alia, on the Æmilian Way, the second, place in general estimation. -The linens of Faventia are preferred for whiteness to those of Alia, -which are always un-bleached: those of Retovium are remarkable for -their extreme fineness, combined with substance, and are quite equal in -whiteness to the linens of Faventia; but they have none of that fine -downy nap[826] upon them, which is so highly esteemed by some persons, -though equally disliked by others. A thread is made, too, from their -flax, of considerable strength, smoother and more even, almost, than -the spider’s web; when tested with the teeth, it emits a sharp, clear -twang; hence it is, that it sells at double the price of the other -kinds. - -But it is the province of Nearer Spain that produces a linen of the -greatest lustre, an advantage which it owes to the waters of a stream -which washes the city of Tarraco[827] there. The fineness, too, of this -linen is quite marvellous, and here it is that the first manufactories -of cambric[828] were established. From the same province, too, of -Spain, the flax of Zoëla[829] has of late years been introduced into -Italy, and has been found extremely serviceable for the manufacture -of hunting-nets. Zoëla is a city of Callæcia, in the vicinity of the -Ocean. The flax, too, of Cumæ, in Campania, has its own peculiar merits -in the manufacture of nets for fishing and fowling; it is employed, -also, for making hunting-nets. For it is from flax, in fact, that we -prepare various textures, destined to be no less insidious to the brute -creation than they are to ourselves. It is with toils made from the -flax of Cumæ that wild boars are taken, the meshes being proof against -their bristles,[830] equally with the edge of the knife: before now, -too, we have seen some of these toils of a fineness so remarkable[831] -as to allow of being passed through a man’s ring, running ropes -and all, a single individual being able to carry an amount of nets -sufficient to environ a whole forest—a thing which we know to have been -done not long ago by Julius Lupus, who died prefect of Egypt. This, -however, is nothing very surprising, but it really is quite wonderful -that each of the cords was composed of no less than one hundred and -fifty threads. Those, no doubt, will be astonished at this, who are -not aware that there is preserved in the Temple of Minerva, at Lindus, -in the Isle of Rhodes, the cuirass of a former king of Egypt, Amasis -by name, each thread employed in the texture of which is composed of -three hundred and sixty-five other threads. Mucianus, who was three -times consul, informs us that he saw this curiosity very recently, -though there was but little then remaining of it, in consequence of the -injury it had experienced at the hands of various persons who had tried -to verify the fact. Italy, too, holds the flax of the Peligni in high -esteem, though it is only employed by fullers; there is no kind known -that is whiter than this, or which bears a closer resemblance to wool. -That grown by the Cadurci[832] is held in high estimation for making -mattresses;[833] which, as well as flock,[834] are an invention for -which we are indebted to the Gauls: the ancient usage of Italy is still -kept in remembrance in the word “stramentum,”[835] the name given by us -to beds stuffed with straw. - -The flax of Egypt, though the least strong[836] of all as a tissue, -is that from which the greatest profits are derived. There are four -varieties of it, the Tanitic, the Pelusiac, the Butic, and the -Tentyritic—so called from the various districts in which they are -respectively grown. The upper part of Egypt, in the vicinity of -Arabia, produces a shrub, known by some as “gossypium,”[837] but by -most persons as “xylon;” hence the name of “xylina,” given to the -tissues that are manufactured from it. The shrub is small, and bears a -fruit, similar in appearance to a nut with a beard, and containing in -the inside a silky substance, the down of which is spun into threads. -There is no tissue known, that is superior to those made from this -thread, either for whiteness, softness, or dressing: the most esteemed -vestments worn by the priests of Egypt are made of it. There is a -fourth kind of tissue, known by the name of “othoninum,” which is made -from a kind of marsh-reed,[838] the panicule only being employed for -the purpose. In Asia, again, there is a thread made from broom,[839] -which is employed in the construction of fishing-nets, being found to -be remarkably durable; for the purpose of preparing it, the shrub is -steeped in water for ten days. The Æthiopians, also, and the people of -India, prepare a kind of thread from a fruit which resembles our apple, -and the Arabians, as already[840] mentioned, from gourds that grow upon -trees. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—THE MODE OF PREPARING FLAX. - - -In our part of the world the ripeness of flax is usually ascertained by -two signs, the swelling of the seed, and its assuming a yellowish tint. -It is then pulled up by the roots, made up into small sheaves that will -just fill the hand, and hung to dry in the sun. It is suspended with -the roots upwards the first day, and then for the five following days -the heads of the sheaves are placed, reclining one against the other, -in such a way that the seed which drops out may fall into the middle. -Linseed is employed for various medicinal[841] purposes, and it is -used by the country-people of Italy beyond the Padus in a certain kind -of food, which is remarkable for its sweetness: for this long time -past, however, it has only been in general use for sacrifices offered -to the divinities. After the wheat harvest is over, the stalks of flax -are plunged in water that has been warmed in the sun, and are then -submitted to pressure with a weight; for there is nothing known that -is more light and buoyant than this. When the outer coat is loosened, -it is a sign that the stalks have been sufficiently steeped; after -which[842] they are again turned with the heads downwards, and left to -dry as before in the sun: when thoroughly dried, they are beaten with a -tow-mallet on a stone. - -The part that lies nearest to the outer coat is known by the name of -“stuppa;” it is a flax of inferior quality, and is mostly employed for -making the wicks of lamps. This, however, requires to be combed out -with iron hatchels, until the whole of the outer skin is removed. The -inner part presents numerous varieties of flax, esteemed respectively -in proportion to their whiteness and their softness. Spinning flax is -held to be an honourable[843] employment for men even: the husks, or -outer coats, are employed for heating furnaces and ovens. There is a -certain amount of skill required in hatchelling flax and dressing it: -it is a fair proportion for fifty pounds in the sheaf to yield fifteen -pounds of flax combed out. When spun into thread, it is rendered -additionally supple by being soaked in water and then beaten out upon -a stone; and after it is woven into a tissue, it is again beaten with -heavy maces: indeed, the more roughly it is treated the better it is. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—LINEN MADE OF ASBESTOS. - - -There has been invented also a kind of linen which is incombustible by -flame. It is generally known as “live”[844] linen, and I have seen, -before now, napkins[845] that were made of it thrown into a blazing -fire, in the room where the guests were at table, and after the stains -were burnt out, come forth from the flames whiter and cleaner than -they could possibly have been rendered by the aid of water. It is from -this material that the corpse-cloths of monarchs are made, to ensure -the separation of the ashes of the body from those of the pile. This -substance grows[846] in the deserts of India,[847] scorched by the -burning rays of the sun: here, where no rain is ever known to fall, and -amid multitudes of deadly serpents, it becomes habituated to resist -the action of fire. Rarely to be found, it presents considerable -difficulties in weaving it into a tissue, in consequence of its -shortness; its colour is naturally red, and it only becomes white -through the agency of fire. By those who find it, it is sold at prices -equal to those given for the finest pearls; by the Greeks it is called -“asbestinon,”[848] a name which indicates its peculiar properties. -Anaxilaüs[849] makes a statement to the effect that if a tree is -surrounded with linen made of this substance, the noise of the blows -given by the axe will be deadened thereby, and that the tree may be cut -down without their being heard. For these qualities it is that this -linen occupies the very highest rank among all the kinds that are known. - -The next rank is accorded to the tissue known as “byssus,”[850] an -article which is held in the very highest estimation by females, and -is produced in the vicinity of Elis, in Achaia.[851] I find it stated -by some writers that a scruple of this sold formerly at four denarii, -the same rate, in fact, as gold. The downy nap of linen, and more -particularly that taken from the sails of sea-going ships, is very -extensively employed for medicinal purposes, and the ashes of it have -the same virtues as spodium.[852] Among the poppies, too,[853] there -is a variety which imparts a remarkable degree of whiteness to fabrics -made of linen. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—AT WHAT PERIOD LINEN WAS FIRST DYED. - - -Attempts, too, have even been made to dye linen, and to make it assume -the frivolous colours[854] of our cloths. This was first done in the -fleet of Alexander the Great, while sailing upon the river Indus; for, -upon one occasion, during a battle that was being fought, his generals -and captains distinguished their vessels by the various tints of their -sails, and astounded the people on the shores by giving their many -colours to the breeze, as it impelled them on. It was with sails of -purple, too, that Cleopatra accompanied M. Antonius to the battle of -Actium, and it was by their aid that she took to flight: such being the -distinguishing mark of the royal ship. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—AT WHAT PERIOD COLOURED AWNINGS WERE FIRST EMPLOYED IN THE -THEATRES. - - -In more recent[855] times linens alone have been employed for the -purpose of affording shade in our theatres; Q. Catulus having been the -first who applied them to this use, on the occasion of the dedication -by him of the Capitol. At a later period, Lentulus Spinther, it is -said, was the first to spread awnings of fine linen[856] over the -theatre, at the celebration of the Games in honour of Apollo. After -this, Cæsar, when Dictator, covered with a linen awning the whole of -the Roman Forum, as well as the Sacred Way, from his own house as far -as the ascent to the Capitol, a sight, it is said, more wonderful even -than the show of gladiators which he then exhibited. At a still later -period, and upon the occasion of no public games, Marcellus, the son of -Octavia, sister of Augustus, during his ædileship, and in the eleventh -consulship of his uncle, on the * * * day before the calends of August, -covered in the Forum with awnings, his object being to consult the -health of those assembled there for the purposes of litigation—a vast -change, indeed, from the manners prevalent in the days of Cato the -Censor, who expressed a wish that the Forum was paved with nothing else -but sharp pointed stones. - -Awnings have been lately extended, too, by the aid of ropes, over the -amphitheatres of the Emperor Nero, dyed azure, like the heavens, and -bespangled all over with stars. Those which are employed by us to -cover the inner court[857] of our houses are generally red: one reason -for employing them is to protect the moss that grows there from the -rays[858] of the sun. In other respects, white fabrics of linen have -always held the ascendancy in public estimation. Linen, too, was highly -valued as early as the Trojan war; for why else should it not have -figured as much in battles as it did in shipwrecks? Thus Homer,[859] we -find, bears witness that there were but few among the warriors of those -days who fought with cuirasses[860] on made of linen; while, as for -the rigging of the ships, of which that writer speaks, it is generally -supposed by the more learned among the commentators, that it was made -of this material; for the word “sparta,”[861] which he employs, means -nothing more than the produce of a seed. - - - - -CHAP. 7. (2.)—THE NATURE OF SPARTUM. - - -For the fact is that spartum[862] did not begin to be employed till -many ages after the time of Homer; indeed, not before the first war -that the Carthaginians waged in Spain. This, too, is a plant that grows -spontaneously,[863] and is incapable of being reproduced by sowing, -it being a species of rush, peculiar to a dry, arid soil, a morbid -production confined to a single country only; for in reality it is a -curse to the soil, as there is nothing whatever that can be sown or -grown in its vicinity. There is a kind of spartum grown in Africa,[864] -of a stunted nature, and quite useless for all practical purposes. It -is found in one portion of the province of Carthage[865] in Nearer -Spain, though not in every part of that; but wherever it is produced, -the mountains, even, are covered all over with it. - -This material is employed by the country-people there for making[866] -their beds; with it they kindle their fires also, and prepare their -torches; shoes[867] also, and garments for the shepherds, are made of -it. As a food for animals, it is highly injurious,[868] with the sole -exception of the tender tops of the shoots. When wanted for other uses, -it is pulled up by the roots, with considerable labour; the legs of -the persons so employed being protected by boots, and their hands with -gloves, the plant being twisted round levers of bone or holm-oak, to -get it up with the greater facility. At the present day it is gathered -in the winter, even; but this work is done with the least difficulty -between the ides of May[869] and those of June, that being the period -at which it is perfectly ripe. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—THE MODE OF PREPARING SPARTUM. - - -When taken up it is made into sheaves, and laid in heaps for a couple -of days, while it retains its life and freshness; on the third day -the sheaves are opened out and spread in the sun to dry, after which -it is again made up into sheaves, and placed under cover. It is then -put to soak in sea-water, this being the best of all for the purpose, -though fresh water will do in case sea-water cannot be procured: this -done, it is again dried in the sun, and then moistened afresh. If it is -wanted for immediate use, it is put in a tub and steeped in warm water, -after which it is placed in an upright position to dry: this being -universally admitted to be the most expeditious method of preparing -it. To make it ready for use, it requires to be beaten out. Articles -made of it are proof, more particularly, against the action of fresh -or sea-water; but on dry land, ropes of hemp are generally preferred. -Indeed, we find that spartum receives nutriment even from being under -water, by way of compensation, as it were, for the thirst it has had to -endure upon its native soil. - -By nature it is peculiarly well adapted for repairing, and however old -the material may be, it unites very well with new. The person, indeed, -who is desirous duly to appreciate this marvellous plant, has only to -consider the numerous uses to which, in all parts of the world, it is -applied: from it are made, the rigging of ships, various appliances -of mechanism employed in building, and numerous other articles which -supply the wants of daily life. To suffice for all these requirements, -we find it growing solely on a tract of ground which lies upon the -sea-line of the province of New Carthage, somewhat less than thirty -miles in breadth by one hundred in length. The expense precludes its -being transported to any very considerable distance. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—AT WHAT PERIOD SPARTUM WAS FIRST EMPLOYED. - - -The Greeks used formerly to employ the rush for making ropes; so, at -least, we are led to believe, from the name[870] given by them to that -plant; and at a later period they made them, it is very clear, from the -leaves of the palm, and the inner bark of the linden-tree. It seems to -me very probable, too, that it was from them that the Carthaginians -borrowed the first hint for applying spartum to a similar purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—THE BULB ERIOPHORUS. - - -Theophrastus[871] informs us, that there is a kind of bulb, which -grows on the banks of rivers, and which encloses between the outer coat -and the portion that is eaten a sort of woolly substance, of which felt -socks, and other articles of dress, are made; but, in the copies, those -at least which have fallen in my way, there is no mention made of the -country in which it grows, or of any details in connection with it, -beyond the fact that the name given to it is “eriophoron.”[872] As to -spartum, he makes no[873] mention of it whatever, although he has given -the history, with the greatest exactness, of all the known plants, -three hundred and ninety years before our time—a fact to which I have -already[874] alluded on other occasions: from this it would appear that -spartum has come into use since his day. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—PLANTS WHICH SPRING UP AND GROW WITHOUT A ROOT—PLANTS WHICH -GROW, BUT CANNOT BE REPRODUCED FROM SEED. - - -As we have here made a beginning of treating of the marvels of -Nature, we shall proceed to examine them in detail; and among them -the very greatest of all, beyond a doubt, is the fact that any plant -should spring up and grow without a root. Such, for instance, is the -vegetable production known as the truffle;[875] surrounded on every -side by earth, it is connected with it by no fibres, not so much as a -single thread even, while the spot in which it grows, presents neither -protuberance nor cleft to the view. It is found, in fact, in no way -adhering to the earth, but enclosed within an outer coat; so much so, -indeed, that though we cannot exactly pronounce it to be composed of -earth, we must conclude that it is nothing else but a callous[876] -concretion of the earth. - -Truffles generally grow in dry, sandy soils, and spots that are thickly -covered with shrubs; in size they are often larger than a quince, and -are found to weigh as much[877] as a pound. There are two kinds of -them, the one full of sand, and consequently injurious to the teeth, -the other free from sand and all impurities. They are distinguished -also by their colour, which is red or black, and white within; those of -Africa[878] are the most esteemed. Whether the truffle grows gradually, -or whether this blemish of the earth—for it can be looked upon as -nothing else—at once assumes the globular form and magnitude which it -presents when found; whether, too, it is possessed of vitality or not, -are all of them questions, which, in my opinion, are not easy to be -solved. It decays and rots in a manner precisely similar to wood. - -It is known to me as a fact, that the following circumstance happened -to Lartius Licinius, a person of prætorian rank, while minister of -justice,[879] a few years ago, at Carthage in Spain; upon biting a -truffle, he found a denarius inside, which all but broke his fore -teeth—an evident proof that the truffle is nothing else but an -agglomeration of elementary earth. At all events, it is quite certain -that the truffle belongs to those vegetable productions which spring up -spontaneously, and are incapable of being reproduced from seed.[880] - - - - -CHAP. 12. (3.)—MISY; ITON; AND GERANION. - - -Of a similar nature, too, is the vegetable production known in the -province of Cyrenaica by the name of “misy,”[881] remarkable for the -sweetness of its smell and taste, but more fleshy than the truffle: the -same, too, as to the iton[882] of the Thracians, and the geranion of -the Greeks. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—PARTICULARS CONNECTED WITH THE TRUFFLE. - - -The following peculiarities we find mentioned with reference to -the truffle. When there have been showers in autumn, and frequent -thunder-storms, truffles are produced, thunder[883] contributing more -particularly to their developement; they do not, however, last beyond -a year, and are considered the most delicate eating when gathered in -spring. In some places the formation of them is attributed to water; -as at Mytilene,[884] for instance, where they are never to be found, -it is said, unless the rivers overflow, and bring down the seed from -Tiara, that being the name of a place at which they are produced in the -greatest abundance. The finest truffles of Asia are those found in the -neighbourhood of Lampsacus and Alopeconnesus; the best in Greece are -those of the vicinity of Elis. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—THE PEZICA. - - -Belonging to the mushroom genus, also, there is a species, known to the -Greeks by the name of “pezica,”[885] which grows without either root or -stalk. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—LASERPITIUM, LASER, AND MASPETUM. - - -Next to these, laserpitium[886] claims our notice, a very remarkable -plant, known to the Greeks by the name of “silphion,” and originally a -native of the province of Cyrenaica. The juice of this plant is called -“laser,” and it is greatly in vogue for medicinal as well as other -purposes, being sold at the same rate as silver. For these many years -past, however, it has not been found in Cyrenaica,[887] as the farmers -of the revenue who hold the lands there on lease, have a notion that -it is more profitable to depasture flocks of sheep upon them. Within -the memory of the present generation, a single stalk[888] is all that -has ever been found there, and that was sent as a curiosity to the -Emperor Nero. If it so happen that one of the flock, while grazing, -meets with a growing shoot[889] of it, the fact is easily ascertained -by the following signs; the sheep, after eating of it, immediately -falls asleep, while the goat is seized with a fit of sneezing.[890] -For this long time past, there has been no other laser imported into -this country, but that produced in either Persis, Media, or Armenia, -where it grows in considerable abundance, though much inferior[891] -to that of Cyrenaica; and even then it is extensively adulterated -with gum, sacopenium,[892] or pounded beans. I ought the less then -to omit the facts, that in the consulship[893] of C. Valerius and -M. Herennius, there was brought to Rome, from Cyrenæ, for the public -service, thirty pounds’ weight of laserpitium, and that the Dictator -Cæsar, at the beginning of the Civil War, took from out of the public -treasury, besides gold and silver, no less than fifteen hundred pounds -of laserpitium. - -We find it stated by the most trustworthy among the Greek writers,[894] -that this plant first made its appearance in the vicinity of the -gardens of the Hesperides and the Greater Syrtis, immediately after the -earth had been soaked on a sudden by a shower as black as pitch. This -took place seven years before the foundation of the city of Cyrenæ, and -in the year of Rome 143. The virtues of this remarkable fall of rain -extended, it is said, over no less than four thousand stadia of the -African territory; and upon this soil laserpitium began universally -to grow, a plant that is in general wild and stubborn, and which, if -attempted to be cultivated, will leave the spot where it has been sown -quite desolate and barren. The roots of it are numerous and thick, the -stalk being like that of fennel-giant, and of similar thickness. The -leaves of this plant were known as “maspetum,” and bore a considerable -resemblance to parsley; the seeds of it were foliaceous, and the plant -shed its leaves every year. They used to feed the cattle there upon it; -at first it purged them, but afterwards they would grow fat, the flesh -being improved in flavour in a most surprising degree. After the fall -of the leaf, the people themselves were in the habit of eating[895] the -stalk, either roasted or boiled: from the drastic effects of this diet -the body was purged for the first forty days, all vicious humours being -effectually removed.[896] - -The juices of this plant were collected two different ways, either from -the root or from the stalk; in consequence of which these two varieties -of the juice were known by the distinguishing names of “rhizias” and -“caulias,”[897] the last being of inferior quality to the other, and -very apt to turn putrid. Upon the root there was a black bark, which -was extensively employed for the purposes of adulteration. The juice -of the plant was received in vessels, and mixed there with a layer of -bran; after which, from time to time it was shaken, till it had reached -a proper state of maturity; indeed, if this precaution was neglected, -it was apt to turn putrid. The signs that it had come to maturity were -its colour, its dryness, and the absorption of all humidity. - -There are some authors, however, who state that the root of laserpitium -was more than a cubit in length, and that it presented a tuberosity -above the surface of the earth. An incision, they say, was made in this -tuberosity, from which a juice would flow, like milk in appearance; -above the tuberosity grew a stalk, to which they give the name of -“magydaris;”[898] the leaves that grew upon this stalk were of the -colour of gold, and, falling at the rising of the Dog-star, when the -south winds begin to prevail, they acted as seed for the purposes -of reproduction. It was from these leaves, too, they say, that -laserpitium[899] was produced, the root and the stalk attaining their -full growth in the space of one year. The same writers also state, that -it was the practice to turn up the ground about the plant, and that it -had no such effect as purging the cattle that were fed upon it; though -one result of using it as food was, that such cattle as were ailing -were either cured of their distempers, or else died immediately upon -eating of it, a thing, however, that but rarely happened. The first -description, however, is found to agree more nearly with the silphium -that comes from Persis. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—MAGYDARIS. - - -There is another[900] variety of this plant, known as “magydaris,”[901] -of a more delicate nature, less active in its effects, and destitute -of juice. It grows in the countries adjacent to Syria,[902] but is not -to be found in the regions of Cyrenaica. There grows also upon Mount -Parnassus,[903] in great abundance, a plant to which some persons -give the name of “laserpitium:” by means of all these varieties, -adulterations are effected of a production that is held in the -highest esteem for its salutary qualities and its general usefulness. -The chief proofs of its genuineness consist in its colour, which -ought to be slightly red without, and when broken quite white and -transparent within; the drops of it, too, should melt very rapidly on -the application of spittle. It is extensively employed for medicinal -purposes.[904] - - - - -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,[905] -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.[906] It grows spontaneously, but -is capable of reproduction by sowing, much after the same manner as -the fitch. The stem,[907] 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.[908] - - - - -CHAP. 18.—THE RADICULA. - - -The plant known to us by the name of “radicula,”[909] is the second of -these productions. It furnishes a juice that is extensively employed -in washing wool, and it is quite wonderful how greatly it contributes -to the whiteness and softness of wool. It may be produced anywhere by -cultivation, but that which grows spontaneously in Asia and Syria,[910] -upon rugged, rocky sites, is more highly esteemed. That, however, which -is found beyond the Euphrates has the highest repute of all. The stalk -of it is ferulaceous[911] and thin, and is sought by the inhabitants -of those countries as an article of food. It is employed also for -making unguents, being boiled up with the other ingredients, whatever -they may happen to be. In leaf it strongly resembles the olive. The -Greeks have given it the name of “struthion.” It blossoms in summer, -and is agreeable to the sight, but entirely destitute of smell. It is -somewhat thorny, and has a stalk covered with down. It has an extremely -diminutive seed, and a large root, which is cut up and employed for the -purposes already mentioned. - - - - -CHAP. 19. (4.)—THE PLEASURES OF THE GARDEN. - - -Having made mention of these productions, it now remains for us to -return to the cultivation of the garden,[912] a subject recommended -by its own intrinsic merits to our notice: for we find that in remote -antiquity, even, there was nothing looked upon with a greater degree -of admiration than the gardens of the Hesperides,[913] those of the -kings Adonis[914] and Alcinoüs,[915] and the Hanging Gardens, whether -they were the work of Semiramis, or whether of Cyrus, king of Assyria, -a subject of which we shall have to speak in another work.[916] The -kings of Rome cultivated their gardens with their own hands; indeed, it -was from his garden that Tarquinius Superbus[917] sent to his son that -cruel and sanguinary message of his. In our laws of the Twelve Tables, -we find the word “villa,” or “farm,” nowhere mentioned; it is the word -“hortus” that is always used with that signification, while the term -“heredium” we find employed for “garden.” - -There are certain religious impressions, too, that have been attached -to this species of property,[918] and we find that it is in the -garden and the Forum only that statues of satyrs are consecrated, as -a protection against the evil effects[919] of spells and sorcery; -although in Plautus, we find the gardens spoken of as being under -the tutelage of Venus. At the present day, under the general name of -gardens,[920] we have pleasure-grounds situate in the very heart of the -City, as well as extensive fields and villas. - -Epicurus, that connoisseur[921] in the enjoyments of a life of ease, -was the first to lay out a garden at Athens;[922] up to his time it -had never been thought of, to dwell in the country in the middle of -the town. At Rome, on the other hand, the garden[923] constituted of -itself the poor man’s field, and it was from the garden that the lower -classes procured their daily food—an aliment how guiltlessly obtained! -But still, it is a great deal better, no doubt,[924] to dive into the -abysses of the deep, and to seek each kind of oyster at the risk -and peril of shipwreck, to go searching for birds beyond the river -Phasis[925] even, which, protected as they are by the terrors invented -by fable,[926] are only rendered all the more precious thereby—to go -searching for others, again, in Numidia,[927] and the very sepulchres -of Æthiopia,[928] or else to be battling with wild beasts, and to get -eaten one’s self while trying to take a prey which another person is to -eat! And yet, by Hercules! how little do the productions of the garden -cost us in comparison with these! How more than sufficient for every -wish and for every want!—were it not, indeed, that here, as in every -thing else, turn which way we will, we find the same grounds for our -wrath and indignation. We really might be content to allow of fruits -being grown of the most exquisite quality, remarkable, some of them for -their flavour, some for their size, some, again, for the monstrosities -of their growth, morsels all of them forbidden to the poor![929] We -might allow of wines being kept till they are mellowed with age, or -enfeebled by being passed through[930] cloth strainers, of men, too, -however prolonged their lives, never drinking any but a wine that is -still older than themselves! We might allow of luxury devising how -best to extract the very aroma, as it were, and marrow[931] only from -grain; of people, too, living upon nothing but the choicest productions -of the confectioner, and upon pastes fashioned in fantastic shapes: -of one kind of bread being prepared for the rich, and another for the -multitude; of the yearly produce of the field being classified in a -descending scale, till it reaches the humble means of the very lowest -classes—but do we not find that these refined distinctions have been -extended to the very herbs even, and that riches have contrived to -establish points of dissimilarity in articles of food which ordinarily -sell for a single copper coin?[932] - -In this department even, humble as it is, we are still destined to -find certain productions that are denied to the community at large, and -the very cabbages pampered to such an enormous extent that the poor -man’s table is not large enough to hold them. Asparagus, by Nature, -was intended to grow wild,[933] so that each might gather it where -he pleased—but, lo and behold! we find it in the highest state of -cultivation, and Ravenna produces heads that weigh as much as three -pounds[934] even! Alas for the monstrous excess of gluttony! It would -be surprising indeed, for the beasts of the field to be forbidden the -thistle for food, and yet it is a thing forbidden[935] to the lower -classes of the community! These refined distinctions, too, are extended -to the very water even, and, thanks to the mighty influence of money, -there are lines of demarcation drawn in the very elements themselves. -Some persons are for drinking ice, others for quaffing snow, and thus -is the curse of the mountain steep turned into an appetizing stimulus -for the palate![936] Cold is carefully treasured up for the summer -heats, and man’s invention is racked how best to keep snow freezing -in months that are not its own. Some again there are who first boil -the water,[937] and then bring it to the temperature of winter—indeed, -there is nothing that pleases man in the fashion in which Nature -originally made it. - -And is it the fact, then, that any herb of the garden is reared only -for the rich man’s table? It is so—but still let no one of the angered -populace think of a fresh secession to Mount Sacer or Mount Aventine; -for to a certainty, in the long run, all-powerful money will bring them -back to just the same position as they were in when it wrought the -severance. For, by Hercules![938] there was not an impost levied at -Rome more grievous than the market-dues, an impost that aroused the -indignation of the populace, who repeatedly appealed with loud clamours -to all the chief men of the state to be relieved from it. At last they -were relieved from this heavy tax upon their wares; and then it was -found that there was no tax more lucrative, more readily collected, -or less obnoxious to the caprices of chance, than the impost that was -levied in exchange for it, in the shape of a property-tax, extended to -the poorest classes: for now the very soil itself is their surety that -paid the tax will be, their means are patent to the light of day, and -the superficial extent of their possessions, whatever the weather may -chance to be, always remains the same. - -Cato,[939] we find, speaks in high praise of garden cabbages:—indeed, -it was according to their respective methods of garden cultivation -that the agriculturists of early times were appreciated, and it was -immediately concluded that it was a sign of a woman being a bad and -careless manager of her family, when the kitchen-garden—for this was -looked upon as the woman’s department more particularly—was negligently -cultivated; as in such case her only resource was, of course, the -shambles or the herb-market. But cabbages were not held in such high -esteem in those days as now: indeed, all dishes were held in disrepute -which required something else to help them down, the great object being -to economize oil as much as possible; and as to the flesh-market, so -much as a wish even to taste its wares was visited with censure and -reproach. The chief thing that made them so fond of the garden was -the fact that its produce needs no fire and ensures economy in fuel, -and that it offers resources which are always ready and at hand. -These articles of food, which from their peculiar nature we call -“vinegar-diets,”[940] were found to be easy of digestion, by no means -apt to blunt and overload the senses, and to create but little craving -for bread as an accompaniment. A portion of them which is still used by -us for seasonings, attests that our forefathers used only to look at -home for their resources, and that no Indian peppers were in request -with them, or any of those other condiments which we are in the habit -of seeking beyond the seas. In former times the lower classes of Rome, -with their mimic gardens in their windows, day after day presented -the reflex of the country to the eye, when as yet the multitudes of -atrocious burglaries, almost innumerable, had not compelled us to shut -out all such sights with bars to the passers by. - -Let the garden, then, have its due meed of honour, and let not -things, because they are common, enjoy for that the less share of our -consideration—and the more so, as we find that from it men of the very -highest rank have been content to borrow their surnames even; thus -in the Valerian family, for instance, the Lactucini have not thought -themselves disgraced by taking their name from the lettuce. Perhaps, -too, our labours and research may contribute some slight recommendation -to this our subject; although, with Virgil,[941] we are ready to admit -how difficult it is, by language however elevated, to ennoble a subject -that is so humble in itself. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE LAYING OUT OF GARDEN GROUND. - - -There is no doubt that the proper plan is, to have the gardens -adjoining the country-house; and they should be watered, more -particularly, by a river running in front of it, if possible; or else -with water drawn from a well by the aid of a wheel or of pumps, or by -swipes.[942] The ground should be opened just as the west winds are -beginning to prevail; fourteen days after which it should be got ready -for autumn, and then before the winter solstice it should have another -turning up. It will require eight men to dig a jugerum, manure being -mixed with the earth to a depth of three feet: the ground, too, should -be divided into plots or beds with raised and rounded edges, each of -which should have a path dug round it, by means of which access may be -afforded to the gardener and a channel formed for the water needed for -irrigation. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—PLANTS OTHER THAN GRAIN AND SHRUBS. - - -Among the garden plants there are some that recommend themselves by -their bulbs, others by the head, others by the stalk, others by the -leaf, others by both: some, again, are valued for their seed, others -for the outer coat, others for their membranous tissues, others for -their cartilaginous substance, others for the firmness of their flesh, -and others for the fleshy tunics in which they are enveloped. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TWENTY DIFFERENT KINDS OF PLANTS -WHICH GROW IN GARDENS—THE PROPER METHODS TO BE FOLLOWED IN SOWING THEM -RESPECTIVELY. - - -Of some plants the fruits[943] are in the earth, of others both in -the earth and out of it, and of others, again, out of the earth -solely. Some of them increase as they lie upon the ground, gourds -and cucumbers, for instance; the same products will grow also in a -hanging position, but they are much heavier even then than any of the -fruits that grow upon trees. The cucumber, however, is composed of -cartilage and a fleshy substance, while the gourd consists of rind and -cartilage: this last is the only vegetable production the outer coat -of which becomes of a ligneous nature, when ripe. Radishes, turnips, -and rape are hidden in the earth, and so, too, are elecampane,[944] -skirrets,[945] and parsnips,[946] though in a different manner. -There are some plants, again, to which we shall give the name of -“ferulaceous,” anise[947] and mallows, for instance; indeed, we find -it stated by some writers that in Arabia[948] the mallow becomes -arborescent at the sixth month, so much so, in fact, as to admit of -its being used for walking-sticks. We have another instance, again, in -the mallow-tree of Mauretania, which is found at Lixus, a city built -upon an æstuary there; and at which spot, it is said, were formerly the -gardens of the Hesperides, at a distance of two hundred paces from the -Ocean, near the shrine of Hercules, more ancient, tradition says, than -the temple at Gades. This mallow-tree[949] is twenty feet in height, -and of such a thickness that there is not a person in existence who is -able with his arms to span its girth. - -In the class of ferulaceous plants we must include hemp[950] also. -There are some plants, again, to which we must give the appellation of -“fleshy;”[951] such as those spongy[952] productions which are found -growing in damp meadows. As to the fungus, with a hard, tough flesh, we -have already[953] made mention of it when speaking of wood and trees; -and of truffles, which form another variety, we have but very recently -given a description.[954] - - - - -CHAP. 23. (5.)—VEGETABLES OF A CARTILAGINOUS NATURE—CUCUMBERS. PEPONES. - - -The cucumber[955] belongs to the cartilaginous class of plants, and -grows above the ground. It was a wonderful favourite with the Emperor -Tiberius, and, indeed, he was never without it; for he had raised -beds made in frames upon wheels, by means of which the cucumbers were -moved and exposed to the full heat of the sun; while, in winter, they -were withdrawn, and placed under the protection of frames glazed with -mirror-stone.[956] We find it stated, also, by the ancient Greek -writers, that the cucumber ought to be propagated from seed that has -been steeped[957] a couple of days in milk and honey, this method -having the effect of rendering them all the sweeter to the taste. The -cucumber, while growing, may be trained to take any form that may be -wished: in Italy the cucumbers are green[958] and very small, while -those grown in some of the provinces are remarkably large, and of a -wax colour or black.[959] Those of Africa, which are also remarkably -prolific, are held in high esteem; the same, too, with the cucumbers of -Mœsia, which are by far the largest of all. When the cucumber acquires -a very considerable volume, it is known to us as the “pepo.”[960] -Cucumbers when eaten remain on the stomach till the following day, -and are very difficult[961] of digestion; still, for all that, in -general they are not considered very unwholesome. By nature they have -a wonderful hatred to oil, and no less affection for water, and this -after they have been cut from the stem even.[962] If water is within a -moderate distance of them, they will creep towards it, while from oil, -on the other hand, they will shrink away; if any obstacle, too, should -happen to arrest their progress, or if they are left to hang, they -will grow curved and crooked. Of these facts we may be satisfactorily -convinced in a single night even, for if a vessel filled with water is -placed at four fingers’ distance from a cucumber, it will be found to -have descended to it by the following morning; but if the same is done -with oil, it will have assumed the curved form of a hook by the next -day. If hung in a tube while in blossom, the cucumber will grow to a -most surprising length.[963] It is only of late, too, that a cucumber -of entirely new shape has been produced in Campania, it having just the -form of a quince.[964] It was quite by accident, I am told, that the -first one acquired this shape in growing, and it was from the seed of -this that all the others have been reproduced. The name given to this -variety is “melopepo.” These last do not grow hanging, but assume their -round shape as they lie on the ground. A thing that is very remarkable -in them, in addition to their shape, colour, and smell, is the fact -that, when ripe, although they do not hang from the stem, they separate -from it at the stalk. - -Columella[965] has given us a plan of his, by which we may have -cucumbers the whole year round: the largest bramble-bush that can be -procured is transplanted to a warm, sunny spot, and then cut down, -about the time of the vernal equinox, to within a couple of fingers -of the ground; a cucumber-seed is then inserted in the pith of the -bramble, and the roots are well moulded up with fine earth and manure, -to withstand the cold. According to the Greeks, there are three kinds -of cucumbers, the Laconian, the Scytalic, and the Bœotian,[966] the -Laconian being the only one among them that is fond[967] of the water. - -There are some persons who recommend steeping the seed of the cucumber -in the juice of the herb known as the “culix;”[968] the produce, they -say, will be sure to grow without seeds. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—GOURDS. - - -Gourds resemble the cucumber in nature, at least in their manner of -growing; they manifest an equal aversion to the winter, too, while -they require constant watering and manure. Both cucumbers and gourds -are sown in holes a foot and a half[969] deep, between the vernal -equinox and the summer solstice, at the time of the Parilia[970] more -particularly. Some persons, however, think it better to sow gourds -after the calends of March,[971] and cucumbers after the nones,[972] -and at the time of the Quinquatria.[973] The cucumber and the gourd -climb upwards in a precisely similar manner, their shoots creeping -along the rough surface of the walls, even to the very roof, so -great is their fondness for elevated spots. They have not sufficient -strength, however, to support themselves without the aid of stays. -Shooting upwards with the greatest rapidity, they soon cover with their -light shade the arched roofs of the houses and the trellises on which -they are trained. From this circumstance it is that we find the gourd -classified into two primary kinds, the roof-gourd,[974] and the common -gourd, which creeps upon the ground. In the first kind, from a stalk -of remarkable thinness is suspended a fruit of considerable weight and -volume, and quite immoveable by the action of the wind. The gourd, too, -as well as the cucumber, admits of being lengthened to any extent, by -the aid of osier tubes more particularly. Just after the blossom has -fallen off, the plant is introduced into these tubes, and as it grows -it can be made to assume any form that may be wished, that of a serpent -coiled up being the one that is mostly preferred; if left at liberty -to grow as it hangs, it has been known before now to attain to no less -than[975] nine feet in length. - -The cucumber flowers gradually, blossom succeeding blossom; and it -adapts itself perfectly well to a dry soil. It is covered with a white -down, which increases in quantity as the plant gains in size. - -The gourd admits of being applied to more numerous uses than the -cucumber even: the stem is used as an article of food[976] when young, -but at a later period it changes its nature, and its qualities become -totally different: of late, gourds have come to be used in baths for -jugs and pitchers, but for this long time past they have been employed -as casks[977] for keeping wine. The rind is tender while the fruit is -green, but still it is always scraped off when the gourd is used for -food. It admits of being eaten several ways, and forms a light and -wholesome aliment, and this although it is one of those fruits that -are difficult of digestion by the human stomach, and are apt to swell -out those who eat of them. The seeds which lie nearest to the neck of -the gourd produce fruit of remarkable[978] length, and so do those -which lie at the lower extremities, though not at all comparable with -the others. Those, on the other hand, which lie in the middle, produce -gourds of a round shape, and those on the sides fruit that are thick -and short. The seeds are dried by being placed in the shade, and when -wanted for sowing, are steeped in water first. The longer and thinner -the gourd is, the more agreeable it is to the palate, and hence it is -that those which have been left to grow hanging are reckoned the most -wholesome: these, too, have fewer seeds than the others, the hardness -of which is apt to render the fruit less agreeable for eating. - -Those which are intended for keeping seed, are usually not cut -before the winter sets in; they are then dried in the smoke, and are -extensively employed for preserving[979] garden seeds, and for making -other articles for domestic use. There has been a method discovered, -also, of preserving the gourd for table, and the cucumber as well, -till nearly the time when the next year’s crop is ripe; this is done -by putting them in brine. We are assured, too, that if put in a hole -dug in a place well shaded from the sun, with a layer of sand beneath, -and dry hay and earth on the top of them, they may be kept green for -a very long time. We also find wild[980] cucumbers and gourds; and, -indeed, the same is the case with pretty nearly all the garden plants. -These wild varieties, however, are only possessed of certain medicinal -properties, and for this reason we shall defer any further mention of -them till we come to the Books appropriated to that subject. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—RAPE. TURNIPS. - - -The other plants that are of a cartilaginous nature are concealed, -all of them, in the earth. In the number of these is the rape, a -subject upon which it would almost appear that we have treated[981] -at sufficient length already, were it not that we think it as well -to observe, that medical men call those which are round “male,”[982] -while those which are larger and more elongated, are known to them as -“female” rape: these last are superior in sweetness, and better for -keeping, but by successive sowings they are changed into male rape.[983] - -The same authors, too, have distinguished five different varieties of -the turnip:[984] the Corinthian, the Cleonæan, the Liothasian, the -Bœotian, and the one which they have characterized as peculiarly the -“green,” turnip. The Corinthian turnip[985] grows to a very large -size, and the root is all but out of the ground; indeed, this is the -only kind that, in growing, shoots upwards, and not as the others do, -downwards into the ground. The Liothasian is known by some persons -as the Thracian turnip;[986] it is the one that stands extreme cold -the best of all. Next to it, the Bœotian kind is the sweetest; it is -remarkable, also, for the roundness of its shape and its shortness; -while the Cleonæan turnip,[987] on the other hand, is of an elongated -form. Those, in general, which have a thin, smooth leaf, are the -sweetest; while those, again, the leaf of which is rough, angular, and -prickly, have a pungent taste. There is a kind of wild turnip,[988] -also, the leaves of which resemble those of rocket.[989] At Rome, the -highest rank is given to the turnips of Amiternum,[990] and those of -Nursia; after them, those grown in the neighbourhood of the City[991] -are held in the next degree of esteem. The other particulars connected -with the sowing of the turnip have been already mentioned[992] by us -when speaking of the rape. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—RADISHES. - - -Radishes are composed of an outer coat and a cartilaginous substance, -and in many instances the rind is found to be thicker than the bark of -some trees. This plant is remarkable for its pungency, which increases -in proportion to the thickness of the rind: in some cases, too, the -surface of it assumes a ligneous nature. Radishes are flatulent[993] -to a remarkable degree, and are productive of eructations; hence it -is that they are looked upon as an aliment only fit for low-bred -people,[994] and this more particularly if coleworts are eaten directly -after them. If, on the other hand, they are eaten with green olives, -the eructations produced are not so frequent, and less offensive. -In Egypt the radish is held in very high esteem, on account of the -abundance of oil[995] that is extracted from the seed. Indeed, the -people of that country sow this plant in preference to any other, -whenever they can get the opportunity, the profits derived from it -being larger than those obtained from the cultivation of corn, and the -imposts levied upon it considerably less: there is no grain known that -yields a larger quantity of oil. - -The Greeks have distinguished the radish[996] into three different -kinds, according to the characteristic features of the leaves, there -being the crisped leaf, the smooth leaf, and the wild radish, the leaf -of which is smooth, but shorter than that of the others; it is round -also, grows in great abundance, and spreads like a shrub. The taste -of this last variety is acrid, and it acts medicinally as a strong -purgative. In the first kind, again, there are certain differences, -determined by the seed, for in some varieties the seed is of an -inferior quality, and in others remarkably small: these defects, -however, are only found to exist in the kind that has the crisped leaf. - -Our own people, again, have found other varieties of the radish: there -is the Algidan[997] radish, long and transparent, so called from the -place of its growth: another, similar to the rape in form, is known as -the Syrian radish; it is pretty nearly the mildest and the most tender -of them all, and is well able to bear the winter. The very best of all, -however, is the one that has been brought from Syria, very recently -it would seem, as we do not find it mentioned by any of our writers: -it lasts the whole of the winter through. In addition to these kinds, -there is another, a wild variety, known by the Greeks as “agrion,”[998] -and to the people of Pontus as “armon,” while others, again, call it -“leuce,”[999] and our people “armoracia;”[1000] it has more leaves, -however, than root. - -In testing the quality of the radish, it is the stem more -particularly, that is looked at; in those which are acrid to the -taste, for instance, it is rounder and thicker than in the others, and -grooved with long channels, while the leaves are more unsightly to the -eye, being angular and covered with prickles. - -The radish requires to be sown in a loose, humid soil, has a great -aversion to manure, and is content with a dressing solely of chaff: so -fond is it of the cold, that in Germany it is known to grow as large as -an infant in size.[1001] For the spring crop, it is sown immediately -after the ides of February;[1002] and then again about the time of the -Vulcanalia,[1003] this last crop being looked upon as the best: many -persons, however, sow radishes in March, April, and September. When the -plant begins to grow to any size, it is considered a good plan to cover -up the leaves successively, and to earth up the root as well; for the -part of it which appears above ground is apt to become hard and pithy. -Aristomachus recommends the leaves to be taken off in winter, and the -roots to be well moulded up, to prevent the water from accumulating -about them; and he says, that by using these precautions, they will be -all the finer in summer. Some authors have mentioned a plan of making -a hole with a dibble, and covering it at the bottom with a layer of -chaff, six fingers in depth; upon this layer the seed is put, and then -covered over with manure and earth; the result of which is, according -to their statement, that radishes are obtained full as large as the -hole so made. It is salt, however, that conduces more particularly -to their nutriment, and hence it is that they are often watered with -brine; in Egypt, too, the growers sprinkle nitre[1004] over them, the -roots being remarkable for their mildness. The salt, too, has the -similar effect of removing all their pungency, and when thus treated, -they become very similar in their qualities to radishes that have been -boiled: for when boiled they become sweet and mild, and eat, in fact, -just like turnips. - -Medical men recommend raw radishes to be eaten fasting, with salt, for -the purpose[1005] of collecting the crude humours of the viscera; and -in this way they prepare them for the action of emetics. It is said, -too, that the juices of this plant are absolutely necessary for the -cure of certain diseases of the diaphragm; for it has been found by -experiment, in Egypt, that the phthiriasis[1006] which attaches itself -to the internal parts of the heart, cannot possibly be eradicated by -any other remedy, the kings of that country having ordered the bodies -of the dead to be opened and examined, for the purpose of enquiring -into certain diseases. - -Such, too, is the frivolity of the Greeks, that, in the temple of -Apollo at Delphi, it is said, the radish is so greatly preferred to -all other articles of diet, as to be represented there in gold, the -beet in silver, and the rape in lead.—You might be very sure that -Manius Curius was not a native of that country, the general whom, as we -find stated in our Annals, the ambassadors of the Samnites found busy -roasting rape at the fire, when they came to offer him the gold which -he so indignantly refused. Moschion, too, a Greek author, has written -a volume on the subject of the radish. These vegetables are considered -a very useful article of food during the winter, but they are at all -times very injurious to the teeth, as they are apt to wear them away; -at all events, they give a polish to ivory. There is a great antipathy -between the radish[1007] and the vine; which last will shrink from the -radish, if sown in its vicinity. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—PARSNIPS. - - -The other kinds which have been classified by us among the -cartilaginous plants, are of a more ligneous nature; and it is a -singular thing, that they have, all of them, a strong flavour. Among -these, there is one kind of wild parsnip which grows spontaneously; by -the Greeks it is known as “staphylinos.”[1008] Another kind[1009] of -parsnip is grown either from the root transplanted, or else from seed, -at the beginning of spring or in the autumn; Hyginus says that this may -be done in February, August, September, and October, the ground being -dug to a very considerable depth for the purpose. The parsnip begins -to be fit for eating at the end of a year, but it is still better -at the end of two: it is reckoned more agreeable eating in autumn, -and more particularly if cooked in the saucepan; even then, however, -it preserves its strong pungent flavour, which it is found quite -impossible to get rid of. - -The hibiscum[1010] differs from the parsnip in being more slender: -it is rejected as a food, but is found useful for its medicinal -properties. There is a fourth kind,[1011] also, which bears a similar -degree of resemblance to the parsnip; by our people it is called the -“gallica,” while the Greeks, who have distinguished four varieties of -it, give it the name of “daucus.” We shall have further occasion[1012] -to mention it among the medicinal plants. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—THE SKIRRET. - - -The skirret,[1013] too, has had its reputation established by the -Emperor Tiberius, who demanded a supply of it every year from Germany. -It is at Gelduba,[1014] a fortress situate on the banks of the Rhenus, -that the finest are grown; from which it would appear that they thrive -best in a cold climate. There is a string running through the whole -length of the skirret, and which is drawn out after it is boiled; but -still, for all this, a considerable proportion of its natural pungency -is retained; indeed, when modified by the addition of honied wine, -this is even thought to impart to dishes an additional relish. The -larger parsnip has also a similar sting inside, but only when it is a -year old. The proper time for sowing the skirret is in the months of -February, March, April, August, September, and October. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—ELECAMPANE. - - -Elecampane[1015] is not so elongated as the preceding roots, but more -substantial and more pungent; eaten by itself it is very injurious to -the stomach, but when mixed with other condiments of a sweet nature, -it is extremely wholesome. There are several methods employed for -modifying[1016] its natural acridity and rendering it agreeable to the -palate: thus, for instance, when dried it is reduced to a fine flour, -and then mixed with some sweet liquid or other, or else it is boiled in -vinegar and water, or kept in soak in it; it is also steeped in various -other ways, and then mixed with boiled[1017] grape-juice, or else -incorporated with honey or raisins, or dates with plenty of meat on -them. Other persons, again, have a method of preparing it with quinces, -or else sorbs or plums, while sometimes the flavour is varied by the -addition of pepper or thyme. - -This plant is particularly good for weakness of the stomach, and it -has acquired a high reputation from the circumstance that Julia[1018] -Augusta used to eat it daily. The seed of it is quite useless, as -the plant is reproduced, like the reed, from eyes extracted from the -root. This vegetable, as well as the skirret and the parsnip, is sown -both in spring and autumn, a considerable distance being left between -the plants; indeed, for elecampane, a space of no less than three -feet is required, as it throws out its shoots to a very considerable -distance.[1019] Skirrets, however, are best transplanted. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—BULBS, SQUILLS, AND ARUM. - - -Next in affinity to these plants are the bulbs,[1020] which Cato, -speaking in high terms of those of Megara,[1021] recommends most -particularly for cultivation. Among these bulbs, the squill,[1022] -we find, occupies the very highest rank, although by nature it is -medicinal, and is employed for imparting an additional sharpness to -vinegar:[1023] indeed, there is no bulb known that grows to a larger -size than this, or is possessed of a greater degree of pungency. -There are two varieties of it employed in medicine, the male squill, -which has white leaves, and the female squill, with black[1024] ones. -There is a third kind also, which is good to eat, and is known as -the Epimenidian[1025] squill; the leaf is narrower than in the other -kinds, and not so rough. All the squills have numerous seeds, but they -come up much more quickly if propagated from the offsets that grow on -the sides. To make them attain a still greater size, the large leaves -that grow around them are turned down and covered over with earth; by -which method all the juices are carried to the heads. Squills grow -spontaneously and in vast numbers in the Baleares and the island of -Ebusus, and in the Spanish provinces.[1026] The philosopher Pythagoras -has written a whole volume on the merits of this plant, setting forth -its various medicinal properties; of which we shall have occasion to -speak more at length in the succeeding Book.[1027] - -The other species of bulbs are distinguished by their colour, size, -and sweetness; indeed, there are some that are eaten raw even—those -found in the Tauric Chersonesus, for instance. Next to these, the -bulbs of Africa are held in the highest esteem, and after them those -of Apulia. The Greeks have distinguished the following varieties: the -bulbine,[1028] the setanion,[1029] the opition,[1030] the cyix,[1031] -the leucoion,[1032] the ægilips,[1033] and the sisyrinchion[1034]—in -the last there is this remarkable feature, that the extremities of -the roots increase in winter, but during the spring, when the violet -appears, they diminish in size and gradually contract, and then it is -that the bulb begins to increase in magnitude. - -Among the varieties of the bulb, too, there is the plant known in Egypt -by the name of “aron.”[1035] In size it is very nearly as large as -the squill, with a leaf like that of lapathum, and a straight stalk a -couple of cubits in length, and the thickness of a walking-stick: the -root of it is of a milder nature, so much so, indeed, as to admit of -being eaten raw. - -Bulbs are taken up before the spring, for if not, they are apt to spoil -very quickly. It is a sign that they are ripe when the leaves become -dry at the lower extremities. When too old they are held in disesteem; -the same, too, with the long and the smaller ones; those, on the other -hand, which are red and round are greatly preferred, as also those of -the largest size. In most of them there is a certain degree of pungency -in the upper part, but the middle is sweet. The ancients have stated -that bulbs are reproduced from seed only, but in the champaign country -of Præneste they grow spontaneously, and they grow to an unlimited -extent in the territory of the Remi.[1036] - - - - -CHAP. 31. (6.)—THE ROOTS, FLOWERS, AND LEAVES OF ALL THESE PLANTS. -GARDEN PLANTS WHICH LOSE THEIR LEAVES. - - -Nearly all[1037] the garden plants have a single[1038] root only, -radishes, beet, parsley, and mallows, for example; it is lapathum, -however, that has the longest root of them all, it attaining the length -of three cubits even. The root of the wild kind is smaller and of a -humid nature, and when up it will keep alive for a considerable period. -In some of these plants, however, the roots are fibrous, as we find the -case in parsley and mallows, for instance; in others, again, they are -of a ligneous nature, as in ocimum, for example; and in others they -are fleshy, as in beet, and in saffron even more so. In some, again, -the root is composed of rind and flesh, as in the radish and the rape; -while in others it is jointed, as in hay grass.[1039] Those plants -which have not a straight root throw out immediately a great number of -hairy fibres, orage[1040] and blite,[1041] for instance: squills again, -bulbs, onions, and garlic never have any but a vertical root. Among the -plants that grow spontaneously, there are some which have more numerous -roots than leaves, spalax,[1042] for example, pellitory,[1043] and -saffron.[1044] - -Wild thyme, southernwood, turnips, radishes, mint, and rue blossom -all[1045] at once; while others, again, shed their blossom directly -they have begun to flower. Ocimum[1046] blossoms gradually, beginning -at the lower parts, and hence it is that it is so very long in blossom: -the same is the case, too, with the plant known as heliotropium.[1047] -In some plants the flower is white, in others yellow, and in -others purple. The leaves fall first[1048] from the upper part in -wild-marjoram and elecampane, and in rue[1049] sometimes, when it has -been injured accidentally. In some plants the leaves are hollow, the -onion and the scallion,[1050] more particularly. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—VARIETIES OF THE ONION. - - -Garlic and onions[1051] are invoked by the Egyptians,[1052] when -taking an oath, in the number of their deities. The Greeks have many -varieties[1053] of the onion, the Sardian onion, the Samothracian, -the Alsidenian, the setanian, the schistan, and the Ascalonian,[1054] -so called from Ascalon,[1055] a city of Judæa. They have, all of -them, a pungent smell, which[1056] draws tears from the eyes, those -of Cyprus more particularly, and those of Cnidos the least of all. In -all of them the body is composed of a cartilage of an unctuous[1057] -nature. The variety known as the setanian is the smallest of them all, -with the exception of the Tusculan[1058] onion, but it is sweet to -the taste. The schistan[1059] and the Ascalonian kinds are used for -storing. The schistan onion is left during the winter with the leaves -on; in the spring it is stripped of them, upon which offsets make -their appearance at the same divisions as the leaves; it is to this -circumstance that this variety owes its name. Taking the hint from this -fact, it is recommended to strip the other kinds of their leaves, to -make them bulb all the better, instead of running to seed. - -The Ascalonian onion is of a peculiar nature, being barren in some -measure in the root; hence it is that the Greeks have recommended it -to be reproduced from seed, and not from roots: the transplanting, -too, they say, should be done later in the spring, at the time the -plant germinates, the result being that it bulbs with all the greater -rapidity, and hastens, as it were, to make up for lost time; great -dispatch, however, is requisite in taking it up, for when ripe it rots -with the greatest rapidity. If propagated from roots, it throws out a -long stalk, runs rapidly to seed, and dies. - -There are considerable differences, too, in the colour of the onion; -the whitest of all are those grown at Issus and Sardes. The onions, -too, of Crete are held in high esteem, but there is some doubt whether -they are not the same as the Ascalonian variety; for when grown from -seed they produce a fine bulb, but when planted they throw out a long -stalk and run to seed; in fact, they differ from the Ascalonian kind -only in the sweetness of their flavour. - -Among us there are two principal varieties known of the onion; the -scallion, employed for seasonings, is one, known to the Greeks by the -name of “gethyon,” and by us as the “pallacana;” it is sown in March, -April, and May. The other kind is the bulbed or headed[1060] onion; -it is sown just after the autumnal equinox, or else after the west -winds have begun to prevail. The varieties of this last kind, ranged -according to their relative degrees of pungency, are the African onion, -the Gallic, the Tusculan, the Ascalonian, and the Amiternian: the -roundest in shape are the best. The red onion, too, is more pungent -than the white, the stored than the fresh, the raw than the cooked, -and the dried than the preserved. The onion of Amiternum is cultivated -in cold, humid localities, and is the only one that is reproduced from -heads,[1061] like garlic, the other kinds being grown from seed. This -last kind yields no seed in the ensuing summer, but a bulb only, which -dries and keeps; but in the summer after, the contrary is the case, -for seed is produced, while the bulb very quickly spoils. Hence it is -that every year there are two separate sowings, one of seed for the -reproduction of bulbs, and one of bulbs for the growth of seed; these -onions keep best in chaff. The scallion has hardly any bulb at all, but -a long neck only—hence it is nothing but leaf, and is often cut down, -like the leek; for this reason, too, like the leek, it is grown from -seed, and not from plants. - -In addition to these particulars, it is recommended that the ground -intended for sowing onions should be turned up three times, care being -taken to remove all roots and weeds; ten pounds of seed is the proper -proportion for a jugerum. Savory too, they say, should be mixed with -them, the onions being all the finer for it; the ground, too, should -be stubbed and hoed four times at least, if not oftener. In Italy, the -Ascalonian onion is sown in the month of February. The seed of the -onion is gathered when it begins to turn black, and before it becomes -dry and shrivelled. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—THE LEEK. - - -While upon this subject, it will be as well, too, to speak of the -leek,[1062] on account of the affinity which it bears to the plants -just mentioned, and more particularly because cut-leek has recently -acquired considerable celebrity from the use made of it by the Emperor -Nero. That prince, to improve his voice,[1063] used to eat leeks and -oil every month, upon stated days, abstaining from every other kind -of food, and not touching so much as a morsel of bread even. Leeks -are reproduced from seed, sown just after the autumnal equinox; if -they are intended for cutting,[1064] the seed is sown thicker than -otherwise. The leeks in the same bed are cut repeatedly, till it is -quite exhausted, and they are always kept well manured. If they are -wanted to bulb before being cut, when they have grown to some size they -are transplanted to another bed, the extremities of the leaves being -snipped off without touching the white part, and the heads stripped of -the outer coats. The ancients were in the habit of placing a stone or -potsherd upon the leek, to make the head grow all the larger, and the -same with the bulbs as well; but at the present day it is the usual -practice to move the fibrous roots gently with the weeding-hook, so -that by being bent they may nourish the plant, and not withdraw the -juices from it. - -It is a remarkable fact, that, though the leek stands in need of -manure and a rich soil, it has a particular aversion to water; and -yet its nature depends very much upon the natural properties of the -soil. The most esteemed leeks are those grown in Egypt, and next to -them those of Ostia and Aricia.[1065] Of the leek for cutting, there -are two varieties: that with grass-green[1066] leaves and incisions -distinctly traced on them, and the leek with paler and rounder leaves, -the incisions being more lightly marked. There is a story told, -that Mela,[1067] a member of the Equestrian order, being accused of -mal-administration by order of the Emperor Tiberius, swallowed in his -despair leek-juice to the amount of three denarii in weight of silver, -and expired upon the spot without the slightest symptom of pain. It -is said, however, that a larger dose than this is productive of no -injurious effects whatever.[1068] - - - - -CHAP. 34.—GARLIC. - - -Garlic[1069] is generally supposed, in the country more particularly, -to be a good specific[1070] for numerous maladies. The external coat -consists of membranes of remarkable fineness, which are universally -discarded when the vegetable is used; the inner part being formed by -the union of several cloves, each of which has also a separate coat of -its own. The flavour of it is pungent, and the more numerous the cloves -the more pungent it is. Like the onion, it imparts an offensive smell -to the breath; but this is not the case when it is cooked. The various -species of garlic are distinguished by the periods at which they ripen: -the early kind becomes fit for use in sixty days. Another distinction, -too, is formed by the relative size of the heads. Ulpicum,[1071] also, -generally known to the Greeks as “Cyprian garlic,” belongs to this -class; by some persons it is called “antiscorodon,” and in Africa -more particularly it holds a high rank among the dishes of the rural -population; it is of a larger size than ordinary garlic. When beaten -up with oil and vinegar, it is quite surprising what a quantity of -creaming foam is produced. - -There are some persons who recommend that neither ulpicum nor garlic -should be sown on level ground, but say that they should be planted in -little mounds trenched up, at a distance of three feet apart. Between -each clove, they say, there should be a distance of four fingers left, -and as soon as ever three leaves are visible, the heads should be hoed; -the oftener they are hoed, the larger the size they will attain. When -they begin to ripen, the stalks are bent downwards, and covered over -with earth, a precaution which effectually prevents them from running -to leaf. In cold soils, it is considered better to plant them in spring -than in autumn. - -For the purpose of depriving all these plants of their strong smell, -it is recommended to set them when the moon is below the horizon, and -to take them up when she is in conjunction. Independently of these -precautions, we find Menander, one of the Greek writers, recommending -those who have been eating garlic to eat immediately afterwards a -root of beet roasted on hot coals; if this is done, he says, the -strong smell of the garlic will be effectually neutralized. Some -persons are of opinion, that the proper period for planting garlic and -ulpicum is between the festival of the Compitalia[1072] and that of -the Saturnalia.[1073] Garlic, too, can be grown from seed, but it is -very slow, in such case, in coming to maturity; for in the first year, -the head attains the size only of that of a leek, in the second, it -separates into cloves, and only in the third it arrives at maturity; -there are some, however, who think that garlic grown this way is the -best. Garlic should never be allowed to run to seed, but the stalk -should be twisted, to promote its growth, and to make the head attain a -larger size. - -If garlic or onions are wanted to keep some time, the heads should -be dipped in salt water, made luke-warm; by doing this, they will be -all the better for keeping, though quite worthless for reproduction. -Some persons content themselves with hanging them over burning coals, -and are of opinion that this is quite sufficient to prevent them from -sprouting: for it is a well-known fact, that both garlic and onions -sprout when out of the ground, and that after throwing out their thin -shoots they shrivel away to nothing. Some persons are of opinion, too, -that the best way of keeping garlic is by storing it in chaff. There is -a kind[1074] of garlic that grows spontaneously in the fields, and is -known by the name of “alum.” To preserve the seeds that are sown there -from the remorseless ravages of the birds, this plant is scattered over -the ground, being first boiled, to prevent it from shooting. As soon -as ever they have eaten of it, the birds become so stupefied as to be -taken with the hand even,[1075] and if they remain but a few moments -only on the spot, they fall fast asleep. There is a wild garlic, too, -generally known as “bear’s” garlic;[1076] it has exactly the smell of -millet, with a very small head and large leaves. - - - - -CHAP. 35. (7.)—THE NUMBER OF DAYS REQUIRED FOR THE RESPECTIVE PLANTS TO -MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE ABOVE GROUND. - - -Among the garden[1077] plants which make their appearance most speedily -above ground, are ocimum, blite, the turnip, and rocket; for they -appear above the surface the third day after they are sown. Anise, -again, comes up on the fourth day, the lettuce on the fifth, the radish -on the sixth, the cucumber and the gourd on the seventh—the cucumber -rather the first of the two—cresses and mustard on the fifth, beet on -the sixth day in summer and the tenth in winter, orage on the eighth, -onions on the nineteenth or twentieth, and scallions on the tenth or -twelfth. Coriander, again, is more stubborn in its growth, cunila and -wild marjoram do not appear till after the thirtieth day, and parsley -comes up with the greatest difficulty of all, for at the very earliest -it is forty days before it shows itself, and in most instances as much -as fifty. - -The age,[1078] too, of the seed is of some importance in this respect; -for fresh seed comes up more rapidly in the case of the leek, the -scallion, the cucumber, and the gourd, while in that of parsley, beet, -cardamum, cunila, wild marjoram, and coriander, seed that has been kept -for some time is the best. - -There is one remarkable circumstance[1079] in connection with the -seed of beet; it does not all germinate in the first year, but some -of it in the second, and some in the third even; hence it is that a -considerable quantity of seed produces only a very moderate crop. Some -plants produce only in the year in which they are set, and some, again, -for successive years, parsley, leeks, and scallions[1080] for instance; -indeed, these plants, when once sown, retain their fertility, and -produce for many years. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—THE NATURE OF THE VARIOUS SEEDS. - - -In most plants the seed is round, in some oblong; it is broad and -foliaceous in some, orage for instance, while in others it is narrow -and grooved, as in cummin. There are differences, also, in the colour -of seeds, which is either black or white; while some seeds are woody -and hard, in radishes, mustard, and rape, the seeds are enclosed in -pods. In parsley, coriander, anise, fennel, and cummin, the seed has -no covering at all, while in blite, beet, orage, and ocimum, it has -an outer coat, and in the lettuce it is covered with a fine down. -There is no seed more prolific than that of ocimum;[1081] it is -generally recommended[1082] to sow it with the utterance of curses and -imprecations, the result being that it grows all the better for it; -the earth, too, is rammed down when it is sown, and prayers offered -that the seed may never come up. The seeds which are enveloped in an -outer coat, are dried with considerable difficulty, that of ocimum more -particularly; hence it is that all these seeds are dried artificially, -their fruitfulness being greatly promoted thereby. - -Plants in general come up better when the seed is sown in heaps than -when it is scattered broad-cast: leeks, in fact, and parsley are -generally grown by sowing the seed in little bags;[1083] in the case -of parsley, too, a hole is made with the dibble, and a layer of manure -inserted. - -All garden plants grow either from seed or from slips, and some from -both seed and suckers, such as rue, wild marjoram, and ocimum,[1084] -for example—this last being usually cut when it is a palm in height. -Some kinds, again, are reproduced from both seed and root, as in the -case of onions, garlic, and bulbs, and those other plants of which, -though annuals themselves, the roots retain their vitality. In those -plants which grow from the root, it lives for a considerable time, -and throws out offsets, as in bulbs, scallions, and squills for -example.—Others, again, throw out offsets, though not from a bulbous -root, such as parsley and beet, for instance. When the stalk is cut, -with the exception[1085] of those which have not a rough stem, nearly -all these plants put forth fresh shoots, a thing that may be seen in -ocimum,[1086] the radish,[1087] and the lettuce,[1088] which are in -daily use among us; indeed, it is generally thought that the lettuce -which is grown from a fresh sprouting, is the sweetest. The radish, -too, is more pleasant eating when the leaves have been removed before -it has begun to run to stalk. The same is the case, too, with rape; -for when the leaves are taken off, and the roots well covered up with -earth, it grows all the larger for it, and keeps in good preservation -till the ensuing summer. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—PLANTS OF WHICH THERE IS BUT A SINGLE KIND. PLANTS OF WHICH -THERE ARE SEVERAL KINDS. - - -Of ocimum, lapathum, blite, cresses, rocket, orage, coriander, and -anise respectively, there is but a single kind, these plants being -the same everywhere, and no better in one place than in another. It -is the general belief that stolen[1089] rue grows the best, while, on -the other hand, bees[1090] that have been stolen will never thrive. -Wild mint, cat-mint, endive, and pennyroyal, will grow even without -any cultivation. With reference to the plants of which we have already -spoken, or shall have occasion to speak, there are numerous varieties -of many of them, parsley more particularly. - -(8.) As to the kind of parsley[1091] which grows spontaneously in moist -localities, it is known by the name of “helioselinum;”[1092] it has a -single leaf[1093] only, and is not rough at the edges. In dry places, -we find growing the kind known as “hipposelinum,”[1094] consisting -of numerous leaves, similar to helioselinum. A third variety is the -oreoselinum,[1095] with leaves like those of hemlock, and a thin, fine, -root, the seed being similar to that of anise, only somewhat smaller. - -The differences, again, that are found to exist in cultivated -parsley,[1096] consist in the comparative density of the leaves, the -crispness or smoothness of their edges, and the thinness or thickness -of the stem, as the case may be: in some kinds, again, the stem is -white, in others purple, and in others mottled. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE NATURE AND VARIETIES OF TWENTY-THREE GARDEN PLANTS. THE -LETTUCE; ITS DIFFERENT VARIETIES. - - -The Greeks have distinguished three varieties of the lettuce;[1097] the -first with a stalk so large, that small garden gates,[1098] it is said, -have been made of it: the leaf of this lettuce is somewhat larger than -that of the herbaceous, or green lettuce, but extremely narrow, the -nutriment seeming to be expended on the other parts of the plant. The -second kind is that with a rounded[1099] stalk; and the third is the -low, squat lettuce,[1100] generally known as the Laconian lettuce. - -Some persons[1101] have made distinctions in reference to their -respective colours, and the times for sowing them: the black lettuce -is sown in the month of January, the white in March, and the red in -April; and they are fit for transplanting, all of them, at the end of -a couple of months. Those, again, who have pursued these enquiries -even further than this, have distinguished a still greater number of -varieties of them—the purple, the crisped, the Cappadocian,[1102] and -the Greek lettuce, this last having a longer leaf than the rest, and -a broad stalk: in addition to which, there is one with a long, narrow -leaf, very similar to endive in appearance. The most inferior kind, -however, of all, is the one to which the Greeks, censuring it for its -bitterness, have given the name of “picris.”[1103] There is still -another variety, a kind of white lettuce, called “meconis,”[1104] -a name which it derives from the abundance of milk, of a narcotic -quality, which it produces; though, in fact, it is generally thought -that they are all of them of a soporific tendency. In former -times, this last was the only kind of lettuce that was held in any -esteem[1105] in Italy, the name “lactuca” having been given it on -account of the milk[1106] which it contains. - -The purple kind, with a very large root, is generally known as the -Cæcilian[1107] lettuce; while the round one, with an extremely -diminutive root and broad leaves, is known to some persons as the -“astytis,”[1108] and to others as the “eunychion,” it having the -effect, in a remarkable degree, of quenching the amorous propensities. -Indeed, they are, all of them, possessed of cooling and refreshing -properties, for which reason it is, that they are so highly esteemed -in summer; they have the effect, also, of removing from the stomach -distaste for food, and of promoting the appetite. At all events, we -find it stated, that the late Emperor Augustus, when ill, was saved on -one occasion,[1109] thanks to the skill of his physician, Musa,[1110] -by eating lettuces, a food which the excessive scruples of his former -physician, C. Æmilius, had forbidden him. At the present day, however, -lettuces have risen into such high estimation, that a method has been -discovered even of preserving them during the months in which they -are out of season, by keeping them in oxymel.[1111] It is generally -supposed, also, that lettuces have the effect of making blood. - -In addition to the above varieties, there is another kind of lettuce -known as the “goats’ lettuce,”[1112] of which we shall have occasion -to make further mention when we come to the medicinal plants: at the -moment, too, that I am writing this, a new species of cultivated -lettuce has been introduced, known as the Cilician lettuce, and held -in very considerable esteem; the leaf of it is similar to that of the -Cappadocian lettuce, except that it is crisped, and somewhat larger. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—ENDIVE. - - -Endive, though it cannot exactly be said to be of the same genus as -the lettuce, still cannot be pronounced to belong to any other.[1113] -It is a plant better able to endure the rigours of the winter than -the lettuce,[1114] and possessed of a more acrid taste, though the -flavour of the stalk[1115] is equally agreeable. Endive is sown at -the beginning of spring, and transplanted at the end of that season. -There is also a kind of spreading[1116] endive, known in Egypt as -“cichorium,”[1117] of which we shall have occasion[1118] to speak -elsewhere more at length. - -A method has been discovered of preserving all the thyrsi or leaves -of the lettuce in pots, the object being to have them fresh when -wanted for boiling. Lettuces may be sown all the year[1119] through -in a good soil, well-watered and carefully manured;[1120] two months -being allowed to intervene between sowing and transplanting, and two -more between transplanting and gathering them when ripe. The rule is, -however, to sow them just after the winter solstice, and to transplant -when the west winds begin to prevail, or else to sow at this latter -period, and to plant out at the vernal equinox. The white lettuce is -the best adapted for standing the rigours of the winter. - -All the garden plants are fond of moisture; lettuces thrive, more -particularly, when well manured, and endive even more so. Indeed, it -is found an excellent plan to plant them out with the roots covered -up in manure, and to keep up the supply, the earth being cleared away -for that purpose. Some, again, have another method of increasing their -size; they cut them[1121] down when they have reached half a foot in -height, and cover them with fresh swine’s dung. It is the general -opinion that those lettuces only will admit of being blanched which are -produced from white seed; and even then, as soon as they begin to grow, -sand from the sea-shore should be spread over them, care being taken to -tie the leaves as soon as ever they begin to come to any size. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—BEET: FOUR VARIETIES OF IT. - - -Beet[1122] is the smoothest of all the garden plants. The Greeks -distinguish two kinds of beet, according to the colour, the black and -the white. The last, which is the kind generally preferred, has but -very little seed, and is generally known as the Sicilian[1123] beet; -just as it is the white lettuce that is held in the highest degree of -esteem. Our people, also, distinguish two varieties of beet, the spring -and the autumn kinds, so called from the periods of sowing; although -sometimes we find beet sown in June even. This is a plant, too, that -is sometimes transplanted; and it thrives all the better, like the -lettuce, if the roots are well covered with manure, in a moist soil. -Beet is mostly eaten[1124] with lentils and beans; it is prepared -also in the same way as cabbage, with mustard more particularly, the -pungency of which relieves its insipidity. Medical men are of opinion -that beet is a more unwholesome[1125] vegetable than cabbage; hence it -is that I never remember seeing it served at table. Indeed, there are -some persons who scruple to taste it even, from a conviction that it is -a food suitable only for persons of a robust constitution. - -Beet is a vegetable with twofold characteristics, partaking of the -nature of the cabbage in its leaves and resembling a bulb in the -root; that which grows to the greatest breadth being the most highly -esteemed. This plant, like the lettuce, is made to grow to head by -putting a light weight upon it the moment it begins to assume its -proper colour. Indeed, there is no garden plant that grows to a larger -head than this, as it sometimes spreads to a couple of feet in breadth, -the nature of the soil contributing in a very considerable degree to -its size: those found in the territory of Circeii attain the largest -size. Some persons[1126] think that the best time for sowing beet is -when the pomegranate is in flower, and are of opinion that it ought -to be transplanted as soon as it has thrown out five leaves. There -is a singular difference—if indeed it really exists—between the two -varieties of beet, the white kind being remarkable for its purgative -qualities, and the black being equally astringent. When wine in the vat -has been deteriorated by assuming a flavour like[1127] that of cabbage, -its original flavour is restored, it is said, by plunging beet leaves -into it. - - - - -CHAP. 41—CABBAGES; THE SEVERAL VARIETIES OF THEM. - - -Cabbage and coleworts, which at the present day are the most highly -esteemed of all the garden vegetables, were held in little repute, I -find, among the Greeks; but Cato,[1128] on the other hand, sings the -wondrous praises of the cabbage, the medicinal properties of which we -shall duly enlarge[1129] upon when we come to treat of that subject. -Cato distinguishes three varieties of the cabbage; the first, a plant -with leaves wide open, and a large stalk; a second, with crisped -leaves, to which he gives the name of “apiaca;”[1130] and a third, -with a thin stalk, and a smooth, tender leaf, which with him ranks the -lowest of all. Cabbages may be sown the whole year through, as we find -that they are cut at all periods of the year; the best time, however, -for sowing them is at the autumnal equinox, and they are usually -transplanted as soon as five leaves are visible. In the ensuing spring -after the first cutting, the plant yields sprouts, known to us as -“cymæ.”[1131] These sprouts, in fact, are small shoots thrown out from -the main stem, of a more delicate and tender quality than the cabbage -itself. The exquisite palate, however, of Apicius[1132] rejected these -sprouts for the table, and his example was followed by the fastidious -Drusus Cæsar; who did not escape, however, the censures of his father, -Tiberius, for being so over-nice. After the cymæ have made their -appearance the cabbage throws out its summer and autumn shoots, and -then its winter ones; after which, a new crop of cymæ is produced, -there being no plant so productive as this, until, at last, it is quite -exhausted by its extreme fertility. A second time for sowing cabbages -is immediately after the vernal equinox, the plants of this growth -being transplanted at the end of spring, that they may not run up into -sprouts before coming to a top: and a third sowing takes place about -the summer solstice, the transplanting being done in summer if the soil -is moist, but, if too dry, in autumn. When moisture and manure are -supplied in small quantities, the flavour of the cabbage is all the -more agreeable, but when they are supplied in greater abundance, the -plants attain a larger size. Asses’ dung is the best adapted for its -growth. - -The cabbage, too, is one of those articles so highly esteemed by -epicures; for which reason it will not be amiss if we speak of it at -somewhat greater length. To obtain plants equally remarkable for their -size and flavour, care must be taken first of all to sow the seed in -ground that has had a couple of turnings up, and then to follow up the -shoots as they appear above ground by moulding them up, care being -taken to throw up the earth over them as they increase in luxuriance, -and to let nothing but the summit appear above the surface. This kind -is known as the Tritian[1133] cabbage: in money and labour it costs -twice as much as any of the others. - -The other varieties of the cabbage[1134] are numerous—there is the -Cumanian cabbage, with leaves that lie close to the ground, and a wide, -open head; the Aricinian[1135] cabbage, too, of no greater height, but -with more numerous leaves and thinner—this last is looked upon as the -most useful of them all, for beneath nearly all of the leaves there are -small shoots thrown out, peculiar to this variety. The cabbage, again, -of Pompeii[1136] is considerably taller, the stalk, which is thin at -the root, increasing in thickness as it rises among the leaves, which -are fewer in number and narrower; the great merit of this cabbage is -its remarkable tenderness, although it is not able to stand the cold. -The cabbage of Bruttium,[1137] on the other hand, thrives all the -better for cold; the leaves of it are remarkably large, the stalk thin, -and the flavour pungent. The leaves, again, of the Sabine[1138] cabbage -are crisped to such a degree as to excite our surprise, and their -thickness is such as to quite exhaust the stem; in sweetness, however, -it is said to surpass all the others. - -There have lately come into fashion the cabbages known as the -“Lacuturres;”[1139] they are grown in the valley of Aricia, where -there was formerly a lake, now no longer in existence, and a tower -which is still standing. The head of this cabbage is very large, and -the leaves are almost without number, some of them being round and -smooth, and others long and sinewy; indeed, there is no cabbage that -runs to a larger head than this, with the sole exception of the Tritian -variety, which has a head sometimes as much as a foot in thickness, and -throws out its cymæ the latest of all. - -In all kinds of cabbages, hoar-frost contributes very materially to -their sweetness; but it is apt to be productive of considerable injury, -if care is not taken to protect the pith by cutting them aslant. Those -plants which are intended for seed are never cut. - -There is another kind, again, that is held in peculiar esteem, and -which never exceeds the height of an herbaceous plant; it is known by -the name of “halmyridia,”[1140] from the circumstance of its growing -on the sea-shore[1141] only. It will keep green and fresh during a -long voyage even, if care is taken not to let it touch the ground -from the moment that it is cut, but to put it into oil-vessels lately -dried, and then to bung them so as to effectually exclude all air. -There are some[1142] who are of opinion, that the plant will come to -maturity all the sooner if some sea-weed is laid at the root when it -is transplanted, or else as much pounded nitre as can be taken up with -three fingers; and others, again, sprinkle the leaves with trefoil seed -and nitre pounded together.[1143] Nitre, too, preserves the greenness -of cabbage when cooked, a result which is equally ensured by the -Apician mode of boiling, or in other words, by steeping the plants in -oil and salt before they are cooked. - -There is a method of grafting vegetables by cutting the shoots and -the stalk, and then inserting in the pith the seed of another plant; -a plan which has been adopted with the wild cucumber even. There is -another kind of wild cabbage, also, the lapsana,[1144] which has become -famous since the triumphs of the late Emperor Julius, in consequence -of the songs and jokes of his soldiers more particularly; for in the -alternate lines sung by them, they used to reproach him for having made -them live on lapsana at the siege of Dyrrhachium, and to rally him upon -the parsimonious scale on which he was in the habit of recompensing -their services. The lapsana is nothing more than a wild cyma.[1145] - - - - -CHAP. 42.—WILD AND CULTIVATED ASPARAGUS. - - -Of all the garden plants, asparagus is the one that requires the most -delicate attention in its cultivation. We have already[1146] spoken -at considerable length of its origin, when treating of the wild -plants, and have mentioned that Cato[1147] recommends it to be grown -in reed-beds. There is another kind, again, of a more uncultivated -nature than the garden asparagus, but less pungent than corruda;[1148] -it grows upon the mountains in different countries, and the plains of -Upper Germany are quite full of it, so much so, indeed, that it was a -not unhappy remark of Tiberius Cæsar, that a weed grows there which -bears a remarkably strong resemblance to asparagus. That which grows -spontaneously upon the island of Nesis, off the coast of Campania, is -looked upon as being by far the best of all. - -Garden asparagus is reproduced from roots,[1149] the fibres of which -are exceedingly numerous, and penetrate to a considerable depth. When -it first puts forth its shoots, it is green; these in time lengthen out -into stalks, which afterwards throw out streaked branches from the -head: asparagus admits, also, of being grown from seed. - -Cato[1150] has treated of no subject with greater care than this, -the last Chapter of his work being devoted to it, from which we may -conclude that it was quite new to him, and a subject which had only -very recently occupied his attention. He recommends that the ground -prepared for it should be a moist or dense soil, the seed being set at -intervals of half a foot every way, to avoid treading upon the heads; -the seed, he says, should be put two or three into each hole, these -being made with the dibble as the line runs—for in his day, it should -be remembered, asparagus was only grown from seed—this being done about -the vernal equinox. It requires, he adds, to be abundantly manured, -and to be kept well hoed, due care being taken not to pull up the -young plants along with the weeds. The first year, he says, the plants -must be protected from the severity of the winter with a covering of -straw, care being taken to uncover them in the spring, and to hoe and -stub up the ground about them. In the spring of the third year, the -plants must be set fire to, and the earlier the period at which the -fire is applied, the better they will thrive. Hence it is, that as -reed-beds[1151] grow all the more rapidly after being fired, asparagus -is found to be a crop remarkably well suited for growing with them. -The same author recommends, however, that asparagus should not be hoed -before the plants have made their appearance above-ground, for fear of -disturbing the roots; and he says that in gathering the heads, they -should be cut close to the root, and not broken off at the surface, a -method which is sure to make them run to stalk and die. They should -be cut, he says, until they are left to run to seed, and after the -seed is ripe, in spring they must be fired, care being taken, as soon -as they appear again, to hoe and manure them as before. After eight -or nine years, he says, when the plants have become old, they must -be renewed, after digging and manuring the ground, by replanting the -roots at intervals of a foot, care being taken to employ sheep’s dung -more particularly for the purpose, other kinds of manure being apt to -produce weeds. - -No method of cultivating this plant that has since been tried has been -found more eligible than this, with the sole exception that the seed -is now sown about the ides of February, by laying it in heaps in -small trenches, after steeping it a considerable time in manure; the -result of which is that the roots become matted, and form into spongy -tufts, which are planted out at intervals of a foot after the autumnal -equinox, the plants continuing to be productive so long as ten years -even. There is no soil more favourable to the growth of asparagus, than -that of the gardens of Ravenna.[1152] - -We have already[1153] spoken of the corruda, by which term I mean -the wild asparagus, by the Greeks called “orminos,” or “myacanthos,” -as well as by other names. I find it stated, that if rams’ horns are -pounded, and then buried in the ground, asparagus will come up.[1154] - - - - -CHAP. 43.—THISTLES. - - -It really might have been thought that I had now given an account of -all the vegetable productions that are held in any degree of esteem, -did there not still remain one plant, the cultivation of which is -extremely profitable, and of which I am unable to speak without a -certain degree of shame. For it is a well-known fact, that some small -plots of land, planted with thistles,[1155] in the vicinity of Great -Carthage and of Corduba more particularly, produce a yearly income of -six thousand sesterces;[1156] this being the way in which we make the -monstrous productions even of the earth subservient to our gluttonous -appetites, and that, too, when the very four-footed brutes[1157] -instinctively refuse to touch them. - -Thistles are grown two different ways, from plants set in autumn, and -from seed sown before the nones of March;[1158] in which latter case -they are transplanted before the ides of November,[1159] or, where -the site is a cold one, about the time that the west winds prevail. -They are sometimes manured even, and if[1160] such is the will of -heaven, grow all the better for it. They are preserved, too, in a -mixture of honey and vinegar,[1161] with the addition of root of laser -and cummin—so that a day may not pass without our having thistles at -table.[1162] - - - - -CHAP. 44.—OTHER PLANTS THAT ARE SOWN IN THE GARDEN: OCIMUM; ROCKET; AND -NASTURTIUM. - - -For the remaining plants a brief description will suffice. The best -time for sowing ocimum,[1163] it is said, is at the festival of the -Parilia;[1164] though some say that it may be done in autumn as well, -and recommend, when it is sown in winter, to drench the seed thoroughly -with vinegar. Rocket,[1165] too, and nasturtium[1166] may be grown -with the greatest facility either in summer or winter. Rocket, more -particularly, is able to stand the cold, and its properties are quite -different from those of the lettuce, as it is a great provocative of -lust. Hence it is that we are in the habit of mixing these two plants -in our dishes, the excess of cold in the one being compensated by -the equal degree of heat in the other. Nasturtium has received that -name from[1167] the smarting sensation which its pungency causes to -the nostrils, and hence it is that a certain notion of smartness has -attached itself to the word, it having become quite a proverbial -saying, that a sluggish man should eat nasturtium, to arouse him from -his torpidity. In Arabia, it is said, this plant attains a size that is -quite marvellous. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—RUE. - - -Rue,[1168] too, is generally sown while the west winds prevail, as -well as just after the autumnal equinox. This plant has an extreme -aversion to cold, moisture, and dung; it loves dry, sunny localities, -and a soil more particularly that is rich in brick clay; it requires -to be nourished, too, with ashes, which should be mixed with the -seed as well, as a preservative against the attacks of caterpillars. -The ancients held rue in peculiar esteem; for I find that honied -wine flavoured with rue was distributed to the people, in his -consulship,[1169] by Cornelius Cethegus, the colleague of Quintus -Flamininus, after the closing of the Comitia. This plant has a great -liking[1170] for the fig-tree, and for that tree only; indeed, it never -thrives better than when grown beneath that tree. It is generally grown -from slips, the lower end of which is inserted in a perforated[1171] -bean, which holds it fast, and so nurtures the young plant with its -juices. It also reproduces itself;[1172] for the ends of the branches -bending downwards, the moment they reach the ground, they take root -again. Ocimum[1173] is of a very similar nature to rue, except that -it dries with greater difficulty. When rue has once gained strength, -there is considerable difficulty in stubbing it, as it causes itching -ulcerations on the hands, if they are not covered or previously -protected by being rubbed with oil. Its leaves, too, are preserved, -being packed in bundles for keeping. - - - - -CHAP. 46.—PARSLEY. - - -Parsley is sown immediately after the vernal equinox, the seed being -lightly beaten[1174] first in a mortar. It is thought that, by doing -this, the parsley will be all the more crisped, or else by taking -care to beat it down when sown with a roller or the feet. It is a -peculiarity of this plant, that it changes colour: it has the honour, -in Achaia, of forming the wreath of the victors in the sacred contests -of the Nemean Games. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—MINT. - - -It is at the same season, too, that mint[1175] is transplanted; or, if -it has not yet germinated, the matted tufts of the old roots are used -for the purpose. This plant, too, is no less fond of a humid soil than -parsley; it is green in summer and turns yellow in winter. There is a -wild kind of mint, known to us as “mentastrum:”[1176] it is reproduced -by layers, like the vine, or else by planting the branches upside down. -It was the sweetness of its smell that caused this plant to change -its name among the Greeks, its former name with them being “mintha,” -from which the ancient Romans derived their name[1177] for it; whereas -now, of late, it has been called by them ἡδύοσμον.[1178] The mint that -is used in the dishes at rustic entertainments pervades the tables -far and wide with its agreeable odour. When once planted, it lasts -a considerable length of time; it bears, too, a strong resemblance -to pennyroyal, a property of which is, as mentioned by us more than -once,[1179] to flower when kept in our larders. - -These other herbs, mint, I mean, and catmint, as well as pennyroyal, -are all kept for use in a similar manner; but it is cummin[1180] that -is the best suited of all the seasoning herbs to squeamish and delicate -stomachs. This plant grows on the surface of the soil, seeming hardly -to adhere to it, and raising itself aloft from the ground: it ought -to be sown in the middle of the summer, in a crumbly, warm soil, more -particularly. There is another wild kind[1181] of cummin, known by some -persons as “rustic,” by others as “Thebaic” cummin: bruised and drunk -in water, it is good for pains in the stomach. The cummin most esteemed -in our part of the world is that of Carpetania,[1182] though elsewhere -that of Africa and Æthiopia is more highly esteemed; with some, indeed, -this last is preferred to that of Egypt. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—OLUSATRUM. - - -But it is olusatrum,[1183] more particularly, that is of so singular -a nature, a plant which by the Greeks is called “hipposelinum,”[1184] -and by others “smyrnium.” This plant is reproduced from a tear-like -gum[1185] which exudes from the stem; it is also grown from the -roots as well. Those whose business it is to collect the juice of -it, say that it has just the flavour of myrrh; and, according to -Theophrastus,[1186] it is obtained by planting myrrh. The ancients -recommended that hipposelinum should be grown in uncultivated spots -covered with stones, and in the vicinity of garden walls; but at the -present day it is sown in ground that has been twice turned up, between -the prevalence of the west winds and the autumnal equinox. - -The caper,[1187] too, should be sown in dry localities more -particularly, the plot being hollowed out and surrounded with an -embankment of stones erected around it: if this precaution is not -taken, it will spread all over the adjoining land, and entail sterility -upon the soil. The caper blossoms in summer, and retains its verdure -till the setting of the Vergiliæ; it thrives the best of all in a sandy -soil. As to the bad qualities of the caper which grows in the parts -beyond the sea, we have already[1188] enlarged upon them when speaking -of the exotic shrubs. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—THE CARAWAY. - - -The caraway[1189] is an exotic plant also, which derives its name, -“careum,” from the country[1190] in which it was first grown; it is -principally employed for culinary purposes. This plant will grow in -any kind of soil, and requires to be cultivated just the same way as -olusatrum; the most esteemed, however, is that which comes from Caria, -and the next best is that of Phrygia. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—LOVAGE. - - -Lovage[1191] grows wild in the mountains of Liguria, its native -country, but at the present day it is grown everywhere. The cultivated -kind is the sweetest of the two, but is far from powerful; by some -persons it is known as “panax.” Crateuas, a Greek writer, gives this -name, however, to the plant known to us as “cunila bubula;”[1192] and -others, again, call the conyza[1193] or cunilago, cunila, while they -call cunila,[1194] properly so called, by the name of “thymbra.” With -us cunila has another appellation, being generally known as “satureia,” -and reckoned among the seasoning plants. It is usually sown in the -month of February, and for utility rivals wild marjoram. These two -plants are never used together, their properties being so extremely -similar; but it is only the wild marjoram of Egypt that is considered -superior to cunila. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—DITTANDER. - - -Dittander,[1195] too, was originally an exotic plant: it is usually -sown after the west winds have begun to prevail. As soon as it begins -to shoot, it is cut down close to the ground, after which it is hoed -and manured, a process which is repeated the succeeding year. After -this, the shoots are fit for use, if the rigour of the winter has -not injured them; for it is a plant quite unable to withstand any -inclemency[1196] of the weather. It grows to the height of a cubit, and -has a leaf like that of the laurel,[1197] but softer; it is never used -except in combination with milk. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—GITH. - - -Gith[1198] is employed by bakers, dill and anise by cooks and medical -men. Sacopenium,[1199] so extensively used for adulterating laser, is -also a garden plant, but is only employed for medicinal purposes. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—THE POPPY. - - -There are certain plants which are grown in company[1200] with others, -the poppy, for instance, sown with cabbages and purslain, and rocket -with lettuce. Of the cultivated poppy[1201] there are three kinds, the -first being the white[1202] poppy, the seed of which, parched, and -mixed with honey, used to be served up in the second course at the -tables of the ancients; at the present day, too, the country people -sprinkle it on the upper crust of their bread, making it adhere by -means of the yolk of eggs, the under crust being seasoned with parsley -and gith to heighten the flavour of the flour. The second kind is the -black[1203] poppy, from which, upon an incision being made in the -stalk, a milky juice distils; and the third is that known to the Greeks -by the name of “rhœas;”[1204] and by us as the wild poppy. This last -grows spontaneously, but in fields, more particularly, which have been -sown with barley: it bears a strong resemblance to rocket, grows to the -height of a cubit, and bears a red flower, which quickly fades; it is -to this flower that it is indebted for its Greek name.[1205] - -As to the other kinds of poppies which spring up spontaneously, we -shall have occasion to speak of them when treating of the medicinal -plants.[1206] That the poppy has always been held in esteem among -the Romans, we have a proof in the story related of Tarquinius[1207] -Superbus, who, by striking down the tallest poppies in his garden, -surreptitiously conveyed, unknown to them, his sanguinary message -through the envoys who had been sent by his son. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—OTHER PLANTS WHICH REQUIRE TO BE SOWN AT THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX. - - -There are some other plants, again, which require to be sown together -at the time of the autumnal equinox; coriander, for instance, -anise, orage, mallows, lapathum, chervil, known to the Greeks as -“pæderos,”[1208] and mustard,[1209] which has so pungent a flavour, -that it burns like fire, though at the same time it is remarkably -wholesome for the body. This last, though it will grow without -cultivation, is considerably improved by being transplanted; though, on -the other hand, it is extremely difficult to rid the soil of it when -once sown there, the seed when it falls germinating immediately. This -seed, when cooked in the saucepan,[1210] is employed even for making -ragouts, its pungency being rendered imperceptible by boiling; the -leaves, too, are boiled just the same way as those of other vegetables. - -There are three different kinds of mustard,[1211] the first of a -thin, slender form, the second, with a leaf like that of the rape, -and the third, with that of rocket: the best seed comes from Egypt. -The Athenians have given mustard the name of “napy,”[1212] others, -“thapsi,”[1213] and others, again, “saurion.”[1214] - - - - -CHAP. 55.—WILD THYME; SISYMBRIUM. - - -Most mountains abound with wild thyme and sisymbrium, those of Thrace, -for example, where[1215] branches of these wild plants are torn up and -brought away for planting. So, too, the people of Sicyon seek for wild -thyme on their mountains, and the Athenians on the slopes of Hymettus. -Sisymbrium, too, is planted in a similar manner; it grows to the -greatest perfection upon the walls of wells, and around fish preserves -and ponds.[1216] - - - - -CHAP. 56. (9.)—FOUR KINDS OF FERULACEOUS PLANTS. HEMP. - - -The other garden plants are of the ferulaceous kind, such as fennel, -for instance, very grateful to serpents, as already stated,[1217] -and used for numerous seasonings when dried; thapsia, too, which -bears a close resemblance to fennel, and already mentioned by us when -speaking[1218] of the exotic shrubs. Then, too, there is hemp,[1219] a -plant remarkably useful for making ropes, and usually sown after the -west winds have begun to prevail: the more thickly it is sown, the -thinner are the stalks. The seed is gathered when ripe, just after the -autumnal equinox, and is dried by the agency of the sun, the wind, or -smoke.[1220] The hemp itself is plucked just after vintage-time, and is -peeled and cleaned by the labourers at night. - -The best hemp is that of Alabanda,[1221] which is used more -particularly for making hunting-nets, and of which there are three -varieties. The hemp which lies nearest the bark or the pith is the -least valuable, while that which lies in the middle, and hence has the -name of “mesa,” is the most esteemed. The hemp of Mylasa[1222] occupies -the second rank. With reference to the size to which it grows, that of -Rosea,[1223] in the Sabine territory, equals the trees in height.[1224] - -We have already mentioned two kinds of fennel-giant when speaking[1225] -of the exotic shrubs: the seed of it is used in Italy for food; the -plant, too, admits of being preserved, and, if stored in earthen pots, -will keep for a whole year. There are two parts of it that are used -for this purpose, the upper stalks and the umbels of the plant. This -kind of fennel is sometimes known by the name of “corymbia,” and the -parts preserved are called “corymbi.” - - - - -CHAP. 57. (10.)—THE MALADIES OF GARDEN PLANTS. - - -The garden plants, too, like the rest of the vegetable productions, -are subject to certain maladies. Thus, for[1226] instance, ocimum, -when old, degenerates into wild thyme, and sisymbrium[1227] into mint, -while the seed of an old cabbage produces rape, and vice versâ. Cummin, -too, if not kept well hoed, is killed by hæmodorum,[1228], a plant -with a single stalk, a root similar to a bulb in appearance, and never -found except in a thin, meagre soil. Besides this, cummin is liable -to a peculiar disease of its own, the scab:[1229] ocimum, too, turns -pale at the rising of the Dog-star. All plants, indeed, will turn of -a yellow complexion on the approach of a woman who has the menstrual -discharge[1230] upon her. - -There are various kinds of insects,[1231] too, that breed upon the -garden plants—fleas, for instance, upon turnips, and caterpillars and -maggots upon radishes, as well as lettuces and cabbages; besides which, -the last two are exposed to the attacks of slugs and snails. The leek, -too, is infested with peculiar insects of its own; which may very -easily be taken, however, by laying dung upon the plants, the insects -being in the habit of burrowing in it. Sabinus Tiro says, in his book -entitled “Cepurica,”[1232] which he dedicated to Mæcenas, that it is -not advisable to touch rue, cunila, mint, or ocimum with any implement -of iron. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE PROPER REMEDIES FOR THESE MALADIES. HOW ANTS ARE BEST -DESTROYED. THE BEST REMEDIES AGAINST CATERPILLARS AND FLIES. - - -The same author recommends as a remedy against ants, which are by no -means the slightest plague in a garden that is not kept well watered, -to stop up the mouths of their holes with sea-slime or ashes. But -the most efficient way of destroying them is with the aid of the -plant heliotropium;[1233] some persons, too, are of opinion that -water in which an unburnt brick has been soaked is injurious to them. -The best protection for turnips is to sow a few fitches with them, -and for cabbages chickpeas, these having the effect of keeping away -caterpillars. If, however, this precaution should have been omitted, -and the caterpillars have already made their appearance, the best -remedy is to throw upon the vegetables a decoction of wormwood,[1234] -or else of house-leek,[1235] known to some as “aïzoüm,” a kind of herb -already mentioned by us. If cabbage-seed, before it is sown, is steeped -in the juice of house-leek, the cabbages, it is said, are sure not be -attacked by any insect. - -It is said, too, that all caterpillars may be effectually exterminated, -if the skull[1236] of a beast of burden is set up upon a stake in the -garden, care being taken to employ that of a female only. There is a -story related, too, that a river crab, hung up in the middle of the -garden, is a preservative against the attacks of caterpillars. Again, -there are some persons who are in the habit of touching with slips -of blood-red cornel[1237] such plants as they wish to preserve from -caterpillars. Flies,[1238] too, infest well-watered gardens, and more -particularly so, if there happen to he any shrubs there; they may be -got rid of, however, by burning galbanum.[1239] - -(11.) With reference to the deterioration to which seed is -subject,[1240] there are some seeds which keep better than others, -such, for instance, as that of coriander, beet, leeks, cresses, -mustard, rocket, cunila, nearly all the pungent plants in fact. The -seed, on the other hand, of orage, ocimum, gourds, and cucumbers, is -not so good for keeping. All the summer seeds, too, last longer than -the winter ones; but scallion seed is the very worst for keeping of -them all. But of those, even, which keep the very longest, there is -none that will keep beyond four years—for sowing[1241] purposes, at -least; for culinary purposes, they are fit for use beyond that period. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—WHAT PLANTS ARE BENEFITTED BY SALT WATER. - - -A peculiar remedy for the maladies to which radishes, beet, rue, and -cunila are subject, is salt water, which has also the additional merit -of conducing very materially to their sweetness and fertility. Other -plants, again, are equally benefitted by being watered with fresh -water, the most desirable for the purpose being that which is the -coldest and the sweetest to drink: pond and drain-water, on the other -hand, are not so good, as they are apt to carry the seeds of weeds -along with them. It is rain,[1242] however, that forms the principal -aliment of plants; in addition to which, it kills the insects as they -develope themselves upon them. - - - - -CHAP. 60. (12.)—THE PROPER METHOD OF WATERING GARDENS. - - -The proper times[1243] for watering are the morning and the evening, -to prevent the water from being heated[1244] by the sun; with the sole -exception, however, of ocimum, which requires to be watered at midday; -indeed, this plant, it is generally thought, will grow with additional -rapidity, if it is watered with boiling water when sown. All plants, -when transplanted, grow all the better and larger for it, leeks and -turnips more particularly. Transplanting, too, is attended with certain -remedial effects, and acts as a preservative to certain plants, such -as scallions, for instance, leeks, radishes, parsley, lettuces, rape, -and cucumbers. All the wild plants[1245] are generally smaller in the -leaf and stalk than the cultivated ones, and have more acrid juices, -cunila, wild marjoram, and rue, for example. Indeed, it is only the -lapathum[1246] that is better in a wild state than cultivated: in -its cultivated state it is the same plant that is known to us as the -“rumix,” being the most vigorous[1247] by far of all the plants that -are grown; so much so, indeed, that it is said that when it has once -taken root, it will last for ever, and can never be extirpated from -the soil, more particularly if water happens to be near at hand. Its -juices, which are employed only in ptisans,[1248] as an article of -food, have the effect of imparting to them a softer and more exquisite -flavour. The wild variety[1249] is employed for many medicinal purposes. - -So true it is, that the careful research of man has omitted nothing, -that I have even met with a poem,[1250] in which I find it stated, that -if pellets of goats’ dung, the size of a bean, are hollowed out, and -the seed of leeks, rocket, lettuces, parsley, endive, and cresses is -inserted in them, and then sown, the plants will thrive in a marvellous -degree. Plants[1251] in a wild state, it is generally thought, are more -dry and acrid than when cultivated. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—THE JUICES AND FLAVOURS OF GARDEN HERBS. - - -This, too, reminds me that I ought to make some mention of the -difference between the juices and flavours of the garden herbs, -a difference which is more perceptible here than in the fruits -even.[1252] In cunila, for instance, wild marjoram, cresses, and -mustard, the flavour is acrid; in wormwood[1253] and centaury,[1254] -bitter; in cucumbers, gourds, and lettuces, watery; and in parsley, -anise, and fennel, pungent and odoriferous. The salt flavour is the -only one that is not to be found[1255] in plants, with the sole -exception, indeed, of the chicheling[1256] vetch, though even then it -is to be found on the exterior surface only of the plant, in the form -of a kind of dust which settles there. - - - - -CHAP. 62.—PIPERITIS, LIBANOTIS, AND SMYRNIUM. - - -To come to a full understanding, too, both here as elsewhere, how -unfounded are the notions which are generally entertained, I shall -take this opportunity of remarking that panax[1257] has the flavour -of pepper, and siliquastrum even more so, a circumstance to which it -owes its name of piperitis:[1258] libanotis,[1259] again, has just the -odour of frankincense, and smyrnium[1260] of myrrh. As to panax, we -have spoken of it at sufficient length already.[1261] Libanotis grows -in a thin, crumbly soil, and is generally sown in spots exposed to the -falling dews; the root, which is just like that of olusatrum,[1262] -has a smell in no way differing from that of frankincense; when a year -old, it is extremely wholesome for the stomach; some persons give it -the name of rosmarinum.[1263] Smyrnium is a garden herb that grows in -similar soils, and has a root which smells like myrrh: siliquastrum -too, is grown in a similar manner. - -Other plants, again, differ from the preceding ones, both in smell and -taste, anise[1264] for example; indeed, so great is the difference -in this respect, and in their relative virtues, that not only are -the properties of each modified by the other, but quite neutralized -even. It is in this way that our cooks correct the flavour of vinegar -in their dishes with parsley, and our butlers employ the same plant, -enclosed in sachets, for removing a bad odour in wine. - -[1265]Thus far, then, we have treated of the garden plants, viewed as -articles of food only; it remains for us now (for up to the present we -have only spoken of their various methods of cultivation, with some -succinct details relative thereto), to enlarge upon the more elaborate -operations of Nature in this respect; it being quite impossible to -come to a full understanding as to the true characteristics of each -individual plant, without a knowledge of its medicinal effects, a -sublime and truly mysterious manifestation of the wisdom of the Deity, -than which nothing can possibly be found of a nature more elevated. It -is upon principle that we have thought proper not to enlarge upon the -medicinal properties of each plant when treating of it; for it is a -quite different class of persons that is interested in knowing their -curative properties, and there is no doubt that both classes of readers -would have been inconvenienced in a very material degree, if these two -points of view had engaged our attention at the same moment. As it -is, each class will have its own portion to refer to, while those who -desire to do so, will experience no difficulty in uniting them, with -reference to any subject of which we may happen to treat. - - -SUMMARY.—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, one thousand -one hundred and forty-four. - - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Maccius Plautus,[1266] M. Varro,[1267] D. -Silanus,[1268] Cato the Censor,[1269] Hyginus,[1270] Virgil,[1271] -Mucianus,[1272] Celsus,[1273] Columella,[1274] Calpurnius Bassus,[1275] -Mamilius Sura,[1276] Sabinus Tiro,[1277] Licinius Macer,[1278] Quintus -Hirtius,[1279] Vibius Rufus,[1280] Cæsennius[1281] who wrote the -Cepurica, Castritius[1282] who wrote on the same subject, Firmus[1283] -who wrote on the same subject, Petrichus[1284] who wrote on the same -subject. - - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Herodotus,[1285] Theophrastus,[1286] -Democritus,[1287] Aristomachus,[1288] Menander[1289] who wrote the -Biochresta, Anaxiläus.[1290] - - - - -BOOK XX. - -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE GARDEN PLANTS. - - - - -CHAP. 1.—INTRODUCTION. - - -We are now about to enter upon an examination of the greatest of -all the operations of Nature—we are about to discourse to man upon -his aliments,[1291] and to compel him to admit that he is ignorant -by what means he exists. And let no one, misled by the apparent -triviality of the names which we shall have to employ, regard this -subject as one that is frivolous or contemptible: for we shall here -have to set forth the state of peace or of war which exists between -the various departments of Nature, the hatreds or friendships which -are maintained by objects dumb and destitute of sense, and all, too, -created—a wonderful subject for our contemplation!—for the sake of -man alone. To these states, known to the Greeks by the respective -appellations “sympathia” and “antipathia,” we are indebted for the -first principles[1292] of all things; for hence it is that water has -the property of extinguishing fire, that the sun absorbs water, that -the moon produces it, and that each of those heavenly bodies is from -time to time eclipsed by the other. - -Hence it is, too, descending from the contemplation of a loftier -sphere, that the loadstone[1293] possesses the property of attracting -iron, and another stone,[1294] again, that of repelling it; and that -the diamond, that pride of luxury and opulence, though infrangible -by every other object, and presenting a resistance that cannot be -overcome, is broken asunder by a he-goat’s blood[1295]—in addition -to numerous other marvels of which we shall have to speak on more -appropriate occasions, equal to this or still more wonderful even. -My only request is that pardon may be accorded me for beginning with -objects of a more humble nature, though still so greatly conducive to -our health—I mean the garden plants, of which I shall now proceed to -speak. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (1.)—THE WILD CUCUMBER; TWENTY-SIX REMEDIES. - - -We have already stated[1296] that there is a wild cucumber, -considerably smaller than the cultivated one. From this cucumber the -medicament known as “elaterium” is prepared, being the juice extracted -from the seed.[1297] To obtain this juice the fruit is cut before it is -ripe—indeed, if this precaution is not taken at an early period, the -seed is apt to spirt[1298] out and be productive of danger to the eyes. -After it is gathered, the fruit is kept whole for a night, and on the -following day an incision is made in it with a reed. The seed, too, is -generally sprinkled with ashes, with the view of retaining in it as -large a quantity of the juice as possible. When the juice is extracted, -it is received in rain water, where it falls to the bottom; after which -it is thickened in the sun, and then divided into lozenges, which are -of singular utility to mankind for healing dimness[1299] of sight, -diseases of the eyes, and ulcerations of the eyelids. It is said that -if the roots of a vine are touched with this juice, the grapes of it -will be sure never to be attacked by birds. - -The root,[1300] too, of the wild cucumber, boiled in vinegar, is -employed in fomentations for the gout, and the juice of it is used as a -remedy for tooth-ache. Dried and mixed with resin, the root is a cure -for impetigo[1301] and the skin diseases known as “psora”[1302] and -“lichen:”[1303] it is good, too, for imposthumes of the parotid glands -and inflammatory tumours,[1304] and restores the natural colour to the -skin when a cicatrix has formed.—The juice of the leaves, mixed with -vinegar, is used as an injection for the ears, in cases of deafness. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—ELATERIUM; TWENTY-SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The proper season for making elaterium is the autumn; and there is no -medicament known that will keep longer than this.[1305] It begins to -be fit for use when three years old; but if it is found desirable to -make use of it at an earlier period than this, the acridity of the -lozenges may be modified by putting them with vinegar upon a slow fire, -in a new earthen pot. The older it is the better, and before now, as -we learn from Theophrastus, it has been known to keep[1305] so long as -two hundred years. Even after it has been kept so long as fifty[1306] -years, it retains its property of extinguishing a light; indeed, it -is the proper way of testing the genuineness of the drug to hold it -to the flame and make it scintillate above and below, before finally -extinguishing it. The elaterium which is pale, smooth, and slightly -bitter, is superior[1307] to that which has a grass-green appearance -and is rough to the touch. - -It is generally thought that the seed of this plant will facilitate -conception if a woman carries it attached to her person, before it has -touched the ground; and that it has the effect of aiding parturition, -if it is first wrapped in ram’s wool, and then tied round the woman’s -loins, without her knowing it, care being taken to carry it out of the -house the instant she is delivered. - -Those persons who magnify the praises of the wild cucumber say that -the very best is that of Arabia, the next being that of Arcadia, and -then that of Cyrenæ: it bears a resemblance to the heliotropium,[1308] -they say, and the fruit, about the size of a walnut, grows between -the leaves and branches. The seed, it is said, is very similar in -appearance to the tail of a scorpion thrown back, but is of a whitish -hue. Indeed, there are some persons who give to this cucumber the name -of “scorpionium,” and say that its seed, as well as the elaterium, is -remarkably efficacious as a cure for the sting of the scorpion. As -a purgative, the proper dose of either is from half an obolus to an -obolus, according to the strength of the patient, a larger dose than -this being fatal.[1309] It is in the same proportions, too, that it is -taken in drink for phthiriasis[1310] and dropsy; applied externally -with honey or old olive oil, it is used for the cure of quinsy and -affections of the trachea. - - - - -CHAP. 4. (2.)—THE ANGUINE OR ERRATIC CUCUMBER: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Many authors are of opinion that the wild cucumber is identical with -the plant known among us as the “anguine,” and by some persons as -the “erratic”[1311] cucumber. Objects sprinkled with a decoction of -this plant will never be touched by mice. The same authors[1312] say, -too, that a decoction of it in vinegar, externally applied, gives -instantaneous relief in cases of gout and diseases of the joints. As -a remedy, too, for lumbago, the seed of it is dried in the sun and -pounded, being given in doses of twenty denarii to half a sextarius of -water. Mixed with woman’s milk and applied as a liniment, it is a cure -for tumours which have suddenly formed. - -Elaterium promotes the menstrual discharge; but if taken by females -when pregnant, it is productive of abortion. It is good, also, for -asthma, and, injected into the nostrils, for the jaundice.[1313] Rubbed -upon the face in the sun, it removes freckles[1314] and spots upon the -skin. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—THE CULTIVATED CUCUMBER: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Many persons attribute all these properties to the cultivated -cucumber[1315] as well, a plant which even without them would be of -very considerable importance, in a medicinal point of view. A pinch of -the seed, for instance, in three fingers, beaten up with cummin and -taken in wine, is extremely beneficial for a cough: for phrenitis, -also, doses of it are administered in woman’s milk, and doses of one -acetabulum for dysentery. As a remedy for purulent expectorations, -it is taken with an equal quantity of cummin;[1316] and it is used -with hydromel for diseases of the liver. Taken in sweet wine, it is -a diuretic; and, in combination with cummin,[1316] it is used as an -injection for affections of the kidneys. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—PEPONES: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The fruit known as pepones[1317] are a cool and refreshing diet, and -are slightly relaxing to the stomach. Applications are used of the -pulpy flesh in defluxions or pains of the eyes. The root, too, of -this plant cures the hard ulcers known to us as “ceria,” from their -resemblance to a honeycomb, and it acts as an emetic.[1318] Dried and -reduced to a powder, it is given in doses of four oboli in hydromel, -the patient, immediately after taking it, being made to walk half a -mile. This powder is employed also in cosmetics[1319] for smoothing -the skin. The rind, too, has the effect[1320] of promoting vomiting, -and, when applied to the face, of clearing the skin; a result which is -equally produced by an external application of the leaves of all the -cultivated cucumbers. These leaves, mixed with honey, are employed for -the cure of the pustules known as “epinyctis;”[1321] steeped in wine, -they are good, too, for the bites of dogs and of multipedes,[1322] -insects known to the Greeks by the name of “seps,”[1323] of an -elongated form, with hairy legs, and noxious to cattle more -particularly; the sting being followed by swelling, and the wound -rapidly putrifying. - -The smell of the cucumber itself is a restorative[1324] in fainting -fits. It is a well-known fact, that if cucumbers are peeled and then -boiled in oil, vinegar, and honey, they are all the more pleasant -eating[1325] for it. - - - - -CHAP. 7. (3.)—THE GOURD: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. THE SOMPHUS: ONE REMEDY. - - -There is found also a wild gourd, called “somphos” by the Greeks, empty -within (to which circumstance it owes its name),[1326] and long and -thick in shape, like the finger: it grows nowhere except upon stony -spots. The juice of this gourd, when chewed, is very beneficial to the -stomach.[1327] - - - - -CHAP. 8.—THE COLOCYNTHIS: TEN REMEDIES. - - -There is another variety of the wild gourd, known as the -“colocynthis:”[1328] this kind is full of seeds, but not so large as -the cultivated one. The pale colocynthis is better than those of a -grass-green colour. Employed by itself when dried, it acts as a very -powerful[1329] purgative; used as an injection, it is a remedy for all -diseases of the intestines, the kidneys, and the loins, as well as for -paralysis. The seed being first removed, it is boiled down in hydromel -to one half; after which it is used as an injection, with perfect -safety, in doses of four oboli. It is good, too, for the stomach, taken -in pills composed of the dried powder and boiled honey. In jaundice -seven seeds of it may be taken with beneficial effects, with a draught -of hydromel immediately after. - -The pulp of this fruit, taken with wormwood and salt, is a remedy for -toothache, and the juice of it, warmed with vinegar, has the effect -of strengthening loose teeth. Rubbed in with oil, it removes pains of -the spine, loins, and hips: in addition to which, really a marvellous -thing to speak of! the seeds of it, in even numbers, attached to the -body in a linen cloth, will cure, it is said, the fevers to which the -Greeks have given the name of “periodic.”[1330] The juice, too, of -the cultivated gourd[1331] shred in pieces, applied warm, is good -for ear-ache, and the flesh of the inside, used without the seed, -for corns on the feet and the suppurations known to the Greeks as -“apostemata.”[1332] When the pulp and seeds are boiled together, the -decoction is good for strengthening loose teeth, and for preventing -toothache; wine, too, boiled with this plant, is curative of defluxions -of the eyes. The leaves of it, bruised with fresh cypress-leaves, -or the leaves alone, boiled in a vessel of potters’ clay and beaten -up with goose-grease, and then applied to the part affected, are an -excellent cure for wounds. Fresh shavings of the rind are used as a -cooling application for gout, and burning pains in the head, in infants -more particularly; they are good, too, for erysipelas,[1333] whether -it is the shavings of the rind or the seeds of the plant that are -applied to the part affected. The juice of the scrapings, employed -as a liniment with rose-oil and vinegar, moderates the burning heats -of fevers; and the ashes of the dried fruit applied to burns are -efficacious in a most remarkable degree. - -Chrysippus, the physician, condemned the use of the gourd as a food: it -is generally agreed, however, that it is extremely good[1334] for the -stomach, and for ulcerations of the intestines and of the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—RAPE; NINE REMEDIES. - - -Rape, too, has its medicinal properties. Warmed, it is used as an -application for the cure of chilblains,[1335] in addition to which, it -has the effect of protecting the feet from cold. A hot decoction of -rape is employed for the cure of cold gout; and raw rape, beaten up -with salt, is good for all maladies of the feet. Rape-seed, used as a -liniment, and taken in drink, with wine, is said to have a salutary -effect[1336] against the stings of serpents, and various narcotic -poisons; and there are many persons who attribute to it the properties -of an antidote, when taken with wine and oil. - -Democritus has entirely repudiated the use of rape as an article of -food, in consequence of the flatulence[1337] which it produces; while -Diocles, on the other hand, has greatly extolled it, and has even gone -so far as to say that it acts as an aphrodisiac.[1338] Dionysius, -too, says the same of rape, and more particularly if it is seasoned -with rocket;[1339] he adds, also, that roasted, and then applied with -grease, it is excellent for pains in the joints. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—WILD RAPE: ONE REMEDY. - - -Wild rape[1340] is mostly found growing in the fields; it has a tufted -top, with a white[1341] seed, twice as large as that of the poppy. This -plant is often employed for smoothing the skin of the face and the body -generally, meal of fitches,[1342] barley, wheat, and lupines, being -mixed with it in equal proportions. - -The root of the wild rape is applied to no useful purpose whatever. - - - - -CHAP. 11. (4.)—TURNIPS; THOSE KNOWN AS BUNION AND BUNIAS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks distinguish two kinds of turnips,[1343] also, as employed -in medicine. The turnip with angular stalks and a flower like that of -anise, and known by them as “bunion,”[1344] is good for promoting -the menstrual discharge in females and for affections[1345] of the -bladder; it acts, also, as a diuretic. For these purposes, a decoction -of it is taken with hydromel, or else one drachma of the juice of the -plant.[1346] The seed, parched, and then beaten up, and taken in warm -water, in doses of four cyathi, is a good remedy for dysentery; it will -stop the passage of the urine, however, if linseed is not taken with it. - -The other kind of turnip is known by the name of “bunias,”[1347] and -bears a considerable resemblance to the radish and the rape united, the -seed of it enjoying the reputation of being a remedy for poisons; hence -it is that we find it employed in antidotes. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—THE WILD RADISH, OR ARMORACIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -We have already said,[1348] that there is also a wild radish.[1349] The -most esteemed is that of Arcadia, though it is also found growing in -other countries as well. It is only efficacious as a diuretic, being in -other respects of a heating nature. In Italy, it is known also by the -name of “armoracia.” - - - - -CHAP. 13.—THE CULTIVATED RADISH: FORTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -The cultivated radish, too, in addition to what we have already -said[1350] of it, purges the stomach, attenuates the phlegm, acts as a -diuretic, and detaches the bilious secretions. A decoction of the rind -of radishes in wine, taken in the morning in doses of three cyathi, -has the effect of breaking and expelling calculi of the bladder. A -decoction, too, of this rind in vinegar and water, is employed as a -liniment for the stings of serpents. Taken fasting in the morning -with honey, radishes are good[1351] for a cough. Parched radish-seed, -as well as radishes themselves, chewed, is useful for pains in the -sides.[1352] A decoction of the leaves, taken in drink, or else the -juice of the plant taken in doses of two cyathi, is an excellent remedy -for phthiriasis. Pounded radishes, too, are employed as a liniment for -inflammations[1353] under the skin, and the rind, mixed with honey, for -bruises of recent date. Lethargic persons[1354] are recommended to eat -them as hot as possible, and the seed, parched and then pounded with -honey, will give relief to asthmatic patients. - -Radishes, too, are useful as a remedy for poisons, and are employed -to counteract the effects of the sting of the cerastes[1355] and the -scorpion: indeed, after having rubbed the hands with radishes or -radish-seed, we may handle[1356] those reptiles with impunity. If a -radish is placed upon a scorpion, it will cause its death. Radishes -are useful, too, in cases of poisoning by fungi[1357] or henbane; and -according to Nicander,[1358] they are salutary against the effects of -bullock’s blood,[1359] when drunk. The two physicians of the name of -Apollodorus, prescribe radishes to be given in cases of poisoning by -mistletoe; but whereas Apollodorus of Citium recommends radish-seed -pounded in water, Apollodorus of Tarentum speaks of the juice. Radishes -diminish the volume of the spleen, and are beneficial for maladies of -the liver and pains in the loins: taken, too, with vinegar or mustard, -they are good for dropsy and lethargy, as well as epilepsy[1360] and -melancholy.[1361] Praxagoras recommends that radishes should be given -for the iliac passion, and Plistonicus for the cœliac[1362] disease. - -Radishes are good, too, for curing ulcerations of the intestines and -suppurations of the thoracic organs,[1363] if eaten with honey. Some -persons say, however, that for this purpose they should be boiled in -earth and water; a decoction which, according to them, promotes the -menstrual discharge. Taken with vinegar or honey, radishes expel worms -from the intestines; and a decoction of them boiled down to one-third, -taken in wine, is good for intestinal hernia.[1364] Employed in this -way, too, they have the effect of drawing off the superfluous blood. -Medius recommends them to be given boiled to persons troubled with -spitting of blood, and to women who are suckling, for the purpose of -increasing the milk. Hippocrates[1365] recommends females whose hair -falls off, to rub the head with radishes, and he says that for pains of -the uterus, they should be applied to the navel. - -Radishes have the effect, too, of restoring the skin, when scarred, -to its proper colour; and the seed, steeped in water, and applied -topically, arrests the progress of ulcers known as phagedænic.[1366] -Democritus regards them, taken with the food, as an aphrodisiac; and it -is for this reason, perhaps, that some persons have spoken of them as -being injurious to the voice. The leaves, but only those of the long -radish, are said to have the effect of improving the eye-sight. - -When radishes, employed as a remedy, act too powerfully, it is -recommended that hyssop should be given immediately; there being an -antipathy[1367] between these two plants. For dulness of hearing, -too, radish-juice is injected into the ear. To promote vomiting, it is -extremely beneficial to eat radishes fasting. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—THE PARSNIP: FIVE REMEDIES. THE HIBISCUM, WILD MALLOW, OR -PLISTOLOCHIA: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The hibiscum, by some persons known as the wild mallow,[1368] and -by others as the “plistolochia,” bears a strong resemblance to the -parsnip;[1369] it is good for ulcerations of the cartilages, and is -employed for the cure of fractured bones. The leaves of it, taken in -water, relax the stomach; they have the effect, also, of keeping away -serpents, and, employed as a liniment, are a cure for the stings of -bees, wasps, and hornets. The root, pulled up before sunrise, and -wrapped in wool of the colour known as “native,”[1370] taken from a -sheep which has just dropped a ewe lamb, is employed as a bandage for -scrofulous swellings, even after they have suppurated. Some persons are -of opinion, that for this purpose the root should be dug up with an -implement of gold, and that care should be taken not to let it touch -the ground. - -Celsus,[1371] too, recommends this root to be boiled in wine, and -applied in cases of gout unattended with swelling. - - - - -CHAP. 15. (5.)—THE STAPHYLINOS, OR WILD PARSNIP: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -The staphylinos, or, as some persons call it, “erratic[1372] parsnip,” -is another kind. The seed[1373] of this plant, pounded and taken in -wine, reduces swelling of the abdomen, and alleviates hysterical -suffocations and pains, to such a degree as to restore the uterus to -its natural condition. Used as a liniment, also, with raisin wine, it -is good for pains of the bowels in females; for men, too, beaten up -with an equal proportion of bread, and taken in wine, it may be found -beneficial for similar pains. It is a diuretic also, and it will -arrest the progress of phagedænic ulcers, if applied fresh with honey, -or else dried and sprinkled on them with meal. - -Dieuches recommends the root of it to be given, with hydromel, for -affections of the liver and spleen, as also the sides, loins, and -kidneys; and Cleophantus prescribes it for dysentery of long standing. -Philistio says that it should be boiled in milk, and for strangury he -prescribes four ounces of the root. Taken in water, he recommends it -for dropsy, as well as in cases of opisthotony,[1374] pleurisy, and -epilepsy. Persons, it is said, who carry this plant about them, will -never be stung by serpents, and those who have just eaten of it will -receive no hurt from them. Mixed with axle-grease,[1375] it is applied -to parts of the body stung by reptiles; and the leaves of it are eaten -as a remedy for indigestion. - -Orpheus has stated that the staphylinos acts as a philtre,[1376] -most probably because, a very-well-established fact, when employed -as a food, it is an aphrodisiac; a circumstance which has led some -persons to state that it promotes conception. In other respects the -cultivated parsnip has similar properties; though the wild kind is -more powerful in its operation, and that which grows in stony soils -more particularly. The seed, too, of the cultivated parsnip, taken in -wine, or vinegar and water,[1377] is salutary for stings inflicted by -scorpions. By rubbing the teeth with the root of this plant, tooth-ache -is removed. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—GINGIDION: ONE REMEDY. - - -The Syrians devote themselves particularly to the cultivation of the -garden, a circumstance to which we owe the Greek proverb, “There is -plenty of vegetables in Syria.”[1378] - -Among other vegetables, that country produces one very similar to the -staphylinos, and known to some persons as “gingidion,”[1379] only that -it is smaller than the staphylinos and more bitter, though it has just -the same properties. Eaten either raw or boiled, it is very beneficial -to the stomach, as it entirely absorbs all humours with which it may -happen to be surcharged. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—THE SKIRRET: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The wild[1380] skirret, too, is very similar to the cultivated -kind,[1381] and is productive of similar effects. It sharpens[1382] -the stomach, and, taken with vinegar flavoured with silphium, or with -pepper and hydromel, or else with garum, it promotes the appetite. -According to Opion, it is a diuretic, and acts as an aphrodisiac.[1383] -Diocles is also of the same opinion; in addition to which, he says -that it possesses cordial virtues for convalescents, and is extremely -beneficial after frequent vomitings. - -Heraclides has prescribed it against the effects of mercury,[1384] -and for occasional impotence, as also generally for patients when -convalescent. Hicesius says that skirrets would appear to be -prejudicial[1385] to the stomach, because no one is able to eat three -of them following; still, however, he looks upon them as beneficial -to patients who are just resuming the use of wine. The juice of the -cultivated skirret, taken in goats’-milk, arrests looseness of the -stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—SILE, OR HARTWORT: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -As the similitude which exists between their Greek names[1386] has -caused most persons to mistake the one for the other, we have thought -it as well to give some account here of sile or hartwort,[1387] though -it is a plant which is very generally known. The best hartwort is that -of Massilia,[1388] the seed of it being broad and yellow; and the -next best is that of Æthiopia, the seed of which is of a darker hue. -The Cretan hartwort is the most odoriferous of the several kinds. The -root of this plant has a pleasant smell; the seed of it is eaten by -vultures, it is said.[1389] Hartwort is useful to man for inveterate -coughs, ruptures, and convulsions, being usually taken in white wine; -it is employed also in cases of opisthotony, and for diseases of the -liver, as well as for griping pains in the bowels and for strangury, in -doses of two or three spoonfuls at a time. - -The leaves of this plant are useful also, and have the effect of -aiding parturition—in animals even: indeed, it is generally said that -roes,[1390] when about to bring forth, are in the habit of eating these -leaves in particular. They are topically applied, also, in erysipelas; -and either the leaves or the seed, taken fasting in the morning, are -very beneficial to the digestion. Hartwort has the effect, too, of -arresting looseness in cattle, either bruised and put into their drink, -or else eaten by them after it has been chewed with salt. When oxen are -in a diseased state, it is beaten up and poured into their food. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—ELECAMPANE: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Elecampane,[1391] too, chewed fasting, has the effect of strengthening -the teeth, if, from the moment that it is plucked, it is not allowed to -touch the ground: a confection of it is a cure for cough. The juice of -the root boiled is an expellent of intestinal tapeworm; and dried in -the shade and reduced to powder, the root[1392] is curative in cases of -cough, convulsions, flatulency, and affections of the trachea. It is -useful too, for the bites of venomous animals; and the leaves steeped -in wine are applied topically for pains in the loins. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—ONIONS: TWENTY-SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -There are no such things in existence as wild onions. The cultivated -onion is employed for the cure of dimness[1393] of sight, the -patient being made to smell at it till tears come into the eyes: it -is still better even if the eyes are rubbed with the juice. It is -said, too, that onions are soporific,[1394] and that they are a cure -for ulcerations of the mouth, if chewed with bread. Fresh onions in -vinegar, applied topically, or dried onions with wine and honey, are -good for the bites of dogs, care being taken not to remove the bandage -till the end of a couple of days. Applied, too, in the same way, they -are good for healing excoriations. Roasted in hot ashes, many persons -have applied them topically, with barley meal, for defluxions of the -eyes and ulcerations of the genitals. The juice, too, is employed as an -ointment for sores of the eyes, albugo,[1395] and argema.[1396] Mixed -with honey, it is used as a liniment for the stings[1397] of serpents -and all kinds of ulcerous sores. In combination with woman’s milk, it -is employed for affections of the ears; and in cases of singing in -the ears and hardness of hearing, it is injected into those organs -with goose-grease or honey. In cases where persons have been suddenly -struck dumb, it has been administered to them to drink, mixed with -water. In cases, too, of toothache, it is sometimes introduced into the -mouth as a gargle for the teeth; it is an excellent remedy also for all -kinds of wounds made by animals, scorpions more particularly. - -In cases of alopecy[1398] and itch-scab, bruised onions are rubbed on -the parts affected: they are also given boiled to persons afflicted -with dysentery or lumbago. Onion peelings, burnt to ashes and mixed -with vinegar, are employed topically for stings of serpents and -multipedes.[1399] - -In other respects, there are remarkable differences of opinion among -medical men. The more modern writers have stated that onions are good -for the thoracic organs and the digestion, but that they are productive -of flatulency and thirst. The school of Asclepiades maintains that, -used as an aliment, onions impart a florid[1400] colour to the -complexion, and that, taken fasting every day, they are promoters of -robustness and health; that as a diet, too, they are good for the -stomach by acting upon the spirits, and have the effect of relaxing the -bowels. He says, too, that, employed as a suppository, onions disperse -piles, and that the juice of them, taken in combination with juice of -fennel, is wonderfully beneficial in cases of incipient dropsy. It -is said, too, that the juice, taken with rue and honey, is good for -quinsy, and has the effect of dispelling lethargy.[1401] Varro assures -us that onions, pounded with salt and vinegar and then dried, will -never be attacked by worms.[1402] - - - - -CHAP. 21. (6.)—CUTLEEK: THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -Cutleek[1403] has the effect of stanching bleeding at the nose, the -nostrils being plugged with the plant, pounded, or else mixed with -nut-galls or mint. The juice of it, taken with woman’s milk, arrests -floodings after a miscarriage; and it is remedial in cases even of -inveterate cough, and of affections of the chest[1404] and lungs. The -leaves, applied topically, are employed for the cure of pimples, burns, -and epinyctis[1405]—this last being the name given to an ulcer, known -also as “syce,”[1406] situate in the corner of the eye, from which -there is a continual running: some persons, however, give this name -to livid pustules, which cause great restlessness in the night. Other -kinds of ulcers, too, are treated with leeks beaten up with honey: used -with vinegar, they are extensively employed also for the bites of wild -beasts, as well as of serpents and other venomous creatures. Mixed -with goats’ gall, or else honied wine in equal proportions, they are -used for affections of the ears, and, combined with woman’s milk, for -singing in the ears. In cases of head-ache, the juice is injected into -the nostrils, or else into the ear at bed-time, two spoonfuls of juice -to one of honey. - -This juice is taken too with pure wine,[1407] for the stings of -serpents and scorpions, and, mixed with a semi-sextarius of wine, -for lumbago. The juice, or the leek itself, eaten as a food, is very -beneficial to persons troubled with spitting of blood, phthisis, -or inveterate catarrhs; in cases also of jaundice or dropsy, and -for nephretic pains, it is taken in barley-water, in doses of one -acetabulum of juice. The same dose, too, mixed with honey, effectually -purges the uterus. Leeks are eaten, too, in cases of poisoning by -fungi,[1408] and are applied topically to wounds: they act also as an -aphrodisiac,[1409] allay thirst, and dispel the effects of drunkenness; -but they have the effect of weakening the sight and causing flatulency, -it is said, though, at the same time, they are not injurious to the -stomach, and act as an aperient. Leeks impart a remarkable clearness to -the voice.[1410] - - - - -CHAP. 22.—BULBED LEEK: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -Bulbed leek[1411] produces the same effects as cut-leek,[1412] but in a -more powerful degree. To persons troubled with spitting of blood, the -juice of it is given, with powdered nut-galls[1413] or frankincense, -or else gum acacia.[1414] Hippocrates,[1415] however, prescribes it -without being mixed with anything else, and expressed himself of -opinion that it has the property of opening the uterus when contracted, -and that taken as an aliment by females, it is a great promoter of -fecundity. Beaten up and mixed with honey, it cleanses ulcerous sores. -It is good for the cure of coughs, catarrhs, and all affections of the -lungs and of the trachea, whether given in the form of a ptisan, or -eaten raw, the head excepted: it must be taken, however, without bread, -and upon alternate days, and this even if there should be purulent -expectorations. - -Taken in this form, it greatly improves the voice, and acts as an -aphrodisiac, and as a promoter of sleep. The heads, boiled in a couple -of waters, arrest looseness of the bowels, and fluxes of long standing; -and a decoction of the outer coat acts as a dye upon grey hair.[1416] - - - - -CHAP. 23.—GARLIC: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -Garlic[1417] has very powerful[1418] properties, and is of great -utility to persons on changes of water or locality. The very smell of -it drives away serpents and scorpions, and, according to what some -persons say, it is a cure for wounds made by every kind of wild beast, -whether taken with the drink or food, or applied topically. Taken -in wine, it is a remedy for the sting of the hæmorrhoïs[1419] more -particularly, acting as an emetic. We shall not be surprised too, that -it acts as a powerful remedy for the bite of the shrew-mouse, when we -find that it has the property of neutralizing aconite, otherwise known -as “pardalianches.”[1420] It neutralizes henbane, also, and cures the -bites of dogs, when applied with honey to the wound. It is taken in -drink also for the stings of serpents; and of its leaves, mixed with -oil, a most valuable liniment is made for bruises on the body, even -when they have swelled and formed blisters. - -Hippocrates[1421] is of opinion also, that fumigations made with garlic -have the effect of bringing away the after-birth; and he used to employ -the ashes of garlic, mixed with oil, for the cure of running ulcers -of the head. Some persons have prescribed boiled garlic for asthmatic -patients; while others, again, have given it raw. Diocles prescribes -it, in combination with centaury, for dropsy, and to be taken in a -split fig, to promote the alvine evacuations: taken fresh, however, in -unmixed wine, with coriander, it is still more efficacious for that -purpose. Some persons have given it, beaten up in milk, for asthma. -Praxagoras used to prescribe garlic, mixed with wine, for jaundice, and -with oil and pottage for the iliac passion: he employed it also in a -similar form, as a liniment for scrofulous swellings of the neck. - -The ancients used to give raw garlic in cases of madness, and Diocles -administered it boiled for phrenitis. Beaten up, and taken in vinegar -and water, it is very useful as a gargle for quinsy. Three heads of -garlic, beaten up in vinegar, give relief in toothache: and a similar -result is obtained by rinsing the mouth with a decoction of garlic, -and inserting pieces of it in the hollow teeth. Juice of garlic is -sometimes injected into the ears with goose-grease,[1422] and, taken -in drink, or similarly injected, in combination with vinegar and -nitre, it arrests phthiriasis[1423] and porrigo.[1424] Boiled with -milk, or else beaten up and mixed with soft cheese, it is a cure for -catarrhs. Employed in a similar manner, and taken with pease or beans, -it is good for hoarseness, but in general it is found to be more -serviceable cooked than raw, and boiled than roasted: in this last -state, however, it is more beneficial to the voice. Boiled in oxymel, -it has the effect of expelling tape-worm and other intestinal worms; -and a pottage made of it is a cure for tenesmus. A decoction of garlic -is applied topically for pains in the temples; and first boiled and -then beaten up with honey, it is good for blisters. A decoction of -it, with stale grease, or milk, is excellent for a cough; and where -persons are troubled with spitting of blood or purulent matter, it may -be roasted in hot ashes, and taken with honey in equal proportions. -For convulsions and ruptures it is administered in combination with -salt and oil; and, mixed with grease, it is employed for the cure of -suspected tumours. - -Mixed with sulphur and resin, garlic draws out the humours from -fistulous sores, and employed with pitch, it will extract an arrow -even[1425] from the wound. In cases of leprosy, lichen, and eruptions -of the skin, it acts as a detergent, and effects a cure, in combination -with wild marjoram, or else reduced to ashes, and applied as a liniment -with oil and garum.[1426] It is employed in a similar manner, too, for -erysipelas; and, reduced to ashes, and mixed with honey, it restores -contused or livid spots on the skin to their proper colour. It is -generally believed, too, that taken in the food and drink, garlic is a -cure for epilepsy, and that a clove of it, taken in astringent wine, -with an obolus’ weight of silphium,[1427] will have the effect of -dispelling quartan fever. Garlic cures coughs also, and suppurations -of the chest, however violent they may be; to obtain which result, -another method is followed, it being boiled with broken beans, and -employed as a diet till the cure is fully effected. It is a soporific -also, and in general imparts to the body an additional ruddiness of -colour. - -Garlic acts as an aphrodisiac, beaten up with fresh coriander, and -taken in pure wine. The inconveniences which result from the use of -it, are dimness of the sight and flatulency; and if taken in too large -quantities, it does injury to the stomach, and creates thirst. In -addition to these particulars, mixed with spelt flour, and given to -poultry in their food, it preserves them from attacks of the pip.[1428] -Beasts of burden, it is said, will void their urine all the more -easily, and without any pain, if the genitals are rubbed with garlic. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—THE LETTUCE: FORTY-TWO REMEDIES. THE GOAT-LETTUCE: FOUR -REMEDIES. - - -The first kind of lettuce which grows spontaneously, is the one that -is generally known as “goat[1429]-lettuce;” thrown into the sea, this -vegetable has the property of instantaneously killing all the fish that -come into its vicinity. The milky juice of this lettuce,[1430] left to -thicken and then put into vinegar, is given in doses of two oboli, with -the addition of one cyathus of water, to patients for dropsy. The stalk -and leaves, bruised and sprinkled with salt, are used for the cure of -wounds of the sinews. Pounded with vinegar, and employed as a gargle in -the morning twice a month, they act as a preventive of tooth-ache. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—CÆSAPON: ONE REMEDY. ISATIS: ONE REMEDY. THE WILD LETTUCE: -SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -There is a second kind of wild lettuce, known by the Greeks is -“cæsapon.”[1431] The leaves of this lettuce, applied as a liniment with -polenta,[1432] are used for the cure of ulcerous sores. This plant is -found growing in the fields. A third kind, again, grows in the woods; -the name given to it is “isatis.”[1433] The leaves of this last, beaten -up and applied with polenta, are very useful for the cure of wounds. A -fourth kind is used by dyers of wool; in the leaves it would resemble -wild lapathum, were it not that they are more numerous and darker. -This lettuce has the property of stanching blood, and of healing -phagedænic sores and putrid spreading ulcers, as well as tumours -before suppuration. Both the root as well as the leaves are good, too, -for erysipelas; and a decoction of it is drunk for affections of the -spleen. Such are the properties peculiar to each of these varieties. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—HAWK-WEED: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The properties which are common to all the wild varieties[1434] are -whiteness, a stem sometimes as much as a cubit in length, and a -roughness upon the stalk and leaves. Among these plants there is one -with round, short leaves, known to some persons as “hieracion;”[1435] -from the circumstance that the hawk tears it open and sprinkles[1436] -its eyes with the juice, and so dispels any dimness of sight of which -it is apprehensive. The juice of all these plants is white, and in -its properties resembles that of the poppy.[1437] It is collected -at harvest-time, by making incisions in the stalk, and is kept -in new earthen vessels, being renowned as a remedy for numerous -maladies.[1438] Mixed with woman’s milk, it is a cure for all diseases -of the eyes, such as argema for instance, films on the eyes, scars -and inflammations[1439] of all kinds, and dimness of the sight more -particularly. It is applied to the eyes, too, in wool, as a remedy for -defluxions of those organs. - -This juice also purges the bowels, taken in doses of two oboli in -vinegar and water. Drunk in wine it is a cure for the stings of -serpents, and the leaves and stalk of the plant are pounded and taken -in vinegar. They are employed also as a liniment for wounds, the sting -of the scorpion more particularly; combined, too, with oil and vinegar, -they are similarly applied for the bite of the phalangium.[1440] -They have the effect, also, of neutralizing other poisons, with the -exception of those which kill by suffocation or by attacking the -bladder, as also with the exception of white lead. Steeped in oxymel, -they are applied to the abdomen for the purpose of drawing out vicious -humours of the intestines. The juice is found good, also, in cases of -retention of the urine. Crateuas prescribes it to be given to dropsical -patients, in doses of two oboli, with vinegar and one cyathus of wine. - -Some persons collect the juice of the cultivated lettuce as well, -but it is not so efficacious[1441] as the other. We have already -made mention,[1442] to some extent, of the peculiar properties -of the cultivated lettuce, such as promoting sleep, allaying the -sexual passions, cooling the body when heated, purging[1443] the -stomach, and making blood. In addition to these, it possesses no few -properties besides; for it has the effect of removing flatulency, and -of dispelling eructations, while at the same time it promotes the -digestion, without ever being indigestible itself. Indeed, there is no -article of diet known that is a greater stimulant to the appetite, or -which tends in a greater degree to modify it; it being the extent, -either way, to which it is eaten that promotes these opposite results. -In the same way, too, lettuces eaten in too large quantities are -laxative, but taken in moderation they are binding. They have the -effect, also, of attenuating the tough, viscous, phlegm, and, according -to what some persons say, of sharpening the senses. They are extremely -serviceable, too, to debilitated stomachs; for which purpose * *[1444] -oboli of sour sauce[1445] is added to them, the sharpness of which -is modified by the application of sweet wine, to make it of the same -strength as vinegar-sauce.[1446] If, again, the phlegm with which the -patient is troubled is extremely tough and viscous, wine of squills or -of wormwood is employed; and if there is any cough perceptible, hyssop -wine is mixed as well. - -Lettuces are given with wild endive for cœliac affections, and -for obstructions of the thoracic organs. White lettuces, too, are -prescribed in large quantities for melancholy and affections of the -bladder. Praxagoras recommends them for dysentery. Lettuces are good, -also, for recent burns, before blisters have made their appearance: in -such cases they are applied with salt. They arrest spreading ulcers, -being applied at first with saltpetre, and afterwards with wine. -Beaten up, they are applied topically for erysipelas; and the stalks, -beaten up with polenta, and applied with cold water, are soothing for -luxations of the limbs and spasmodic contractions; used, too, with -wine and polenta, they are good for pimples and eruptions. For cholera -lettuces have been given, cooked in the saucepan, in which case it is -those with the largest stalk and bitter that are the best: some persons -administer them, also, as an injection, in milk. These stalks boiled, -are remarkably good, it is said, for the stomach: the summer lettuce, -too, more particularly, and the bitter, milky lettuce, of which we have -already[1447] made mention as the “meconis,” have a soporific effect. -This juice, in combination with woman’s milk, is said to be extremely -beneficial to the eyesight, if applied to the head in good time; it is -a remedy, too, for such maladies of the eyes as result from the action -of cold. - -I find other marvellous praises lavished upon the lettuce, such, for -instance, as that, mixed with Attic honey, it is no less beneficial -for affections of the chest than abrotonum;[1448] that the menstrual -discharge is promoted in females by using it as a diet; that the seed, -too, Of the cultivated lettuce is administered as a remedy for the -stings of scorpions, and that pounded, and taken in wine, it arrests -all libidinous dreams and imaginations during sleep; that water, too, -which affects[1449] the brain will have no injurious effects upon those -who eat lettuce. Some persons have stated, however, that if lettuces -are eaten too frequently they will prove injurious to the eyesight. - - - - -CHAP. 27. (8.)—BEET: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Nor are the two varieties of the beet without their remedial -properties.[1450] The root of either white or black beet, if hung -by a string, fresh-gathered, and softened with water, is said to be -efficacious for the stings of serpents. White beet, boiled and eaten -with raw garlic, is taken for tapeworm; the root, too, of the black -kind, similarly boiled in water, removes porrigo; indeed, it is -generally stated, that the black beet is the more efficacious[1451] of -the two. The juice of black beet is good for inveterate head-aches and -vertigo, and injected into the ears, it stops singing in those organs. -It is a diuretic, also, and employed in injections is a cure for -dysentery and jaundice. - -This juice, used as a liniment, allays tooth-ache, and is good for the -stings of serpents; but due care must be taken that it is extracted -from this root only. A decoction, too, of beet-root is a remedy for -chilblains. - -A liniment of white beet-root applied to the forehead, arrests -defluxions of the eyes, and mixed with a little alum it is an excellent -remedy for erysipelas. Beaten up, and applied without oil, it is a -cure for excoriations. In the same way, too, it is good for pimples -and eruptions. Boiled, it is applied topically to spreading ulcers, -and in a raw state it is employed in cases of alopecy, and running -ulcers of the head. The juice, injected with honey into the nostrils, -has the effect of clearing the head. Beet-root is boiled with lentils -and vinegar, for the purpose of relaxing the bowels; if it is boiled, -however, some time longer, it will have the effect of arresting fluxes -of the stomach and bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—LIMONION, OR NEUROIDES: THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is a wild beet, too, known by some persons as “limonion,”[1452] -and by others as “neuroides;” it has leaves much smaller and thinner -than the cultivated kind, and lying closer together. These leaves -amount often to eleven[1453] in number, the stalk resembling that of -the lily.[1454] The leaves of this plant are very useful for burns, -and have an astringent taste in the mouth: the seed, taken in doses of -one acetabulum, is good for dysentery. It is said that a decoction of -beet with the root has the property of taking stains out of cloths and -parchment. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—ENDIVE: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Endive,[1455] too, is not without its medicinal uses. The juice of -it, employed with rose oil and vinegar, has the effect of allaying -headache; and taken with wine, it is good for pains in the liver and -bladder: it is used, also, topically, for defluxions of the eyes. The -spreading endive has received from some persons among us the name of -“ambula.” In Egypt, the wild endive is known as “cichorium,”[1456] the -cultivated kind being called “seris.” This last is smaller than the -other, and the leaves of it more full of veins. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—CICHORIUM OR CHRESTON, OTHERWISE CALLED PANCRATION, OR -AMBULA: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -Wild endive or cichorium has certain refreshing qualities,[1457] used -as an aliment. Applied by way of liniment, it disperses abscesses, -and a decoction of it loosens the bowels. It is also very beneficial -to the liver, kidneys, and stomach. A decoction of it in vinegar has -the effect of dispelling the pains of strangury; and, taken in honied -wine, it is a cure for the jaundice, if unattended with fever. It -is beneficial, also, to the bladder, and a decoction of it in water -promotes the menstrual discharge to such an extent as to bring away the -dead fœtus even. - -In addition to these qualities, the magicians[1458] state that persons -who rub themselves with the juice of the entire plant, mixed with -oil, are sure to find more favour with others, and to obtain with -greater facility anything they may desire. This plant, in consequence -of its numerous salutary virtues, has been called by some persons -“chreston,”[1459] and “pancration”[1460] by others. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—HEDYPNOÏS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -There is a sort of wild endive, too, with a broader leaf, known to some -persons as “hedypnoïs.”[1461] Boiled, it acts as an astringent upon a -relaxed stomach, and eaten raw, it is productive of constipation. It is -good, too, for dysentery, when eaten with lentils more particularly. -This variety, as well as the preceding one, is useful for ruptures and -spasmodic contractions, and relieves persons who are suffering from -spermatorrhœa. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—SERIS, THREE VARIETIES OF IT: SEVEN REMEDIES BORROWED FROM IT. - - -The vegetable, too, called “seris,”[1462] which bears a considerable -resemblance to the lettuce, consists of two kinds. The wild, which is -of a swarthy colour, and grows in summer, is the best of the two; the -winter kind, which is whiter than the other, being inferior. They are -both of them bitter, but are extremely beneficial to the stomach, when -distressed by humours more particularly. Used as food with vinegar, -they are cooling, and, employed as a liniment, they dispel other -humours besides those of the stomach. The roots of the wild variety -are eaten with polenta for the stomach: and in cardiac diseases they -are applied topically above the left breast. Boiled in vinegar, all -these vegetables are good for the gout, and for patients troubled -with spitting of blood or spermatorrhœa; the decoction being taken on -alternate days. - -Petronius Diodotus, who has written a medical Anthology,[1463] utterly -condemns seris, and employs a multitude of arguments to support his -views: this opinion of his is opposed, however, to that of all other -writers on the subject. - - - - -CHAP. 33. (9).—THE CABBAGE: EIGHTY-SEVEN REMEDIES. RECIPES MENTIONED BY -CATO. - - -It would be too lengthy a task to enumerate all the praises of the -cabbage, more particularly as the physician Chrysippus has devoted a -whole volume to the subject, in which its virtues are described in -reference to each individual part of the human body. Dieuches has done -the same, and Pythagoras too, in particular. Cato, too, has not been -more sparing in its praises than the others; and it will be only right -to examine the opinions which he expresses in relation to it, if for no -other purpose than to learn what medicines the Roman people made use of -for six hundred years. - -The most ancient Greek writers have distinguished three[1464] varieties -of the cabbage: the curly[1465] cabbage, to which they have given the -name of “selinoïdes,”[1466] from the resemblance of its leaf to that -of parsley, beneficial to the stomach, and moderately relaxing to the -bowels; the “helia,” with broad leaves running out from the stalk—a -circumstance, owing to which some persons have given it the name of -“caulodes”—of no use whatever in a medicinal point of view; and a -third, the name of which is properly “crambe,” with thinner leaves, -of simple form, and closely packed, more bitter than the others, but -extremely efficacious in medicine.[1467] - -Cato[1468] esteems the curly cabbage the most highly of all, and next -to it, the smooth cabbage with large leaves and a thick stalk. He -says that it is a good thing for headache, dimness of the sight, and -dazzling[1469] of the eyes, the spleen, stomach, and thoracic organs, -taken raw in the morning, in doses of two acetabula, with oxymel, -coriander, rue, mint, and root of silphium.[1470] He says, too, that -the virtue of it is so great that the very person even who beats up -this mixture feels himself all the stronger for it; for which reason -he recommends it to be taken mixed with these condiments, or, at all -events, dressed with a sauce compounded of them. For the gout, too, -and diseases of the joints, a liniment of it should be used, he says, -with a little rue and coriander, a sprinkling of salt, and some barley -meal: the very water even in which it has been boiled is wonderfully -efficacious, according to him, for the sinews and joints. For wounds, -either recent or of long standing, as also for carcinoma,[1471] which -is incurable by any other mode of treatment, he recommends fomentations -to be made with warm water, and, after that, an application of cabbage, -beaten up, to the parts affected, twice a-day. He says, also, that -fistulas and sprains should be treated in a similar way, as well -as all humours which it may be desirable to bring to a head and -disperse; and he states that this vegetable, boiled and eaten fasting, -in considerable quantities, with oil and salt, has the effect of -preventing dreams and wakefulness; also, that if, after one boiling, -it is boiled a second time, with the addition of oil, salt, cummin, -and polenta, it will relieve gripings[1472] in the stomach; and that, -if eaten in this way without bread, it is more beneficial still. Among -various other particulars, he says, that if taken in drink with black -wine, it has the effect of carrying off the bilious secretions; and he -recommends the urine of a person who has been living on a cabbage diet -to be preserved, as, when warmed, it is a good remedy for diseases of -the sinews. I will, however, here give the identical words in which -Cato expresses himself upon this point: “If you wash little children -with this urine,” says he, “they will never be weak and puny.” - -He recommends, also, the warm juice of cabbage to be injected into the -ears, in combination with wine, and assures us that it is a capital -remedy for deafness: and he says that the cabbage is a cure for -impetigo[1473] without the formation of ulcers. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—OPINIONS OF THE GREEKS RELATIVE THERETO. - - -As we have already given those of Cato, it will be as well to set forth -the opinions entertained by the Greek writers on this subject, only in -relation, however, to those points upon which he has omitted to touch. -They are of opinion that cabbage, not thoroughly boiled, carries off -the bile, and has the effect of loosening the bowels; while, on the -other hand, if it is boiled twice over, it will act as an astringent. -They say, too, that as there is a natural[1474] enmity between it -and the vine, it combats the effects of wine; that, if eaten before -drinking, it is sure to prevent[1475] drunkenness, being equally a -dispellent of crapulence[1476] if taken after drinking: that cabbage -is a food very beneficial to the eyesight, and that the juice of it -raw is even more so, if the corners of the eyes are only touched with -a mixture of it with Attic honey. Cabbage, too, according to the same -testimony, is extremely easy of digestion,[1477] and, as an aliment, -greatly tends to clear the senses. - -The school of Erasistratus proclaims that there is nothing more -beneficial to the stomach and the sinews than cabbage; for which -reason, he says, it ought to be given to the paralytic and nervous, -as well as to persons affected with spitting of blood. Hippocrates -prescribes it, twice boiled, and eaten with salt, for dysentery and -cœliac affections, as also for tenesmus and diseases of the kidneys; he -is of opinion, too, that, as an aliment, it increases the quantity of -the milk in women who are nursing, and that it promotes the menstrual -discharge.[1478] The stalk, too, eaten raw, is efficacious in expelling -the dead fœtus. Apollodorus prescribes the seed or else the juice of -the cabbage to be taken in cases of poisoning by fungi; and Philistion -recommends the juice for persons affected with opisthotony, in -goats’-milk, with salt and honey. - -I find, too, that persons have been cured of the gout by eating cabbage -and drinking a decoction of that plant. This decoction has been given, -also, to persons afflicted with the cardiac disease and epilepsy, with -the addition of salt; and it has been administered in white wine, for -affections of the spleen, for a period of forty days. - -According to Philistion, the juice of the raw root should be given as -a gargle to persons afflicted with icterus[1479] or phrenitis, and -for hiccup he prescribes a mixture of it, in vinegar, with coriander, -anise, honey, and pepper. Used as a liniment, cabbage, he says, is -beneficial for inflations of the stomach; and the very water, even, in -which it has been boiled, mixed with barley-meal, is a remedy for the -stings of serpents[1480] and foul ulcers of long standing; a result -which is equally effected by a mixture of cabbage-juice with vinegar -or fenugreek. It is in this manner, too, that some persons employ -it topically, for affections of the joints and for gout. Applied -topically, cabbage is a cure for epinyctis, and all kinds of spreading -eruptions on the body, as also for sudden[1481] attacks of dimness; -indeed, if eaten with vinegar, it has the effect of curing the last. -Applied by itself, it heals contusions and other livid spots; and mixed -with a ball of alum in vinegar, it is good as a liniment for leprosy -and itch-scabs: used in this way, too, it prevents the hair from -falling off. - -Epicharmus assures us that, applied topically, cabbage is extremely -beneficial for diseases of the testes and genitals, and even better -still when employed with bruised beans; he says, too, that it is a -cure for convulsions; that, in combination with rue, it is good for -the burning heats of fever and maladies of the stomach; and that, with -rue-seed, it brings away the after-birth. It is of use, also, for the -bite of the shrew-mouse. Dried cabbage-leaves, reduced to a powder, are -a cathartic both by vomit and by stool. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—CABBAGE-SPROUTS. - - -In all varieties of the cabbage, the part most agreeable to the taste -is the cyma,[1482] although no use is made of it in medicine, as it -is difficult to digest, and by no means beneficial to the kidneys. At -the same time, too, it should not be omitted, that the water in which -it has been boiled,[1483] and which is so highly praised for many -purposes, gives out a very bad smell when poured upon the ground. The -ashes of dried cabbage-stalks are generally reckoned among the caustic -substances: mixed with stale grease, they are employed for sciatica, -and, used as a liniment, in the form of a depilatory, together with -silphium[1484] and vinegar, they prevent hair that has been once -removed from growing again. These ashes, too, are taken lukewarm in -oil, or else by themselves, for convulsions, internal ruptures, and the -effects of falls with violence. - -And are we to say then that the cabbage is possessed of no evil -qualities whatever? Certainly not, for the same authors tell us, that -it is apt to make the breath smell, and that it is injurious to the -teeth and gums. In Egypt, too, it is never eaten, on account of its -extreme bitterness.[1485] - - - - -CHAP. 36.—THE WILD CABBAGE: THIRTY-SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Cato[1486] extols infinitely more highly the properties of wild or -erratic cabbage;[1487] so much so, indeed, as to affirm that the very -powder of it, dried and collected in a scent-box, has the property, on -merely smelling at it, of removing maladies of the nostrils and the -bad smells resulting therefrom. Some persons call this wild cabbage -“petræa:”[1488] it has an extreme antipathy to wine, so much so, -indeed, that the vine invariably[1489] avoids it, and if it cannot make -its escape, will be sure to die. This vegetable has leaves of uniform -shape, small, rounded, and smooth: bearing a strong resemblance to the -cultivated cabbage, it is whiter, and has a more downy[1490] leaf. - -According to Chrysippus, this plant is a remedy for flatulency, -melancholy, and recent wounds, if applied with honey, and not taken off -before the end of six days: beaten up in water, it is good also for -scrofula and fistula. Other writers, again, say that it is an effectual -cure for spreading sores on the body, known as “nomæ;” that it has the -property, also, of removing excrescences, and of reducing the scars -of wounds and sores; that if chewed raw with honey, it is a cure for -ulcers of the mouth and tonsils; and that a decoction of it used as a -gargle with honey, is productive of the same effect. They say, too, -that, mixed in strong vinegar with alum, in the proportion of three -parts to two of alum, and then applied as a liniment, it is a cure -for itch scabs and leprous sores of long standing. Epicharmus informs -us, that for the bite of a mad dog, it is quite sufficient to apply -it topically to the part affected, but that if used with silphium and -strong vinegar, it is better still: he says, too, that it will kill a -dog, if given to it with flesh to eat. - -The seed of this plant, parched, is remedial in cases of poisoning, by -the stings of serpents, eating fungi, and drinking bulls’ blood. The -leaves of it, either boiled and taken in the food or else eaten raw, or -applied with a liniment of sulphur and nitre, are good for affections -of the spleen, as well as hard tumours of the mamillæ. In swelling of -the uvula, if the parts affected are only touched with the ashes of the -root, a cure will be the result; and applied topically with honey, they -are equally beneficial for reducing swellings of the parotid glands, -and curing the stings of serpents. We will add only one more proof of -the virtues of the cabbage, and that a truly marvellous one—in all -vessels in which water is boiled, the incrustations which adhere with -such tenacity that it is otherwise impossible to detach them, will fall -off immediately if a cabbage is boiled therein. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—THE LAPSANA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Among the wild cabbages, we find also the lapsana,[1491] a plant which -grows a foot in height, has a hairy leaf, and strongly resembles -mustard, were it not that the blossom is whiter. It is eaten cooked, -and has the property of soothing and gently relaxing the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE SEA-CABBAGE: ONE REMEDY. - - -Sea-cabbage[1492] is the most strongly purgative of all these plants. -It is cooked, in consequence of its extreme pungency, with fat meat, -and is extremely detrimental to the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—THE SQUILL: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -In medicine, we give the name of white squill to the male plant, and -of black[1493] to the female: the whiter the squill, the better it is -for medicinal[1494] purposes. The dry coats being first taken off of -it, the remaining part, or so much of it as retains life, is cut into -pieces, which are then strung and suspended on a string, at short -distances from each other. After these pieces are thoroughly dried, -they are thrown into a jar of the very strongest vinegar, suspended in -such a way, however, as not to touch any portion of the vessel. This is -done forty-eight days before the summer solstice. The mouth of the jar -is then tightly sealed with plaster; after which it is placed beneath -some tiles which receive the rays of the sun the whole day through. -At the end of forty-eight days the vessel is removed, the squills are -taken out of it, and the vinegar poured into another jar. - -This vinegar has the effect of sharpening the eyesight, and, taken -every other day, is good for pains in the stomach and sides: the -strength of it, however, is so great, that if taken in too large a -quantity, it will for some moments produce all the appearance of death. -Squills, too, if chewed by themselves even, are good for the gums and -teeth; and taken in vinegar and honey they expel tapeworm and other -intestinal worms. Put fresh beneath the tongue, they prevent persons -afflicted with dropsy from experiencing thirst. - -Squills are cooked in various ways; either in a pot with a lining of -clay or grease, which is put into an oven or furnace, or else cut into -pieces and stewed in a saucepan. They are dried also in a raw state, -and then cut into pieces and boiled with vinegar; in which case, they -are employed as a liniment for the stings of serpents. Sometimes, -again, they are roasted and then cleaned; after which, the middle of -the bulb is boiled again in water. - -When thus boiled, they are used for dropsy, as a diuretic, being -taken in doses of three oboli, with oxymel: they are employed also in -a similar manner for affections of the spleen, and of the stomach, -when it is too weak to digest the food, provided no ulcerations have -made their appearance; also for gripings of the bowels, jaundice, -and inveterate cough, accompanied with asthma. A cataplasm of squill -leaves, taken off at the end of four days, has the effect of dispersing -scrofulous swellings of the neck; and a decoction of squills in oil, -applied as a liniment, is a cure for dandriff and running ulcers of the -head. - -Squills are boiled with honey also for the table, with the view of -aiding the digestion more particularly; used in this way, too, they -act upon the inside as a purgative. Boiled with oil, and then mixed -with resin, they are a cure for chaps on the feet; and the seed, mixed -with honey, is applied topically, for the cure of lumbago. Pythagoras -says that a squill, suspended at the threshold of the door, effectually -shuts all access to evil spells and incantations.[1495] - - - - -CHAP. 40.—BULBS: THIRTY REMEDIES. - - -Bulbs,[1496] steeped in vinegar and sulphur, are good for the cure of -wounds in the face;[1497] beaten up and used alone, they are beneficial -for contractions of the sinews, mixed with wine, for porrigo, and -used with honey, for the bites of dogs; in this last case, however, -Erasistratus says that they ought to be mixed with pitch. The same -author states that, applied topically with honey, they stanch the -flowing of blood; other writers say, however, that in cases of bleeding -at the nose, coriander and meal should be employed in combination with -them. Theodorus prescribes bulbs in vinegar for the cure of lichens, -and for eruptions in the head he recommends bulbs mixed with astringent -wine, or an egg beaten up; he treats defluxions of the eyes also with -bulbs, applied topically, and uses a similar method for the cure of -ophthalmia. The red bulbs more particularly, will cause spots in the -face to disappear, if rubbed upon them with honey and nitre in the sun; -and applied with wine or boiled cucumber they will remove freckles. -Used either by themselves, or as Damion recommends, in combination with -honied wine, they are remarkably efficacious for the cure of wounds, -care being taken, however, not to remove the application till the end -of four days. The same author prescribes them, too, for the cure of -fractured ears, and collections of crude humours in the testes.[1498] - -For pains in the joints, bulbs are used with meal; boiled in wine, and -applied to the abdomen, they reduce hard swellings of the viscera. -In dysentery, they are given in wine mixed with rain water; and for -convulsions of the intestines they are employed, in combination with -silphium, in pills the size of a bean: bruised, they are employed -externally, for the purpose of checking perspirations. Bulbs are good, -too, for the sinews, for which reason it is that they are given to -paralytic patients. The red bulb, mixed with honey and salt, heals -sprains of the feet with great rapidity. The bulbs of Megara[1499] act -as a strong aphrodisiac, and garden bulbs, taken with boiled must or -raisin wine, aid delivery. - -Wild bulbs, made up into pills with silphium, effect the cure of -wounds and other affections of the intestines. The seed, too, of -the cultivated kinds is taken in wine as a cure for the bite of the -phalangium,[1500] and the bulbs themselves are applied in vinegar -for the cure of the stings of serpents. The ancients used to give -bulb-seed to persons afflicted with madness, in drink. The blossom, -beaten up, removes spots upon the legs, as well as scorches produced -by fire. Diocles is of opinion that the sight is impaired by the use -of bulbs; he adds, too, that when boiled they are not so wholesome as -roasted, and that, of whatever nature they may be, they are difficult -of digestion. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—BULBINE; ONE REMEDY. BULB EMETIC. - - -The Greeks give the name bulbine[1501] to a plant with leaves -resembling those of the leek, and a red bulbous root. This plant, it is -said, is marvellously good for wounds, but only when they are of recent -date. The bulbous plant known as the “emetic” bulb,[1502] from the -effects which it produces, has dark leaves,[1503] and longer than those -of the other kinds. - - - - -CHAP. 42. (10.)—GARDEN ASPARAGUS; WITH THE NEXT TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Asparagus[1504] is said to be extremely wholesome as an aliment to -the stomach. With the addition of cummin, it dispels flatulency of -the stomach and colon; it sharpens the eyesight also, acts as a mild -aperient upon the stomach, and, boiled with wine, is good for pains -in the chest and spine, and diseases of the intestines. For pains in -the loins and kidneys asparagus-seed[1505] is administered in doses of -three oboli, taken with an equal proportion of cummin-seed. It acts as -an aphrodisiac, and is an extremely useful diuretic, except that it has -a tendency to ulcerate the bladder.[1506] - -The root, also, pounded and taken in white wine, is highly extolled -by some writers, as having the effect of disengaging calculi, and -of soothing pains in the loins and kidneys; there are some persons, -too, who administer this root with sweet wine for pains in the -uterus. Boiled in vinegar the root is very beneficial in cases of -elephantiasis. It is said that if a person is rubbed with asparagus -beaten up in oil, he will never be stung by bees. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—CORRUDA, LIBYCUM, OR ORMINUM. - - -Wild asparagus is by some persons called “corruda,” by others -“libycum,” and by the people of Attica “orminus.”[1507] For all the -affections above enumerated it is more efficacious even than the -cultivated kind, that which is white[1508] more particularly. This -vegetable has the effect of dispelling the jaundice, and a decoction of -it, in doses of one hemina, is recommended as an aphrodisiac; a similar -effect is produced also by a mixture of asparagus seed and dill in -doses of three oboli respectively. A decoction of asparagus juice is -given also for the stings of serpents; and the root of it, mixed with -that of marathrum,[1509] is reckoned in the number of the most valuable -remedies we are acquainted with. - -In cases of hæmaturia, Chrysippus recommends a mixture of asparagus, -parsley, and cummin seed, to be given to the patient every five days, -in doses of three oboli, mixed with two cyathi of wine. He says, -however, that though employed this way, it is a good diuretic, it is -bad for dropsy, and acts as an antaphrodisiac; and that it is injurious -to the bladder, unless it is boiled first.[1510] He states also, that -if the water in which it is boiled is given to dogs, it will kill -them;[1511] and that the juice of the root boiled in wine, kept in the -mouth, is an effectual cure for tooth-ache. - - - - -CHAP. 44. (11.)—PARSLEY; SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Parsley[1512] is held in universal esteem; for we find sprigs of it -swimming in the draughts of milk given us to drink in country-places; -and we know that as a seasoning for sauces, it is looked upon with -peculiar favour. Applied to the eyes with honey, which must also be -fomented from time to time with a warm decoction of it, it has a most -marvellous efficacy in cases of defluxion of those organs or of other -parts of the body; as also when beaten up and applied by itself, or in -combination with bread or with polenta. Fish, too, when found to be -in an ailing state in the preserves, are greatly refreshed by giving -them green parsley. As to the opinions entertained upon it among the -learned, there is not a single production dug out of the earth in -reference to which a greater diversity exists. - -Parsley is distinguished as male and female:[1513] according to -Chrysippus, the female plant has a hard leaf and more curled than the -other, a thick stem, and an acrid, hot taste. Dionysius says, that the -female is darker than the other kind, has a shorter root, and engenders -small worms.[1514] Both of these writers, however, agree in saying -that neither kind of parsley should be admitted into the number of our -aliments; indeed, they look upon it as nothing less than sacrilege -to do so, seeing that parsley is consecrated to the funereal feasts -in honour of the dead. They say, too, that it is injurious to the -eyesight, that the stalk of the female plant engenders small worms, -for which reason it is that those who eat of it become barren—males as -well as females; and that children suckled by females who live on a -parsley diet, are sure to be epileptic. They agree, however, in stating -that the male plant is not so injurious in its effects as the female, -and that it is for this reason that it is not absolutely condemned and -classed among the forbidden plants. The leaves of it, employed as a -cataplasm, are used for dispersing hard tumours[1515] in the mamillæ; -and when boiled in water, it makes it more agreeable to drink. The -juice of the root more particularly, mixed with wine, allays the pains -of lumbago, and, injected into the ears, it diminishes hardness of -hearing. The seed of it acts as a diuretic, promotes the menstrual -discharge, and brings away the after-birth. - -Bruises and livid spots, if fomented with a decoction of parsley-seed, -will resume their natural colour. Applied topically, with the white of -egg, or boiled in water, and then drunk, it is remedial for affections -of the kidneys; and beaten up in cold water it is a cure for ulcers of -the mouth. The seed, mixed with wine, or the root, taken with old wine, -has the effect of breaking calculi in the bladder. The seed, too, is -given in white wine, to persons afflicted with the jaundice. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—APIASTRUM, OR MELISSOPHYLLUM. - - -Hyginus gave the name of “apiastrum” to melissophyllum:[1516] but that -which grows in Sardinia is poisonous, and universally condemned. I -speak here of this plant, because I feel it my duty to place before the -reader every object which has been classified, among the Greeks, under -the same name. - - - - -CHAP. 46.—OLUSATRUM OR HIPPOSELINON: ELEVEN REMEDIES. OREOSELINON; TWO -REMEDIES. HELIOSELINON; ONE REMEDY. - - -Olusatrum,[1517] usually known as hipposelinon,[1518] is particularly -repulsive to scorpions. The seed of it, taken in drink, is a cure for -gripings in the stomach and intestinal complaints, and a decoction of -the seed, drunk in honied wine, is curative in cases of dysuria.[1519] -The root of the plant, boiled in wine, expels calculi of the bladder, -and is a cure for lumbago and pains in the sides. Taken in drink and -applied topically, it is a cure for the bite of a mad dog, and the -juice of it, when drunk, is warming for persons benumbed with cold. - -Some persons make out oreoselinon[1520] to be a fourth species of -parsley: it is a shrub about a palm in height, with an elongated seed, -bearing a strong resemblance to that of cummin, and efficacious for the -urine and the catamenia. Helioselinon[1521] is possessed of peculiar -virtues against the bites of spiders: and oreoselinon is used with wine -for promoting the menstrual discharge. - - - - -CHAP. 47. (12.)—PETROSELINON; ONE REMEDY. BUSELINON; ONE REMEDY. - - -Another kind again, which grows in rocky places, is known by some -persons as “petroselinon:”[1522] it is particularly good for abscesses, -taken in doses of two spoonfuls of the juice to one cyathus of juice -of horehound, mixed with three cyathi of warm water. Some writers -have added buselinon[1523] to the list, which differs only from the -cultivated kind in the shortness of the stalk and the red colour of the -root, the medicinal properties being just the same. Taken in drink or -applied topically, it is an excellent remedy for the stings of serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—OCIMUM; THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Chrysippus has exclaimed as strongly, too, against ocimum[1524] as he -has against parsley, declaring that it is prejudicial to the stomach -and the free discharge of the urine, and is injurious to the sight; -that it produces insanity, too, and lethargy, as well as diseases of -the liver; and that it is for this reason that goats refuse to touch -it. Hence he comes to the conclusion, that the use of it ought to be -avoided by man. Some persons go so far as to say, that if beaten up, -and then placed beneath a stone, a scorpion will breed there;[1525] -and that if chewed, and then placed in the sun, worms will breed in -it. The people of Africa maintain, too, that if a person is stung by -a scorpion the same day on which he has eaten ocimum, his life cannot -possibly be saved. Even more than this, there are some who assert, that -if a handful of ocimum is beaten up with ten sea or river crabs, all -the scorpions in the vicinity will be attracted to it. Diodotus, too, -in his Book of Recipes,[1526] says, that ocimum, used as an article of -food, breeds lice. - -Succeeding ages, again, have warmly defended this plant; it has been -maintained, for instance, that goats do eat it, that the mind of no -one who has eaten of it is at all affected, and, that mixed with wine, -with the addition of a little vinegar, it is a cure for the stings of -land scorpions, and the venom of those found in the sea. Experience -has proved, too, that the smell of this plant in vinegar is good for -fainting fits and lethargy, as well as inflammations; that employed as -a cooling liniment, with rose oil, myrtle oil, or vinegar, it is good -for head-ache; and that applied topically with wine, it is beneficial -for defluxions of the eyes. It has been found also, that it is good for -the stomach; that taken with vinegar, it dispels flatulent eructations; -that applications of it arrest fluxes of the bowels; that it acts as a -diuretic, and that in this way it is good for jaundice and dropsy, as -well as cholera and looseness of the bowels. - -Hence it is that Philistio has prescribed it even for cœliac -affections, and boiled, for dysentery. Some persons, too, though -contrary to the opinion of Plistonicus, have given it in wine for -tenesmus and spitting of blood, as also for obstructions of the -viscera. It is employed, too, as a liniment for the mamillæ, and has -the effect of arresting the secretion of the milk. It is very good -also for the ears of infants, when applied with goose-grease more -particularly. The seed of it, beaten up, and inhaled into the nostrils, -is provocative of sneezing, and applied as a liniment to the head, -of running at the nostrils: taken in the food, too, with vinegar, it -purges the uterus. Mixed with copperas[1527] it removes warts. It acts, -also, as an aphrodisiac, for which reason it is given to horses and -asses at the season for covering. - -(13.) Wild ocimum has exactly the same properties in every respect, -though in a more active degree. It is particularly good, too, for the -various affections produced by excessive vomiting, and for abscesses of -the womb. The root, mixed with wine, is extremely efficacious for bites -inflicted by wild beasts. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—ROCKET: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The seed of rocket[1528] is remedial for the venom of the scorpion and -the shrew-mouse: it repels, too, all parasitical insects which breed -on the human body, and applied to the face, as a liniment, with honey, -removes[1529] spots upon the skin. Used with vinegar, too, it is a cure -for freckles; and mixed with ox-gall it restores the livid marks left -by wounds to their natural colour. It is said that if this plant is -taken in wine by persons who are about to undergo a flogging, it will -impart a certain degree of insensibility to the body. So agreeable -is its flavour as a savouring for food, that the Greeks have given -it the name of “euzomon.”[1530] It is generally thought that rocket, -lightly bruised, and employed as a fomentation for the eyes, will -restore the sight to its original goodness, and that it allays coughs -in young infants. The root of it, boiled in water, has the property of -extracting the splinters of broken bones. - -As to the properties of rocket as an aphrodisiac, we have mentioned -them already.[1531] Three leaves of wild rocket plucked with the left -hand, beaten up in hydromel, and then taken in drink, are productive of -a similar effect. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—NASTURTIUM: FORTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -Nasturtium,[1532] on the other hand, is an antiaphrodisiac;[1533] it -has the effect also of sharpening the senses, as already stated.[1534] -There are two[1535] varieties of this plant: one of them is purgative, -and, taken in doses of one denarius to seven of water, carries off -the bilious secretions. Applied as a liniment to scrofulous sores, -with bean-meal, and then covered with a cabbage-leaf, it is a most -excellent remedy. The other kind, which is darker than the first, has -the effect of carrying off vicious humours of the head, and sharpening -the sight: taken in vinegar it calms the troubled spirits, and, drunk -with wine or taken in a fig, it is good for affections of the spleen; -taken in honey, too, fasting daily, it is good for a cough. The seed -of it, taken in wine, expels all kinds of intestinal worms, and with -the addition of wild mint, it acts more efficaciously still. It is -good, too, for asthma and cough, in combination with wild marjoram and -sweet wine; and a decoction of it in goats’ milk is used for pains in -the chest. Mixed with pitch it disperses tumours, and extracts thorns -from the body; and, employed as a liniment, with vinegar, it removes -spots upon the body. When used for the cure of carcinoma, white of eggs -is added to it. With vinegar it is employed also as a liniment for -affections of the spleen, and with honey it is found to be very useful -for the complaints of infants. - -Sextius adds, that the smell of burnt nasturtium drives away serpents, -neutralizes the venom of scorpions, and gives relief in head-ache; -with the addition too, of mustard, he says, it is a cure for alopecy, -and applied to the ears with a fig, it is a remedy for hardness of -hearing. The juice of it, he says, if injected into the ears, will -effect the cure of tooth-ache, and employed with goose-grease it is -a remedy for porrigo and ulcerous sores of the head. Applied with -leaven it brings boils[1536] to a head, and makes carbuncles suppurate -and break: used with honey, too, it is good for cleansing phagedænic -ulcers. Topical applications are made of it, combined with vinegar and -polenta, in cases of sciatica and lumbago: it is similarly employed, -too, for lichens and malformed[1537] nails, its qualities being -naturally caustic. The best nasturtium of all is that of Babylonia; the -wild[1538] variety possesses the same qualities as the cultivated in -every respect, but in a more powerful degree. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—RUE: EIGHTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -One of the most active, however, of all the medicinal plants, is -rue.[1539] The cultivated kind has broader leaves and more numerous -branches than the other. Wild rue is more violent in its effects, and -more active in every respect. The juice of it is extracted by beating -it up, and moistening it moderately with water; after which it is kept -for use in boxes of Cyprian copper. Given in large doses, this juice -has all the baneful effects of poison,[1540] and that of Macedonia more -particularly, which grows on the banks of the river Aliacmon.[1541] It -is a truly wonderful thing, but the juice of hemlock has the property -of neutralizing its effects. Thus do we find one thing acting as the -poison of another poison, for the juice of hemlock is very beneficial, -rubbed upon the hands and [face][1542] of persons employed in gathering -rue. - -In other respects, rue is one of the principal ingredients employed -in antidotes, that of Galatia more particularly. Every species of -rue, employed by itself, has the effect also of an antidote, if the -leaves are bruised and taken in wine. It is good more particularly -in cases of poisoning by wolf’sbane[1543] and mistletoe, as well as -by fungi, whether administered in the drink or the food. Employed -in a similar manner, it is good for the stings of serpents; so much -so, in fact, that weasels,[1544] when about to attack them, take the -precaution first of protecting themselves by eating rue. Rue is good, -too, for the injuries by scorpions and spiders, the stings of bees, -hornets, and wasps, the noxious effects produced by cantharides and -salamanders,[1545] and the bites of mad dogs. The juice is taken in -doses of one acetabulum, in wine; and the leaves, beaten up or else -chewed, are applied topically, with honey and salt, or boiled with -vinegar and pitch. It is said that people rubbed with the juice of rue, -or even having it on their person, are never attacked by these noxious -creatures, and that serpents are driven away by the stench of burning -rue. The most efficacious, however, of all, is the root of wild rue, -taken with wine; this too, it is said, is more beneficial still, if -drunk in the open air. - -Pythagoras has distinguished this plant also into male and female, -the former having smaller leaves than the other, and of a grass-green -colour; the female plant, he says, has leaves of a larger size and -a more vivid hue. The same author, too, has considered rue to be -injurious to the eyes; but this is an error, for engravers and painters -are in the habit of eating it with bread, or else nasturtium, for the -benefit of the sight; wild goats, too, eat it for the sight, they say. -Many persons have dispersed films on the eyes by rubbing them with a -mixture of the juice of rue with Attic honey, or the milk of a woman -just delivered of a male child: the same result has been produced also -by touching the corners of the eyes with the pure juice of the plant. -Applied topically, with polenta, rue carries off defluxions of the -eyes; and, taken with wine, or applied topically with vinegar and rose -oil, it is a cure for head-ache. If, however, the pain attacks the -whole of the head,[1546] the rue should be applied with barley-meal -and vinegar. This plant has the effect also of dispelling crudities, -flatulency, and inveterate pains of the stomach; it opens the uterus, -too, and restores it when displaced; for which purpose it is applied as -a liniment, with honey, to the whole of the abdomen and chest. Mixed -with figs, and boiled down to one half, it is administered in wine for -dropsy; and it is taken in a similar manner for pains of the chest, -sides, and loins, as well as for coughs, asthma, and affections of the -lungs, liver, and kidneys, and for shivering fits. Persons about to -indulge in wine, take a decoction of the leaves, to prevent head-ache -and surfeit. Taken in food, too, it is wholesome, whether eaten raw or -boiled, or used as a confection; boiled with hyssop, and taken with -wine, it is good for gripings of the stomach. Employed in the same way, -it arrests internal hæmorrhage, and, applied to the nostrils, bleeding -at the nose: it is beneficial also to the teeth if rinsed with it. In -cases of ear-ache, this juice is injected into the ears, care being -taken to moderate the dose, as already stated, if wild rue is employed. -For hardness of hearing, too, and singing in the ears, it is similarly -employed in combination with oil of roses, or oil of laurel, or else -cummin and honey. - -Juice of rue pounded in vinegar, is applied also to the temples and the -region of the brain in persons affected with phrenitis; some persons, -however, have added to this mixture wild thyme and laurel leaves, -rubbing the head and neck as well with the liniment. It has been given -in vinegar to lethargic patients to smell at, and a decoction of it is -administered for epilepsy, in doses of four cyathi, as also just before -the attacks in fever of intolerable chills. It is likewise given raw to -persons for shivering fits. Rue is a provocative[1547] of the urine to -bleeding even: it promotes the menstrual discharge, also, and brings -away the after-birth, as well as the dead fœtus even, according to -Hippocrates,[1548] if taken in sweet red wine. The same author, also, -recommends applications of it, as well as fumigations, for affections -of the uterus. - -For cardiac diseases, Diocles prescribes applications of rue, in -combination with vinegar, honey, and barley-meal: and for the iliac -passion, he says that it should be mixed with meal, boiled in oil, and -spread upon the wool of a sheep’s fleece. Many persons recommend, for -purulent expectorations, two drachmæ of dried rue to one and a half of -sulphur; and, for spitting of blood, a decoction of three sprigs in -wine. It is given also in dysentery, with cheese, the rue being first -beaten up in wine; and it has been prescribed, pounded with bitumen, as -a potion for habitual shortness of breath. For persons suffering from -violent falls, three ounces of the seed is recommended. A pound of oil, -in which rue leaves have been boiled, added to one sextarius of wine, -forms a liniment for parts of the body which are frost-bitten. If rue -really is a diuretic, as Hippocrates[1549] thinks, it is a singular -thing that some persons should give it, as being an anti-diuretic, for -the suppression of incontinence of urine. - -Applied topically, with honey and alum, it cures itch-scabs, and -leprous sores; and, in combination with nightshade and hogs’-lard, or -beef-suet, it is good for morphew, warts, scrofula, and maladies of a -similar nature. Used with vinegar and oil, or else white lead, it is -good for erysipelas; and, applied with vinegar, for carbuncles. Some -persons prescribe silphium also as an ingredient in the liniment; -but it is not employed by them for the cure of the pustules known -as epinyctis. Boiled rue is recommended, also, as a cataplasm for -swellings of the mamillæ, and, combined with wax, for eruptions of -pituitous matter.[1550] It is applied with tender sprigs of laurel, -in cases of defluxion of the testes; and it exercises so peculiar an -effect upon those organs, that old rue, it is said, employed in a -liniment, with axle-grease, is a cure for hernia. The seed pounded, and -applied with wax, is remedial also for broken limbs. The root of this -plant, applied topically, is a cure for effusion of blood in the eyes, -and, employed as a liniment, it removes scars or spots on all parts of -the body. - -Among the other properties which are attributed to rue, it is a -singular fact, that, though it is universally agreed that it is hot -by nature, a bunch of it, boiled in rose-oil, with the addition of an -ounce of aloes, has the effect of checking the perspiration in those -who rub themselves with it; and that, used as an aliment, it impedes -the generative functions. Hence it is, that it is so often given in -cases of spermatorrhœa, and where persons are subject to lascivious -dreams. Every precaution should be taken by pregnant women to abstain -from rue as an article of diet, for I find it stated that it is -productive of fatal results to the fœtus.[1551] - -Of all the plants that are grown, rue is the one that is most generally -employed for the maladies of cattle, whether arising from difficulty -of respiration, or from the stings of noxious creatures—in which cases -it is injected with wine into the nostrils—or whether they may happen -to have swallowed a horse-leech, under which circumstances it is -administered in vinegar. In all other maladies of cattle, the rue is -prepared just as for man in a similar case. - - - - -CHAP. 52. (14.)—WILD MINT: TWENTY REMEDIES. - - -Mentastrum, or wild mint,[1552] differs from the other kind in the -appearance of the leaves, which have the form of those of ocimum and -the colour of pennyroyal; for which reason, some persons, in fact, -give it the name of wild pennyroyal.[1553] The leaves of this plant, -chewed and applied topically, are a cure for elephantiasis; a discovery -which was accidentally made in the time of Pompeius Magnus, by a -person affected with this malady covering his face with the leaves for -the purpose of neutralizing the bad smell that arose therefrom. These -leaves are employed also as a liniment, and in drink, with a mixture -of salt, oil, and vinegar, for the stings of scorpions; and, in doses -of two drachmæ to two cyathi of wine, for those of scolopendræ and -serpents. A decoction, too, of the juice is given for the sting of the -scolopendra.[1554] Leaves of wild mint are kept, dried and reduced to -a fine powder, as a remedy for poisons of every description. Spread -on the ground or burnt, this plant has the effect of driving away -scorpions. - -Taken in drink, wild mint carries off the lochia in females after -parturition; but, if taken before, it is fatal to the fœtus, It is -extremely efficacious in cases of rupture and convulsions, and, though -in a somewhat less degree, for orthopnœa,[1555] gripings of the bowels, -and cholera: it is good, too, as a topical application for lumbago and -gout. The juice of it is injected into the ears for worms breeding -there; it is taken also for jaundice, and is employed in liniments -for scrofulous sores. It prevents[1556] the recurrence of lascivious -dreams; and taken in vinegar, it expels tape-worm.[1557] For the cure -of porrigo, it is put in vinegar, and the head is washed with the -mixture in the sun. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—MINT: FORTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -The very smell of mint[1558] reanimates the spirits, and its flavour -gives a remarkable zest to food: hence it is that it is so generally -an ingredient in our sauces. It has the effect of preventing milk -from turning sour, or curdling and thickening; hence it is that it -is so generally put into milk used for drinking, to prevent any -danger of persons being choked[1559] by it in a curdled state. It -is administered also for this purpose in water or honied wine. It is -generally thought, too, that it is in consequence of this property -that it impedes generation, by preventing the seminal fluids from -obtaining the requisite consistency. In males as well as females -it arrests bleeding, and it has the property, with the latter, of -suspending the menstrual discharge. Taken in water, with amylum,[1560] -it prevents looseness in cœliac complaints. Syriation employed this -plant for the cure of abscesses of the uterus, and, in doses of three -oboli, with honied wine, for diseases of the liver: he prescribed it -also, in pottage, for spitting of blood. It is an admirable remedy -for ulcerations of the head in children, and has the effect equally -of drying the trachea when too moist, and of bracing it when too dry. -Taken in honied wine and water, it carries off purulent phlegm. - -The juice of mint is good for the voice when a person is about to -engage in a contest of eloquence, but only when taken just before. It -is employed also with milk as a gargle for swelling of the uvula, with -the addition of rue and coriander. With alum, too, it is good for the -tonsils of the throat, and, mixed with honey, for roughness of the -tongue. Employed by itself, it is a remedy for internal convulsions and -affections of the lungs. Taken with pomegranate juice, as Democrites -tells us, it arrests hiccup and vomiting. The juice of mint fresh -gathered, inhaled, is a remedy for affections of the nostrils. Beaten -up and taken in vinegar, mint is a cure for cholera, and for internal -fluxes of blood: applied externally, with polenta, it is remedial for -the iliac passion and tension of the mamillæ. It is applied, too, as a -liniment to the temples for head-ache; and it is taken internally, as -an antidote for the stings of scolopendræ, sea-scorpions, and serpents. -As a liniment it is applied also for defluxions of the eyes, and all -eruptions of the head, as well as maladies of the rectum. - -Mint is an effectual preventive, too, of chafing of the skin, even if -held in the hand only. In combination with honied wine, it is employed -as an injection for the ears. It is said, too, that this plant will -cure affections of the spleen, if tasted in the garden nine days -consecutively, without plucking it, the person who bites it saying -at the same moment that he does so for the benefit of the spleen: -and that, if dried, and reduced to powder, a pinch of it with three -fingers taken in water, will cure stomach-ache.[1561] Sprinkled in this -form in drink, it is said to have the effect of expelling intestinal -worms. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—PENNYROYAL: TWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Pennyroyal[1562] partakes with mint, in a very considerable degree, the -property[1563] of restoring consciousness in fainting fits; slips of -both plants being kept for the purpose in glass bottles[1564] filled -with vinegar. It is for this reason that Varro has declared that a -wreath of pennyroyal is more worthy to grace our chambers[1565] than -a chaplet of roses: indeed, it is said that, placed upon the head, it -materially alleviates head-ache.[1566] It is generally stated, too, -that the smell of it alone will protect the head against the injurious -effects of cold or heat, and that it acts as a preventive of thirst; -also, that persons exposed to the sun, if they carry a couple of sprigs -of pennyroyal behind the ears, will never be incommoded by the heat. -For various pains, too, it is employed topically, mixed with polenta -and vinegar. - -The female[1567] plant is the more efficacious of the two; it has -a purple flower, that of the male being white. Taken in cold water -with salt and polenta it arrests nausea, as well as pains of the -chest and abdomen. Taken, too, in water, it prevents gnawing pains -of the stomach, and, with vinegar and polenta, it arrests vomiting. -In combination with salt and vinegar, and polenta, it loosens the -bowels. Taken with boiled honey and nitre, it is a cure for intestinal -complaints. Employed with wine it is a diuretic, and if the wine is -the produce of the Aminean[1568] grape, it has the additional effect -of dispersing calculi of the bladder and removing all internal pains. -Taken in conjunction with honey and vinegar, it modifies the menstrual -discharge, and brings away the after-birth, restores the uterus, when -displaced, to its natural position, and expels the dead[1569] fœtus. -The seed is given to persons to smell at, who have been suddenly struck -dumb, and is prescribed for epileptic patients in doses of one cyathus, -taken in vinegar. If water is found unwholesome for drinking, bruised -pennyroyal should be sprinkled in it; taken with wine it modifies -acridities[1570] of the body. - -Mixed with salt, it is employed as a friction for the sinews, and -with honey and vinegar, in cases of opisthotony. Decoctions of it are -prescribed as a drink for persons stung by serpents; and, beaten up in -wine, it is employed for the stings of scorpions, that which grows in a -dry soil in particular. This plant is looked upon as efficacious also -for ulcerations of the mouth, and for coughs. The blossom of it, fresh -gathered, and burnt, kills fleas[1571] by its smell. Xenocrates, among -the other remedies which he mentions, says that in tertian fevers, a -sprig of pennyroyal, wrapped in wool, should be given to the patient to -smell at, just before the fit comes on, or else it should be put under -the bed-clothes and laid by the patient’s side. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—WILD PENNYROYAL: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -For all the purposes already mentioned, wild pennyroyal[1572] has -exactly the same properties, but in a still higher degree. It bears a -strong resemblance to wild marjoram,[1573] and has a smaller leaf than -the cultivated kind: by some persons it is known as “dictamnos.”[1574] -When browsed upon by sheep and goats, it makes them bleat, for which -reason, some of the Greeks, changing a single letter in its name, have -called it “blechon,”[1575] [instead of “glechon.”] - -This plant is naturally so heating as to blister the parts of the body -to which it is applied. For a cough which results from a chill, it is -a good plan for the patient to rub himself with it before taking the -bath; it is similarly employed, too, in shivering fits, just before the -attacks come on, and for convulsions and gripings of the stomach. It is -also remarkably good for the gout. - -To persons afflicted with spasms, this plant is administered in drink, -in combination with honey and salt; and it renders expectoration easy -in affections of the lungs.[1576] Taken with salt it is beneficial for -the spleen and bladder, and is curative of asthma and flatulency. A -decoction of it is equally as good as the juice: it restores the uterus -when displaced, and is prescribed for the sting of either the land or -the sea scolopendra, as well as the scorpion. It is particularly good, -too, for bites inflicted by a human being. The root of it, newly taken -up, is extremely efficacious for corroding ulcers, and in a dried state -tends to efface the deformities produced by scars. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—NEP: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Nep[1577] has also some affinity in its effects with pennyroyal. Boiled -down in water to one third, these plants dispel sudden chills: they -promote the menstrual discharge also in females, and allay excessive -heats in summer. Nep possesses certain virtues against the stings of -serpents; at the very smoke and smell of it they will instantly take -to flight, and persons who have to sleep in places where they are -apprehensive of them, will do well to place it beneath them. Bruised, -it is employed topically for lacrymal fistulas[1578] of the eye: fresh -gathered and mixed in vinegar with one third part of bread, it is -applied as a liniment for head-ache. The juice of it, injected into -the nostrils, with the head thrown back, arrests bleeding at the nose, -and the root has a similar effect. This last is employed also, with -myrtle-seed, in warm raisin wine, as a gargle for the cure of quinsy. - - - - -CHAP. 57.—CUMMIN: FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. WILD CUMMIN: TWENTY-SIX -REMEDIES. - - -Wild cummin is a remarkably slender plant, consisting of four or five -leaves indented like a saw; like the cultivated[1579] kind, it is much -employed in medicine, among the stomachic remedies more particularly. -Bruised and taken with bread, or else drunk in wine and water, it -dispels phlegm and flatulency, as well as gripings of the bowels and -pains in the intestines. Both varieties have the effect, however, -of producing paleness[1580] in those who drink these mixtures; at -all events, it is generally stated that the disciples of Porcius -Latro,[1581] so celebrated among the professors of eloquence, used to -employ this drink for the purpose of imitating the paleness which had -been contracted by their master, through the intensity of his studies: -and that Julius Vindex,[1582] in more recent times, that assertor of -our liberties against Nero, adopted this method of playing upon[1583] -those who were looking out for a place in his will. Applied in the form -of lozenges, or fresh with vinegar, cummin has the effect of arresting -bleeding at the nose, and used by itself, it is good for defluxions -of the eyes. Combined with honey, it is used also for swellings of the -eyes. With children of tender age, it is sufficient to apply it to -the abdomen. In cases of jaundice, it is administered in white wine, -immediately after taking the bath. - -(15.) The cummin of Æthiopia,[1584] more particularly, is given in -vinegar and water, or else as an electuary with honey. It is thought, -too, that the cummin of Africa has the peculiar property of arresting -incontinence of urine. The cultivated plant is given, parched and -beaten up in vinegar, for affections of the liver, as also for vertigo. -Beaten up in sweet wine, it is taken in cases, also, where the urine -is too acrid; and for affections of the uterus, it is administered in -wine, the leaves of it being employed topically as well, in layers of -wool. Parched and beaten up with honey, it is used as an application -for swellings of the testes, or else with rose oil and wax. - -For all the purposes above-mentioned, wild cummin[1585] is more -efficacious than cultivated; as also, in combination with oil, for the -stings of serpents, scorpions, and scolopendræ. A pinch of it with -three fingers, taken in wine, has the effect of arresting vomiting -and nausea; it is used, too, both as a drink and a liniment for the -colic, or else it is applied hot, in dossils of lint,[1586] to the -part affected, bandages being employed to keep it in its place. Taken -in wine, it dispels hysterical affections, the proportions being three -drachmæ of cummin to three cyathi of wine. It is used as an injection, -too, for the ears, when affected with tingling and singing, being mixed -for the purpose with veal suet or honey. For contusions, it is applied -as a liniment, with honey, raisins, and vinegar, and for dark freckles -on the skin with vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—AMMI: TEN REMEDIES. - - -There is another plant, which bears a very strong resemblance to -cummin, known to the Greeks as “ammi;”[1587] some persons are of -opinion, that it is the same as the Æthiopian cummin. Hippocrates gives -it[1588] the epithet of “royal;” no doubt, because he looks upon it -as possessed of greater virtues than Egyptian cummin. Many persons, -however, consider it to be of a totally different nature from cummin, -as it is so very much thinner, and of a much whiter colour. Still, -it is employed for just the same purposes as cummin, for we find it -used at Alexandria for putting under loaves of bread, and forming -an ingredient in various sauces. It has the effect of dispelling -flatulency and gripings of the bowels, and of promoting the secretion -of the urine and the menstrual discharge. It is employed, also, for -the cure of bruises, and to assuage defluxions of the eyes. Taken -in wine with linseed, in doses of two drachmæ, it is a cure for the -stings of scorpions; and, used with an equal proportion of myrrh, it is -particularly good for the bite of the cerastes.[1589] - -Like cummin, too, it imparts paleness of complexion to those who drink -of it. Used as a fumigation, with raisins or with resin, it acts as a -purgative upon the uterus. It is said, too, that if women smell at this -plant during the sexual congress, the chances of conception will be -greatly promoted thereby. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—THE CAPPARIS OR CAPER: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already spoken[1590] of the caper at sufficient length when -treating of the exotic plants. The caper which comes[1591] from beyond -sea should never be used; that of Italy[1592] is not so dangerous. It -is said, that persons who eat this plant daily, are never attacked by -paralysis or pains in the spleen. The root of it, pounded, removes -white eruptions of the skin, if rubbed with it in the sun. The -bark[1593] of the root, taken in wine, in doses of two drachmæ, is good -for affections of the spleen; the patient, however, must forego the -use of the bath. It is said, too, that in the course of thirty-five -days the whole of the spleen may be discharged under this treatment, by -urine and by stool. The caper is also taken in drink for lumbago and -paralysis; and the seed of it boiled, and beaten up in vinegar, or the -root chewed, has a soothing effect in tooth-ache. A decoction of it in -oil is employed, also, as an injection for ear-ache. - -The leaves and the root, fresh out of the ground, mixed with honey, are -a cure for the ulcers known as phagedænic. In the same way, too, the -root disperses scrofulous swellings; and a decoction of it in water -removes imposthumes of the parotid glands, and worms. Beaten up and -mixed with barley-meal, it is applied topically for pains in the liver; -it is a cure, also, for diseases of the bladder. In combination with -oxymel, it is prescribed for tapeworm, and a decoction of it in vinegar -removes ulcerations of the mouth. It is generally agreed among writers -that the caper is prejudicial to the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—LIGUSTICUM, OR LOVAGE: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Ligusticum,[1594] by some persons known as “panax,” is good for the -stomach, and is curative of convulsions and flatulency. There are -persons who give this plant the name of “cunila bubula;” but, as we -have already[1595] stated, they are in error in so doing. - - - - -CHAP. 61. (16.)—CUNILA BUBULA: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -In addition to garden cunila,[1596] there are numerous other varieties -of it employed in medicine. That known to us as “cunila bubula,” has a -very similar seed to that of pennyroyal. This seed, chewed and applied -topically, is good for wounds: the plaster, however, must not be taken -off till the fifth day. For the stings of serpents, this plant is taken -in wine, and the leaves of it are bruised and applied to the wound; -which is also rubbed with them as a friction. The tortoise,[1597] when -about to engage in combat with the serpent, employs this plant as a -preservative against the effects of its sting; some persons, for this -reason, have given it the name of “panacea.”[1598] It has the effect -also of dispersing tumours and maladies of the male organs, the leaves -being dried for the purpose, or else beaten up fresh and applied to the -part affected. For every purpose for which it is employed it combines -remarkably well with wine. - - - - -CHAP. 62.—CUNILA GALLINACEA, OR ORIGANUM: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -There is another variety, again, known to our people as “cunila -gallinacea,”[1599] and to the Greeks as Heracleotic origanum.[1600] -Beaten up with salt, this plant is good for the eyes; and it is a -remedy for cough and affections of the liver. Mixed with meal, and -taken as a broth, with oil and vinegar, it is good for pains in the -side, and the stings of serpents in particular. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—CUNILAGO: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -There is a third species, also, known to the Greeks as “male cunila,” -and to us as “cunilago.”[1601] This plant has a fœtid smell, a ligneous -root, and a rough leaf. Of all the varieties of cunila, this one, it -is said, is possessed of the most active properties. If a handful of -it is thrown anywhere, all the beetles in the house, they say, will be -attracted to it; and, taken in vinegar and water, it is good for the -stings of scorpions more particularly. It is stated, also, that if a -person is rubbed with three leaves of it, steeped in oil, it will have -the effect of keeping all serpents at a distance. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—SOFT CUNILA: THREE REMEDIES. LIBANOTIS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The variety, on the other hand, known as soft[1602] cunila, has a more -velvety leaf, and branches covered with thorns; when rubbed it has just -the smell of honey, and it adheres to the fingers when touched. There -is another kind, again, known to us as “libanotis,”[1603] a name which -it owes to the resemblance of its smell to that of frankincense. Both -of these plants, taken in wine or vinegar, are antidotes for the stings -of serpents. Beaten up in water, also, and sprinkled about a place, -they kill fleas.[1604] - - - - -CHAP. 65.—CULTIVATED CUNILA; THREE REMEDIES. MOUNTAIN CUNILA; SEVEN -REMEDIES. - - -Cultivated cunila[1605] has also its medicinal uses. The juice of -it, in combination with rose oil, is good for the ears; and the -plant itself is taken in drink, to counteract the effects of violent -blows.[1606] - -A variety of this plant is the mountain cunila, similar to wild thyme -in appearance, and particularly efficacious for the stings of serpents. -This plant is diuretic, and promotes the lochial discharge: it aids -the digestion, too, in a marvellous degree. Both varieties have a -tendency to sharpen the appetite, even when persons are troubled -with indigestion, if taken fasting in drink: they are good, too, for -sprains, and, taken with barley-meal, and vinegar and water, they are -extremely useful for stings inflicted by wasps and insects of a similar -nature. - -We shall have occasion to speak of other varieties of libanotis[1607] -in their appropriate places. - - - - -CHAP. 66. (17.)—PIPERITIS, OR SILIQUASTRUM: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Piperitis,[1608] which we have already mentioned as being called -“siliquastrum,” is taken in drink for epilepsy. Castor[1609] used to -give a description of it to the following effect: “The stalk of it -is long and red, with the knots lying close together; the leaves are -similar to those of the laurel, and the seed is white and slender, -like pepper in taste.” He described it also as being beneficial to -the gums and teeth, imparting sweetness to the breath, and dispelling -flatulency. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—ORIGANUM, ONITIS, OR PRASION: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Origanum,[1610] which, as we have already stated, rivals cunila in -flavour, includes many varieties employed in medicine. Onitis,[1611] or -prasion,[1612] is the name given to one of these, which is not unlike -hyssop in appearance: it is employed more particularly, with warm -water, for gnawing pains at the stomach, and for indigestion. Taken in -white wine it is good for the stings of spiders and scorpions; and, -applied with vinegar and oil, in wool, it is a cure for sprains and -bruises. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—TRAGORIGANUM: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Tragoriganum[1613] bears a strong resemblance to wild thyme. It -is diuretic, disperses tumours, and taken in drink is extremely -efficacious in cases of poisoning by mistletoe and stings by serpents. -It is very good for acid eructations from the stomach, and for the -thoracic organs. It is given also for a cough, with honey, as well as -for pleurisy and peripneumony. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—THREE VARIETIES OF HERACLEOTIC ORIGANUM: THIRTY REMEDIES. - - -Heraclium,[1614] again, comprehends three varieties; the first,[1615] -which is the darkest, has broader leaves than the others, and is of a -glutinous nature; the second,[1616] which has leaves of a more slender -form, and not unlike sampsuchum[1617] in appearance, is by some persons -called “prasion,” in preference: the third[1618] is of an intermediate -nature between the other two, but is less efficacious for medicinal -purposes than either. But the best kind of all is that of Crete, for it -has a particularly agreeable smell; the next best being that of Smyrna, -which has even a more powerful odour than the last. The Heracleotic -origanum, however, known by the name of “onitis,” is the one that is -the most esteemed for taking in drink. - -Origanum, in general, is employed for repelling serpents; and it is -given boiled to persons suffering from wounds. Taken in drink, it is -diuretic; and mixed with root of panax, it is given for the cure of -ruptures and convulsions. In combination with figs or hyssop, it is -prescribed for dropsical patients in doses of one acetabulum, being -reduced by boiling to one sixth. It is good also for the itch,[1619] -prurigo, and leprosy, taken just before the bath. The juice of it is -injected into the ears with milk; it being a cure, also, for affections -of the tonsils and the uvula, and for ulcers of the head. A decoction -of it, taken with the ashes in wine, neutralizes poison by opium or -gypsum.[1620] Taken in doses of one acetabulum, it relaxes the bowels. -It is applied as a liniment for bruises and for tooth-ache; and mixed -with honey and nitre, it imparts whiteness to the teeth. It has the -effect, also, of stopping bleeding at the nose. - -A decoction of this plant, with barley-meal, is employed for -imposthumes of the parotid glands; and, beaten up with nut-galls and -honey, it is used for roughness of the trachea: the leaves of it, with -honey and salt, are good, too, for the spleen. Boiled with vinegar -and salt, and taken in small doses, it attenuates the phlegm, when -very thick and black; and beaten up with oil, it is injected into the -nostrils for jaundice. When persons are affected with lassitude, the -body is well rubbed with it, care being taken not to touch the abdomen. -Used with pitch, it is a cure for epinyctis, and, applied with a -roasted fig, it brings boils to a head. Employed with oil and vinegar, -and barley-meal, it is good for scrofulous swellings; and applied -topically in a fig, it is a cure for pains in the sides. Beaten up, and -applied with vinegar, it is employed as a liniment for bloody fluxes of -the generative organs, and it accelerates the lochial discharge after -child-birth. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—DITTANDER: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Dittander[1621] is generally considered to rank among the caustic -plants. It is owing to this property that it clears the skin of the -face, not, however, without excoriating it; though, at the same time, -the excoriations are easily healed by employing wax and rose oil. -It is owing to this property, too, that it always removes, without -difficulty, leprous sores and itch-scabs, as well as the scars left -by ulcers. It is said, that in cases of tooth-ache, if this plant is -attached to the arm on the suffering side, it will have the effect of -drawing the pain to it. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—GITH, OR MELANTHION: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -Gith[1622] is by some Greek writers called “melanthion,”[1623] and by -others “melaspermon.”[1624] That is looked upon as the best which has -the most pungent odour and is the darkest in appearance. It is employed -as a remedy for wounds made by serpents and scorpions: I find that -for this purpose it is applied topically with vinegar and honey, and -that by burning it serpents are kept at a distance.[1625] It is taken, -also, in doses of one drachma for the bites of spiders. Beaten up, and -smelt at in a piece of linen cloth, it is a cure for running at the -nostrils; and, applied as a liniment with vinegar and injected into -the nostrils, it dispels head-ache. With oil of iris it is good for -defluxions and tumours of the eyes, and a decoction of it with vinegar -is a cure for tooth-ache. Beaten up and applied topically, or else -chewed, it is used for ulcers of the mouth, and combined with vinegar, -it is good for leprous sores and freckles on the skin. Taken in drink, -with the addition of nitre, it is good for hardness of breathing, and, -employed as a liniment, for indurations, tumours of long standing, and -suppurations. Taken several days in succession, it augments the milk in -women who are nursing. - -The juice of this plant is collected[1626] in the same manner as that -of henbane; and, like it, if taken in too large doses, it acts as a -poison, a surprising fact, seeing that the seed is held in esteem as a -most agreeable seasoning for bread.[1627] The seed cleanses the eyes -also, acts as a diuretic, and promotes the menstrual discharge; and -not only this, but I find it stated also, that if thirty grains only -are attached to the body, in a linen cloth, it will have the effect of -accelerating the after-birth. It is stated, also, that beaten up in -urine, it is a cure for corns on the feet; and that when burnt it kills -gnats and flies with the smell. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—ANISE: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -Anise,[1628] too, one of the comparatively small number of plants -that have been commended by Pythagoras, is taken in wine, either raw -or boiled, for the stings of scorpions. Both green and dried, it is -held in high repute, as an ingredient in all seasonings and sauces, -and we find it placed beneath the under-crust of bread.[1629] Put with -bitter-almonds into the cloth strainers[1630] for filtering wine, it -imparts an agreeable flavour to the wine: it has the effect, also, of -sweetening the breath, and removing all bad odours from the mouth, if -chewed in the morning with smyrnion[1631] and a little honey, the mouth -being then rinsed with wine. - -This plant imparts a youthful look[1632] to the features; and if -suspended to the pillow, so as to be smelt by a person when asleep, it -will prevent all disagreeable dreams. It has the effect of promoting -the appetite, also—for this, too, has been made by luxury one of -the objects of art, ever since labour has ceased to stimulate it. -It is for these various reasons that it has received the name of -“anicetum,”[1633] given to it by some. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—WHERE THE BEST ANISE IS FOUND: VARIOUS REMEDIES DERIVED FROM -THIS PLANT. - - -The most esteemed anise is that of Crete, and, next to it, that of -Egypt. This plant is employed in seasonings to supply the place of -lovage; and the perfume of it, when burnt and inhaled, alleviates -headache. Evenor prescribes an application of the root, pounded, for -defluxions of the eyes; and Iollas employs it in a similar manner, in -combination with saffron and wine, or else beaten up by itself and -mixed with polenta, for violent defluxions and the extraction of such -objects as have got into the eyes: applied, too, as a liniment in -water, it arrests cancer of the nose. Mixed with hyssop and oxymel, and -employed as a gargle, it is a cure for quinsy; and, in combination with -rose oil, it is used as an injection for the ears. Parched anise purges -off phlegm from the chest, and, if taken with honey, it is better still. - -For a cough, beat up fifty bitter almonds, shelled, in honey, with one -acetabulum of anise. Another very easy remedy, too, is to mix three -drachmæ of anise with two of poppies and some honey, a piece the size -of a bean being taken three times a-day. Its main excellence, however, -is as a carminative; hence it is that it is so good for flatulency of -the stomach, griping pains of the intestines, and cœliac affections. A -decoction of it, smelt at and drunk, arrests hiccup, and a decoction -of the leaves removes indigestion. A decoction of it with parsley, if -applied to the nostrils, will arrest sneezing. Taken in drink, anise -promotes sleep, disperses calculi of the bladder, arrests vomiting -and swelling of the viscera, and acts as an excellent pectoral for -affections of the chest, and of the diaphragm, where the body is -tightly laced. It is beneficial, also, to pour a decoction of it, in -oil, upon the head for head-ache. - -It is generally thought that there is nothing in existence more -beneficial to the abdomen and intestines than anise; for which reason -it is given, parched, for dysentery and tenesmus. Some persons add -opium to these ingredients, and prescribe three pills a-day, the size -of a bean, with one cyathus of wine. Dieuches has employed the juice -of this plant for lumbago, and prescribes the seed of it, pounded with -mint, for dropsy and cœliac affections: Evenor recommends the root, -also, for affections of the kidneys. Dalion, the herbalist, employed -it, with parsley, as a cataplasm for women in labour, as also for pains -of the uterus; and, for women in labour, he prescribes a decoction of -anise and dill to be taken in drink. It is used as a liniment also -in cases of phrenitis, or else applied fresh gathered and mixed with -polenta; in which form it is used also for infants attacked with -epilepsy[1634] or convulsions. Pythagoras, indeed, assures us that -persons, so long as they hold this plant in the hand, will never be -attacked with epilepsy, for which reason, as much of it as possible -should be planted near the house; he says, too, that women who inhale -the odour of it have a more easy delivery, it being his advice also, -that, immediately after they are delivered, it should be given them to -drink, with a sprinkling of polenta. - -Sosimenes employed this plant, in combination with vinegar, for all -kinds of indurations, and for lassitude he prescribes a decoction of it -in oil, with the addition of nitre. The same writer pledges his word to -all wayfarers, that, if they take aniseed in their drink, they will be -comparatively exempt from fatigue[1635] on their journey. Heraclides -prescribes a pinch of aniseed with three fingers, for inflations of -the stomach, to be taken with two oboli of castoreum[1636] in honied -wine; and he recommends a similar preparation for inflations of the -abdomen and intestines. In cases of orthopnœa, he recommends a pinch -of aniseed with three fingers, and the same quantity of henbane, to be -mixed in asses’-milk. It is the advice of many to those who are liable -to vomit,[1637] to take, at dinner, one acetabulum of aniseed and ten -laurel-leaves, the whole to be beaten up and drunk in water. - -Anise, chewed and applied warm, or else taken with castoreum in oxymel, -allays suffocations of the uterus. It also dispels vertigo after -child-birth, taken with a pinch of cucumber seed in three fingers -and the same quantity of linseed, in three cyathi of white wine. -Tlepolemus has employed a pinch of aniseed and fennel in three fingers, -mixed with vinegar and one cyathus of honey, for the cure of quartan -fever. Applied topically with bitter almonds, aniseed is beneficial -for maladies of the joints. There are some persons who look upon it -as, by nature, an antidote to the venom of the asp. It is a diuretic, -assuages thirst, and acts as an aphrodisiac. Taken in wine, it promotes -a gentle perspiration, and it has the property of protecting cloth from -the ravages of moths. The more recently it has been gathered, and the -darker its colour, the greater are its virtues: still, however, it is -injurious to the stomach, except when suffering from flatulency. - - - - -CHAP. 74. (18.)—DILL: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Dill[1638] acts also as a carminative, allays gripings of the stomach, -and arrests looseness of the bowels. The roots of this plant are -applied topically in water, or else in wine, for defluxions of the -eyes. The seed of it, if smelt at while boiling, will arrest hiccup; -and, taken in water, it dispels indigestion. The ashes of it are a -remedy for swellings of the uvula; but the plant itself weakens the -eyesight and the generative powers. - - - - -CHAP 75.—SACOPENIUM, OR SAGAPENON: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The sacopenium which grows in Italy is totally different from that -which comes from beyond sea. This last, in fact, is similar to gum -ammoniac, and is known as “sagapenon.”[1639] - -[1640]Sacopenium is good for pains of the sides and chest, for -convulsions, coughs of long standing, expectorations, and swellings of -the thoracic organs: it is a cure also for vertigo, palsy, opisthotony, -affections of the spleen and loins, and for shivering fits. For -suffocations of the uterus, this plant is given in vinegar to smell -at; in addition to which, it is sometimes administered in drink, or -employed as a friction with oil. It is a good antidote, also, for -medicaments of a noxious nature. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—THE WHITE POPPY: THREE REMEDIES. THE BLACK POPPY: EIGHT -REMEDIES. REMARKS ON SLEEP. OPIUM. REMARKS IN DISFAVOUR OF THE POTIONS -KNOWN AS “ANODYNES, FEBRIFUGES, DIGESTIVES, AND CŒLIACS.” IN WHAT WAY -THE JUICES OF THESE PLANTS ARE TO BE COLLECTED. - - -We have already[1641] stated that there are three varieties of the -cultivated poppy, and, on the same occasion, we promised to describe -the wild kinds. With reference to the cultivated varieties, the -calyx[1642] of the white[1643] poppy is pounded, and is taken in wine -as a soporific; the seed of it is a cure, also, for elephantiasis. -The black[1644] poppy acts as a soporific, by the juice which exudes -from incisions[1645] made in the stalk—at the time when the plant is -beginning to flower, Diagoras says; but when the blossom has gone off, -according to Iollas. This is done at the third[1646] hour, in a clear, -still, day, or, in other words, when the dew has thoroughly dried -upon the poppy. It is recommended to make the incision just beneath -the head and calyx of the plant; this being the only kind, in fact, -into the head of which the incision is made. This juice, like that -of any other plant, is received in wool;[1647] or else, if it is in -very minute quantities, it is scraped off with the thumb nail just -as it is from the lettuce, and so again on the following day, with -the portion that has since dried there. If obtained from the poppy -in sufficiently large quantities, this juice thickens, after which -it is kneaded out into lozenges, and dried in the shade. This juice -is possessed not only of certain soporific qualities, but, if taken -in too large quantities, is productive of sleep unto death even: the -name given to it is “opium.”[1648] It was in this way, we learn, that -the father of P. Licinius Cæcina, a man of Prætorian rank, put an end -to his life at Bavilum[1649] in Spain, an incurable malady having -rendered existence quite intolerable to him. Many other persons, -too, have ended their lives in a similar way. It is for this reason -that opium has been so strongly exclaimed against by Diagoras and -Erasistratus; for they have altogether condemned it as a deadly poison, -forbidding it to be used for infusions even, as being injurious to -the sight. Andreas says, in addition to this, that the only reason -why it does not cause instantaneous blindness, is the fact that they -adulterate it at Alexandria. In later times, however, the use of it -has not been disapproved of—witness the celebrated preparation known -as “diacodion.”[1650] Lozenges are also made of ground poppy-seed, -which are taken in milk as a soporific.[1651] The seed is employed, -too, with rose-oil for head-ache; and, in combination with that oil, -is injected into the ears for ear-ache. Mixed with woman’s milk, this -seed is used as a liniment for gout: the leaves, too, are employed in a -similar manner. Taken in vinegar, the seed is prescribed as a cure for -erysipelas and wounds. - -For my own part, however, I do not approve of opium entering into the -composition of eye-salves,[1652] and still less of the preparations -from it known as febrifuges,[1653] digestives, and cœliacs: the black -poppy, however, is very generally prescribed, in wine, for cœliac -affections. All the cultivated[1654] poppies are larger than the -others, and the form of the head is round. In the wild poppy the head -is elongated and small, but it is possessed of more active[1655] -properties than the others in every respect. This head is often boiled, -and the decoction of it taken to promote sleep, the face being fomented -also with the water. The best poppies are grown in dry localities, and -where it seldom rains. - -When the heads and leaves of the poppy are boiled together, the name -given to the decoction is “meconium;”[1656] it is much less powerful, -however, in its effects than opium. - -The principal test[1657] of the purity of opium is the smell, which, -when genuine, is so penetrating as to be quite insupportable. The next -best test is that obtained by lighting it at a lamp; upon which it -ought to burn with a clear, brilliant flame, and to give out a strong -odour when extinguished; a thing that never happens when opium has been -drugged, for, in such case, it lights with the greatest difficulty, -and the flame repeatedly goes out. There is another way of testing -its genuineness, by water; for, if it is pure, it will float like a -thin cloud upon the surface, but, if adulterated, it will unite in the -form of blisters on the water. But the most surprising thing of all is -the fact, that the sun’s heat in summer furnishes a test; for, if the -drug is pure, it will sweat and gradually melt, till it has all the -appearance of the juice when fresh gathered. - -Mnesides is of opinion that the best way of preserving opium is to mix -henbane seed with it; others, again, recommend that it should be kept -with beans. - - - - -CHAP. 77. (19.)—THE POPPY CALLED RHŒAS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The poppy which we have[1658] spoken of under the names of “rhœas” -and the “erratic” poppy, forms an intermediate variety between the -cultivated and the wild poppy; for it grows in the fields, it is true, -but it is self-set nevertheless. Some persons eat[1659] it, calyx and -all, immediately after it is gathered. This plant is an extremely -powerful purgative: five heads of it, boiled in three semi-sextarii of -wine, and taken in drink, have the effect of producing sleep. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—THE WILD POPPY CALLED CERATITIS, GLAUCIUM, OR PARALIUM: SIX -REMEDIES. - - -There is one variety of wild poppy known as “ceratitis.”[1660] It is -of a black colour, a cubit in height, and has a thick root covered -with bark, with a head resembling a small bud, bent and pointed at -the end like a horn. The leaves of this plant are smaller and thinner -than those of the other wild poppies, and the seed, which is very -diminutive, is ripe at harvest. Taken with honied wine, in doses of -half an acetabulum, the seed acts as a purgative. The leaves, beaten up -in oil, are a cure for the white[1661] specks which form on the eyes of -beasts of burden. The root, boiled down to one half, in doses of one -acetabulum to two sextarii of water, is prescribed for maladies of the -loins and liver, and the leaves, employed with honey, are a cure for -carbuncles. - -Some persons give this kind of poppy the name of “glaucion,” and -others of “paralium,”[1662] for it grows, in fact, in spots exposed to -exhalations from the sea, or else in soils of a nitrous nature. - - - - -CHAP. 79.—THE WILD POPPY CALLED HERACLIUM, OR APHRON: FOUR REMEDIES. -DIACODION. - - -There is another kind[1663] of wild poppy, known as “heraclion” -by some persons, and as “aphron” by others. The leaves of it, when -seen from a distance, have all the appearance of sparrows;[1664] the -root lies on the surface of the ground, and the seed has exactly the -colour of foam.[1665] This plant is used for the purpose of bleaching -linen[1666] cloths in summer. It is bruised in a mortar for epilepsy, -being given in white wine, in doses of one acetabulum, and acting as an -emetic. - -This plant is extremely useful, also, for the composition of the -medicament known as “diacodion,”[1667] and “arteriace.” This -preparation is made with one hundred and twenty heads[1668] of this or -any other kind of wild poppy, steeped for two days in three sextarii of -rain water, after which they are boiled in it. You must then dry the -heads; which done, boil them down with honey to one half, at a slow -heat. More recently, there have been added to the mixture, six drachmæ -of saffron, hypocisthis,[1669] frankincense, and gum acacia, with one -sextarius of raisin wine of Crete. All this, however, is only so much -ostentation; for the virtue of this simple and ancient preparation -depends solely upon the poppy and the honey. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—THE POPPY CALLED TITHYMALON, OR PARALION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is a third kind, again, called “tithymalon;”[1670] some persons -give it the name of “mecon,” others of “paralion.” It has a white leaf, -resembling that of flax, and a head the size of a bean. It is gathered -when the vine is in blossom, and dried in the shade. The seed, taken in -drink, purges the bowels, the dose being half an acetabulum, in honied -wine. The head of every species of poppy, whether green or dry, used as -a fomentation, assuages defluxions[1671] of the eyes. Opium, if taken -in pure wine immediately after the sting of a scorpion, prevents any -dangerous results. Some persons, however, attribute this virtue to the -black poppy only, the head or leaves being beaten up for the purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 81. (20.)—PORCILLACA OR PURSLAIN, OTHERWISE CALLED PEPLIS: -TWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES. - - -There is a wild purslain,[1672] too, called “peplis,” not much superior -in its virtues to the cultivated[1673] kind, of which such remarkable -properties are mentioned. It neutralizes the effects, it is said, of -poisoned arrows, and the venom of the serpents known as hæmorrhois -and prester;[1674] taken with the food and applied to the wound, it -extracts the poison. The juice, too, they say, taken in raisin wine, -is an antidote for henbane. When the plant itself cannot be procured, -the seed of it is found to be equally efficacious. It is a corrective, -also, of impurities in water; and beaten up in wine and applied -topically, it is a cure for head-ache and ulcers of the head. Chewed in -combination with honey, it is curative of other kinds of sores. It is -similarly applied to the region of the brain in infants, and in cases -of umbilical hernia; as also for defluxions of the eyes, in persons of -all ages, being applied to the forehead and temples with polenta. If -employed as a liniment for the eyes, milk and honey are added, and when -used for proptosis[1675] of the eyes, the leaves are beaten up with -bean-shells. In combination with, polenta, salt, and vinegar, it is -employed as a fomentation for blisters. - -Chewed raw, purslain reduces ulcerations of the mouth and gum-boils, -and cures tooth-ache; a decoction of it is good, too, for ulcers -of the tonsils. Some persons have added a little myrrh to it, when -so employed. Chewed, it strengthens such teeth as may happen to be -loose, dispels crudities, imparts additional strength to the voice, -and allays thirst. Used with nut-galls, linseed, and honey, in equal -proportions, it assuages pains in the neck; and, combined with honey -or Cimolian[1676] chalk, it is good for diseases of the mamillæ. The -seed of it, taken with honey, is beneficial for asthma. Eaten in -salads,[1677] this plant is very strengthening to the stomach. In -burning fevers, applications of it are made with polenta; in addition -to which, if chewed, it will cool and refresh the intestines. It -arrests vomiting, also, and for dysentery and abscesses, it is eaten -with vinegar, or else taken with cummin in drink: boiled, it is good -for tenesmus. Taken either in the food or drink, it is good for -epilepsy; and, taken in doses of one acetabulum in boiled wine,[1678] -it promotes the menstrual discharge. Employed, also, as a liniment with -salt, it is used as a remedy for fits of hot gout and erysipelas. - -The juice of this plant, taken in drink, strengthens the kidneys -and bladder, and expels intestinal worms. In conjunction with oil, -it is applied, with polenta, to assuage the pain of wounds, and it -softens indurations of the sinews. Metrodorus, who wrote an Abridgment -of Botany,[1679] says that it should be given after delivery, to -accelerate the lochial discharge. It is also an antaphrodisiac, and -prevents the recurrence of lascivious dreams. One of the principal -personages of Spain, whose son has been Prætor, is in the habit of -carrying the root of it, to my knowledge, suspended by a string -from his neck, except when he is taking the bath, for an incurable -affection of the uvula; a precaution by which he has been spared all -inconvenience. - -I have found it stated, too, in some authors, that if the head is -rubbed with a liniment of this plant, there will be no defluxions -perceptible the whole year through. It is generally thought, however, -that purslain weakens the sight. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—CORIANDER: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -There is no wild coriander[1680] to be found; the best, it is generally -agreed, is that of Egypt. Taken in drink and applied to the wound, it -is a remedy for the sting[1681] of one kind of serpent, known as the -amphisbæna:[1682] pounded, it is healing also for other wounds, as well -as for epinyctis and blisters. Employed in the same state with honey -or raisins, it disperses all tumours and gatherings, and, beaten up in -vinegar, it removes abscesses of an inflammatory nature. Some persons -recommend three grains of it to be taken for tertian fevers, just -before the fit comes on, or else in larger quantities, to be bruised -and applied to the forehead. There are others, again, who think that it -is attended with excellent results, to put coriander under the pillow -before sunrise. - -While green, it is possessed of very cooling and refreshing properties. -Combined with honey or raisins, it is an excellent remedy for spreading -ulcers, as also for diseases of the testes, burns, carbuncles, and -maladies of the ears. Applied with woman’s milk, it is good for -defluxions of the eyes; and for fluxes of the belly and intestines, -the seed is taken with water in drink; it is also taken in drink for -cholera, with rue. Coriander seed, used as a potion with pomegranate -juice and oil, expels worms in the intestines. - -Xenocrates states a very marvellous fact, if true; he says, that if a -woman takes one grain of this seed, the menstrual discharge will be -retarded one day, if two grains, two days, and so on, according to the -number of grains taken. Marcus Varro is of opinion, that if coriander -is lightly pounded, and sprinkled over it with cummin and vinegar, all -kinds of meat may be kept in summer without spoiling. - - - - -CHAP. 83.—ORAGE: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Orage,[1683] again, is found both wild and cultivated. Pythagoras has -accused this plant of producing dropsy, jaundice, and paleness of the -complexion, and he says that it is extremely difficult of digestion. -He asserts, also, to its disparagement, that every thing that grows -near it in the garden is sure to be drooping and languid. Diocles and -Dionysius have added a statement, that it gives birth to numerous -diseases, and that it should never be boiled without changing the water -repeatedly; they say, too, that it is prejudicial to the stomach, and -that it is productive of freckles and pimples on the skin. - -I am at a loss to imagine why Solo of Smyrna has stated that this plant -is cultivated in Italy with the greatest difficulty. Hippocrates[1684] -prescribes it with beet, as a pessary for affections of the uterus; -and Lycus of Neapolis recommends it to be taken in drink, in cases -of poisoning by cantharides. He is of opinion, also, that either -raw or boiled, it may be advantageously employed as a liniment for -inflammatory swellings, incipient boils, and all kinds of indurations; -and that, mixed with oxymel and nitre, it is good for erysipelas and -gout. This plant, it is said, will bring away mal-formed nails, without -producing sores. There are some persons who give orage-seed with honey -for jaundice, and rub the throat and tonsils with it, nitre being added -as well. They employ it, also, to purge the bowels, and use the seed, -boiled, as an emetic,[1685] either taken by itself, or in conjunction -with mallows or lentils. - -Wild orage is used for dyeing the hair, as well as the other purposes -above enumerated. - - - - -CHAP. 84. (21.)—THE MALLOW CALLED MALOPE: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. THE MALLOW -CALLED MALACHE: ONE REMEDY. THE MALLOW CALLED ALTHÆA, OR PLISTOLOCHIA: -FIFTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -Both kinds of mallows,[1686] on the other hand, the cultivated and the -wild, are held in very general esteem. These kinds are subdivided, -each of them, into two varieties, according to the size of the leaf. -The cultivated mallow with large leaves is known to the Greeks by the -name of “malope,”[1687] the other being called “malache,”[1688]—from -the circumstance, it is generally thought, that it relaxes[1689] the -bowels. The wild[1690] mallow, again, with large leaves and white -roots, is called “althæa,” and by some persons, on account of its -salutary properties, “plistolochia.”[1691] Every soil in which mallows -are sown, is rendered all the richer thereby. This plant is possessed -of remarkable virtues,[1692] as a cure for all kinds of stings,[1693] -those of scorpions, wasps, and similar insects, as well as the bite of -the shrew-mouse, more particularly; nay, what is even more than this, -if a person has been rubbed with oil in which any one of the mallows -has been beaten up, or even if he carries them on his person, he will -never be stung. A leaf of mallow put upon a scorpion, will strike it -with torpor. - -The mallow is an antidote, also, against the poisonous effects of -white[1694] lead; and applied raw with saltpetre, it extracts all kinds -of pointed bodies from the flesh. A decoction of it with the root, -taken in drink, neutralizes the poison of the sea-hare,[1695] provided, -as some say, it is brought off the stomach by vomiting. - -Other marvels are also related in connection with the mallow, but the -most surprising thing of all is, that if a person takes half a cyathus -of the juice of any one of them daily, he will be exempt from all -diseases.[1696] Left to putrefy in wine, mallows are remedial for -running sores of the head, and, mixed with honey, for lichens and -ulcerations of the mouth; a decoction of the root, too, is a remedy for -dandriff[1697] of the head and looseness of the teeth. With the root of -the mallow which has a single stem,[1698] it is a good plan to prick -the parts about a tooth when it aches, until the pain has ceased. With -the addition of human saliva, the mallow cleanses scrofulous sores, -imposthumes of the parotid glands, and inflammatory tumours, without -producing a wound. The seed of it, taken in red wine, disperses phlegm -and relieves nausea; and the root, attached to the person with black -wool, is a remedy for affections of the mamillæ. Boiled in milk, and -taken as a pottage, it cures a cough within five days. - -Sextius Niger says that mallows are prejudicial to the stomach, -and Olympias, the Theban authoress, asserts that, employed with -goose-grease, they are productive of abortion. Some persons are of -opinion, that a good handful of the leaves, taken in oil and wine, -promotes the menstrual discharge. At all events, it is a well-known -fact, that if the leaves are strewed beneath a woman in labour, the -delivery will be accelerated; but they must be taken away immediately -after the birth, or prolapsus of the uterus will be the consequence. -Mallow-juice, also, is given to women in labour, a decoction of it -being taken fasting in wine, in doses of one hemina. - -Mallow seed is attached to the arms of patients suffering from -spermatorrhœa; and, so naturally adapted is this plant for the -promotion of lustfulness, that the seed of the kind with a single stem, -sprinkled upon the genitals, will increase the sexual desire in males -to an infinite degree, according to Xenocrates; who says, too, that if -three roots are attached to the person, in the vicinity of those parts, -they will be productive of a similar result. The same writer informs us -also, that injections of mallows are good for tenesmus and dysentery, -and for maladies of the rectum even, if used as a fomentation only. The -juice is given warm to patients afflicted with melancholy, in doses -of three cyathi, and to insane persons[1699] in doses of four. One -hemina of the decoction is prescribed, also, for epilepsy.[1700] A warm -decoction of the juice is employed, too, as a fomentation for calculus, -flatulency, gripings of the stomach, and opisthotony. The leaves are -boiled, and applied with oil, as a poultice for erysipelas and burns, -and raw, with bread, to arrest inflammation in wounds. A decoction of -mallows is beneficial for affections of the sinews and bladder, and -for gnawing pains of the intestines; taken, too, as an aliment, or an -injection, they are relaxing to the uterus, and the decoction, taken -with oil, facilitates the passage of the urine.[1701] - -The root of the althæa[1702] is even more efficacious for all the -purposes above enumerated, and for convulsions and ruptures more -particularly. Boiled in water, it arrests looseness of the bowels; and -taken in white wine, it is a cure for scrofulous sores, imposthumes -of the parotid glands, and inflammations of the mamillæ. A decoction -of the leaves in wine, applied as a liniment, disperses inflammatory -tumours; and the leaves, first dried, and then boiled in milk, are a -speedy cure for a cough, however inveterate. Hippocrates prescribes a -decoction of the root to be drunk by persons wounded or thirsty from -loss of blood, and the plant itself as an application to wounds, with -honey and resin. He also recommends it to be employed in a similar -manner for contusions, sprains, and tumours of the muscles, sinews, and -joints, and prescribes it to be taken in wine for asthma and dysentery. -It is a singular thing, that water in which this root has been put, -thickens when exposed in the open air, and congeals[1703] like ice. -The more recently, however, it has been taken up, the greater are the -virtues of the root.[1704] - - - - -CHAP. 85.—WILD LAPATHUM OR OXALIS, OTHERWISE CALLED LAPATHUM -CANTHERINUM, OR RUMEX: ONE REMEDY. HYDROLAPATHUM: TWO REMEDIES. -HIPPOLAPATHUM: SIX REMEDIES. OXYLAPATHUM: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Lapathum, too, has pretty nearly the same properties. There is a -wild[1705] variety, known to some as “oxalis,” very similar in taste -to the cultivated kind, with pointed leaves, a colour like that of -white beet, and an extremely diminutive root: our people call it -“rumex,”[1706] while others, again, give it the name of “lapathum -cantherinum.”[1707] Mixed with axle-grease, this plant is very -efficacious for scrofulous sores. There is another kind, again, hardly -forming a distinct variety, known as “oxylapathon,”[1708] which -resembles the cultivated kind even more than the last, though the -leaves are more pointed and redder: it grows only in marshy spots. -Some authors are found who speak of a “hydrolapathon,”[1709] which -grows in the water, they say. There is also another variety, known as -“hippolapathon,”[1710] larger than the cultivated kind, whiter, and -more compact. - -The wild varieties of the lapathum are a cure[1711] for the stings -of scorpions, and protect those who carry the plant on their person -from being stung. A decoction of the root in vinegar, employed as a -gargle, is beneficial to the[1712] teeth, and if drunk, is a cure -for jaundice. The seed is curative of the most obstinate maladies -of the stomach.[1713] The root of hippolapathum, in particular, has -the property of bringing off malformed nails; and the seed, taken in -wine, in doses of two drachmæ, is a cure for dysentery. The seed of -oxylapathum, washed in rain-water, with the addition of a piece of -gum acacia, about the size of a lentil, is good for patients troubled -with spitting of blood.[1714] Most excellent lozenges are made of the -leaves and root of this plant, with the addition of nitre and a little -incense. When wanted for use, they are first steeped in vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 86.—CULTIVATED LAPATHUM: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. BULAPATHUM: ONE -REMEDY. - - -As to garden lapathum,[1715] it is good in liniments on the forehead -for defluxions of the eyes. The root of it cures lichens and leprous -sores, and a decoction of it in wine is remedial for scrofulous -swellings, imposthumes of the parotid glands, and calculus of the -bladder. Taken in wine it is a cure for affections of the spleen, and -employed as a fomentation, it is equally good for cœliac affections, -dysentery, and tenesmus. For all these purposes, the juice of lapathum -is found to be even still more efficacious. It acts as a carminative -and diuretic, and dispels films on the eyes: put into the bath, or -else rubbed upon the body, without oil, before taking the bath, it -effectually removes all itching sensations. The root of it, chewed, -strengthens the teeth, and a decoction of it in wine arrests[1716] -looseness of the stomach: the leaves, on the other hand, relax it. - -Not to omit any particulars, Solo has added to the above varieties a -bulapathon,[1717] which differs only from the others in the length of -the root. This root, taken in wine, is very beneficial for dysentery. - - - - -CHAP. 87. (22.)—MUSTARD, THE THREE KINDS OF IT: FORTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Mustard, of which we have mentioned[1718] three different kinds, when -speaking of the garden herbs, is ranked by Pythagoras among the very -first of those plants the pungency of which mounts upwards; for there -is none to be found more penetrating to the brain and nostrils. - -Pounded with vinegar, mustard is employed as a liniment for the stings -of serpents and scorpions, and it effectually neutralizes the poisonous -properties of fungi. To cure an immoderate secretion of phlegm it is -kept in the mouth till it melts, or else it is mixed with hydromel, -and employed as a gargle. Mustard is chewed for tooth-ache, and is -taken as a gargle with oxymel for affections of the uvula; it is very -beneficial, also, for all maladies of the stomach. Taken with the food, -it facilitates expectoration[1719] from the lungs: it is given, too, -for asthma and epileptic fits, in combination with cucumber seed. It -has the effect of quickening the senses, and effectually clears the -head by sneezing, relaxes the stomach, and promotes the menstrual -discharge and the urinary secretions: beaten up with figs and cummin, -in the proportion of one-third of each ingredient, it is used as an -external application for dropsy. - -Mixed with vinegar, mustard resuscitates by its powerful odour -persons who have swooned in fits of epilepsy or lethargy, as well -as females suffering from hysterical suffocations. For the cure of -lethargy tordylon is added—that being the name given to the seed of -hartwort[1720]—and if the lethargic sleep should happen to be very -profound, an application of it, with figs and vinegar, is made to the -legs, or to the head[1721] even. Used as an external application, -mustard is a cure for inveterate pains of the chest, loins, hips, -shoulders, and, in general, for all deep-seated pains in any part -of the body, raising blisters[1722] by its caustic properties. In -cases of extreme indurations of the skin, the mustard is applied, to -the part without figs; and a cloth is employed doubled, where it is -apprehended that it may burn too powerfully. It is used also, combined -with red-earth,[1723] for alopecy, itch-scabs, leprosy, phthiriasis, -tetanus, and opisthotony. They employ it also as a liniment with honey -for styes[1724] on the eyelids and films on the eyes. - -The juices of mustard are extracted in three different ways, in earthen -vessels in which it is left to dry gradually in the sun. From the thin -stem of the plant there exudes also a milky juice,[1725] which when -thus hardened is remedial for tooth-ache. The seed and root, after -they have been left to steep in must, are beaten up together in a -mortar; and a good handful of the mixture is taken to strengthen[1726] -the throat, stomach, eyes, head, and all the senses. This mixture is -extremely good, too, for fits of lassitude in females, being one of -the most wholesome medicines in existence. Taken in vinegar, mustard -disperses calculi in the bladder; and, in combination with honey and -goose-grease, or else Cyprian wax, it is employed as a liniment for -livid spots and bruises. From the seed, first steeped in olive-oil, and -then subjected to pressure, an oil is extracted, which is employed for -rigidity of the sinews, and chills and numbness in the loins and hips. - - - - -CHAP. 88.—ADARCA: FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -It is said that adarca, of which we have already made mention[1727] -when speaking of the forest-trees, has a similar nature[1728] to that -of mustard, and is productive of the same effects: it grows upon the -outer coat of reeds, below the head. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—MARRUBIUM OR PRASION, OTHERWISE LINOSTROPHON, PHILOPAIS, OR -PHILOCHARES: TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -Most medical writers have spoken in high terms of marrubium, or -horehound, as a plant of the very greatest utility. Among the Greeks, -it is called “prasion”[1729] by some, by others “linostrophon,”[1730] -and by others, again, “philopais”[1731] or “philochares:”[1732] it is a -plant too well known to require any description.[1733] The leaves[1734] -and seed beaten up, together, are good for the stings of serpents, -pains of the chest and side, and inveterate coughs. The branches, too, -boiled in water with panic,[1735] so as to modify its acridity, are -remarkably useful for persons troubled with spitting[1736] of blood. -Horehound is applied also, with grease, to scrofulous swellings. -Some persons recommend for a cough, a pinch of the fresh seed with -two fingers, boiled with a handful of spelt[1737] and a little oil -and salt, the mixture to be taken fasting. Others, again, regard as -quite incomparable for a similar purpose an extract of the juices -of horehound and fennel. Taking three sextarii of the extract, they -boil it down to two, and then add one sextarius of honey; after which -they again boil it down to two, and administer one spoonful of the -preparation daily, in one cyathus of water. - -Beaten up with honey, horehound is particularly beneficial for -affections of the male organs; employed with vinegar, it cleanses -lichens, and is very salutary for ruptures, convulsions, spasms, and -contractions of the sinews. Taken in drink with salt and vinegar, it -relaxes the bowels, promotes the menstrual discharge, and accelerates -the after-birth. Dried, powdered, and taken with honey, it is -extremely efficacious for a dry cough, as also for gangrenes and -hang-nails.[1738] The juice, too, taken with honey, is good for the -ears and nostrils: it is a remedy also for jaundice, and diminishes the -bilious secretions. Among the few antidotes[1739] for poisons, it is -one of the very best known. - -The plant itself, taken with iris and honey, purges the stomach and -promotes expectorations: it acts, also, as a strong diuretic, though, -at the same time, care must be taken not to use it when the bladder is -ulcerated and the kidneys are affected. It is said, too, that the juice -of horehound improves the eyesight. Castor speaks of two varieties of -it, the black horehound and the white, which last he considers to be -the best. He puts the juice of it into an empty eggshell, and then -mixes the egg with it, together with honey, in equal proportions: -this preparation used warm, he says, will bring abscesses to a head, -and cleanse and heal them. Beaten up, too, with stale axle-grease and -applied topically, he says, horehound is a cure for the bite of a dog. - - - - -CHAP. 90.—WILD THYME: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Wild thyme, it is said, borrows its name, “serpyllum,” from the -fact that it is a creeping[1740] plant, a property peculiar to the -wild kind, that which grows in rocky places more particularly. The -cultivated[1741] thyme is not a creeping plant, but grows upwards, as -much a palm in height. That which springs up spontaneously, grows the -most luxuriantly, its leaves and branches being whiter than those of -the other kinds. Thyme is efficacious as a remedy for the stings of -serpents, the cenchris[1742] more particularly; also for the sting -of the scolopendra, both sea and land, the leaves and branches being -boiled for the purpose in wine. Burnt, it puts to flight all venomous -creatures by its smell, and it is particularly beneficial as an -antidote to the venom of marine animals. - -A decoction of it in vinegar is applied for head-ache, with rose oil, -to the temples and forehead, as also for phrenitis and lethargy: it -is given, too, in doses of four drachmæ, for gripings of the stomach, -strangury, quinsy, and fits of vomiting. It is taken in water, also, -for liver complaints. The leaves are given in doses of four oboli, in -vinegar, for diseases of the spleen. Beaten up in two cyathi of oxymel, -it is used for spitting of blood. - - - - -CHAP. 91.—SISYMBRIUM OR THYMBRÆUM: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -Wild[1743] sisymbrium, by some persons called “thymbræum,” does not -grow beyond a foot in height. The kind[1744] which grows in watery -places, is similar to nasturtium, and they[1745] are both of them -efficacious for the stings of certain insects, such as hornets and -the like. That which grows in dry localities is odoriferous, and is -employed[1746] for wreaths: the leaf of it is narrower than in the -other kind. They both of them alleviate head-ache, and defluxions -of the eyes, Philinus says. Some persons, however, employ bread in -addition; while others, again, use a decoction of the plant by itself -in wine. It is a cure, also, for epinyctis, and removes spots on the -face in females, by the end of four days; for which purpose, it is -applied at night and taken off in the day-time. It arrests vomiting, -hiccup, gripings, and fluxes of the stomach, whether taken with the -food, or the juice extracted and given in drink. - -This plant, however, should never be eaten by pregnant women, except -in cases where the fœtus is dead, for the very application of it is -sufficient to produce abortion. Taken with wine, it is diuretic, and -the wild variety expels calculi even. For persons necessitated to sit -up awake, an infusion of it in vinegar is applied as a liniment to the -head. - - - - -CHAP. 92.—LINSEED: THIRTY REMEDIES. - - -Linseed[1747] is not only used in combination with other substances, -but, employed by itself, it disperses spots on the face in women: its -juice, too, is very beneficial to the sight. Combined with incense and -water, or else with myrrh and wine, it is a cure for defluxions of the -eyes, and employed with honey, grease, or wax, for imposthumes of the -parotid glands. Prepared[1748] like polenta, it is good for fluxes of -the stomach; and a decoction of it in water and oil, applied topically -with anise, is prescribed for quinsy. It is sometimes used parched, -also, to arrest looseness of the bowels, and applications of it are -used, with vinegar, for cœliac affections and dysentery. It is eaten -with raisins, also, for pains in the liver, and excellent electuaries -are made of it for the treatment of phthisis. - -Linseed-meal, with the addition of nitre, salt, or ashes, softens -rigidities of the muscles, sinews, joints, and vertebræ, as well as of -the membranous tissues of the brain. Employed with figs, linseed-meal -ripens abscesses and brings them to a head: mixed with the root of -wild cucumber, it extracts[1749] all foreign bodies from the flesh, as -well as splinters of broken bones. A decoction of linseed-meal in wine -prevents ulcers from spreading, and mixed with honey, it is remedial -for pituitous eruptions. Used with nasturtium, in equal quantities, it -rectifies[1750] malformed nails; mixed with resin and myrrh, it cures -affections of the testes and hernia,[1751] and with water, gangrenous -sores. A decoction of linseed-meal with fenugreek, in the proportion -of one sextarius of each, in hydromel, is recommended for pains in -the stomach; and employed as an injection, with oil or honey, it is -beneficial for dangerous affections of the chest and intestines. - - - - -CHAP. 93.—BLITE: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Blite[1752] seems to be a plant of an inert nature, without flavour or -any pungency whatever; hence it is that, in Menander, we find husbands -giving this name to their wives, by way of[1753] reproach. It is[1754] -prejudicial to the stomach, and disturbs the bowels to such a degree, -as to cause cholera in some. It is stated, however, that, taken in -wine, it is good for the stings of scorpions; and that it is sometimes -used as a liniment for corns on the feet, and, with oil, for affections -of the spleen and pains in the temples. Hippocrates is of opinion, that -if taken with the food,[1755] it will arrest the menstrual discharge. - - - - -CHAP. 94. (23.)—MEUM, AND MEUM ATHAMANTICUM: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Meum[1756] is never cultivated in Italy except by medical men, and -by very few of those. There are two varieties of it, the finer kind -being known as “athamanticum,” because, according to some, it was -first discovered by Athamas; or else because, as others think, that -of the best quality is found upon Mount Athamas.[1757] The leaf of it -is similar to that of dill, and the stem is sometimes as much as two -cubits in length: the roots, which run obliquely, are numerous and -mostly black, though sometimes white: it is not of so red a hue as the -other kind. - -The root of this plant, pounded or boiled, and taken in water, is -diuretic, and is marvellously efficacious for dispelling flatulency of -the stomach. It is good, too, for gripings of the bowels and affections -of the bladder: applied with honey to the region of the uterus, it -acts as a diuretic; and used as a liniment with parsley, upon the lower -regions of the abdomen in infants, it has a similar effect. - - - - -CHAP. 95.—FENNEL: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -Fennel has been rendered famous by the serpent, which tastes it, -as already[1758] stated, when it casts its old skin, and sharpens -its sight with the juice of this plant: a fact which has led to the -conclusion that this juice must be beneficial, also, in a high degree -to the human sight. Fennel-juice is gathered when the stem is swelling -with the bud; after which it is dried in the sun and applied as an -ointment with honey. This plant is to be found in all parts of the -world. The most esteemed preparation from it, is that made in Iberia, -from the tear-like drops which exude[1759] from the stalk and the seed -fresh-gathered. The juice is extracted, also, from incisions made in -the root at the first germination of the plant. - - - - -CHAP. 96.—HIPPOMARATHRON, OR MYRSINEUM: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -There is, also, a wild[1760] variety of fennel, known by some persons -as “hippomarathron,” and by others as “myrsineum;” it has a larger -leaf and a more acrid taste than the other kind. It is taller, also, -about the thickness of a walking-stick, and has a white root: it grows -in warm, but stony localities. Diocles speaks, too, of another[1761] -variety of hippomarathron, with a long narrow leaf, and a seed like -that of coriander. - -The seed of the cultivated fennel is medicinally employed in wine, -for the stings of scorpions and serpents, and the juice of it, -injected into the ears, has the effect of destroying small worms that -breed there. Fennel is employed as an ingredient in nearly all our -seasonings,[1762] vinegar[1763] sauces more particularly: it is placed -also beneath the undercrust of bread. The seed, in fevers even, acts -as an astringent upon a relaxed stomach, and beaten up with water, it -allays nausea: it is highly esteemed, also, for affections of the lungs -and liver. Taken in moderate quantities, it arrests looseness of the -bowels, and acts as a diuretic; a decoction of it is good for gripings -of the stomach, and taken in drink, it restores the milk. The root, -taken in a ptisan,[1764] purges the kidneys—an effect which is equally -produced by a decoction of the juice or of the seed; the root is good -too, boiled in wine, for dropsy and convulsions. The leaves are applied -to burning tumours, with vinegar, expel calculi of the bladder, and act -as an aphrodisiac. - -In whatever way it is taken in drink, fennel has the property of -promoting the secretion of the seminal fluids; and it is extremely -beneficial to the generative organs, whether a decoction of the root -in wine is employed as a fomentation, or whether it is used beaten up -in oil. Many persons apply fennel with wax to tumours and bruises, and -employ the root, with the juice of the plant, or else with honey, for -the bites of dogs, and with wine for the stings of multipedes. - -Hippomarathron is more efficacious, in every respect, than cultivated -fennel;[1765] it expels calculi more particularly, and, taken with -weak wine, is good for the bladder and irregularities of the menstrual -discharge. - -In this plant, the seed is more efficacious than the root; the dose of -either of them being a pinch with two fingers, beaten up, and mixed -with the usual drink. Petrichus, who wrote a work “On Serpents,”[1766] -and Micton, who wrote a treatise “On[1767] Botany,” are of opinion that -there is nothing in existence of greater efficacy against serpents than -hippomarathron: indeed, Nicander[1768] has ranked it by no means among -the lowest of antidotes. - - - - -CHAP. 97.—HEMP: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Hemp originally grew in the forests,[1769] where it is found -with a blacker and rougher leaf than in the other[1770] kinds. -Hempseed,[1771] it is said, renders men impotent: the juice of this -seed will extract worms from the ears, or any insect which may have -entered them, though at the cost of producing head-ache. The virtues -of hemp, it is said, are so great, that an infusion of it in water -will cause it to coagulate:[1772] hence it is, that if taken in water, -it will arrest looseness in beasts of burden. A decoction of the root -in water, relaxes contractions of the joints, and cures gout and -similar maladies. It is applied raw to burns, but it must be frequently -changed, so as not to let it dry. - - - - -CHAP. 98.—FENNEL-GIANT: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Fennel-giant[1773] has a seed similar to that of dill. That which has -a single stem, bifurcated[1774] at the top, is generally thought to be -the female plant. The stalks of it are eaten boiled;[1775] and, pickled -in brine and honey, they are recommended as particularly beneficial to -the stomach;[1776] if taken, however, in too large quantities, they -are apt to produce head-ache. The root of it in doses of one denarius -to two cyathi of wine, is used in drink for the stings of serpents, -and the root itself is applied topically for the same purpose, as also -for the cure of gripings of the stomach. Taken in oil and vinegar, it -is used as a check for excessive perspirations, in fevers even. The -inspissated juice of fennel-giant, taken in quantities the size of a -bean, acts as a purgative;[1777] and the pith[1778] of it is good for -the uterus, as well as all the maladies previously mentioned. To arrest -hæmorrhage, ten of the seeds are taken in drink, bruised in wine, or -else with the pith of the plant. There are some persons who think that -the seed should be administered for epilepsy, from the fourth to the -seventh day of the moon, in doses of one spoonful. - -Fennel-giant is naturally so inimical to the muræna, that the very -touch of it even will kill that fish. Castor was of opinion that the -juice of the root is extremely beneficial to the sight. - - - - -CHAP. 99.—THE THISTLE OR SCOLYMOS: SIX REMEDIES. - - -We have already[1779] spoken, when treating of the garden plants, of -the cultivation of the thistle; we may as well, therefore, not delay -to mention its medicinal properties. Of wild thistles there are two -varieties; one[1780] of which throws out numerous stalks immediately -it leaves the ground, the other[1781] being thicker, and having but a -single stem. They have, both of them, a few leaves only, and covered -with prickles, the head of the plant being protected by thorny points: -the last mentioned, however, puts forth in the middle of these points a -purple blossom, which turns white with great rapidity, and is carried -off by the wind; the Greeks give it the name of “scolymos.” - -This plant, gathered before it blossoms, and beaten up and subjected to -pressure, produces a juice, which, applied to the head, makes the hair -grow again when it has fallen off through alopecy. The root of either -kind, boiled in water, creates thirst, it is said, in those who drink -it. It strengthens the stomach also, and if we are to believe what is -said, has some influence upon the womb in promoting the conception of -male offspring: at all events, Glaucias, who seems to have paid the -most attention to the subject, has written to that effect. The thin -juice, like mastich, which exudes from these plants, imparts sweetness -to the breath. - - - - -CHAP. 100. (24.)—THE COMPOSITION OF THERIACA. - - -But as we are now about to leave the garden plants, we will take -this opportunity of describing a very famous preparation extracted -from them as an antidote against the stings of all kinds of venomous -animals: it is inscribed in verse[1782] upon a stone in the Temple of -Æsculapius at Cos. - -Take two denarii of wild thyme, and the same quantity of opopanax -and meum respectively; one denarius of trefoil seed; and of aniseed, -fennel-seed, ammi, and parsley, six denarii respectively, with twelve -denarii of meal of fitches. Heat up these ingredients together, and -pass them through a sieve; after which they must be kneaded with -the best wine that can be had, and then made into lozenges of one -victoriatus[1783] each: one of these is to be given to the patient, -steeped in three cyathi of wine. King Antiochus[1784] the Great, it -is said, employed this theriaca[1785] against all kinds of venomous -animals, the asp excepted. - - -SUMMARY.—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, one thousand, -five hundred, and six. - - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Cato[1786] the Censor, M. Varro,[1787] Pompeius -Lenæus,[1788] C. Valgius,[1789] Hyginus,[1790] Sextius Niger[1791] who -wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[1792] who wrote in Greek, Celsus,[1793] -Antonius Castor.[1794] - - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Democritus,[1795] Theophrastus,[1796] -Orpheus,[1797] Menander[1798] who wrote the “Biochresta,” -Pythagoras,[1799] Nicander.[1800] - - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Chrysippus,[1801] Diocles,[1802] -Ophelion,[1803] Heraclides,[1804] Hicesius,[1805] Dionysius,[1806] -Apollodorus[1807] of Citium, Apollodorus[1808] of Tarentum, -Praxagoras,[1809], Plistonicus,[1810] Medius,[1811] Dieuches,[1812] -Cleophantus,[1813] Philistion,[1814] Asclepiades,[1815] Crateuas,[1816] -Petronius Diodotus,[1817] Iollas,[1818] Erasistratus,[1819] -Diagoras,[1820] Andreas,[1821] Mnesides,[1822] Epicharmus,[1823] -Damion,[1824] Dalion,[1825] Sosimenes,[1826] Tlepolemus,[1827], -Metrodorus,[1828] Solo,[1829] Lycus,[1830] Olympias[1831] of Thebes, -Philinus,[1832] Petrichus,[1833] Micton,[1834] Glaucias,[1835] -Xenocrates.[1836] - - - - -BOOK XXI. - -AN ACCOUNT OF FLOWERS, AND THOSE USED FOR CHAPLETS MORE PARTICULARLY. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—THE NATURE OF FLOWERS AND GARLANDS. - - -Cato has recommended that flowers for making chaplets should also be -cultivated in the garden; varieties remarkable for a delicacy which -it is quite impossible to express, inasmuch as no individual can find -such facilities for describing them as Nature does for bestowing on -them their numerous tints—Nature, who here in especial shows herself -in a sportive mood, and takes a delight in the prolific display of her -varied productions. The other[1837] plants she has produced for our use -and our nutriment, and to them accordingly she has granted years and -even ages of duration: but as for the flowers and their perfumes, she -has given them birth for but a day—a mighty lesson to man, we see, to -teach him that that which in its career is the most beauteous and the -most attractive to the eye, is the very first to fade and die. - -Even the limner’s art itself possesses no resources for reproducing -the colours of the flowers in all their varied tints and combinations, -whether we view them in groups alternately blending their hues, or -whether arranged in festoons, each variety by[1838] itself, now -assuming a circular form, now running obliquely, and now disposed -in a spiral pattern; or whether, as we see sometimes, one wreath is -interwoven within another. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (2.)—GARLANDS AND CHAPLETS. - -The ancients used chaplets of diminutive size, called “struppi;”[1839] -from which comes our name for a chaplet, “strophiolum.” Indeed, it was -only by very slow degrees that this last word[1840] became generalized, -as the chaplets that were used at sacrifices, or were granted as the -reward of military valour, asserted their exclusive right to the name -of “corona.” As for garlands, when they came to be made of flowers, -they received the name of “serta,” from the verb “sero,”[1841] or else -from our word “series.”[1842] The use[1843] of flowers for garlands is -not so very ancient, among the Greeks even. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—WHO INVENTED THE ART OF MAKING GARLANDS: WHEN THEY FIRST -RECEIVED THE NAME OF “COROLLÆ,” AND FOR WHAT REASON. - - -For in early times it was the usage to crown the victors in the -sacred contests with branches of trees: and it was only at a later -period, that they began to vary their tints by the combination[1844] -of flowers, to heighten the effect in turn by their colour and their -smell—an invention due to the ingenuity of the painter Pausias, at -Sicyon,[1845] and the garland-maker Glycera, a female to whom he -was greatly attached, and whose handiwork was imitated by him in -colours. Challenging him to a trial of skill, she would repeatedly -vary her designs, and thus it was in reality a contest between art -and Nature; a fact which we find attested by pictures of that artist -even still in existence, more particularly the one known as the -“Stephaneplocos,”[1846] in which he has given a likeness of Glycera -herself. This invention, therefore, is only to be traced to later than -the Hundredth[1847] Olympiad. - -Chaplets of flowers being now the fashion, it was not long before those -came into vogue which are known to us as Egyptian[1848] chaplets; and -then the winter chaplets, made for the time at which Earth refuses -her flowers, of thin laminæ of horn stained various colours. By slow -degrees, too, the name was introduced at Rome, these garlands being -known there at first as “corollæ,” a designation given them to express -the remarkable delicacy[1849] of their texture. In more recent times, -again, when the chaplets presented were made of thin plates[1850] of -copper, gilt or silvered, they assumed the name of “corollaria.” - - - - -CHAP. 4. (3.)—WHO WAS THE FIRST TO GIVE CHAPLETS WITH LEAVES OF SILVER -AND GOLD. LEMNISCI: WHO WAS THE FIRST TO EMBOSS THEM. - - -Crassus Dives[1851] was the first who gave chaplets with artificial -leaves of silver and gold, at the games celebrated by him. To embellish -these chaplets, and to confer additional honour on them, lemnisci were -added, in imitation of the Etruscan chaplets, which ought properly to -have none but lemnisci[1852] made of gold. For a long period these -lemnisci were destitute of ornament:[1853] P. Claudius Pulcher[1854] -was the first who taught us to emboss[1855] them, and added leaves of -tinsel to the laminæ[1856] of which the lemniscus was formed. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—THE GREAT HONOUR IN WHICH CHAPLETS WERE HELD BY THE ANCIENTS. - - -Chaplets, however, were always held in a high degree of estimation, -those even which were acquired at the public games. For it was the -usage of the citizens to go down in person to take part in the -contests of the Circus, and to send their slaves and horses thither -as well. Hence it is that we find it thus written in the laws of the -Twelve Tables: “If any person has gained a chaplet himself, or by -his money,[1857] let the same be given to him as the reward of his -prowess.” There is no doubt that by the words “gained by his money,” -the laws meant a chaplet which had been gained by his slaves or -horses. Well then, what was the honour acquired thereby? It was the -right secured by the victor, for himself and for his parents, after -death, to be crowned without fail, while the body was laid out in the -house,[1858] and on its being carried[1859] to the tomb. - -On other occasions, chaplets were not indiscriminately worn, not even -those which had been won in the games. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—THE SEVERITY OF THE ANCIENTS IN REFERENCE TO CHAPLETS. - - -Indeed the rules upon this point were remarkably severe. L. Fulvius, a -banker,[1860] having been accused, at the time of the Second Punic War, -of looking down from the balcony[1861] of his house upon the Forum, -with a chaplet of roses upon his head, was imprisoned by order of the -Senate, and was not liberated before the war was brought to a close. P. -Munatius, having placed upon his head a chaplet of flowers taken from -the statue of Marsyas,[1862] was condemned by the Triumviri to be put -in chains. Upon his making appeal to the tribunes of the people, they -refused to intercede in his behalf—a very different state of things to -that at Athens, where the young men,[1863] in their drunken revelry, -were in the habit, before midday, of making their way into the very -schools of the philosophers even. Among ourselves, no such instance of -a similar licentiousness is to be found, unless, indeed, in the case of -the daughter[1864] of the late Emperor Augustus, who, in her nocturnal -debaucheries, placed a chaplet on the statue[1865] of Marsyas, conduct -deeply deplored in the letters of that god.[1866] - - - - -CHAP. 7.—A CITIZEN DECKED WITH FLOWERS BY THE ROMAN PEOPLE. - - -Scipio is the only person that ever received from the Roman people -the honour of being decked with flowers. This Scipio received the -surname of Serapio,[1867] from his remarkable resemblance to a certain -person of that name who dealt in pigs. He died in his tribuneship, -greatly beloved by the people, and in every way worthy of the family -of the Africani. The property he left was not sufficient to pay the -expenses of his burial; upon which the people made a subscription and -contracted[1868] for his funeral, flowers being scattered upon the body -from every possible quarter[1869] as it was borne along. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—PLAITED CHAPLETS. NEEDLE-WORK CHAPLETS. NARD-LEAF CHAPLETS. -SILKEN CHAPLETS. - - -In those days, too, chaplets were employed in honour of the gods, -the Lares, public as well as domestic, the sepulchres,[1870] and the -Manes. The highest place, however, in public estimation, was held by -the plaited chaplet; such as we find used by the Salii in their sacred -rites, and at the solemnization of their yearly[1871] banquets. In -later times, the rose chaplet has been adopted, and luxury arose at -last to such a pitch that a chaplet was held in no esteem at all if it -did not consist entirely of leaves sown together with the needle. More -recently, again, they have been imported from India, or from nations -beyond the countries of India. - -But it is looked upon as the most refined of all, to present chaplets -made of nard leaves, or else of silk of many colours steeped in -unguents. Such is the pitch to which the luxuriousness of our women has -at last arrived! - - - - -CHAP. 9.—AUTHORS WHO HAVE WRITTEN ON FLOWERS. AN ANECDOTE RELATIVE TO -QUEEN CLEOPATRA AND CHAPLETS. - - -Among the Greeks, the physicians Mnesitheus and Callimachus have -written separate treatises on the subject of chaplets, making mention -of such flowers as are injurious to the head.[1872] For, in fact, -the health is here concerned to some extent, as it is at the moments -of carousal and gaiety in particular that penetrating odours steal -insidiously upon the brain—witness an instance in the wicked cunning -displayed upon one occasion by Cleopatra. - -At the time when preparations were making for the battle that was -eventually fought at Actium, Antonius held the queen in such extreme -distrust as to be in dread of her very attentions even, and would -not so much as touch his food, unless another person had tasted it -first. Upon this, the queen, it is said, wishing to amuse herself with -his fears, had the extremities of the flowers in a chaplet dipped -in poison, and then placed it upon her head.[1873] After a time, as -the hilarity increased apace, she challenged Antonius to swallow the -chaplets, mixed up with their drink. Who, under such circumstances -as these, could have apprehended treachery? Accordingly, the leaves -were stripped from off the chaplet, and thrown into the cup. Just as -Antonius was on the very point of drinking, she arrested his arm with -her hand.—“Behold, Marcus Antonius,” said she, “the woman against whom -you are so careful to take these new precautions of yours in employing -your tasters! And would then, if I could exist without you, either -means or opportunity of effecting my purpose be wanting to me?” Saying -this, she ordered a man to be brought from prison, and made him drink -off the potion; he did so, and fell dead[1874] upon the spot. - -Besides the two authors above-mentioned, Theophrastus,[1875] among the -Greeks, has written on the subject of flowers. Some of our own writers -also have given the title of “Anthologica” to their works, but no one, -to my knowledge at least, has treated expressly[1876] of flowers. In -fact, we ourselves have no intention here of discussing the mode of -wearing chaplets, for that would be frivolous[1877] indeed; but shall -proceed to state such particulars in relation to flowers as shall -appear to us deserving of remark. - - - - -CHAP. 10. (4.)—THE ROSE: TWELVE VARIETIES OF IT. - - -The people of our country were acquainted with but very few garland -flowers among the garden plants, and those few hardly any but the -violet and the rose. The plant which bears the rose is, properly -speaking, more of a thorn than a shrub—indeed, we sometimes find it -growing on a bramble[1878] even; the flower having, even then, a -pleasant smell, though by no means penetrating. The flower in all roses -is originally enclosed in a bud,[1879] with a grained surface within, -which gradually swells, and assumes the form of a green pointed cone, -similar to our alabaster[1880] unguent boxes in shape. Gradually -acquiring a ruddy tint, this bud opens little by little, until at -last it comes into full blow, developing the calyx, and embracing the -yellow-pointed filaments which stand erect in the centre of it. - -The employment of the rose in chaplets is, so to say, the least[1881] -use that is made of it. The flower is steeped in oil, a practice which -has prevailed from the times of the Trojan war, as Homer[1882] bears -witness; in addition to which, it now forms an ingredient in our -unguents, as mentioned on a previous occasion.[1883] It is employed -also by itself for certain medicinal purposes, and is used in plasters -and eye-salves[1884] for its penetrating qualities: it is used, also, -to perfume the delicacies of our banquets, and is never attended with -any noxious results. - -The most esteemed kinds of rose among us are those of Præneste[1885] -and Campania.[1886] Some persons have added to these varieties the rose -of Miletus,[1887] the flower of which is an extremely brilliant red, -and has never more than a dozen petals. The next to it is the rose of -Trachyn,[1888] not so red as the last, and then that of Alabanda,[1889] -with whitish petals, but not so highly esteemed. The least esteemed -of all, however, is the thorn rose,[1890] the petals of which are -numerous, but extremely small. The essential points of difference -in the rose are the number[1891] of the petals, the comparative -number[1892] of thorns on the stem, the colour, and the smell. The -number of the petals, which is never less than five, goes on increasing -in amount, till we find one variety with as many as a hundred, and -thence known as the “centifolia:”[1893] in Italy, it is to be found in -Campania, and in Greece, in the vicinity of Philippi, though this last -is not the place of its natural[1894] growth. Mount Pangæeus,[1895] in -the same vicinity, produces a rose with numerous petals of diminutive -size: the people of those parts are in the habit of transplanting it, a -method which greatly tends to improve its growth. This kind, however, -is not remarkable for its smell, nor yet is the rose which has a -very large or very broad petal: indeed, we may state in a few words, -that the best proof of the perfume of the flower is the comparative -roughness of the calyx.[1896] - -Cæpio, who lived in the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, asserts -that the centifolia is never employed for chaplets, except at the -extreme[1897] points of union as it were, being remarkable neither for -its smell[1898] nor its beauty. There is another variety of rose, -too, called the “Grecian” rose by our people, and “lychnis”[1899] by -the Greeks: it grows nowhere except in humid soils, and has never -more than five petals: it does not exceed the violet in size, and is -destitute of smell. There is another kind, again, known to us as the -“Græcula”[1900] the petals of which are tightly rolled together, and -which never open except when pressed in the hand, it having always the -appearance, in fact, of being in bud: the petals of it are remarkably -large. Another kind, again, springs from a stem like that of the -mallow, the leaves being similar to those of the olive—the name given -to it is “macetum.”[1901] There is the rose of autumn, too, known to -us as the “coroniola,”[1902] which is of a middle size, between the -varieties just mentioned. All these kinds, however, are destitute of -smell, with the exception of the coroniola, and the one which grows -on the bramble:[1903] so extended is the scope for fictitious[1904] -productions! - -And, indeed, the genuine rose, for the most part, is indebted for its -qualities to the nature of the soil. That of Cyrenæ[1905] is the most -odoriferous of all, and hence it is that the unguents of that place are -so remarkably fine: at Carthage, again, in Spain, there are early[1906] -roses throughout all the winter. The temperature, too, of the climate -is not without its influence: for in some years we find the roses much -less odoriferous than in others; in addition to which, their smell -is always more powerful when grown in dry soils[1907] than in humid -ones. The rose does not admit of being planted in either a rich or an -argillaceous soil, nor yet on irrigated land; being contented with a -thin, light earth, and more particularly attached to ground on which -old building rubbish has been laid. - -The rose of Campania is early, that of Miletus late, but it is the rose -of Præneste that goes off the very latest of all. For the rose, the -ground is generally dug to a greater depth than it is for corn, but not -so deep as for the vine. It grows but very slowly[1908] from the seed, -which is found in the calyx beneath the petals of the flower, covered -with a sort of down; hence it is that the method of grafting is usually -the one preferred, or else propagation from the eyes of the root, as in -the reed.[1909] One kind is grafted, which bears a pale flower, with -thorny branches of a remarkable length; it belongs to the quinquefolia -variety, being one of the Greek roses.[1910] All roses are improved by -being pruned and cauterized; transplanting, too, makes them grow, like -the vine, all the better, and with the greatest rapidity. The slips are -cut some four fingers in length or more, and are planted immediately -after the setting of the Vergiliæ; then, while the west winds are -prevalent, they are transplanted at intervals of a foot, the earth -being frequently turned up about them. - -Persons whose object it is to grow early roses, make a hole a foot in -width about the root, and pour warm water into it, at the period when -the buds are beginning to put forth.[1911] - - - - -CHAP. 11. (5.)—THE LILY: FOUR VARIETIES OF IT. - - -The lily holds the next highest rank after the rose, and has a certain -affinity[1912] with it in respect of its unguent and the oil extracted -from it, which is known to us as “lirinon.”[1913] Blended, too, with -roses, the lily[1914] produces a remarkably fine effect; for it begins -to make its appearance, in fact, just as the rose is in the very middle -of its season. There is no flower that grows to a greater height than -the lily, sometimes, indeed, as much as three cubits; the head of it -being always drooping, as though the neck of the flower were unable -to support its weight. The whiteness of the lily is quite remarkable, -the petals being striated on the exterior; the flower is narrow at the -base, and gradually expanding in shape like a tapering[1915] cup with -the edges curving outwards, the fine pistils of the flower, and the -stamens with their antheræ of a saffron colour, standing erect in the -middle.[1916] Hence the perfume of the lily, as well as its colour, is -two-fold, there being one for the petals and another for the stamens. -The difference, however, between them is but very small, and when the -flower is employed for making lily unguents and oils, the petals are -never rejected. - -There is a flower, not unlike the lily, produced by the plant known -to us as the “convolvulus.”[1917] It grows among shrubs, is totally -destitute of smell, and has not the yellow antheræ of the lily within: -only vying with it in its whiteness, it would almost appear to be the -rough sketch[1918] made by Nature when she was learning how to make -the lily. The white lily is propagated in all the various ways which -are employed for the cultivation of the rose,[1919] as also by means -of a certain tearlike gum[1920] which belongs to it, similarly to -hipposelinum[1921] in fact: indeed, there is no plant that is more -prolific than this, a single root often giving birth to as many as -fifty bulbs.[1922] There is, also, a red lily, known by the name -of “crinon”[1923] to the Greeks, though there are some authors who -call the flower of it “cynorrodon.”[1924] The most esteemed are -those of Antiochia and Laodicea in Syria, and next to them that of -Phaselis.[1925] To the fourth rank belongs the flower that grows in -Italy. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—THE NARCISSUS: THREE VARIETIES OF IT. - - -There is a purple[1926] lily, too, which sometimes has a double stem; -it differs only from the other lilies in having a more fleshy root and -a bulb of larger size, but undivided:[1927] the name given to it is -“narcissus.”[1928] A second variety of this lily has a white flower, -with a purple corolla. There is also this difference between the -ordinary lily and the narcissus, that in the latter the leaves spring -from the root of the plant. The finest are those which grow on the -mountains of Lycia. A third variety is similar to the others in every -respect, except that the corolla of the plant is green. They are all of -them late[1929] flowers: indeed, they only bloom after the setting of -Arcturus,[1930] and at the time of the autumnal equinox. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—HOW SEED IS STAINED TO PRODUCE TINTED FLOWERS. - - -There has been invented[1931] also a method of tinting the lily, -thanks to the taste of mankind for monstrous productions. The dried -stalks[1932] of the lily are tied together in the month of July, and -hung up in the smoke: then, in the following March, when the small -knots[1933] are beginning to disclose themselves, the stalks are left -to steep in the lees of black or Greek wine, in order that they may -contract its colour, and are then planted out in small trenches, some -semi-sextarii of wine-lees being poured around them. By this method -purple lilies are obtained, it being a very remarkable thing that we -should be able to dye a plant to such a degree as to make it produce a -coloured flower. - - - - -CHAP. 14. (6.)—HOW THE SEVERAL VARIETIES OF THE VIOLET ARE RESPECTIVELY -PRODUCED, GROWN, AND CULTIVATED. THE THREE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF THE -VIOLET. THE FIVE VARIETIES OF THE YELLOW VIOLET. - - -Next after the roses and the lilies, the violet is held in the highest -esteem: of this there are several varieties, the purple,[1934] the -yellow, and the white, all of them reproduced from plants, like the -cabbage. The purple violet, which springs up spontaneously in sunny -spots, with a thin, meagre soil, has larger petals than the others, -springing immediately from the root, which is of a fleshy substance. -This violet has a name, too, distinct from the other wild kinds, being -called “ion,”[1935] and from it the ianthine[1936] cloth takes its name. - -Among the cultivated kinds, the yellow[1937] violet is held in -the greatest esteem. The Tusculan violet, and that known as the -“marine”[1938] violet, have petals somewhat broader than the others, -but not so odoriferous; the Calatian[1939] violet, too, which has a -smaller leaf, is entirely destitute of smell. This last is a present to -us from the autumn, the others from the spring. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—THE CALTHA. THE SCOPA REGIA. - - -Next to it comes the caltha, the flowers of which are of similar colour -and size;[1940] in the number of its petals, however, it surpasses the -marine violet, the petals of which are never more than five in number. -The marine violet is surpassed, too, by the other in smell; that of the -caltha being very powerful. The smell, too, is no less powerful in the -plant known as the “scopa regia;”[1941] but there it is the leaves of -the plant, and not the flowers, that are odoriferous. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—THE BACCHAR. THE COMBRETUM. ASARUM. - - -The bacchar,[1942] too, by some persons known as “field nard,” is -odoriferous in the root only. In former times, it was the practice to -make unguents of this root, as we learn from the poet Aristophanes, a -writer of the Ancient Comedy; from which circumstance some persons have -erroneously given the name of “exotic”[1943] to the plant. The smell of -it strongly resembles that of cinnamomum; and the plant grows in thin -soils, which are free from all humidity. - -The name of “combretum”[1944] is given to a plant that bears a very -strong resemblance to it, the leaves of which taper to the fineness of -threads; in height, however, it is taller than the bacchar. These are -the only[1945] * * * * The error, however, ought to be corrected, on -the part of those who have bestowed upon the bacchar the name of “field -nard;” for that in reality is the surname given to another plant, known -to the Greeks as “asaron,” the description and features of which we -have already[1946] mentioned, when speaking of the different varieties -of nard. I find, too, that the name of “asaron” has been given to this -plant, from the circumstance of its never[1947] being employed in the -composition of chaplets. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—SAFFRON: IN WHAT PLACES IT GROWS BEST. WHAT FLOWERS WERE -KNOWN AT THE TIME OF THE TROJAN WAR. - - -The wild saffron[1948] is the best; indeed, in Italy it is of no use -whatever to attempt to propagate it, the produce of a whole bed of -saffron being boiled down to a single scruple; it is reproduced by -offsets from the bulb. The cultivated saffron is larger, finer, and -better looking than the other kinds, but has much less efficacy. This -plant is everywhere degenerating,[1949] and is far from prolific at -Cyrenæ even, a place where the flowers are always of the very finest -quality. The most esteemed saffron, however, is that of Cilicia, and -there of Mount Corycus in particular; next comes the saffron of Mount -Olympus, in Lycia, and then of Centuripa, in Sicily; some persons, -however, have given the second rank to the Phlegræan[1950] saffron. - -There is nothing so much adulterated[1951] as saffron: the best proof -of its goodness is when it snaps under pressure by the fingers, as -though it were friable;[1952] for when it is moist, a state which it -owes to being adulterated, it is limp, and will not snap asunder. -Another way of testing it, again, is to apply it with the hand to -the face, upon which, if good, it will be found to be slightly -caustic to the face and eyes. There is a peculiar kind, too, of -cultivated saffron, which is in general extremely mild, being only of -middling[1953] quality; the name given to it is “dialeucon.”[1954] The -saffron of Cyrenaica, again, is faulty in the opposite extreme; for it -is darker than any other kind, and is apt to spoil very quickly. The -best saffron everywhere is that which is of the most unctuous quality, -and the filaments of which are the shortest; the worst being that which -emits a musty smell. - -Mucianus informs us that in Lycia, at the end of seven or eight years, -the saffron is transplanted into a piece of ground which has been -prepared for the purpose, and that in this way it is prevented from -degenerating. It is never[1955] used for chaplets, being a plant with -an extremely narrow leaf, as fine almost as a hair; but it combines -remarkably well with wine, sweet wine in particular. Reduced to a -powder, it is used to perfume[1956] the theatres. - -Saffron blossoms about the setting of the Vergiliæ, for a few -days[1957] only, the leaf expelling the flower. It is verdant[1958] at -the time of the winter solstice, and then it is that they gather it; -it is usually dried in the shade, and if in winter, all the better. -The root of this plant is fleshy, and more long-lived[1959] than that -of the other bulbous plants. It loves to be beaten and trodden[1960] -under foot, and in fact, the worse it is treated the better it thrives: -hence it is, that it grows so vigorously by the side of foot-paths and -fountains. (7.) Saffron was already held in high esteem in the time of -the Trojan War; at all events, Homer,[1961] we find, makes mention of -these three flowers, the lotus,[1962] the saffron, and the hyacinth. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—THE NATURE OF ODOURS. - - -All the odoriferous[1963] substances, and consequently the plants, -differ from one another in their colour, smell, and juices. It is but -rarely[1964] that the taste of an odoriferous substance is not bitter; -while sweet substances, on the other hand, are but rarely odoriferous. -Thus it is, too, that wine is more odoriferous than must, and all the -wild plants more so than the cultivated ones.[1965] Some flowers have -a sweet smell at a distance, the edge of which is taken off when they -come nearer; such is the case with the violet, for instance. The rose, -when fresh gathered, has a more powerful smell at a distance, and -dried,[1966] when brought nearer. All plants have a more penetrating -odour, also, in spring[1967] and in the morning; as the hour of midday -approaches, the scent becomes gradually weakened.[1968] The flowers, -too, of young plants are less odoriferous than those of old ones; but -it is at mid-age[1969] that the odour is most penetrating in them all. - -The rose and the crocus[1970] have a more powerful smell when gathered -in fine weather, and all plants are more powerfully scented in hot -climates than in cold ones. In Egypt, however, the flowers are far -from odoriferous, owing to the dews and exhalations with which the air -is charged, in consequence of the extended surface of the river. Some -plants have an agreeable, though at the same time extremely powerful -smell; some, again, while green, have no[1971] smell at all, owing to -the excess of moisture, the buceros for example, which is the same as -fenugreek.[1972] Not all flowers which have a penetrating odour are -destitute of juices, the violet, the rose, and the crocus, for example; -those, on the other hand, which have a penetrating odour, but are -destitute of juices, have all of them a very powerful smell, as we find -the case with the two varieties[1973] of the lily. The abrotonum[1974] -and the amaracus[1975] have a pungent smell. In some plants, it is the -flower only that is sweet, the other parts being inodorous, the violet -and the rose, for example. - -Among the garden plants, the most odoriferous are the dry ones, such -as rue, mint, and parsley, as also those which grow on dry soils. Some -fruits become more odoriferous the older they are, the quince, for -example, which has also a stronger smell when gathered than while upon -the tree. Some plants, again, have no smell but when broken asunder, -or when bruised, and others only when they are stripped of their bark. -Certain vegetable substances, too, only give out a smell when subjected -to the action of fire, such as frankincense and myrrh, for example. -All flowers are more bitter to the taste when bruised than when left -untouched.[1976] Some plants preserve their smell a longer time when -dried, the melilote, for example; others, again, make the place itself -more odoriferous where they grow, the iris[1977] for instance, which -will even render the whole of a tree odoriferous, the roots of which -it may happen to have touched. The hesperis[1978] has a more powerful -odour at night, a property to which it owes its name. - -Among the animals, we find none that are odoriferous, unless, -indeed, we are inclined to put faith in what has been said about the -panther.[1979] - - - - -CHAP. 19.—THE IRIS. - - -There is still another distinction, which ought not to be omitted,—the -fact, that many of the odoriferous plants never[1980] enter into the -composition of garlands, the iris[1981] and the saliunca, for example, -although, both of them, of a most exquisite odour. In the iris, it -is the root[1982] only that is held in esteem, it being extensively -employed in perfumery and medicine. The iris of the finest quality is -that found in Illyricum,[1983] and in that country, even, not in the -maritime parts of it, but in the forests on the banks of the river -Drilon[1984] and near Narona. The next best is that of Macedonia,[1985] -the plant being extremely elongated, white, and thin. The iris of -Africa[1986] occupies the third rank, being the largest of them all, -and of an extremely bitter taste. - -The iris of Illyricum comprehends two varieties—one of which is the -raphanitis, so called from its resemblance to the radish,[1987] of -a somewhat red colour, and superior[1988] in quality to the other, -which is known as the “rhizotomus.” The best kind of iris is that -which produces sneezing[1989] when handled. The stem of this plant is -a cubit in length, and erect, the flower being of various colours, -like the rainbow, to which circumstance it is indebted for its name. -The iris, too, of Pisidia[1990] is far from being held in disesteem. -Persons[1991] who intend taking up the iris, drench the ground -about it some three months before with hydromel, as though a sort of -atonement offered to appease the earth; with the point of a sword, too, -they trace three circles round it, and the moment they gather it, they -lift it up towards the heavens. - -The iris is a plant of a caustic nature, and when handled, it causes -blisters like burns to rise. It is a point particularly recommended, -that those who gather it should be in a state of chastity. The root, -not only when dried,[1992] but while still in the ground, is very -quickly attacked by worms. In former times, it was Leucas and Elis that -supplied us with the best oil[1993] of iris, for there it has long been -cultivated; at the present day, however, the best comes from Pamphylia, -though that of Cilicia and the northern climates is held in high esteem. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE SALIUNCA. - - -The saliunca[1994] has a rather short leaf, which does not admit of its -being plaited for garlands, and numerous roots, by which it is held -together; being more of a herb than a flower, and so closely matted -and tangled that it would almost appear to have been pressed together -with the hand—in short, it is a turf[1995] of a peculiar nature. This -plant grows in Pannonia and the sunny regions of Noricum and the Alps, -as also the vicinity of the city of Eporedia;[1996] the smell being -so remarkably sweet that the crops of it have been of late quite as -profitable as the working of a mine. This plant is particularly valued -for the pleasant smell it imparts to clothes among which it is kept. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—THE POLIUM, OR TEUTHRION. - - -It is the same, too, with the polium,[1997] a herb employed for a -similar purpose among the Greeks, and highly extolled by Musæus and -Hesiod, who assert that it is useful for every purpose, and more -particularly for the acquisition of fame and honour;[1998] indeed, it -is a truly marvellous production, if it is the fact, as they state, -that its leaves are white in the morning, a purple at midday, and -azure[1999] at sunset. There are two varieties of it, the field polium, -which is larger, and the wild,[2000] which is more diminutive. Some -persons give it the name of “teuthrion.”[2001] The leaves resemble the -white hairs of a human being; they take their rise immediately from the -root, and never exceed a palm in height. - - - - -CHAP. 22. (8.)—FABRICS WHICH RIVAL THE COLOURS OF FLOWERS. - - -We have now said enough on the subject of the odoriferous flowers; -in relation to which, luxury not only glories in having vanquished -Nature in the composition of unguents, but has even gone so far -as to challenge, in her fabrics, those flowers which are more -particularly recommended by the beauty of their tints. I remark that -the following are the three principal[2002] colours; the red, that of -the kermes[2003] for instance, which, beginning in the tints of the -rose, reflects, when viewed[2004] sideways and held up to the light, -the shades that are found in the Tyrian purple,[2005] and the colours -of the dibapha[2006] and Laconian cloths: the amethystine colour, which -is borrowed from the violet, and to which, bordering as it does on the -purple, we have given the name of “ianthinum”[2007]—it must, however, -be remembered, that we here give a general name to a colour which is -subdivided into numerous tints[2008]—and a third, properly known as -the “conchyliated” colour, but which comprehends a variety of shades, -such, for instance, as the tints of the heliotropium, and others of a -deeper colour, the hues of the mallow, inclining to a full purple, and -the colours of the late[2009] violet; this last being the most vivid, -in fact, of all the conchyliated tints. The rival colours being now set -side by side, Nature and luxury may enter the lists, to vie for the -mastery. - -I find it stated that, in the most ancient times, yellow was held -in the highest esteem, but was reserved exclusively for the nuptial -veils[2010] of females; for which reason it is perhaps that we do not -find it included among the principal colours, those being used in -common by males and females: indeed, it is the circumstance of their -being used by both sexes in common that gives them their rank as -principal colours. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—THE AMARANTH. - - -There is no doubt that all the efforts of art are surpassed by -the amaranth,[2011] which is, to speak correctly, rather a purple -ear[2012] than a flower, and, at the same time, quite inodorous. It is -a marvellous feature in this plant, that it takes a delight in being -gathered; indeed, the more it is plucked, the better it grows. It comes -into flower in the month of August, and lasts throughout the autumn. -The finest of all is the amaranth of Alexandria, which is generally -gathered for keeping; for it is a really marvellous[2013] fact, that -when all the other flowers have gone out, the amaranth, upon being -dipped in water, comes to life again: it is used also for making -winter chaplets. The peculiar quality of the amaranth is sufficiently -indicated by its name, it having been so called from the circumstance -that it never fades.[2014] - - - - -CHAP. 24.—THE CYANOS: THE HOLOCHRYSOS. - - -The name,[2015] too, of the cyanos[2016] indicates its colour, and -so does that of the holochrysos.[2017] None of these flowers were in -use in the time of Alexander the Great, for the authors, we find, who -flourished at a period immediately after his decease, have made not the -slightest mention of them; from which circumstance it is very clear -that they only came into fashion at a later period. Still, however, -who can entertain any doubt that they were first introduced by the -Greeks, from the fact that Italy has only their Greek names by which to -designate them? - - - - -CHAP. 25.—THE PETILIUM: THE BELLIO. - - -But, by Hercules! it is Italy herself that has given its name to the -petilium,[2018] an autumnal flower, which springs up in the vicinity -of thorny brakes, and recommends itself solely by its colour, which is -that of the wild rose. The petals of it are small, and five in number; -and it is a remarkable circumstance in this plant, that the head of it -droops at first, and it is only after it becomes erect that the petals -make their appearance, forming a small corolla of various colours, -enclosing a yellow seed. - -The bellio,[2019] too, is a yellow flower, formed of[2020] fifty-five -filaments circularly arranged, in the shape of a chaplet. These are, -both of them, meadow flowers, which are mostly of no use whatever, and -consequently without names: even the flowers just mentioned are known -sometimes by one name, and sometimes by another. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—THE CHRYSOCOME, OR CHRYSITIS. - - -The chrysocome,[2021] or chrysitis, has no Latin appellation: it is a -palm in height, the flowers forming clusters of a golden colour. The -root of it is black, and it has a taste both rough and sweet: it is -found growing in stony and umbrageous spots. - - - - -CHAP. 27. (9.)—SHRUBS, THE BLOSSOMS OF WHICH ARE USED FOR CHAPLETS. - - -Having thus passed in review nearly all the best-known colours, we must -now give our attention to the chaplets which are pleasing merely on -account of the variety of their materials. Of such chaplets there are -two kinds, one composed of flowers, the other of leaves. The flowers -so employed, I may say, are those of broom[2022]—the yellow blossom -gathered from it—the rhododendron,[2023] and the jujube,[2024] also -known as the tree of Cappadocia, which bears an odoriferous flower -similar to that of the olive. Among the brambles, too, we find the -cyclaminum growing, of which we shall have to speak more at length on -a future occasion:[2025] its flower, which reflects the hues of the -purple of Colossæ,[2026] is used as an ingredient in chaplets. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—SHRUBS, THE LEAVES OF WHICH ARE USED FOR CHAPLETS. - - -The leaves, also, of smilax and ivy are employed in chaplets; indeed, -the clusters of these plants are held in the very highest esteem for -this purpose: we have already[2027] spoken of them at sufficient length -when treating of the shrubs. There are also other kinds of shrubs, -which can only be indicated by their Greek names, little attention -having been paid by the framers of our language to this branch of -nomenclature. Most of them grow in foreign countries, it is true; but -still, it is our duty to make some mention of them, as it is of Nature -in general that we are speaking, and not of Italy in particular. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—THE MELOTHRON, SPIRÆA, AND ORIGANUM. THE CNEORUM OR CASSIA; -TWO VARIETIES OF IT. THE MELISSOPHYLLUM OR MELITTÆNA. THE MELILOTE, -OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CAMPANIAN GARLAND. - - -Thus it is, that we find employed for chaplets, the leaves of the -melothron,[2028] spiræa,[2029] origanum,[2030] cneorum,[2031] by -Hyginus called “cassia,” conyza or cunilago,[2032] melissophyllon -or apiastrum,[2033] and melilote, known to us by the name of -“Campanian[2034] garland,” the best kind of melilote[2035] in Italy -being that of Campania, in Greece that of Cape Sunium, and next to -that the produce of Chalcidice and Crete: but wherever this plant -grows it is only to be found in rugged and wild localities. The name -“sertula” or “garland,” which it bears, sufficiently proves that this -plant was formerly much used in the composition of chaplets. The smell, -as well as the flower, closely resembles that of saffron, though the -stem itself is white; the shorter and more fleshy the leaves, the more -highly it is esteemed. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—THREE VARIETIES OF TREFOIL: THE MYOPHONUM. - - -The leaves of trefoil also are employed for making chaplets. There -are three varieties: the first being called by the Greeks sometimes -“minyanthes,”[2036] and sometimes “asphaltion;” the leaves of it, -which the garland-makers employ, are larger than those of the other -kinds. The second variety, known as the “oxytriphyllon,”[2037] has -a pointed leaf; and the third has the smallest leaf of them all. -Among these plants there are some which have a tough, sinewy stem, -such as marathron,[2038] for instance, hippomarathron,[2039] and the -myophonum.[2040] The umbels, too, of fennel-giant and the purple -flowers[2041] of the ivy are employed for this purpose; as also another -kind of ivy very similar to the wild rose,[2042] the colour only of -which is attractive, the flower being quite inodorous. There are also -two[2043] varieties used of the cneorum, the black and the white, this -last being odoriferous: they are both of them provided with branches, -and they blossom after the autumnal equinox.[2044] - -(10.) There are the same number of varieties, also, of origanum -employed in making chaplets, one of which is destitute of seed, the -other, which is also odoriferous, being known as the Cretan[2045] -origanum. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—TWO VARIETIES OF THYME. PLANTS PRODUCED FROM BLOSSOMS AND NOT -FROM SEED. - - -There are also as many varieties of thyme[2046] employed, the one -white, the other dark:[2047] it flowers about the summer solstice, when -the bees cull from it. From this plant a sort of augury is derived, -as to how the honey is likely to turn out: for the bee-keepers have -reason to look for a large crop when the thyme blossoms in considerable -abundance. Thyme receives great injury from showers of rain, and is -very apt to shed its blossom. The seed of thyme is so minute[2048] as -to be imperceptible, and yet that of origanum, which is also extremely -minute, does not escape the sight. But what matters it that Nature has -thus concealed it from our view? For we have reason to conclude that -it exists in the flower itself; which, when sown in the ground, gives -birth to the plant—what is there, in fact, that the industry of man has -left untried? - -The honey of Attica is generally looked upon as the best in all the -world; for which reason it is that the thyme of that country has been -transplanted, being reproduced, as already stated, with the greatest -difficulty, from the blossom. But there is also another peculiarity -in the nature of the thyme of Attica, which has greatly tended to -frustrate these attempts—it will never live except in the vicinity -of breezes from the sea. In former times, it was the general belief -that this is the case with all kinds of thyme, and that this is the -reason why it does not grow in Arcadia:[2049] at a period when it was -universally supposed, too, that the olive never grows beyond three -hundred stadia[2050] from the sea. But, at the present day, we know -for certain that in the province of Gallia Narbonensis the Stony -Plains[2051] are quite overgrown with thyme; this being, in fact, the -only source of revenue to those parts, thousands of sheep[2052] being -brought thither from distant countries to browse upon the plant. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—CONYZA. - - -There are two varieties of conyza, also, employed in making chaplets, -the male[2053] plant and the female. The difference consists in the -leaves, those of the female plant being thinner, more tapering, and -narrower, and those of the male being of an imbricated shape, the plant -having a greater number of branches. The blossom, too, of the male -plant is more vivid than that of the female: in both kinds it is late -in making its appearance, not till after the rising of Arcturus. - -The smell of the male conyza is more powerful than that of the female -plant: the latter, however, is of a more penetrating nature, for which -reason it is that the female plant is held in higher esteem for the -treatment of the bites of animals. The leaves of the female plant have -exactly the smell of honey; and the root of the male has received the -name of “libanotis” from some: we have already made mention[2054] of it -on a previous occasion. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—THE FLOWER OF JOVE. THE HEMEROCALLES. THE HELENIUM. THE -PHLOX. PLANTS IN WHICH THE BRANCHES AND ROOTS ARE ODORIFEROUS. - - -Of the following plants, too, it is only the leaves that are -employed for chaplets—the flower of Jove,[2055] the amaracus, -the hemerocalles,[2056] the abrotonum, the helenium,[2057] -sisymbrium,[2058] and wild thyme, all of them ligneous plants, growing -in a manner similar to the rose. The flower of Jove is pleasing only -for its colours, being quite inodorous; which is the case also with the -plant known by the Greek name of “phlox.”[2059] All the plants, too, -which we have just mentioned are odoriferous, both in the branches and -the leaves, with the sole exception of wild thyme.[2060] The helenium -is said to have had its origin in the tears of Helen, and hence it -is that the kind grown in the island of Helena[2061] is so highly -esteemed. It is a shrub which throws out its tiny branches along the -ground, some nine inches in length, with a leaf very similar to that of -wild thyme. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—THE ABROTONUM. THE ADONIUM: TWO VARIETIES OF IT. PLANTS WHICH -REPRODUCE THEMSELVES. THE LEUCANTHEMUM. - - -The flower of the abrotonum,[2062] which makes its appearance in -summer, has a powerful but agreeable smell; it is of a bright golden -colour. Left to range at large, it reproduces itself by layers from the -tops of the branches: but when it is propagated by the hand of man, -it is better to grow it from the seed than from the roots or slips, -though even from the seed it is not grown without considerable trouble. -The young plants are transplanted in summer, which is the case also -with the adonium.[2063] They are both of them plants of a very chilly -nature, though, at the same time, they are apt to receive injury if too -much exposed to the sun: when, however, they have gained sufficient -strength, they throw out branches like those of rue. - -The leucanthemum[2064] has a similar smell to that of the abrotonum: it -is a foliated plant, with a white flower. - - - - -CHAP. 35. (11.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE AMARACUS. - - -Diocles, the physician, and the people of Sicily have given the name of -“amaracus” to the plant known in Egypt and Syria as sampsuchum.[2065] -It is reproduced two ways, from seed and from cuttings, being more -long-lived than the preceding plants, and possessed of a more agreeable -smell. The amaracus, like the abrotonum, has a great abundance of seed, -but while the abrotonum has a single root, which penetrates deep into -the ground, those of the other plant adhere but lightly to the surface -of the earth. Those of the other plants which love the shade, water, -and manure, are generally set at the beginning of autumn, and even, in -some localities, in spring. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—THE NYCTEGRETON, CHENOMYCHE, OR NYCTALOPS. - - -Democritus has regarded the nyctegreton[2066] as one of the most -singular of plants. According to that author, it is of a dark red -colour, has leaves like those of a thorn, and creeps upon the ground. -He says that it grows in Gedrosia[2067] more particularly, and that -it is taken up by the roots immediately after the vernal equinox, -and dried in the moonlight for thirty days; after which preparation -it emits light by night. He states also, that the Magi and the kings -of Parthia employ this plant in their ceremonies when they make a -vow to perform an undertaking; that another name given to it is -“chenomyche,”[2068] from the circumstance that, at the very sight of -it, geese will manifest the greatest alarm; and that by some persons, -again, it is known as the “nyctalops,”[2069] from the light which it -emits at a considerable distance by night. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—WHERE THE MELILOTE IS FOUND. - - -The melilote[2070] is found growing everywhere, though that of Attica -is held in the highest esteem. In all countries, however, it is -preferred when fresh gathered; that too, the colour of which is not -white, but approaches as nearly as possible to the colour of saffron. -In Italy, however, it is the white kind that is the most odoriferous. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE SUCCESSION IN WHICH FLOWERS BLOSSOM: THE SPRING FLOWERS. -THE VIOLET. THE CHAPLET ANEMONE. THE ŒNANTHE. THE MELANION. THE -HELICHRYSOS. THE GLADIOLUS. THE HYACINTH. - - -The first of the flowers that announce the approach of spring is the -white[2071] violet; indeed, in warm localities, it is seen peeping out -in the winter even. Next to it comes the violet known as the ion, and -the purple violet; then the flame-coloured flower, the name of which is -phlox,[2072] but only the wild one. The cyclaminum[2073] blossoms twice -a year, in spring and autumn, standing equally in awe as it does of -summer and of winter. The narcissus and the lily, in the parts beyond -sea, are a little later than the preceding plants: but in Italy, as -we have already[2074] stated, they are in blossom with the rose. In -Greece, too, the anemone[2075] blooms even later; it is the flower of -a wild bulb, and is altogether different from the one[2076] which we -shall have occasion to mention among the medicinal plants. - -Next, after these, come the œnanthe,[2077] the melanion,[2078] -and, among the wild plants, the helichrysos;[2079] then, another -kind of anemone, known as the “limonia,”[2080] and after that the -gladiolus,[2081] accompanied by the hyacinth. Last of all, among the -spring flowers, is the rose, which, with the exception indeed of the -cultivated kinds, is also the first to fade. Among the others, the -flowers which last the longest, are the hyacinth, the white violet, -and the œnanthe; but to make this last keep any time in flower, it is -necessary to gather it repeatedly, to prevent it from running to seed. -The œnanthe grows in warm localities, and has exactly the smell of the -vine when in blossom, to which circumstance it is indebted for its name. - -There are two fabulous stories attached to the hyacinth;[2082] -according to one of them, it bears the impress of the grief[2083] which -Apollo felt for the youth[2084] whom he had so tenderly loved; and we -learn from the other, that it derives its name from the blood[2085] of -Ajax, the veins being so arranged in the flower as to form the Greek -letters ΑΙ inscribed upon it. - -The helichrysos has a flower resembling gold in appearance, a small -leaf, and a fine, slender, but hard, stem. According to the Magi, the -person who crowns himself with a chaplet composed of this flower, and -takes his unguents from a box of gold, of the kind generally known -as “apyron,”[2086] will be sure to secure esteem and glory among his -fellowmen. Such are the flowers of spring. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—THE SUMMER FLOWERS—THE LYCHNIS: THE TIPHYON. TWO VARIETIES -OF THE POTHOS. TWO VARIETIES OF THE ORSINUM. THE VINCAPERVINCA OR -CHAMÆDAPHNE—A PLANT WHICH IS AN EVER-GREEN. - - -The summer flowers come next, the lychnis[2087] the flower of Jove, -and another kind of lily,[2088] as also the tiphyon[2089] and the -amaracus, surnamed that of Phrygia. Put the most remarkable flower of -all is the pothos,[2090] of which there are two varieties, one with the -flower of the hyacinth,[2091] and another with a white flower, which is -generally found growing about graves, and is better able to stand bad -weather. The iris,[2092] also, blossoms in summer. All these flowers -pass away, however, and fade; upon which others assume their places -in autumn, a third kind of lily,[2093] for instance, saffron, and two -varieties of the orsinum[2094]—one of them inodorous and the other -scented—making their appearance, all of them, as soon as the first -autumnal showers fall. - -The garland-makers employ the flowers of the thorn[2095] even for -making chaplets; the tender shoots, too, of the white thorn are -sometimes preserved as a choice morsel[2096] to tempt the palate. - -Such is the succession of the summer flowers in the parts beyond sea: -in Italy, the violet is succeeded by the rose, the lily comes on while -the rose is still in flower, the cyanus[2097] succeeds the rose, and -the amaranth the cyanus. As to the vincapervinca,[2098] it is an -evergreen, the branches from which run out like so many strings, the -leaves surrounding the stem at each of the knots: though more generally -used for the purposes of ornamental gardening, it is sometimes employed -in chaplets when there is a deficiency of other flowers. From the -Greeks this plant has received the name of “chamædaphne.” - - - - -CHAP. 40.—THE DURATION OF LIFE IN THE VARIOUS KINDS OF FLOWERS. - - -At the very utmost, the white[2099] violet never lasts longer than -three years: should it exceed that period, it is sure to degenerate. -The rose-tree will last so long as five years without being pruned or -cauterized,[2100] methods by which it is made to grow young again. -We have already stated[2101] that the nature of the soil is of the -very greatest importance; for in Egypt, we find, all these plants are -perfectly inodorous, and it is only the myrtle that has any particular -smell. In some countries, too, the germination of all the plants -precedes that in other parts of the world by so long a period as two -months even. The rose-beds should be well spaded immediately after -the west winds begin to prevail, and, a second time, at the summer -solstice: every care, however, should be paid, between these two -periods, to keeping the ground well raked and cleaned. - - - - -CHAP. 41. (12.)—PLANTS WHICH SHOULD BE SOWN AMONG FLOWERS FOR BEES. THE -CERINTHA. - - -Bees and beehives, too, are a subject extremely well suited to a -description of gardens and garland plants, while, at the same time, -where they are successfully managed, they are a source, without -any great outlay, of very considerable profit. For bees, then, the -following plants should be grown—thyme, apiastrum, the rose, the -various violets, the lily, the cytisus, the bean, the fitch, cunila, -the poppy, conyza,[2102] cassia, the melilote, melissophyllum,[2103] -and the cerintha.[2104] This last is a plant with a white leaf, bent -inwards, the stem of it being a cubit in height, with a flower at -the top presenting a concavity full of a juice like honey. Bees are -remarkably fond of the flowers of these plants, as also the blossoms -of mustard, a thing that is somewhat surprising, seeing that it is a -well-known fact that they will not so much as touch the blossoms of -the olive: for which reason, it will be as well to keep that tree at a -distance from them.[2105] - -There are other trees, again, which should be planted as near the hives -as possible, as they attract the swarm when it first wings its flight, -and so prevent the bees from wandering to any considerable distance. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—THE MALADIES OF BEES, AND THE REMEDIES FOR THEM. - - -The greatest care, too, should be taken to keep the cornel[2106] at -a distance from the hives; for if the bees once taste the blossoms -of it, they will speedily die of flux and looseness. The best remedy -in such case is to give them sorb apples beaten up with honey, or -else human urine or that of oxen, or pomegranate seeds moistened with -Aminean[2107] wine. It is a very good plan, too, to plant broom about -the hives, the bees being extremely fond of the blossoms. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—THE FOOD OF BEES. - - -In relation to the food of bees, I have ascertained a very singular -fact, and one that well deserves to be mentioned. There is a village, -called Hostilia, on the banks of the river Padus: the inhabitants of -it, when food[2108] fails the bees in their vicinity, place the hives -in boats and convey them some five miles up the river in the night. In -the morning the bees go forth to feed, and then return to the boats; -their locality being changed from day to day, until at last, as the -boats sink deeper and deeper in the water, it is ascertained that -the hives are full, upon which they are taken home, and the honey is -withdrawn. - -(13.) In Spain, too, for the same purpose, they have the hives carried -from place to place on the backs of mules. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—POISONED HONEY, AND THE REMEDIES TO BE EMPLOYED BY THOSE WHO -HAVE EATEN OF IT. - - -Indeed, the food of bees is of the very greatest importance, as -it is owing to this that we meet with poisonous[2109] honey even. -At Heraclia[2110] in Pontus, the honey is extremely pernicious in -certain years, though it is the same bees that make it at other times. -Authors, however, have not informed us from what flowers this honey is -extracted; we shall, therefore, take this opportunity of stating what -we have ascertained upon the subject. - -There is a certain plant which, from the circumstance that it proves -fatal to beasts of burden, and to goats in particular, has obtained -the name of “ægolethron,”[2111] and the blossoms of which, steeped -in the rains of a wet spring, contract most noxious properties. Hence -it is that it is not every year that these dangerous results are -experienced. The following are the signs of the honey being[2112] -poisonous: it never thickens, the colour is redder than usual, and it -emits a peculiar smell which immediately produces sneezing; while, -at the same time, it is more weighty than a similar quantity of good -honey. Persons, when they have eaten of it, throw themselves on the -ground to cool the body, which is bathed with a profuse perspiration. -There are numerous remedies, of which we shall have occasion to speak -in a more appropriate place;[2113] but as it will be as well to mention -some of them on the present occasion, by way of being provided for such -insidious accidents, I will here state that old honied wine is good, -mixed with the finest honey and rue; salt meats, also, taken repeatedly -in small quantities, and as often brought up again. - -It is a well-known fact that dogs, after tasting the excretions of -persons suffering from these attacks, have been attacked with similar -symptoms, and have experienced the same kind of pains. - -Still, however, it is equally well ascertained, that honied wine -prepared from this honey, when old, is altogether innoxious; and that -there is nothing better than this honey, mixed with costus,[2114] -for softening the skin of females, or, combined with aloes, for the -treatment of bruises. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—MADDENING HONEY. - - -In the country of the Sanni, in the same part of Pontus, there is -another kind of honey, which, from the madness it produces, has -received the name of “mænomenon.”[2115] This evil effect is generally -attributed to the flowers of the rhododendron,[2116] with which the -woods there abound; and that people, though it pays a tribute to -the Romans in wax, derives no profit whatever from its honey, in -consequence of these dangerous properties. In Persis, too, and in -Gætulia, a district of Mauritania Cæsariensis, bordering on the -country of the Massæsyli, there are poisonous honeycombs found; and -some, too, only partly so,[2117] one of the most insidious things that -possibly could happen, were it not that the livid colour of the honey -gives timely notice of its noxious qualities. What can we suppose to -have possibly been the intention of Nature in thus laying these traps -in our way, giving us honey that is poisonous in some years and good -in others, poisonous in some parts of the combs and not in others, and -that, too, the produce in all cases of the self-same bees? It was not -enough, forsooth, to have produced a substance in which poison might -be administered without the slightest difficulty, but must she herself -administer it as well in the honey, to fall in the way of so many -animated beings? What, in fact, can have been her motive, except to -render mankind a little more cautious and somewhat less greedy? - -And has she not provided the very bees, too, with pointed weapons, -and those weapons poisoned to boot? So it is, and I shall, therefore, -without delay, set forth the remedies to counteract the effects of -their stings. It will be found a very excellent plan to foment the part -stung with the juice of mallows[2118] or of ivy leaves, or else for the -person who has been stung to take these juices in drink. It is a very -astonishing thing, however, that the insects which thus carry these -poisons in their mouths and secrete them, should never die themselves -in consequence; unless it is that Nature, that mistress of all things, -has given to bees the same immunity from the effects of poison which -she has granted against the attacks of serpents to the Psylli[2119] and -the Marsi among men. - - - - -CHAP. 46. (14.)—HONEY THAT FLIES WILL NOT TOUCH. - - -Another marvellous fact, again, connected with honey in Crete. Upon -Mount Carina in that island, which is nine miles in circuit, there -is not a fly to be found, and the honey that is made there no fly -will touch.[2120] It is by this circumstance that honey said to have -come from that district is usually tested, it being highly prized for -medicinal preparations. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—BEEHIVES, AND THE ATTENTION WHICH SHOULD BE PAID TO THEM. - - -The hives ought to have an aspect due east,[2121] but never looking -towards the north-east or the west. The best hives are those made of -bark, the next best those of fennel-giant, and the next of osier: many -persons, too, have them made of mirror-stone,[2122] for the purpose of -watching[2123] the bees at work within. It is the best plan to anoint -the hives all over with cow-dung. The lid of the hive should be made -to slide from behind, so as to admit of being shut to within, in case -the hive should prove too large or their labours unproductive; for, if -this is not done, the bees are apt to become discouraged and abandon -their work. The slide may then be gradually withdrawn, the increase -of space being imperceptible to the bees as the work progresses. In -winter, too, the hives should be covered with straw, and subjected -to repeated fumigations, with burnt cow-dung more particularly. As -this is of kindred[2124] origin with the bees, the smoke produced -by it is particularly beneficial in killing all such insects as may -happen to breed there, such as spiders, for instance, moths,[2125] -and wood-worms;[2126] while, at the same time, it stimulates the bees -themselves to increased activity. In fact, there is little difficulty -in getting rid of the spiders, but to destroy the moths, which are a -much greater plague, a night must be chosen in spring, just when the -mallow is ripening, there being no moon, but a clear sky: flambeaux -are then lighted before the hives, upon which the moths precipitate -themselves in swarms into the flame. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—THAT BEES ARE SENSIBLE OF HUNGER. - - -If it is found that the bees are in want of aliment, it will be a good -plan to place at the entrance of the hive raisins or dried figs beaten -up,[2127] as also carded wool soaked in raisin wine, boiled[2128] must, -or hydromel, and sometimes even the raw[2129] flesh of poultry. In -certain summers, too, when long-continued drought has deprived them of -the nutriment which they usually derive from flowers, similar food must -be provided for them. - -When the honey is taken, the outlets of the hive should be well rubbed -with melissophyllum or broom,[2130] beaten up, or else the middle of it -should be encircled with bands of white vine, to prevent the bees from -taking to flight. It is recommended, too, that the honey-pots and combs -should be washed with water: this water, boiled, it is said, will make -an extremely wholesome vinegar.[2131] - - - - -CHAP. 49.—THE METHOD OF PREPARING WAX. THE BEST KINDS OF WAX. PUNIC WAX. - - -Wax is made[2132] from the honeycombs after the honey has been -extracted. For this purpose, they are first cleaned with water, and -then dried three days in the shade: on the fourth day they are melted -on the fire in a new earthen vessel, with sufficient water to cover -them, after which the liquor is strained off in a wicker basket.[2133] -The wax is then boiled again with the same water and in the same pot, -and poured into vessels of cold water, the interior of which has been -well rubbed with honey. The best wax is that known as Punic[2134] wax, -the next best being that of a remarkably yellow colour, with the smell -of honey. This last comes from Pontus, and, to my surprise, it is in -no way affected by the poisonous honey which it has contained.[2135] -The next in quality is the Cretan wax, which contains the largest -proportion of propolis,[2136] a substance of which we have previously -made mention when treating of bees. Next to these varieties comes the -Corsican wax, which, being the produce of the box-tree, is generally -thought to be possessed of certain medicinal properties. - -The Punic wax is prepared in the following manner: yellow wax is first -blanched in the open air, after which it is boiled in water from the -open sea, with the addition of some nitre.[2137] The flower of the wax, -or, in other words, the whitest part of it, is then skimmed off with -spoons, and poured into a vessel containing a little cold water. After -this, it is again boiled in sea-water by itself, which done, the vessel -is left to cool. When this operation has been three times repeated, the -wax is left in the open air upon a mat of rushes, to dry in the light -of the sun and moon; for while the latter adds to its whiteness, the -sun helps to dry[2138] it. In order, however, that it may not melt, -it is the practice to cover it with a linen cloth: if, when it has -been thus refined, it is boiled once more, the result is a wax of the -greatest possible whiteness. - -Punic wax is considered the best for all medicinal preparations. Wax -is made black by the addition of ashes of papyrus, and a red colour is -given to it by the admixture of alkanet; indeed, by the employment of -various pigments, it is made to assume various tints, in which state it -is used for making models,[2139] and for other purposes without number, -among which we may mention varnishing walls[2140] and armour, to -protect them from the air. We have given the other particulars relative -to bees and honey, when speaking[2141] of the nature of those insects. -We have now stated pretty nearly all that we have to say on the subject -of the pleasure garden. - - - - -CHAP. 50. (15.)—PLANTS WHICH GROW SPONTANEOUSLY: THE USE MADE OF THEM -BY VARIOUS NATIONS, THEIR NATURE, AND REMARKABLE FACTS CONNECTED WITH -THEM. THE STRAWBERRY, THE TAMNUS, AND THE BUTCHER’S BROOM. THE BATIS, -TWO VARIETIES OF IT. THE MEADOW PARSNIP. THE HOP. - - -We now come to the plants which grow spontaneously, and which are -employed as an aliment by most nations, the people of Egypt in -particular, where they abound in such vast quantities, that, extremely -prolific as that country is in corn, it is perhaps the only one that -could subsist without it: so abundant are its resources in the various -kinds of food to be obtained from plants. - -In Italy, however, we are acquainted with but very few of them; those -few being the strawberry,[2142] the tamnus,[2143] the butcher’s -broom,[2144] the sea[2145] batis, and the garden batis,[2146] known by -some persons as Gallic asparagus; in addition to which we may mention -the meadow parsnip[2147] and the hop,[2148] which may be rather termed -amusements for the botanist than articles of food. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—THE COLOCASIA. - - -But the plant of this nature that is the most famous in Egypt is the -colocasia,[2149] known as the “cyamos”[2150] to some. It is gathered -in the river Nilus, and the stalk of it, boiled, separates[2151] -into fine filaments when chewed, like those of the spider’s web. The -head,[2152] protruding from among the leaves, is very remarkable; and -the leaves, which are extremely large, even when compared with those -of trees, are very similar to those of the plant found in our rivers, -and known by the name of “personata.”[2153] So much do the people of -that country take advantage of the bounteousness displayed by their -river, that they are in the habit of plaiting[2154] the leaves of the -colocasia with such skill as to make vessels of various shapes, which -they are extremely fond of using for drinking vessels. At the present -day, however, this plant is cultivated in Italy.[2155] - - - - -CHAP. 52.—THE CICHORIUM. THE ANTHALIUM OR ANTICELLIUM, OR ANTHYLLUM. -THE ŒTUM. THE ARACHIDNA. THE ARACOS. THE CANDRYALA. THE HYPOCHŒRIS. THE -CAUCALIS. THE ANTHRISCUM. THE SCANDIX. THE TRAGOPOGON. THE PARTHENIUM -OR LEUCANTHES, AMARACUS, PERDICIUM, OR MURALIS. THE TRYCHNUM OR -STRYCHNUM, HALICACABUM, CALLIAS, DORYCNION, MANICON, PERITTON, NEURAS, -MORIO, OR MOLY. THE CORCHORUS. THE APHACE. THE ACYNOPOS. THE EPIPETRON. -PLANTS WHICH NEVER FLOWER. PLANTS WHICH ARE ALWAYS IN FLOWER. - - -In Egypt, next to the colocasia, it is the cichorium that is held in -the highest esteem, a plant which we have already spoken[2156] of -under the name of wild endive.[2157] It springs up after the rising of -the Vergiliæ, and the various portions of it blossom in succession: -the root is supple, and hence is used for making withes even. The -anthalium[2158] grows at a greater distance[2159] from the river; -the fruit of it is round,[2160] and about the size of a medlar, but -without either kernel or rind; the leaves of the plant are similar -to those of the cyperus. The people there eat the fruit of it cooked -upon the fire, as also of the œtum,[2161] a plant which has a few -leaves only, and those extremely diminutive, though the root is large -in proportion.[2162] The arachidna,[2163] again, and the aracos have -numerous branchy roots, but neither leaves nor any herbaceous parts, -nor, indeed, anything that makes its appearance above ground. - -The other plants that are commonly eaten in Egypt are the -chondrylla,[2164] the hypochœris,[2165] the caucalis,[2166] the -anthriscum,[2167] the scandix, the come, by some persons known as the -tragopogon,[2168] with leaves very similar to those of saffron, the -parthenium,[2169] the trychnum,[2170] and the corchorus;[2171] with -the aphace[2172] and acynopos,[2173] which make their appearance at -the equinox. There is a plant also, called the epipetron,[2174] which -never blossoms;[2175] while the aphace, on the other hand, as its -flowers die, from time to time puts forth fresh ones, and remains[2176] -in blossom throughout the winter and the spring, until the following -summer. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—FOUR VARIETIES OF THE CNECOS. - - -The Egyptians have many other plants also, of little note; but they -speak in the highest terms of the cnecos;[2177] a plant unknown to -Italy, and which the Egyptians hold in esteem, not as an article of -food, but for the oil it produces, and which is extracted from the -seed. The principal varieties are the wild and the cultivated kinds; -of the wild variety, again, there are two sorts, one of which is less -prickly[2178] than the other, but with a similar stem, only more -upright: hence it is that in former times females used it for distaffs, -from which circumstance it has received the name of “atractylis”[2179] -from some; the seed of it is white, large, and bitter. The other -variety[2180] is more prickly, and has a more sinewy stem, which may -be said almost to creep upon the ground; the seed is small. The cnecos -belongs to the thorny plants: indeed, it will be as well to make some -classification of them. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—PLANTS OF A PRICKLY NATURE: THE ERYNGE, THE GLYCYRRIZA, THE -TRIBULUS, THE ANONIS, THE PHEOS OR STŒBE, AND THE HIPPOPHAES. - - -For some plants, in fact, are thorny, while others, again, are -destitute of prickles: the species of thorny plants are very numerous. -The asparagus[2181] and the scorpio[2182] are essentially thorny -plants, having no leaves at all upon them. Some plants, again, that -are prickly have leaves as well, such as the thistle, for instance, the -erynge,[2183] the glycyrriza,[2184] and the nettle;[2185] all these -plants being provided with leaves that prick or sting. - -Some plants have thorns at the base of their leaves, the tribulus[2186] -and the anonis[2187] for instance; others, again, have thorns, not -on the leaves but on the stem, the pheos[2188] for example, known as -the stœbe to some. The hippophaës[2189] has thorns at the joints; the -tribulus presents the peculiarity of bearing a fruit that is thorny. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—FOUR VARIETIES OF THE NETTLE. THE LAMIUM AND THE SCORPIO. - - -But of all these plants, it is the nettle that is the best known -to us, the calyces[2190] of the blossoms of which produce a purple -down: it frequently exceeds two cubits even in height.[2191] There -are numerous varieties of this plant; the wild nettle, known also as -the female nettle, does not inflict so bad a sting as the others. -Among the several varieties of the wild nettle, the one known as the -dog[2192]-nettle, stings the worst, the stem of it even possessing -that property; the leaves of the nettle are indented at the edge. There -is one kind also, which emits a smell, known as the Herculanean[2193] -nettle. The seed of all the nettles is copious, and black. It is -a singular fact that, though possessed of no spinous points, the -down[2194] of the nettle is of a noxious nature, and that, though ever -so lightly touched, it will immediately produce an itching sensation, -and raise a blister on the flesh similar in appearance to a burn: the -well-known remedy for it is olive oil. - -The stinging property of the nettle does not belong to the plant at -the earliest period of its growth, but only developes itself under the -influence of the sun. The plant first begins to grow in the spring, at -which period it is by no means a disagreeable food;[2195] indeed, it -has become quite a religious observance to employ it as such, under -the impression that it is a preventive from diseases the whole year -through. The root, too, of the wild nettle, has the effect of rendering -all meat more tender that is boiled with it.[2196] The kind that is -innoxious and destitute of all stinging properties, is known as the -“lamium.”[2197] Of the scorpio[2198] we shall have occasion to speak -when treating of the medicinal plants. - - - - -CHAP. 56. (16).—THE CARDUUS, THE ACORNA, THE PHONOS, THE LEUCACANTHOS, -THE CHALCEOS, THE CNECOS, THE POLYACANTHOS, THE ONOPYXOS, THE HELXINE, -THE SCOLYMOS, THE CHAMÆLEON, THE TETRALIX, AND ACANTHICE MASTICHE. - - -The carduus[2199] has leaves and a stem covered with a prickly -down; the same is the case, too, with the acorna,[2200] the -leucacanthos,[2201] the chalceos,[2202] the cnecos,[2203] the -polyacanthos,[2204] the onopyxos,[2205] the helxine,[2206] and the -scolymos;[2207] the chamæleon,[2208] however, has no prickles upon the -leaves. There is, however, this difference among these plants, that -some of them have numerous stems and branches, such as the carduus, for -instance; while others, again, have a single stem and no branches, the -cnecos, for example. Some, again, such as the erynge,[2209] are prickly -at the head only; and some blossom in the summer, the tetralix and -the helxine, for instance. The scolymos blossoms late, and remains a -considerable period in flower: the acorna being distinguished only for -its red colour and its unctuous juice. The atractylis would be similar -in every respect to the last, were it not that it is somewhat whiter, -and produces a juice the colour of blood, a circumstance to which it -owes the name of “phonos,”[2210] given to it by some. The smell of -this plant is powerful, and the seed only ripens at a late period, and -never before autumn, although the same may be said of all the prickly -plants, in fact. All of them are capable, however, of being reproduced -from either seed or root. - -The scolymos, which belongs to the thistle[2211] genus, differs from -the rest of them in the circumstance that the root of it is boiled -and eaten. It is a singular fact that this genus of plants bears -blossoms, buds, and fruit the whole of the summer through, without any -interruption: when the leaf is dried, the prickles lose their pungency. -The helxine is a plant but rarely seen, and in some countries only. -It throws out leaves at the root, from the middle of which there is a -protuberance in the shape of an apple, covered with leaves of its own: -the head of it contains a thick juice of a sweet flavour, the name -given to which is “acanthice mastiche.”[2212] - - - - -CHAP. 57.—THE CACTOS; THE PTERNIX, PAPPUS, AND ASCALIAS. - - -The cactos,[2213] too, is a plant that grows only in Sicily, having -peculiar characteristics of its own: the root throws out stalks which -creep along the ground, the leaves being broad and thorny. The name -given to these stalks is “cactos,” and they are not disliked as an -article of food,[2214] even when old. The plant, however, has one stem -which grows upright, and is known by the name of “pternix;” it has the -same sweet flavour as the other parts, though it will not keep. The -seed of it is covered with a kind of down, known as “pappus:”[2215] -when this is removed, as well as the rind[2216] of the fruit, it -is tender, and like the pith of the palm: the name given to it is -“ascalias.” - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE TRIBULUS: THE ANONIS. - - -The tribulus[2217] grows nowhere except in marshy places: though held -in abomination elsewhere,[2218] it is employed on the banks of the -Nilus and Strymon as an article of food. It always bends towards the -water, and has a leaf like that of the elm, with a long stalk. In other -parts of the world there are two varieties of this plant; the one[2219] -with leaves like those of the chicheling vetch, the other with leaves -protected by prickles. This last variety blossoms also at a later -period than the other, and is mostly found in the hedge-rows about -farm-houses. The seed of it is black, rounder than that of the other, -and enclosed in pods: that of the other variety bears a resemblance to -sand. - -Among the prickly plants there is also another kind, known as the -“anonis:”[2220] indeed, it has thorns upon the branches, to which -leaves are attached similar to those of rue, the stem being entirely -covered also with leaves, in form resembling a garland. It comes up -in land that has been newly ploughed, being highly prejudicial to the -corn, and long-lived in the extreme. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—PLANTS CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR STEMS: THE CORONOPUS, -THE ANCHUSA, THE ANTHEMIS, THE PHYLLANTHES, THE CREPIS, AND THE LOTUS. - - -Some, again, among the prickly plants have a stem which creeps along -the ground, that, for instance, known as the “coronopus.”[2221] On the -other hand, the anchusa,[2222] the root of which is employed for dyeing -wood and wax, has an upright stem; which is the case also with some of -the plants that are prickly in a less degree, the anthemis,[2223] for -example, the phyllanthes,[2224] the anemone, and the aphace:[2225] the -crepis,[2226] again, and the lotus,[2227] have a foliated stem. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—PLANTS CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR LEAVES. PLANTS WHICH -NEVER LOSE THEIR LEAVES: PLANTS WHICH BLOSSOM A LITTLE AT A TIME: THE -HELIOTROPIUM AND THE ADIANTUM, THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WHICH WILL BE -MENTIONED IN THE FOLLOWING BOOK. - - -The leaves of plants, as well as those of trees, differ from one -another in the length of the footstalk, and in the breadth or -narrowness of the leaf, and the angles and indentations perceptible on -its edge. Other differences are also constituted in respect of their -smell and blossom. The blossom remains on longer in some of those -plants which flower only a little at a time, such as the ocimum,[2228] -the heliotropium,[2229] the aphace, and the onochilis,[2230] for -example. - -(17.) Many of these plants, the same as certain among the trees, never -lose their leaves, the heliotropium,[2231] the adiantum[2232] and the -polium,[2233] for instance. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF EARED PLANTS: THE STANYOPS; THE -ALOPECUROS; THE STELEPHUROS, ORTYX, OR PLANTAGO; THE THRYALLIS. - - -The eared[2234] plants form another variety: among them we find the -cynops,[2235] the alopecuros,[2236] the stelephuros,[2237] also known -to some persons as the ortyx,[2238] and to others as the plantago, of -which last we shall have occasion[2239] to speak more at length among -the medicinal plants, and the thryallis.[2240] The alopecuros, among -these, has a soft ear and a thick down, not unlike a fox’s tail in -fact, to which resemblance it owes its name. The plant most like[2241] -it is the stelephuros, were it not that it blossoms only a little at -a time. In the cichorium and similar plants, the leaves are near the -ground, the buds springing from the root just after the rising of the -Vergiliæ.[2242] - - - - -CHAP. 62—THE PERDICIUM. THE ORNITHOGALE. - - -It is not in Egypt only that the perdicium[2243] is eaten; it owes its -name to the partridge,[2244] which bird is extremely fond of digging -it up. The roots of it are thick and very numerous: and so, too, with -the ornithogale,[2245] which has a tender white stalk, and a root -half a foot in thickness, bulbous, soft, and provided with three or -four other offsets attached to it. It is generally used boiled in -pottage.[2246] - - - - -CHAP. 63.—PLANTS WHICH ONLY MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE AT THE END OF A YEAR. -PLANTS WHICH BEGIN TO BLOSSOM AT THE TOP. PLANTS WHICH BEGIN TO BLOSSOM -AT THE LOWER PART. - - -It is a remarkable thing that the herb lotus[2247] and the -ægilops[2248] never make their appearance above ground till the end of -a year after the seed has been sown. The anthemis,[2249] too, offers -the singular peculiarity that it begins to blossom at the top, while in -all the other plants which flower gradually, it is at the lower part -that the blossom first makes its appearance. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—THE LAPPA, A PLANT WHICH PRODUCES WITHIN ITSELF. THE OPUNTIA, -WHICH THROWS OUT A ROOT FROM THE LEAF. - - -In the lappa,[2250] too, which clings so tenaciously, there is this -remarkable peculiarity, that within it there grows a flower, which does -not make its appearance, but remains concealed and there produces the -seed, like those among the animals which produce within themselves. In -the vicinity of Opus there grows a plant[2251] which is very pleasant -eating to man, and the leaf of which, a most singular thing, gives -birth to a root by means of which it reproduces itself. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—THE IASIONE. THE CHONDRYLLA. THE PICRIS, WHICH REMAINS IN -FLOWER THE WHOLE YEAR THROUGH. - - -The iasione[2252] has a single leaf only, but that so folded and -involved, as to have all the appearance of being several in number. -The chondrylla[2253] is bitter, and the juice of the root is of an -acrid taste. The aphace, too, is bitter, and so is the plant called -“picris,”[2254] which also remains in flower the whole year through: it -is to this bitterness that it is indebted for its name.[2255] - - - - -CHAP. 66.—PLANTS IN WHICH THE BLOSSOM MAKES ITS APPEARANCE BEFORE THE -STEM. PLANTS IN WHICH THE STEM APPEARS BEFORE THE BLOSSOM. PLANTS WHICH -BLOSSOM THREE TIMES IN THE YEAR. - - -The peculiarities also of the squill and saffron deserve remark; for -while all other plants put forth their leaves first, and then a round -stem, these show the stem before the leaf makes its appearance: in the -saffron, however, the blossom is protruded by the stem, but in the -squill it is the stem that first makes its appearance, and then the -flower emerges from it. This plant blossoms three times in the year, -indicating thereby, as previously stated,[2256] the three seasons for -ploughing. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—THE CYPIROS. THE THESION. - - -Some authors reckon among the bulbs the root of the cypiros, or -gladiolus;[2257] it is a pleasant food, and when boiled and kneaded up -with bread, makes it more agreeable to the taste, and at the same time -more weighty. Not unlike it in appearance is the plant known to us as -the “thesion,”[2258] but it is of an acrid flavour. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—THE ASPHODEL, OR ROYAL SPEAR. THE ANTHERICUS OR ALBUCUS. - - -Other plants of the bulbous kind differ in the leaf: that of the -asphodel[2259] is long and narrow, that of the squill broad and supple, -and the form of that of the gladiolus is bespoken by its name.[2260] -The asphodel is used as an article of food, the seed of it being -parched, and the bulb roasted;[2261] this last, however, should be -cooked in hot ashes, and then eaten with salt and oil. It is beaten -up also with figs, and forms, as Hesiod assures us, a very delicate -dish. It is said, too, that the asphodel, planted before the doors of a -farm-house, will act as a preservative against the effects of noxious -spells. - -Homer,[2262] too, makes mention of the asphodel. The bulbs of it are -like moderately-sized turnips, and there is no plant the root of which -has more of them, as many as eighty bulbs being often grouped together. -Theophrastus, and nearly all the Greek writers, with Pythagoras at -the head of them, have given the name of “anthericos” to its stem, -which is one cubit, and often two, in length, the leaves being very -similar to those of the wild leek; it is to the root, or in other -words, the bulbs, that they have given the name of asphodel. The people -of our country call this plant[2263] “albucus,” and they give the -name of “royal[2264] spear” to the asphodel the stem of which bears -berries,[2265] thus distinguishing two[2266] varieties of it. The -albucus has a stalk a cubit in length, large, naked, and smooth, in -reference to which, Mago recommends that it should be cut at the end -of March and the beginning of April, the period at which it blossoms, -and before the seed has begun to swell; he says, too, that the stalks -should be split, and exposed on the fourth day in the sun, after which, -when dry, they should be made up into bundles. - -The same author states, also, that the Greeks give the name of -“pistana” to the aquatic plant known to us as the “sagitta;”[2267] and -he recommends that it should be stripped of its bark, and dried in a -mild sun, between the ides of May[2268] and the end of October. He -says, too, that it is usual to cut down to the root, throughout all the -month of July, the variety of the gladiolus called “cypiros,” which is -a marsh-plant also, and at the end of three days to dry it in the sun, -until it turns white; but that care must be taken every day to carry it -under cover before sunset, the night dews being very injurious to marsh -plants when cut. - - - - -CHAP. 69. (18.)—SIX VARIETIES OF THE RUSH: FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM -THE CYPIROS. - - -Mago has likewise given similar recommendations as to the rush known to -us as the “mariscus,”[2269] and which is so extensively employed for -weaving mats. He says that it should be gathered in the month of June, -up to the middle of July, and for drying it he gives the same precepts -that have been already[2270] mentioned, in the appropriate place, when -speaking of sedge. He describes a second kind, also, which I find is -generally called the “marine” rush, and is known to the Greeks as the -“oxyschœnos.”[2271] - -Generally speaking, there are three varieties of this last rush: -the pointed rush, which is barren, and by the Greeks is called the -male rush and the “oxys:”[2272] the female rush,[2273] which bears -a black seed, and is called the “melancranis,”[2274] thicker and -more bushy than the preceding one: and a third kind, called the -“holoschœnus,”[2275] which is larger still. Of these varieties, the -melancranis grows separately from the others, but the oxys and the -holoschœnus will grow upon the self-same clod. The holoschœnus is the -most useful for all kinds of basket-work, being of a particularly -supple and fleshy nature; it bears a fruit, which resembles eggs -attached to one another. The rush, again, which we have spoken of as -the male rush,[2276] is reproduced from itself, the summit of it being -bent down into the earth; the melancranis, however, is propagated from -seed. Beyond this, the roots of all the varieties of the rush die every -year. - -The rush is in general use for making kipes[2277] for sea-fishing, the -more light and elegant kinds of basket-work, and the wicks of lamps, -for which last purpose the pith is more particularly employed.[2278] -In the vicinity of the maritime Alps, the rushes grow to such a vast -size, that when split they measure nearly an inch in diameter; while in -Egypt, on the other hand, they are so extremely fine, that the people -there make sieves of them, for which, indeed, there can be nothing -better. - -Some authors, again, distinguish another kind of rush, of a triangular -shape, to which they give the name of cyperos,[2279] though many -persons make no distinction between it and the “cypiros,” in -consequence of the resemblance of the names; for our own part, however, -we shall observe the distinction. The cypiros, as we have already[2280] -stated, is identical with the gladiolus, a plant with a bulbous root, -the most esteemed being those grown in the Isle of Crete, the next best -those of Naxos, and the next those of Phœnicia. The cypiros of Crete is -white, with an odour strongly resembling that of nard; the produce of -Naxos has a more pungent smell, that of Phœnicia but little odour of -any kind, and that of Ægypt none at all; for it grows in that country -as well. - -This plant disperses hard tumours of the body—for we shall here -begin to speak of the remedies derived from the various flowers and -odoriferous plants, they being, all of them, of very considerable -utility in medicine. As to the cypiros, then, I shall follow -Apollodorus, who forbids it to be taken in drink, though at the same -time he admits that it is extremely useful for calculi of the bladder, -and recommends it in fomentations for the face. He entertains no doubt, -however, that it is productive of abortion, and he mentions, as a -remarkable fact, that the barbarians,[2281] by inhaling the fumes of -this plant at the mouth, thereby diminish the volume of the spleen. -They never go out of the house, he says, till they have inhaled these -fumes, through the agency of which they daily become stronger and -stronger, and more robust. He states, also, that the cypiros, employed -as a liniment with oil, is an undoubted remedy for chafing of the skin, -and offensive odours of the arm-pits. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—THE CYPEROS: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. THE CYPERIS. THE CYPIRA. - - -The cyperos, as we have just stated, is a rush of angular shape, white -near the ground, and black and solid at the top. The lower leaves are -more slender than those of the leek, and those at the top are small, -with the seed of the plant lying between them. The root resembles a -black olive,[2282] and when it is of an oblong shape, the plant is -known as the “cyperis,”[2283] being employed in medicine to a great -extent. The cyperos most highly esteemed is that of the vicinity of -the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, the next best being that of Rhodes, the -next that of Theræ, and the worst of all that of Egypt, a circumstance -which tends greatly to add to the misunderstanding on the subject, as -that country produces the cypiros as well: but the cypiros which grows -there is extremely hard, and has hardly any smell at all, while all the -other[2284] varieties of it have an odour strongly resembling that of -nard. - -There is also an Indian plant, called the “cypira,”[2285] of a totally -different character, and similar to ginger in appearance; when chewed, -it has exactly the flavour of saffron. - -The cyperos, employed medicinally, is possessed of certain depilatory -properties. It is used in liniments for hang-nails and ulcerous sores -of the genitals and of all parts of the body which are of a humid -nature, ulcers of the mouth, for instance. The root of it is a very -efficacious remedy for the stings of serpents and scorpions. Taken in -drink, it removes obstructions of the uterus, but if employed in too -large doses, it is liable to cause prolapsus of that organ. It acts -also as a diuretic, and expels calculi of the bladder; properties which -render it extremely useful in dropsy. It is employed topically, also, -for serpiginous ulcers, those of the throat more particularly, being -usually applied with wine or vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—THE HOLOSCHŒNUS. - - -The root of the rush, boiled down to one third in three heminæ of -water, is a cure for cough; the seed of it, parched and taken in water, -arrests looseness of the bowels and the menstrual discharge, though -at the same time it causes headache. The name given to this rush is -holoschœnus; the parts of it nearest the root are chewed, as a cure for -the bites of spiders. - -I find mention made, also, of one other kind of rush, the name of which -is “euripice;”[2286] the seed, they say, is narcotic, but the greatest -care is necessary, not to throw the patient into a lethargy. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SWEET-SCENTED RUSH, OR -TEUCHITES. - - -We will also take this opportunity of mentioning the medicinal -properties of the sweet-scented rush, which is found in Cœle-Syria, as -already stated by us in the appropriate place.[2287] The most esteemed -kind, however, is that which grows in the country of the Nabatæi, and -is known as the “teuchites;”[2288] the next best being the produce -of Babylonia, and the very worst that of Africa, which is entirely -destitute of smell. This rush is round, and when applied to the tongue, -has a pungent, vinous flavour. The genuine kind, when rubbed, gives -out an odour like that of the rose, and when broken asunder it is -red within. It dispels flatulency, and hence it is very good for the -stomach, and for persons when vomiting the bile or blood. It arrests -hiccup also, promotes eructations, acts as a diuretic, and is curative -of affections of the bladder. A decoction of it is used for female -complaints; and in cases of opisthotony, it is applied in plasters with -dry resin, these being highly valued for their warming properties. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE FLOWERS BEFORE MENTIONED: -THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ROSE. - - -The rose is of an astringent and refreshing nature. For medicinal -purposes the petals, the flowers, and the heads are used. Those -portions of the petals which are quite white are known as the -unglets.[2289] In the flower there is the seed, as distinguished from -the filaments, and in the head there is the bud,[2290] as well as the -calyx. The petals are dried, or else the juice is extracted from them, -by one of the three following methods: Either the leaves are employed -whole for the purpose, the unglets not being removed—for these are the -parts, in fact, that contain the most juice—or else the unglets are -first taken off and the residue is then macerated with oil or wine, -in glass vessels placed in the sun. Some persons add salt as well, -and others alkanet,[2291] or else aspalathus or sweet-scented rush; -as it is, when thus prepared, a very valuable remedy for diseases of -the uterus and for dysentery. According to the third process, the -unglets are removed from the petals, and pounded, after which they are -subjected to pressure in a coarse linen cloth, the juice being received -in a copper vessel; it is then boiled on a slow fire, until it has -acquired the consistence of honey; for this purpose, however, the most -odoriferous of the petals should be selected. - -(19.) We have already stated,[2292] when speaking of the various kinds -of wines, how rose wine is made. Rose juice is much used in injections -for the ears, and as a gargle for ulcerations of the mouth, and for the -gums and tonsils; it is employed also for the stomach, maladies of the -uterus, diseases of the rectum, and for head-ache. In fevers, it is -used, either by itself or in combination with vinegar, as a remedy for -sleeplessness and nausea. The petals, charred, are used as a cosmetic -for the eyebrows;[2293] and the thighs, when chafed, are rubbed with -them dried; reduced to powder, too, they are soothing for defluxions of -the eyes. The flower of the rose is soporific, and taken in oxycrate it -arrests fluxes in females, the white flux in particular; also spitting -of blood, and pains in the stomach, if taken in three cyathi of wine, -in sufficient quantity to flavour it. - -As to the seed of the rose, the best is that which is of a saffron -colour, and not more than a year old; it should be dried, too, in the -shade. The black seed is worthless. In cases of tooth-ache, the seed -is employed in the form of a liniment; it acts also as a diuretic, and -is used as a topical application for the stomach, as also in cases of -erysipelas which are not inveterate: inhaled at the nostrils, it has -the effect of clearing the brain. The heads of roses, taken in drink, -arrest looseness of the bowels and hæmorrhage. The unglets of the rose -are wholesome in cases of defluxion of the eyes; but the rose is very -apt to taint all ulcerous sores of the eyes, if it is not applied at -the very beginning of the defluxion, dried, and in combination with -bread. The petals, too, taken internally, are extremely wholesome -for gnawing pains of the stomach, and for maladies of the abdomen or -intestines; as also for the thoracic organs, if applied externally -even: they are preserved, too, for eating, in a similar manner to -lapathum. Great care must be taken in drying rose-leaves, as they are -apt to turn mouldy very quickly. - -The petals, too, from which the juice has been extracted, may be put -to some use when dried: powders,[2294] for instance, may be made from -them, for the purpose of checking the perspiration. These powders are -sprinkled on the body, upon leaving the bath, and are left to dry -on it, after which they are washed off with cold water. The little -excrescences[2295] of the wild rose, mixed with bears’-grease,[2296] -are a good remedy for alopecy. - - - - -CHAP. 74.—TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE LILY. - - -The roots of the lily[2297] ennoble that flower in manifold ways by -their utility in a medicinal point of view. Taken in wine, they are -good for the stings of serpents, and in cases of poisoning by fungi. -For corns on the feet, they are applied boiled in wine, not being -taken off before the end of three days. A decoction of them with grease -or oil, has the effect of making the hair grow again upon burns. Taken -with honied wine, they carry off corrupt blood by stool; they are good, -also, for the spleen and for hernia, and act as an emmenagogue. Boiled -in wine and applied with honey, they are curative of wounds of the -sinews. They are good, too, for lichens, leprous sores, and scurf upon -the face, and they efface wrinkles of the body. - -The petals of the lily are boiled in vinegar, and applied, in -combination with polium,[2298] to wounds; if it should happen, however, -to be a wound of the testes, it is the best plan to apply the other -ingredients with henbane and wheat-meal. Lily-seed is applied in cases -of erysipelas, and the flowers and leaves are used as a cataplasm -for inveterate ulcers. The juice which is extracted from the flower -is called “honey”[2299] by some persons, and “syrium” by others; it -is employed as an emollient for the uterus, and is also used for the -purpose of promoting perspirations, and for bringing suppurations to a -head. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—SIXTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE NARCISSUS. - - -Two varieties of the narcissus are employed in medicine, the one -with a purple[2300] flower, and the herbaceous narcissus.[2301] This -last is injurious to the stomach, and hence it is that it acts both -as an emetic and as a purgative: it is prejudicial, also, to the -sinews, and produces dull, heavy pains in the head: hence it is that -it has received its name, from “narce,”[2302] and not from the youth -Narcissus, mentioned in fable. The roots of both kinds of narcissus -have a flavour resembling that of wine mixed with honey. This plant is -very useful, applied to burns with a little honey, as also to other -kinds of wounds, and sprains. Applied topically, too, with honey and -oatmeal, it is good for tumours, and it is similarly employed for the -extraction of foreign substances from the body. - -Beaten up in polenta and oil it effects the cure of contusions and -blows inflicted by stones; and, mixed with meal, it effectually -cleanses wounds, and speedily removes black morphews from the skin. Of -this flower oil of narcissus is made, good for softening indurations -of the skin, and for warming parts of the body that have been -frost-bitten. It is very beneficial, also, for the ears, but is very -apt to produce head-ache. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—SEVENTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VIOLET. - - -There are both wild and cultivated violets.[2303] The purple violet is -of a cooling nature: for inflammations they are applied to the stomach -in the burning heats, and for pains in the head they are applied to -the forehead. Violets, in particular, are used for defluxions of the -eyes, prolapsus of the fundament and uterus, and suppurations. Worn in -chaplets upon the head, or even smelt at, they dispel the fumes of wine -and head-ache; and, taken in water, they are a cure for quinsy. The -purple violet, taken in water, is a remedy for epilepsy, in children -more particularly: violet seed is good for the stings of scorpions. - -On the other hand, the flower of the white violet opens suppurations, -and the plant itself disperses them. Both the white and the yellow -violet check the menstrual discharge, and act as diuretics. When fresh -gathered, they have less virtue, and hence it is that they are mostly -used dry, after being kept a year. The yellow violet, taken in doses -of half a cyathus to three cyathi of water, promotes the catamenia; -and the roots of it, applied with vinegar, assuage affections of the -spleen, as also the gout. Mixed with myrrh and saffron, they are good -for inflammation of the eyes. The leaves, applied with honey, cleanse -ulcerous sores of the head, and, combined with cerate,[2304] they are -good for chaps of the fundament and other moist parts of the body. -Employed with vinegar, they effect the cure of abscesses. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—SEVENTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE BACCHAR. ONE REMEDY -DERIVED FROM THE COMBRETUM. - - -The bacchar that is used in medicine is by some of our writers called -the “perpressa.” It is very useful for the stings of serpents, -head-ache and burning heats in the head, and for defluxions of the -eyes. It is applied topically for swellings of the mamillæ after -delivery, as also incipient fistulas[2305] of the eyes, and erysipelas; -the smell of it induces sleep. It is found very beneficial to -administer a decoction of the root for spasms, falls with violence, -convulsions, and asthma. For an inveterate cough, three or four roots -of this plant are boiled down to one-third; this decoction acting also -as a purgative for women after miscarriage, and removing stitch in the -side, and calculi of the bladder. Drying powders[2306] for perspiration -are prepared also from this plant; and it is laid among garments -for the smell.[2307] The combretum which we have spoken[2308] of as -resembling the bacchar, beaten up with axle-grease, is a marvellous -cure for wounds. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM ASARUM. - - -It is generally stated that asarum[2309] is good for affections of the -liver, taken in doses of one ounce to a semisextarius of honied wine -mixed with water. It purges the bowels like hellebore, and is good for -dropsy and affections of the thoracic organs and uterus, as also for -jaundice. When mixed with must, it makes a wine with strongly diuretic -qualities. It is taken up as soon as it begins to put forth its leaves, -and is dried in the shade. It is apt however to turn mouldy very -speedily. - - - - -CHAP. 79. (20.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM GALLIC NARD. - - -Some authors, as we have already[2310] stated, having given the name -of “field nard” to the root of the bacchar, we will here mention the -medicinal properties of Gallic nard, of which we have[2311] already -spoken, when treating of the foreign trees, deferring further notice -of it till the present occasion. In doses of two drachmæ, taken in -wine, it is good for the stings of serpents; and taken in water or -in wine it is employed for inflations of the colon, maladies of the -liver or kidneys, and suffusions of the gall. Employed by itself or in -combination with wormwood it is good for dropsy. It has the property, -also, of arresting excessive discharges of the catamenia. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE PLANT CALLED “PHU.” - - -The root of the plant which we have mentioned in the same place under -the name of “phu,”[2312] is given in drink, either bruised or boiled, -in cases of hysterical suffocation, and for pains of the chest or -sides. It acts as an emmenagogue, and is generally taken in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—TWENTY REMEDIES DERIVED FROM SAFFRON. - - -Saffron does not blend well with honey, or, indeed, with any sweet -substance, though very readily with wine or water: it is extremely -useful in medicine, and is generally kept in horn boxes. Applied -with egg it disperses all kinds of inflammation, those of the eyes -in particular: it is employed also for hysterical suffocations, and -for ulcerations of the stomach, chest, kidneys, liver, lungs, and -bladder. It is particularly useful also in cases of inflammation -of those parts, and for cough and pleurisy. It likewise removes -itching[2313] sensations, and acts as a diuretic. Persons who have used -the precaution of first taking saffron in drink will never experience -surfeit or head-ache, and will be proof against inebriation. Chaplets -too, made of saffron, and worn on the head, tend to dispel the fumes of -wine. The flower of it is employed topically with Cimolian[2314] chalk -for erysipelas. It is used also in the composition of numerous other -medicaments. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—SYRIAN CROCOMAGNA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -There is also an eye-salve[2315] which is indebted to this plant for -its name. The lees[2316] of the extract of saffron, employed in the -saffron unguent known as “crocomagma,” have their own peculiar utility -in cases of cataract and strangury. These lees are of a more warming -nature than saffron itself; the best kind is that which, when put into -the mouth, stains the teeth and saliva the colour of saffron. - - - - -CHAP. 83.—FORTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE IRIS: TWO REMEDIES -DERIVED FROM THE SALIUNCA. - - -The red iris is better than the white one. It is very beneficial to -attach this plant to the bodies of infants more particularly when they -are cutting their teeth, or are suffering from cough; it is equally -good, too, to inject a few drops of it when children are suffering -from tape-worm. The other properties of it differ but very little from -those of honey. It cleanses ulcerous sores of the head, and inveterate -abscesses more particularly. Taken in doses of two drachmæ with honey, -it relaxes the bowels; and an infusion of it is good for cough, -gripings of the stomach, and flatulency: taken with vinegar, too, it -cures affections of the spleen. Mixed with oxycrate it is good for the -bites of serpents and spiders, and, in doses of two drachmæ with bread -or water, it is employed for the cure of the stings of scorpions. It -is applied also topically with oil to the bites of dogs, and to parts -that are excoriated: employed in a similar manner, too, it is good -for pains in the sinews, and in combination with resin it is used as -a liniment for lumbago and sciatica. The properties of this plant are -of a warming nature. Inhaled at the nostrils, it produces sneezing and -cleanses the brain, and in cases of head-ache it is applied topically -in combination with the quince or the strutheum.[2317] It dispels the -fumes of wine also, and difficulties of breathing[2318] and taken in -doses of two oboli it acts as an emetic: applied as a plaster with -honey, it extracts splinters of broken bones. Powdered iris is employed -also for whitlows, and, mixed with wine, for corns and warts, in which -case it is left for three days on the part affected. - -Chewed, it is a corrective of bad breath and offensive exhalations of -the arm-pits, and the juice of it softens all kinds of indurations of -the body. This plant acts as a soporific, but it wastes the seminal -fluids: it is used also for the treatment of chaps of the fundament and -condylomata, and it heals all sorts of excrescences on the body. - -Some persons give the name of “xyris”[2319] to the wild iris. This -plant disperses scrofulous sores, as well as tumours and inguinal -swellings; but it is generally recommended that when wanted for these -purposes it should be pulled up with the left hand, the party gathering -it mentioning the name of the patient and of the disease for which it -is intended to be employed. While speaking of this subject, I will -take the opportunity of disclosing the criminal practices of some -herbalists—they keep back a portion of the iris, and of some other -plants as well, the plantago for instance, and, if they think that they -have not been sufficiently well paid and wish to be employed a second -time, bury the part they have kept back in the same place; their object -being, I suppose,[2320] to revive the malady which has just been cured. - -The root of the saliunca[2321] boiled in wine, arrests vomiting and -strengthens the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 84.—EIGHTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE POLIUM. - - -Those persons, according to Musæus and Hesiod, who are desirous -of gaining honour and glory, should rub the body all over with -polium,[2322] and handle and cultivate it as much as possible. They -say, too, that it should be kept about the person as an antidote to -poison, and that to keep serpents away it should be strewed beneath -the bed, burnt, or else carried on the person; decoctions of it in -wine, either fresh-gathered or dried, should be used too as a liniment -for the body. Medical men prescribe it in vinegar for affections of -the spleen, and in wine for the jaundice; a decoction of it in wine -is recommended also for incipient dropsy; and in this way too, it -is employed as a liniment for wounds. This plant has the effect of -bringing away the after-birth and the dead fœtus, and of dispelling -pains in various parts of the body: it empties the bladder also, and -is employed in liniments for defluxions of the eyes. Indeed, there -is no plant known that better deserves to form an ingredient in the -medicament known to us as the “alexipharmacon:”[2323] though there are -some who say that it is injurious to the stomach and is apt to stuff -the head, and that it produces abortion—assertions which[2324] others, -again, totally deny. - -There is a superstitious observance also, to the effect that, for -cataract, it ought to be attached to the neck the moment it is found, -every precaution being taken not to let it touch the ground. The same -persons state too that the leaves of it are similar to those of thyme, -except that they are softer and more white and downy. Beaten up with -wild rue in rain water, it is said to assuage the pain of the sting -of the asp; it is quite as astringent too as the flower[2325] of the -pomegranate, and as efficacious for closing wounds and preventing them -from spreading. - - - - -CHAP. 85.—THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HOLOCHRYSOS. SIX REMEDIES -DERIVED FROM THE CHRYSOCOME. - - -The holochrysos,[2326] taken in wine, is a cure for strangury, and it -is employed in liniments for defluxions of the eyes. Mixed with burnt -lees of wine and polenta, it is curative of lichens. - -The root of the chrysocome[2327] is warming and astringent; it is taken -in drink for affections of the liver and lungs, and a decoction of it -in hydromel is good for pains of the uterus. It acts as an emmenagogue -also, and, administered raw, draws off the water in dropsy. - - - - -CHAP. 86.—TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MELISSOPHYLLUM. - - -If the bee-hives are rubbed all over with melissophyllum[2328] or -melittæna, the bees will never desert them; for there is no flower -in which they take greater delight. If branches[2329] of this plant -are used, the bees may be kept within bounds without any difficulty. -It is an excellent remedy, also, for the stings of bees, wasps, and -similar insects, as also for wounds made by spiders and scorpions; -it is used, too, for hysterical suffocations, in combination with -nitre, and for gripings of the bowels, with wine. The leaves of it -are employed topically for scrofulous sores, and, in combination with -salt, for maladies of the fundament. A decoction of the juice promotes -the menstrual discharge, dispels inflammations, and heals ulcerous -sores: it is good, too, for diseases of the joints and the bites of -dogs, and is beneficial in cases of inveterate dysentery, and for -cœliac affections, hardness of breathing, diseases of the spleen, -and ulcerations of the thoracic organs. For films on the eyes, it is -considered a most excellent plan to anoint them with the juice of this -plant mixed with honey. - - - - -CHAP. 87.—THIRTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED PROM THE MELILOTE. - - -The melilote,[2330] again, applied with the yolk of an egg, or else -linseed, effects the cure of diseases of the eyes. It assuages pains, -too, in the jaws and head, applied with rose oil; and, employed with -raisin wine, it is good for pains in the ears, and all kinds of -swellings or eruptions on the hands. A decoction of it in wine, or else -the plant itself beaten up raw, is good for pains in the stomach. It is -equally beneficial, too, for maladies of the uterus; and for diseases -of the testes, prolapsus of the fundament, and all other diseases of -those parts, a decoction is made of it, fresh-gathered, in water or in -raisin wine. With the addition of rose oil, it is used as a liniment -for carcinoma. Boiled in sweet wine, it is particularly useful for the -treatment of the ulcers known as “melicerides.”[2331] - - - - -CHAP. 88. (21.)—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED PROM TREFOIL. - - -The trefoil,[2332] I know, is generally looked upon as being -particularly good for the stings of serpents and scorpions, the seed -being taken in doses of twenty grains, with either wine or oxycrate; -or else the leaves and the plant itself are boiled together, and -a decoction made of them; indeed, it is stated, that a serpent is -never to be seen among trefoil. Celebrated authors, too, I find, have -asserted that twenty-five grains of the seed of the kind of trefoil -which we have[2333] spoken of as the “minyanthes,” are a sufficient -antidote for all kinds of poisons: in addition to which, there are -numerous other remedial virtues ascribed to it. - -But these notions, in my opinion, are counterbalanced by the authority -of a writer of the very highest repute: for we find the poet Sophocles -asserting that the trefoil is a venomous plant. Simus, too, the -physician, maintains that a decoction of it, or the juice, poured upon -the human body, is productive of burning sensations similar to those -experienced by persons when they have been stung by a serpent and have -trefoil applied to the wound. It is my opinion, then, that trefoil -should never be used in any other capacity than as a counter-poison; -for it is not improbable that the venom of this plant has a natural -antipathy to all other kinds of poisons, a phænomenon which has been -observed in many other cases as well. I find it stated, also, that -the seed of the trefoil with an extremely diminutive leaf, applied -in washes to the face, is extremely beneficial for preserving the -freshness of the skin in females. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THYME. - - -Thyme[2334] should be gathered while it is in flower, and dried in the -shade. There are two kinds of thyme: the white thyme with a ligneous -root, which grows upon declivities, and is the most esteemed of the -two, and another variety, which is of a darker colour, and bears a -swarthy flower. They are, both of them, considered to be extremely -beneficial to the sight, whether used as an article of food or as a -medicament, and to be good for inveterate coughs. Used as an electuary, -with vinegar and salt, they facilitate expectoration, and taken with -honey, they prevent the blood from coagulating. Applied externally -with mustard, they dispel chronic fluxes of the fauces, as well as -various affections of the stomach and bowels. Still, however, these -plants must be used in moderation, as they are of a heating nature, for -which reason it is that they act so astringently upon the bowels. In -cases of ulceration of the intestines, the dose should be one denarius -of thyme to one sextarius of oxymel; the same proportions, too, should -be taken for pains in the sides, between the shoulder-blades, or in the -thoracic organs. Taken with oxymel, these plants are used for the cure -of intestinal diseases, and a similar draught is administered in cases -of alienation of the senses and melancholy. - -Thyme is given also for epilepsy, when the fits come on, the smell of -it reviving the patient; it is said, too, that epileptic persons should -sleep upon soft thyme. It is good, also, for hardness of breathing, -and for asthma and obstructions of the catamenia. A decoction of thyme -in water, boiled down to one-third, brings away the dead fœtus, and -it is given to males with oxymel, as a remedy for flatulency, and in -cases of swelling of the abdomen or testes and of pains in the bladder. -Applied with wine, it removes tumours and fluxes, and, in combination -with vinegar, callosities and warts. Mixed with wine, it is used as -an external application for sciatica; and, beaten up with oil and -sprinkled upon wool, it is employed for diseases of the joints, and -for sprains. It is applied, also, to burns, mixed with hogs’ lard. -For maladies of the joints of recent date, thyme is administered in -drink, in doses of three oboli to three cyathi of oxymel. For loss of -appetite, it is given, beaten up with salt. - - - - -CHAP. 90.—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HEMEROCALLES. - - -The hemerocalles[2335] has a soft, pale green leaf, with an -odoriferous, bulbous root. This root, applied with honey to the -abdomen, draws off the aqueous humours and all corrupt blood. The -leaves of it are applied for defluxions of the eyes, and for pains in -the mamillæ, after childbirth. - - - - -CHAP. 91.—FIVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HELENIUM. - - -The helenium, which springs, as we have already[2336] stated, from -the tears of Helena, is generally thought to have been produced for -improving the appearance, and to maintain unimpaired the freshness of -the skin in females, both of the face and of other parts of the body. -Besides this, it is generally supposed that the use of it confers -additional graces on the person, and ensures universal attraction. -They say, too, that, taken with wine, it promotes gaiety of spirit, -having, in fact, a similar effect to the nepenthes, which has been so -much vaunted by Homer,[2337] as producing forgetfulness of all sorrow. -The juice of this plant is remarkably sweet, and the root of it, taken -fasting in water, is good for hardness of breathing; it is white -within, and sweet. An infusion of it is taken in wine for the stings of -serpents; and the plant, bruised, it is said, will kill mice. - - - - -CHAP. 92.—TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ABROTONUM. - - -We find two varieties of abrotonum[2338] mentioned, the field, and -the mountain kind; this last, it is generally understood, is the -female plant, the other the male. They are both of them bitter, like -wormwood. That of Sicily is the most esteemed, and next to it, that of -Galatia. The leaves of it are sometimes employed, but it is the seed -that possesses the most warming properties; hence it is, that it is -so beneficial for maladies of the sinews,[2339] for cough, hardness -of breathing, convulsions, ruptures, lumbago, and strangury. Several -handfuls of this plant are boiled down to one-third, and the decoction -of it, in doses of four cyathi, is administered in drink. The seed is -given, pounded, in water, in doses of one drachma; it is very good for -affections of the uterus. - -Mixed with barley-meal, this plant brings tumours to a head, and boiled -with quinces, it is employed as a liniment for inflammations of the -eyes. It keeps away serpents, and for their stings it is either taken -in wine, or else employed in combination with it as a liniment. It is -extremely efficacious, also, for the stings of those noxious insects -by which shivering fits and chills are produced, such as the scorpion -and the spider called “phalangium,”[2340] for example; taken in a -potion, it is good for other kinds of poison, as also for shivering -fits, however produced, and for the extraction of foreign substances -adhering to the flesh; it has the effect, also, of expelling intestinal -worms. It is stated that a sprig of this plant, if put beneath the -pillow, will act as an aphrodisiac, and that it is of the very greatest -efficacy against all those charms and spells by which impotence is -produced. - - - - -CHAP. 93. (22.)—ONE REMEDY DERIVED FROM THE LEUCANTHEMUM. NINE REMEDIES -DERIVED FROM THE AMARACUS. - - -The leucanthemum,[2341] mixed with two-thirds of vinegar, is curative -of asthma. The sampsuchum or amaracus,[2342]—that of Cyprus being -the most highly esteemed, and possessed of the finest smell—is a -remedy for the stings of scorpions, applied to the wound with vinegar -and salt. Used as a pessary, too, it is very beneficial in cases of -menstrual derangement; but when taken in drink, its properties are -not so powerfully developed. Used with polenta, it heals defluxions -of the eyes; and the juice of it, boiled, dispels gripings of the -stomach. It is useful, too, for strangury and dropsy; and in a dry -state, it promotes sneezing. There is an oil extracted from it, known -as “sampsuchinum,” or “amaracinum,” which is very good for warming and -softening the sinews; it has a warming effect, also, upon the uterus. -The leaves are good for bruises, beaten up with honey, and, mixed with -wax, for sprains. - - - - -CHAP. 94. (23.)—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ANEMONE OR PHRENION. - - -We have as yet spoken[2343] only of the anemone used for making -chaplets; we will now proceed to describe those kinds which are -employed for medicinal purposes. Some persons give the name of -“phrenion” to this plant: there are two species of it; one of which -is wild,[2344] and the other grows on cultivated[2345] spots; though -they are, both of them, attached to a sandy soil. Of the cultivated -anemone there are numerous varieties; some, and these are the most -abundant, have a scarlet flower, while others, again, have a flower -that is purple or else milk-white. The leaves of all these three kinds -bear a strong resemblance to parsley, and it is not often that they -exceed half a foot in height, the head being very similar to that of -asparagus. The flower never opens, except while the wind is blowing, -a circumstance to which it owes its name.[2346] The wild anemone is -larger than the cultivated one, and has broader leaves, with a scarlet -flower. - -Some persons erroneously take the wild anemone to be the same as the -argemone,[2347] while others, again, identify it with the poppy which -we have mentioned[2348] under the name of “rhœas:” there is, however, a -great difference between them, as these two other plants blossom later -than the anemone, nor does the anemone possess a juice or a calyx like -theirs; besides which, it terminates in a head like that of asparagus. - -The various kinds of anemone are good for pains and inflammations of -the head, diseases of the uterus, and stoppage of the milk in females; -taken, too, in a ptisan, or applied as a pessary in wool, they promote -the menstrual discharge. The root, chewed, has a tendency to bring away -the phlegm, and is a cure for tooth-ache: a decoction of it is good, -too, for defluxions of the eyes,[2349] and effaces the scars left by -wounds. The Magi have attributed many very wonderful properties to -these plants: they recommend it to be gathered at the earliest moment -in the year that it is seen, and certain words to be repeated, to the -effect that it is being gathered as a remedy for tertian and quartan -fevers; after which the flower must be wrapped up in red cloth and kept -in the shade, in order to be attached to the person when wanted. The -root of the anemone with a scarlet flower, beaten up and applied to the -body of any animated being,[2350] produces an ulcer there by the agency -of its acrid qualities; hence it is that it is so much employed as a -detergent for ulcerous sores. - - - - -CHAP. 95. (24.)—SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ŒNANTHE. - - -The œnanthe[2351] is a plant which is found growing upon rocks, has -the leaf of the parsnip, and a large root with numerous fibres. The -stalk of it and the leaves, taken with honey and black wine, facilitate -delivery and bring away the after-birth: taken with honey, also, they -are a cure for cough, and act as a powerful diuretic. The root of this -plant is curative of diseases of the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 96. (25.)—ELEVEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HELICHRYSOS. - - -The helichrysos is by some persons called the “chrysanthemon.”[2352] -It has small, white branches, with leaves of a whitish colour, similar -to those of the abrotonum. The clusters, disposed around it, and -glistening like gold in the rays of the sun, are never known to fade; -hence it is that they make chaplets of it for the gods, a custom which -was most faithfully observed by Ptolemæus, the king of Egypt. This -plant grows in shrubberies: taken in wine, it acts as a diuretic and -emmenagogue, and, in combination with honey, it is employed topically -for burns. It is taken also in potions for the stings of serpents, and -for pains in the loins; and, with honied wine, it removes coagulated -blood in the abdominal regions and the bladder. The leaves of it, -beaten up and taken in doses of three oboli, in white wine, arrest the -menstrual discharge when in excess. - -The smell of this plant is far from disagreeable, and hence it is kept -with clothes, to protect them from the attacks of vermin. - - - - -CHAP. 97. (26.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HYACINTH. - - -The hyacinth[2353] grows in Gaul more particularly, where it is -employed for the dye called “hysginum.”[2354] The root of it is -bulbous, and is well known among the dealers in slaves: applied to -the body, with sweet wine, it retards the signs of puberty,[2355] and -prevents them from developing themselves. It is curative, also, of -gripings of the stomach, and of the bites of spiders, and it acts as a -diuretic. The seed is administered, with abrotonum, for the stings of -serpents and scorpions, and for jaundice. - - - - -CHAP. 98.—SEVEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE LYCHNIS. - - -The seed of the lychnis,[2356] too, which is just the colour of fire, -is beaten up and taken in drink for the stings of serpents, scorpions, -hornets, and other insects of similar nature: the wild variety, -however, is prejudicial to the stomach. It acts as a laxative to the -bowels; and, taken in doses of two drachmæ, is remarkably efficacious -for carrying off the bile. So extremely baneful is it to scorpions, -that if they so much as see it, they are struck with torpor. The people -of Asia call the root of it “bolites,” and they say that if it is -attached to the body it will effectually disperse albugo.[2357] - - - - -CHAP. 99. (27.)—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VINCAPERVINCA. - - -The vincapervinca,[2358] too, or chamædaphne,[2359] is dried and -pounded, and given to dropsical patients in water, in doses of one -spoonful; a method of treatment which speedily draws off the water. A -decoction of it, in ashes, with a sprinkling of wine, has the effect of -drying tumours: the juice, too, is employed as a remedy for diseases of -the ears. Applied to the regions of the stomach, this plant is said to -be remarkably good for diarrhœa. - - - - -CHAP. 100.—THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUTCHER’S BROOM. - - -A decoction of the root of butcher’s broom[2360] is recommended to -be taken every other day for calculus in the bladder, strangury, and -bloody urine. The root, however, should be taken up one day, and boiled -the next, the proportion of it being one sextarius to two cyathi of -wine. Some persons beat up the root raw, and take it in water: it is -generally considered, too, that there is nothing in existence more -beneficial to the male organs than the young stalks of the plant, -beaten up and used with vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 101.—TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE BATIS. - - -The batis,[2361] too, relaxes the bowels, and, beaten up raw, it is -employed topically for the gout. The people of Egypt cultivate the -acinos,[2362] too, both as an article of food and for making chaplets. -This plant would be the same thing as ocimum, were it not that the -leaves and branches of it are rougher, and that it has a powerful -smell. It promotes the catamenia, and acts as a diuretic. - - - - -CHAP. 102. (28.)—TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE COLOCASIA. - - -The colocasia,[2363] according to Glaucias, softens the acridity of -humours of the body, and is beneficial to the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 103. (29.)—SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ANTHYLLIUM OR ANTHYLLUM. - - -The people of Egypt eat the anthalium,[2364] but I cannot find that -they make any other use of it; but there is another plant called the -“anthyllium,”[2365] or, by some persons, the “anthyllum,” of which -there are two kinds: one, similar in its leaves and branches to the -lentil, a palm in height, growing in sandy soils exposed to the -sun, and of a somewhat saltish taste; the other, bearing a strong -resemblance to the chamæpitys,[2366] but smaller and more downy, with a -purple flower, a strong smell, and growing in stony spots. - -The first kind, mixed with rose-oil and applied with milk, is extremely -good for affections of the uterus and all kinds of sores: it is taken -as a potion for strangury and gravel in the kidneys, in doses of three -drachmæ. The other kind is taken in drink, with oxymel, in doses of -four drachmæ, for indurations of the uterus, gripings of the bowels, -and epilepsy. - - - - -CHAP. 104. (30.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE PARTHENIUM, -LEUCANTHES, OR AMARACUS. - - -The parthenium[2367] is by some persons called the “leucanthes,” and -by others the “amaracus.” Celsus, among the Latin writers, gives -it the names of “perdicium”[2368] and “muralis.” It grows in the -hedge-rows of gardens, and has the smell of an apple, with a bitter -taste. With the decoction of it, fomentations are made for maladies of -the fundament, and for inflammations and indurations of the uterus: -dried and applied with honey and vinegar, it carries off black bile, -for which reason it is considered good for vertigo and calculus in the -bladder. It is employed as a liniment, also, for erysipelas, and, mixed -with stale axle-grease, for scrofulous sores. For tertian fevers the -Magi recommend that it should be taken up with the left hand, it being -mentioned at the time for whom it is gathered, care being also taken -not to look back while doing so: a leaf of it should be laid beneath -the patient’s tongue, after which it must be eaten in a cyathus of -water. - - - - -CHAP. 105. (31.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE TRYCHNUM OR STRYCHNUM, -HALICACABUM, CALLIAS, DORCYNION, MANICON, NEURAS, MORIO, OR MOLY. - - -The trychnon[2369] is by some called “strychnon;” I only wish that the -garland-makers of Egypt would never use this plant in making their -chaplets, being deceived as they are by the resemblance in the leaves -of both kinds to those of ivy. One of these kinds, bearing scarlet -berries with a stone, enclosed in follicules, is by some persons called -the “halicacabum,”[2370] by others the “callion,” and by the people of -our country, the “vesicaria,” from the circumstance of its being highly -beneficial to the bladder[2371] and in cases of calculus. - -The trychnon is more of a woody shrub than a herb, with large -follicules, broad and turbinated, and a large berry within, which -ripens in the month of November. A third[2372] kind, again, has a -leaf resembling that of ocimum—but it is not my intention to give an -exact description of it, as I am here speaking of remedies, and not of -poisons; for a few drops of the juice, in fact, are quite sufficient -to produce insanity. The Greek writers, however, have even turned this -property into matter for jesting; for, according to them, taken in -doses of one drachma, this plant is productive of delusive and prurient -fancies, and of vain, fantastic visions, which vividly present all the -appearance of reality: they say, too, that if the dose is doubled, it -will produce downright madness, and that any further addition to it, -will result in instant death. - -This is the same plant which the more well-meaning writers have -called in their innocence “dorycnion,”[2373] from the circumstance -that weapons used in battle are poisoned with it—for it grows -everywhere—while others, again, who have treated of it more -at length,[2374] have given it the surname of “manicon.”[2375] -Those, on the other hand, who have iniquitously concealed its real -qualities, give it the name of “erythron” or “neuras,” and others -“perisson”—details, however, which need not be entered into more fully, -except for the purpose of putting persons upon their guard. - -There is another kind, again, also called “halicacabum,” which -possesses narcotic qualities, and is productive of death even more -speedily than opium: by some persons it is called “morio,” and by -others “moly.”[2376] It has, however, been highly extolled by Diocles -and Evenor, and, indeed, Timaristus has gone so far as to sing its -praises in verse. With a wonderful obliviousness of remedies really -harmless, they tell us, forsooth, that it is an instantaneous remedy -for loose teeth to rinse them with halicacabum steeped in wine: but at -the same time they add the qualification that it must not be kept in -the mouth too long, or else delirium will be the result. This, however, -is pointing out remedies with a vengeance, the employment of which will -be attended with worse results than the malady itself. - -There is a third kind[2377] of halicacabum, that is esteemed as an -article of food; but even though the flavour of it may be preferred -to garden plants, and although Xenocrates assures us that there is no -bodily malady for which the trychnos is not highly beneficial, they are -none of them so valuable as to make me think it proper to speak more at -length upon the subject, more particularly as there are so many other -remedies, which are unattended with danger. Persons who wish to pass -themselves off for true prophets, and who know too well how to impose -upon the superstitions of others, take the root of the halicacabum -in drink. The remedy against this poison—and it is with much greater -pleasure that I state it—is to drink large quantities of honied wine -made hot. I must not omit the fact, too, that this plant is naturally -so baneful to the asp, that when the root is placed near that reptile, -the very animal which kills others by striking them with torpor, is -struck with torpor itself; hence it is, that, beaten up with oil, it -is used as a cure for the sting of the asp. - - - - -CHAP. 106.—SIX MEDICINES DERIVED FROM THE CORCHORUS. - - -The corchorus[2378] is a plant which is used at Alexandria as an -article of food: the leaves of it are rolled up, one upon the other, -like those of the mulberry, and it is wholesome, it is said, for the -viscera, and in cases of alopecy, being good also for the removal of -freckles. I find it stated also, that it cures the scab in cattle very -rapidly: and, according to Nicander,[2379] it is a remedy for the -stings of serpents, if gathered before it blossoms. - - - - -CHAP. 107.—THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CNECOS. - - -There would be no necessity to speak at any length of the cnecos or -atractylis,[2380] an Egyptian plant, were it not for the fact that it -offers a most efficacious remedy for the stings of venomous animals, -as also in cases of poisoning by fungi. It is a well-known fact, that -persons, when stung by the scorpion, are not sensible of any painful -effects so long as they hold this plant in their hand. - - - - -CHAP. 108. (33.)—ONE REMEDY DERIVED FROM THE PESOLUTA. - - -The Egyptians also cultivate the pesoluta[2381] in their gardens, for -chaplets. There are two kinds of this plant, the male and the female: -either of them, it is said, placed beneath the person, when in bed, -acts as an antaphrodisiac, upon the male sex more particularly. - - - - -CHAP. 109. (34.)—AN EXPLANATION OF GREEK TERMS RELATIVE TO WEIGHTS AND -MEASURES. - - -As we have occasion to make use of Greek names very frequently when -speaking of weights and measures,[2382] I shall here subjoin, once for -all, some explanation of them. - -The Attic drachma—for it is generally the Attic reckoning that medical -men employ—is much the same in weight as the silver denarius, and is -equivalent to six oboli, the obolus being ten chalci; the cyathus is -equal in weight to ten drachmæ. When the measure of an acetabulum is -spoken of, it is the same as one fourth part of a hemina, or fifteen -drachmæ in weight. The Greek mna, or, as we more generally call it, -“mina,” equals one hundred Attic drachmæ in weight. - - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, seven hundred and -thirty. - - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Cato the Censor,[2383] M. Varro,[2384] -Antias,[2385] Cæpio,[2386] Vestinus,[2387] Vibius Rufus,[2388] -Hyginus,[2389] Pomponius Mela,[2390] Pompeius Lenæus,[2391] -Cornelius Celsus,[2392] Calpurnius Bassus,[2393] C. Valgius,[2394] -Licinius Macer,[2395] Sextius Niger[2396] who wrote in Greek, Julius -Bassus[2397] who wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor.[2398] - - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[2399] Democritus,[2400] -Orpheus,[2401] Pythagoras,[2402] Mago,[2403] Menander[2404] who wrote -the Biochresta, Nicander,[2405] Homer, Hesiod,[2406] Musæus,[2407] -Sophocles,[2408] Anaxilaüs.[2409] - - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus[2410] who wrote on Chaplets, -Callimachus[2411] who wrote on Chaplets, Phanias[2412] the physician, -Simus,[2413] Timaristus,[2414] Hippocrates,[2415] Chrysippus,[2416] -Diocles,[2417] Ophelion,[2418] Heraclides,[2419] Hicesius,[2420] -Dionysius,[2421] Apollodorus[2422] of Citium, Apollodorus[2423] -of Tarentum, Praxagoras,[2424] Plistonicus,[2425] Medius,[2426] -Dieuches,[2427] Cleophantus,[2428] Philistio,[2429] Asclepiades,[2430] -Crateuas,[2431] Petronius Diodotus,[2432] Iollas,[2433] -Erasistratus,[2434] Diagoras,[2435] Andreas,[2436] Mnesides,[2437] - - -Epicharmus,[2438] Damion,[2439] Dalion,[2440] Sosimenes,[2441] -Tlepolemus,[2442] Metrodorus,[2443] Solo,[2444] Lycus,[2445] -Olympias[2446] of Thebes, Philinus,[2447] Petrichus,[2448] -Micton,[2449] Glaucias,[2450] Xenocrates.[2451] - - - - -BOOK XXII. - -THE PROPERTIES OF PLANTS AND FRUITS. - - - - -CHAP. 1.—THE PROPERTIES OF PLANTS. - - -Nature and the earth might have well filled the measure of our -admiration, if we had nothing else to do but to consider the properties -enumerated in the preceding Book, and the numerous varieties of plants -that we find created for the wants or the enjoyment of mankind. And -yet, how much is there still left for us to describe, and how many -discoveries of a still more astonishing nature! The greater part, in -fact, of the plants there mentioned recommend themselves to us by -their taste, their fragrance, or their beauty, and so invite us to -make repeated trials of their virtues: but, on the other hand, the -properties of those which remain to be described, furnish us with -abundant proof that nothing has been created by Nature without some -purpose to fulfil, unrevealed to us though it may be. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (1.)—PLANTS USED BY NATIONS FOR THE ADORNMENT OF THE PERSON. - - -I remark, in the first place, that there are some foreign nations -which, in obedience to long-established usage, employ certain plants -for the embellishment of the person. That, among some barbarous -peoples, the females[2452] stain the face by means of various plants, -there can be little doubt, and among the Daci and the Sarmatæ we find -the men even marking[2453] their bodies. There is a plant in Gaul, -similar to the plantago in appearance, and known there by the name of -“glastum:”[2454] with it both matrons and girls[2455] among the people -of Britain are in the habit of staining the body all over, when taking -part in the performance of certain sacred rites; rivalling hereby the -swarthy hue of the Æthiopians, they go in a state of nature. - - - - -CHAP. 3. (2.)—EMPLOYMENT OF PLANTS FOR DYEING. EXPLANATION OF THE TERMS -SAGMEN, VERBENA, AND CLARIGATIO. - - -We know, too, that from plants are extracted admirable colours for -dyeing; and, not to mention the berries[2456] of Galatia,[2457] Africa, -and Lusitania, which furnish the coccus, a dye reserved for the -military costume[2458] of our generals, the people of Gaul beyond the -Alps produce the Tyrian colours, the conchyliated,[2459] and all the -other hues, by the agency of plants[2460] alone. They have not there -to seek the murex at the bottom of the sea, or to expose themselves to -be the prey of the monsters of the deep, while tearing it from their -jaws, nor have they to go searching in depths to which no anchor has -penetrated—and all this for the purpose of finding the means whereby -some mother of a family may appear more charming in the eyes of her -paramour, or the seducer may make himself more captivating to the wife -of another man. Standing on dry land, the people there gather in their -dyes just as we do our crops of corn—though one great fault in them -is, that they wash[2461] out; were it not for which, luxury would have -the means of bedecking itself with far greater magnificence, or, at all -events, at the price of far less danger. - -It is not my purpose, however, here to enter further into these -details, nor shall I make the attempt, by substituting resources -attended with fewer risks, to circumscribe luxury within the limits of -frugality; though, at the same time, I shall have to speak on another -occasion how that vegetable productions are employed for staining stone -and imparting their colours to walls.[2462] Still, however, I should -not have omitted to enlarge upon the art of dyeing, had I found that -it had ever been looked upon as forming one of our liberal[2463] arts. -Meantime, I shall be actuated by higher considerations, and shall -proceed to show in what esteem we are bound to hold the mute[2464] -plants even, or in other words, the plants of little note. For, indeed, -the authors and founders of the Roman sway have derived from these very -plants even almost boundless results; as it was these same plants, -and no others, that afforded them the “sagmen,”[2465] employed in -seasons of public calamity, and the “verbena” of our sacred rites and -embassies. These two names, no doubt, originally signified the same -thing,—a green turf torn up from the citadel with the earth attached to -it; and hence, when envoys were dispatched to the enemy for the purpose -of clarigation, or, in other words, with the object of _clearly_[2466] -demanding restitution of property that had been carried off, one of -these officers was always known as the “verbenarius.”[2467] - - - - -CHAP. 4. (3.)—THE GRASS CROWN: HOW RARELY IT HAS BEEN AWARDED. - - -Of all the crowns with which, in the days of its majesty, the -all-sovereign people, the ruler of the earth, recompensed the valour -of its citizens, there was none attended with higher glory than the -crown of grass.[2468] The crowns[2469] bedecked with gems of gold, the -vallar, mural, rostrate, civic, and triumphal crowns, were, all of -them, inferior to this: great, indeed, was the difference between them, -and far in the background were they thrown by it. As to all the rest, -a single individual could confer them, a general or commander on his -soldiers for instance, or, as on some occasions, on his colleague: the -senate, too, exempt from the cares and anxieties of war, and the people -in the enjoyment of repose, could award them, together with the honours -of a triumph. - -(4.) But as for the crown of grass, it was never conferred except at a -crisis of extreme desperation, never voted except by the acclamation -of the whole army, and never to any one but to him who had been its -preserver. Other crowns were awarded by the generals to the soldiers, -this alone by the soldiers, and to the general. This crown is known -also as the “obsidional” crown, from the circumstance of a beleaguered -army being delivered, and so preserved from fearful disaster. If we -are to regard as a glorious and a hallowed reward the civic crown, -presented for preserving the life of a single citizen, and him, -perhaps, of the very humblest rank, what, pray, ought to be thought -of a whole army being saved, and indebted for its preservation to the -valour of a single individual? - -The crown thus presented was made of green grass,[2470] gathered on the -spot where the troops so rescued had been beleaguered. Indeed, in early -times, it was the usual token of victory for the vanquished to present -to the conqueror a handful of grass; signifying thereby that they -surrendered[2471] their native soil, the land that had nurtured them, -and the very right even there to be interred—a usage which, to my own -knowledge, still exists among the nations of Germany.[2472] - - - - -CHAP. 5. (5.)—THE ONLY PERSONS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH THIS CROWN. - - -L. Siccius Dentatus[2473] was presented with this crown but once, -though he gained as many as fourteen civic crowns, and fought one -hundred and twenty battles, in all of which he was victorious—so rarely -is it that an army has to thank a single individual only for its -preservation! Some generals, however, have been presented with more -than one of these crowns, P. Decius Mus,[2474] the military tribune, -for example, who received one from his own army, and another from the -troops which he had rescued[2475] when surrounded. He testified by an -act of devoutness in what high esteem he held such an honour as this, -for, adorned with these insignia, he sacrificed a white ox to Mars, -together with one hundred red oxen, which had been presented to him by -the beleaguered troops as the recompense of his valour: it was this -same Decius, who afterwards, when consul, with Imperiosus[2476] for his -colleague, devoted his life to secure victory to his fellow-citizens. - -This crown was presented also by the senate and people of Rome—a -distinction than which I know of nothing in existence more glorious—to -that same Fabius[2477] who restored the fortunes of Rome by avoiding -a battle; not, however, on the occasion when he preserved the master -of the horse[2478] and his army; for then it was deemed preferable -by those who were indebted to him for their preservation to present -him with a crown under a new title, that of “father.” The crown of -grass was, however, awarded to him, with that unanimity which I have -mentioned, after Hannibal had been expelled from Italy; being the -only crown, in fact, that has hitherto been placed upon the head of -a citizen by the hands of the state itself, and, another remarkable -distinction, the only one that has ever been conferred by the whole of -Italy united. - - - - -CHAP. 6. (6.)—THE ONLY CENTURION THAT HAS BEEN THUS HONOURED. - - -In addition to the persons already mentioned, the honour of this -crown has been awarded to M. Calpurnius Flamma,[2479] then a military -tribune in Sicily; but up to the present time it has been given to a -single centurion only, Cneius Petreius Atinas, during the war with the -Cimbri. This soldier, while acting as primipilus[2480] under Catulus, -on finding all retreat for his legion cut off by the enemy, harangued -the troops, and after slaying his tribune who hesitated to cut a way -through the encampment of the enemy, brought away the legion in safety. -I find it stated also by some authors, that, in addition to this -honour, this same Petreius, clad in the prætexta, offered sacrifice -at the altar, to the sound of the pipe,[2481] in presence of the then -consuls,[2482] Marius and Catulus. - -The Dictator Sylla has also stated in his memoirs, that when legatus -in the Marsic War he was presented with this crown by the army, at -Nola; an event which he caused to be commemorated in a painting at his -Tusculan villa, which afterwards became the property of Cicero. If -there is any truth in this statement, I can only say that it renders -his memory all the more execrable, and that, by his proscriptions, -with his own hand he tore this crown from his brow, for few indeed -were the citizens whom he thus preserved, in comparison with those -he slaughtered at a later period. And let him even add to this high -honour his proud surname of “Felix,”[2483] if he will; all the glories -of this crown he surrendered to Sertorius, from the moment that he put -his proscribed fellow-citizens in a stage of siege throughout the whole -world. - -Varro, too, relates that Scipio Æmilianus was awarded the obsidional -crown in Africa, under the consul Manilius,[2484] for the preservation -of three cohorts, by bringing as many to their rescue; an event -commemorated by an inscription upon the base of the statue erected in -honour of him by the now deified Emperor Augustus, in the Forum which -bears his name. Augustus himself was also presented by the senate -with the obsidional crown, upon the ides[2485] of September, in the -consulship[2486] of M. Cicero the Younger, the civic crown being looked -upon as not commensurate with his deserts. Beyond these, I do not find -any one mentioned as having been rewarded with this honour. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM OTHER CHAPLET PLANTS. - - -No plant[2487] in particular was employed in the composition of this -crown, such only being used as were found growing on the spot so -imperilled; and thus did they become the means, however humble and -unnoted themselves, of conferring high honour and renown. All this, -however, is but little known among us at the present day; a fact which -I am the less surprised at, when I reflect that those plants even -are treated with the same indifference, the purpose of which it is -to preserve our health, to allay our bodily pains, and to repel the -advances of death! And who is there that would not visit with censure, -and justly visit, the manners of the present day? Luxury and effeminacy -have augmented the price at which we live, and never was life more -hankered after, or worse cared[2488] for, than it is at present. This, -however, we look upon as the business of others, forsooth; other -persons must see to it, without our troubling ourselves to request -them, and the physicians must exercise the necessary providence in our -behalves.[2489] As for ourselves, we go on enjoying our pleasures, and -are content to live—a thing that in my opinion reflects the highest -possible disgrace—by putting faith in others.[2490] - -Nay, even more than this, we ourselves are held in derision by many, -for undertaking these researches, and are charged with busying -ourselves with mere frivolities! It is some solace, however, in -the prosecution of these our boundless labours, to have Nature as -our sharer in this contempt: Nature who, as we will prove beyond a -doubt, has never failed in coming to the assistance of man, and has -implanted[2491] remedies for our use in the most despised even of the -vegetable productions, medicaments in plants which repel us with their -thorns. - -It is of these, in fact, that it remains for us now to speak, as next -in succession to those which we have mentioned in the preceding Book; -and here we cannot sufficiently admire, and, indeed, adore,[2492] -the wondrous providence displayed by Nature. She had given us, as -already[2493] shewn, plants soft to the touch, and agreeable to the -palate; in the flowers she had painted the remedies for our diseases -with her varied tints, and, while commingling the useful with the -delicious, had attracted our attention by means of the pleasures of the -eye. Here, however, she has devised another class of plants, bristling -and repulsive to the sight, and dangerous to the touch; so much so, -indeed, that we fancy we all but hear the voice of her who made them as -she reveals to us her motives for so doing. It is her wish, she says, -that no ravening cattle may browse upon them, that no wanton hand may -tear them up, that no heedless footstep may tread them down, that no -bird, perching there, may break them: and in thus fortifying them with -thorns, and arming them with weapons, it has been her grand object to -save and protect the remedies which they afford to man. Thus we see, -the very qualities even which we hold in such aversion, have been -devised by Nature for the benefit and advantage of mankind. - - - - -CHAP. 8. (7.)—THE ERYNGE OR ERYNGIUM. - - -In the first rank of the plants armed with prickles, the erynge[2494] -or eryngion stands pre-eminent, a vegetable production held in high -esteem as an antidote formed for the poison of serpents and all -venomous substances. For stings and bites of this nature, the root is -taken in wine in doses of one drachma, or if, as generally is the case, -the wound is attended with fever, in water. It is employed also, in -the form of a liniment, for wounds, and is found to be particularly -efficacious for those inflicted by water-snakes or frogs. The physician -Heraclides states it as his opinion that, boiled in goose-broth, it -is a more valuable remedy than any other known, for aconite[2495] -and other poisons.[2496] Apollodorus recommends that, in cases of -poisoning, it should be boiled with a frog, and other authorities, -in water only. It is a hardy plant, having much the appearance of a -shrub, with prickly leaves and a jointed stem; it grows a cubit or more -in height. Sometimes it is found of a whitish colour, and sometimes -black,[2497] the root of it being odoriferous. It is cultivated in -gardens, but it is frequently to be found growing[2498] spontaneously -in rugged and craggy localities. It grows, too, on the sea-shore, in -which case it is tougher and darker than usual, the leaf resembling -that of parsley.[2499] - - - - -CHAP. 9. (8.)—THE ERYNGIUM, CALLED CENTUM CAPITA: THIRTY REMEDIES. - - -The white variety of the eryngium is known in our language as the -“centum capita.”[2500] It has all the properties above-mentioned, -and the Greeks employ both the stalk and the root as an article of -food,[2501] either boiled or raw. There are some marvellous facts -related in connexion with this plant; the root[2502] of it, it is -said, bears a strong resemblance to the organs of either sex; it is but -rarely found, but if a root resembling the male organs should happen -to fall in the way of a man, it will ensure him woman’s love; hence it -is that Phaon the Lesbian was so passionately beloved[2503] by Sappho. -Upon this subject, too, there have been numerous other reveries, not -only on the part of the Magi, but of Pythagorean philosophers even as -well. - -So far as its medicinal properties are concerned, in addition to -those already mentioned, this plant, taken in hydromel, is good for -flatulency, gripings of the bowels, diseases of the heart, stomach, -liver, and thoracic organs, and, taken in oxycrate, for affections of -the spleen. Mixed with hydromel, it is recommended also for diseases of -the kidneys, strangury, opisthotony, spasms, lumbago, dropsy, epilepsy, -suppression or excess of the catamenia, and all maladies of the uterus. -Applied with honey, it extracts foreign substances from the body, and, -with salted axle-grease and cerate, it disperses scrofulous sores, -imposthumes of the parotid glands, inflamed tumours, denudations of the -bones, and fractures. Taken before drinking, it prevents the fumes of -wine from rising to the head, and it arrests looseness of the bowels. -Some of our authors have recommended that this plant should be gathered -at the period of the summer solstice, and that it should be applied, -in combination with rain water, for all kinds of maladies of the neck. -They say too, that, attached as an amulet to the person, it is a cure -for albugo.[2504] - - - - -CHAP. 10. (9.)—THE ACANOS; ONE REMEDY. - - -There are some authors, too, who make the acanos[2505] to be a -species of eryngium. It is a thorny plant, stunted, and spreading, -with prickles of a considerable size. Applied topically, they say, it -arrests hæmorrhage in a most remarkable degree. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—THE GLYCYRRHIZA OR ADIPSOS: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Other authors, again, have erroneously taken the glycyrrhiza[2506] to -be a kind of eryngium: it will, therefore, be as well to take this -opportunity of making some further mention of it. There can be no -doubt, however, that this is one of the thorny plants, the leaves of it -being covered with prickles,[2507] substantial, and viscous and gummy -to the touch: it has much the appearance of a shrub, is a couple of -cubits in height, and bears a flower like that of the hyacinth, and a -fruit the size of the little round balls[2508] of the plane. The best -kind is that grown in Cilicia, and the next best that of Pontus; the -root of it is sweet, and this is the only part that is used. It is -gathered at the setting of the Vergiliæ,[2509] the root of it being -long, like that of the vine.[2510] That which is yellow, the colour -of boxwood in fact, is superior to the darker kind, and the flexible -is better than the brittle. Boiled down to one-third, it is employed -for pessaries; but, for general purposes, a decoction is made of it of -the consistency of honey. Sometimes, also, it is used pounded, and it -is in this form that it is applied as a liniment for wounds and all -affections of the throat. The juice[2511] of it is also very good for -the voice, for which purpose it is thickened and then placed beneath -the tongue: it is good, too, for the chest and liver. - -We have already stated[2512] that this plant has the effect of -allaying hunger and thirst: hence it is that some authors have given -it the name of “adipsos,”[2513] and have prescribed it for dropsical -patients, to allay thirst. It is for this reason, too, that it is -chewed as a stomatic,[2514] and that the powder of it is often -sprinkled on ulcerous sores of the mouth and films[2515] on the eyes: -it heals, too, excrescences[2516] of the bladder, pains in the kidneys, -condylomata,[2517] and ulcerous sores of the genitals. Some persons -have given it in potions for quartan fevers, the doses being two -drachmæ, mixed with pepper in one hemina of water. Chewed, and applied -to wounds, it arrests hæmorrhage:[2518] some authors have asserted, -also, that it expels calculi of the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 12. (10.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE TRIBULUS; TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -Of the two[2519] kinds of tribulus, the one is a garden plant, the -other grows in rivers only. There is a juice extracted from them which -is employed for diseases of the eyes, it being of a cool and refreshing -nature, and, consequently, useful for inflammations and abscesses. Used -with honey, this juice is curative of spontaneous ulcerations, those of -the mouth in particular; it is good also for affections of the tonsils. -Taken in a potion, it breaks calculi of the bladder. - -The Thracians who dwell on the banks of the river Strymon feed their -horses[2520] on the leaves of the tribulus, and employ the kernels -as an article of food, making of them a very agreeable kind of -bread, which acts astringently[2521] upon the bowels. The root, if -gathered by persons in a state of chastity and purity,[2522] disperses -scrofulous sores: and the seed, used as an amulet, allays the pains -attendant upon varicose veins: pounded and mixed with water, it -destroys fleas. - - - - -CHAP. 13. (11.)—THE STŒBE OR PHEOS. - - -The stœbe,[2523] by some persons known as the “pheos,” boiled in wine, -is particularly good for the cure of suppurations of the ears, and for -extravasations of blood in the eyes from the effects of a blow. It is -employed also in injections for hæmorrhage and dysentery. - - - - -CHAP. 14. (12.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE HIPPOPHAES: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The hippophaes[2524] grows in sandy soils, and on the sea-shore. It -is a plant with white thorns, and covered with clusters, like the -ivy, the berries being white, and partly red. The root of it is full -of a juice which is either used by itself, or else is made up into -lozenges with meal of fitches: taken in doses of one obolus, it carries -off bile, and it is extremely beneficial if used with honied wine. -There is another[2525] hippophaes, without either stalk or flowers, -and consisting only of diminutive leaves: the juice of this also is -wonderfully useful for dropsy. - -These plants would appear, too, to be remarkably well adapted to the -constitution of the horse, as it can be for no other reason than this -that they have received their name.[2526] For, in fact, there are -certain plants which have been created as remedies for the diseases -of animals, the Divinity being bounteously lavish of his succours and -resources; so much so, indeed, that we cannot sufficiently admire the -wisdom with which he has arranged them according to the classes of -animated beings which they are to serve, the causes which give rise to -their various maladies, and the times at which they are likely to be in -requisition: hence it is that there is no class of beings, no season, -and, so to speak, no day, that is without its remedy. - - - - -CHAP. 15. (13.)—THE NETTLE: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -What plant can there possibly be that is more an object of our aversion -than the nettle?[2527] And yet, in addition to the oil which we have -already mentioned[2528] as being extracted from it in Egypt, it abounds -in medicinal properties. The seed of it, according to Nicander, -is an antidote to the poison of hemlock,[2529] of fungi, and of -quicksilver.[2530] Apollodorus prescribes it, too, taken in the broth -of a boiled tortoise,[2531] for the bite of the salamander,[2532] and -as an antidote for the poison of henbane, serpents, and scorpions. -The stinging pungency even of the nettle has its uses; for, by its -contact, it braces the uvula, and effects the cure of prolapsus of the -uterus, and of procidence of the anus in infants. By touching the legs -of persons in a lethargy, and the forehead more particularly, with -nettles, they are awakened.[2533] Applied with salt, the nettle is -used to heal the bites of dogs, and beaten up and applied topically, -it arrests bleeding[2534] at the nostrils, the root in particular. -Mixed with salt, also, it is employed for the cure of cancers and foul -ulcers; and, applied in a similar manner, it cures sprains and inflamed -tumours, as well as imposthumes of the parotid glands and denudations -of the bones. The seed of it, taken with boiled must, dispels -hysterical suffocations, and, applied topically, it arrests mucous -discharges of the nostrils. Taken with hydromel, after dinner, in doses -of two oboli, the seed produces a gentle vomit;[2535] and a dose of -one obolus, taken in wine, has the effect of dispelling lassitude. -The seed is prescribed also, parched, and in doses of one acetabulum, -for affections of the uterus; and, taken in boiled[2536] must, it is -a remedy for flatulency of the stomach. Taken in an electuary, with -honey, it gives relief in hardness of breathing, and clears the chest -by expectoration: applied with linseed, it is a cure for pains in -the side, with the addition of some hyssop and a little pepper. The -seed is employed also in the form of a liniment for affections of the -spleen, and, parched and taken with the food, it acts as a laxative in -constipation of the bowels. Hippocrates[2537] says that the seed, taken -in drink, acts as a purgative upon the uterus; and that taken, parched, -with sweet wine, in doses of one acetabulum, or applied externally with -juice of mallows, it alleviates pains in that organ. He states also -that, used with hydromel and salt, it expels intestinal worms, and -that a liniment made of the seed will restore the hair when falling -off. Many persons, too, employ the seed topically, with old oil, for -diseases of the joints, and for gout, or else the leaves beaten up with -bears’-grease: the root, too, pounded in vinegar, is no less useful for -the same purposes, as also for affections of the spleen. Boiled in -wine, and applied with stale axle-grease and salt, the root disperses -inflamed tumours, and, dried, it is used as a depilatory. - -Phanias, the physician, has enlarged upon the praises of the nettle, -and he assures us that, taken with the food, either boiled or -preserved, it is extremely beneficial for affections of the trachea, -cough, fluxes of the bowels, stomachic complaints, inflamed tumours, -imposthumes of the parotid glands, and chilblains; that, taken with -oil, it acts as a sudorific; and that, boiled with shell-fish, it -relaxes the bowels. He says, too, that taken with a ptisan,[2538] it -facilitates expectoration and acts as an emmenagogue, and that, applied -with salt, it prevents ulcers from spreading. The juice of the nettle -is also used: applied to the forehead, it arrests bleeding at the nose, -taken in drink it acts as a diuretic and breaks calculi in the bladder, -and, used as a gargle, it braces the uvula when relaxed. - -Nettle-seed should be gathered at harvest-time: that of Alexandria -is the most highly esteemed. For all these different purposes the -milder and more tender plants are the best, the wild nettle[2539] in -particular: this last, taken in wine, has the additional property of -removing leprous spots on the face. When animals refuse to couple, it -is recommended to rub the sexual organs with nettles.[2540] - - - - -CHAP. 16. (14.)—THE LAMIUM: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The variety of nettle, too, which we have already[2541] spoken of under -the name of “lamium,”[2542] the most innoxious of them all, the leaves -not having the property of stinging, is used for the cure of bruises -and contusions, with a sprinkling[2543] of salt, as also for burns and -scrofulous sores, tumours, gout, and wounds. The middle of the leaf -is white, and is used for the cure of erysipelas. Some of our authors -have distinguished the various species of this plant according to their -respective seasons; thus, for instance, the root of the autumn nettle, -they say, carried on the person as an amulet, is a cure for tertian -fevers, if due care is taken, when pulling up the root, to mention the -patient’s name, and to state who he is and who are his parents. They -say, too, that this plant is productive of similar results in quartan -fever: and they pretend that the root of the nettle, with the addition -of salt, will extract foreign substances from the body; and that the -leaves, mixed with stale axle-grease, will disperse scrofulous sores, -or if they suppurate, cauterize them and cause them to fill up with new -flesh. - - - - -CHAP. 17. (15.)—THE SCORPIO, TWO KINDS OF IT: ONE REMEDY. - - -The scorpio[2544] has received its appellation from the animal of that -name, in consequence of the resemblance of its seeds to a scorpion’s -tail. The leaves of it are few in number, and it is efficacious for -the sting[2545] of the animal from which it derives its name. There -is also another plant[2546] known by the same name, and possessed of -similar properties; it is destitute of leaves, has a stem like that of -asparagus,[2547] and a sharp point at the top, to which it owes its -appellation. - - - - -CHAP. 18. (16.)—THE LEUCACANTHA, PHYLLOS, ISCHIAS, OR POLYGONATOS: FOUR -REMEDIES. - - -The leucacantha,[2548] known also as the phyllos, ischias, or -polygonatos,[2549] has a root like that of the cypirus, which, when -chewed, has the effect of curing[2550] tooth-ache; as also pains in the -sides and loins, according to Hicesius, the seed or juice being taken -in drink, in doses of eight drachmæ.—This plant is employed also for -the cure of ruptures and convulsions. - - - - -CHAP. 19. (17).—THE HELXINE: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The helxine[2551] is called by some, “perdicium,” from the circumstance -of its forming the principal food of partridges.[2552] Other persons, -however, give it the name of “sideritis,” and to some it is known as -“parthenium.” It has leaves, the shape of which is a mixture of those -of the plantago and the marrubium;[2553] the stalks are slight and -closely packed, and are of a light red colour. The seeds, enclosed in -heads resembling those of the lappa,[2554] adhere to the clothes, a -circumstance, it is said, to which it owes its name[2555] of “helxine.” -We have already stated in the preceding Book[2556] what are the -characteristics of the plant properly so called. - -The one of which we are now speaking is used for dyeing[2557] wool, -and is employed for the cure of erysipelas, tumours, all kinds of -abscesses, and burns. The juice of it, taken in doses of one cyathus -with white lead, is a cure for inflamed tumours, incipient swellings -of the throat, and inveterate coughs.[2558] It is good, too, for all -maladies of the humid parts of the body, the tonsillary glands, for -instance; and, in combination with rose oil, it is useful for varicose -veins. It is employed topically for the gout, with goat suet and -Cyprian wax. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE PERDICIUM, PARTHENIUM, URCEOLARIS, OR ASTERCUM: ELEVEN -REMEDIES. - - -The perdicium or parthenium[2559]—for[2560] the sideritis is, in -reality, a different plant—is known to the people of our country as -the herb urceolaris,[2561] and to some persons as the “astercum.” The -leaf of it is similar to that of ocimum, but darker, and it is found -growing on tiled roofs and walls. Beaten up with a sprinkling of -salt, it has all the medicinal properties of the lamium,[2562] and is -used in a similar manner. The juice of it, taken warm, is good, too, -for suppurated abscesses; but for the cure of convulsions, ruptures, -bruises, and the effects of falls from a height, or of the overturning -of vehicles, it is possessed of singular virtues. - -A slave, who was held in high esteem by Pericles,[2563] the ruler of -the Athenians, being engaged upon the buildings of a temple in the -citadel, while creeping along the top of the roof, happened to fall; -from the effects of which he was relieved, it is said, by this plant, -the virtues whereof had been disclosed to Pericles by Minerva in a -dream. Hence it is that it was first called “parthenium,”[2564] and was -consecrated to that goddess. It is this slave of whom there is a famous -statue in molten bronze, well known as the Splanchnoptes.[2565] - - - - -CHAP. 21. (18.)—THE CHAMÆLEON, IXIAS, ULOPHONON, OR CYNOZOLON; TWO -VARIETIES OF IT: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The chamæleon[2566] is spoken of as the “ixias,” by some authors. There -are two species of this plant; the white kind has a rougher leaf than -the other, and creeps along the ground, erecting its prickles like the -quills of a hedgehog; the root of it is sweet, and the odour very -powerful. In some places it secretes, just as they say incense[2567] is -produced, a white viscous substance beneath the axils of the leaves, -about the rising of the Dog-star more particularly. To this viscous -nature it owes its name of “ixias;”[2568] females[2569] make use of it -as a substitute for mastich. As to its name of “chamæleon,”[2570] that -is given to it from the varying tints of the leaves; for it changes its -colours, in fact, just according to the soil, being black in one place, -green in another, blue in a third, yellow elsewhere, and of various -other colours as well. - -A decoction of the root of the white chamæleon is employed for the -cure[2571] of dropsy, being taken in doses of one drachma in raisin -wine. This decoction, taken in doses of one acetabulum, in astringent -wine, with some sprigs of origanum in it, has the effect of expelling -intestinal worms: it is good, too, as a diuretic. Mixed with polenta, -the juice of it will kill dogs and swine; with the addition of water -and oil, it will attract mice to it and destroy[2572] them, unless -they immediately drink water to counteract its effects. Some persons -recommend the root of it to be kept, cut in small pieces, and suspended -from the ceiling; when wanted, it must be boiled and taken with the -food, for the cure of those fluxes to which the Greeks have given the -name of “rheumatismi.”[2573] - -In reference to the dark kind, some writers say that the one which -bears a purple flower is the male, and that with a violet flower, the -female. They grow together, upon a stem, a cubit in length, and a -finger in thickness. The root of these plants, boiled with sulphur and -bitumen, is employed for the cure of lichens; and they are chewed, or -a decoction of them made in vinegar, to fasten loose teeth. The juice -of them is employed for the cure of scab in animals, and it has the -property of killing ticks upon dogs. Upon steers it takes effect like -a sort of quinsy; from which circumstance it has received the name of -“ulophonon”[2574] from some, as also that of cynozolon[2575] from its -offensive smell. These plants produce also a viscus, which is a most -excellent remedy for ulcers. The roots of all the different kinds are -an antidote to the sting of the scorpion. - - - - -CHAP. 22. (19.)—THE CORONOPUS. - - -The coronopus[2576] is an elongated plant, with fissures in the leaves. -It is sometimes cultivated, as the root, roasted in hot ashes, is found -to be an excellent remedy for cœliac complaints. - - - - -CHAP. 23. (20.)—THE ANCHUSA: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The root of the anchusa,[2577] too, is made use of, a plant a finger in -thickness. It is split into leaves like the papyrus, and when touched -it stains the hands the colour of blood; it is used for imparting rich -colours to wool. Applied with cerate it heals ulcerous sores, those of -aged people in particular: it is employed also for the cure of burns. -It is insoluble in water, but dissolves in oil, this being, in fact, -the test of its genuineness. It is administered also, in doses of one -drachma, in wine, for nephretic pains, or else, if there is fever, in a -decoction of balanus;[2578] it is employed in a similar manner, also, -for affections of the liver and spleen, and for enlarged secretions of -the bile. Applied with vinegar, it is used for the cure of leprosy and -the removal of freckles. The leaves, beaten up with honey and meal, are -applied topically for sprains; and taken in honied wine, in doses of -two drachmæ, they arrest looseness of the bowels.[2579] A decoction of -the root in water, it is said, kills fleas. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—THE PSEUDOANCHUSA, ECHIS, OR DORIS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is another plant, similar to the preceding one, and hence -known as the “pseudoanchusa,”[2580] though by some it is called -“echis,”[2581] or “doris,” as well as by many other names. It is more -downy than the other plant, however, and not so substantial; the -leaves, too, are thinner, and more drooping. The root of it, treated -with oil, does not give out any red juice, a sign by which it is -distinguished from the genuine anchusa. The leaves of this plant, or -the seed, taken in drink, are extremely efficacious for the stings of -serpents; the leaves, too, are applied topically to the wound; and the -powerful smell of them will keep serpents at a distance. A preparation -of this plant is taken, also, as a potion, for affections of the -vertebræ. The Magi recommend that the leaves of it should be plucked -with the left hand, it being mentioned at the same time for whom they -are being gathered: after which, they are to be worn as an amulet, -attached to the person, for the cure of tertian fevers.[2582] - - - - -CHAP. 25. (21.)—THE ONOCHILON, ARCHEBION, ONOCHELIS, RHEXIA, OR -ENCHRYSA: THIRTY REMEDIES. - - -There is another plant, too, the proper name of which is -“onochilon,”[2583] but which some people call “anchusa,” others -“archebion,” and others, again, “onochelis,” or “rhexia,” and, more -universally, “enchrysa.” This plant has a diminutive stem, a purple -flower, rough leaves and branches, and a root the colour of blood -at harvest-time, though dark and swarthy at other times. It grows -in sandy soils, and is extremely efficacious for the stings of -serpents, vipers in particular, the roots or leaves of it being taken -indifferently with the food, or in the drink. It developes its virtues -at harvest-time, more especially: the leaves of it, when bruised, have -just the smell of a cucumber. This plant is prescribed, in doses of -three cyathi, for prolapsus of the uterus, and, taken with hyssop, it -expels tape-worms. For pains in the liver or kidneys, it is taken in -hydromel, if the patient shows symptoms of fever, but if not, in wine. -With the root of it a liniment is made, for the removal of freckles -and leprous sores; and it is asserted that persons who carry this root -about them will never be attacked by serpents. - -There is another[2584] plant, again, very similar to this, with a red -flower, and somewhat smaller. It is applied to the same uses as the -other; it is asserted, too, that if it is chewed, and then spit out -upon a serpent, it will cause its instantaneous death. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—THE ANTHEMIS, LEUCANTHEMIS, LEUCANTHEMUM, CHAMÆMELUM, OR -MELANTHIUM; THREE VARIETIES OF IT: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The anthemis has been highly extolled by Asclepiades. Some persons -call it “leucanthemis,”[2585] some leucanthemum, others, again, -“eranthemis,”[2586] from its flowering in spring, and others -“chamæmelon,”[2587] because it has a smell like that of an apple: -sometimes, too, it is called “melanthion.”[2588] There are three -varieties of this plant, which only differ from one another in the -flower; they do not exceed a palm in height, and they bear small -blossoms like those of rue, white, yellow,[2589] or purple. - -This plant is mostly found in thin, poor soils, or growing near -foot-paths. It is usually gathered in spring, and put by for the -purpose of making chaplets. At the same season, too, medical men -pound the leaves, and make them up into lozenges, the same being done -with the flowers also, and the root. All the parts of this plant are -administered together, in doses of one drachma, for the stings of -serpents of all kinds. Taken in drink, too, they bring away the dead -fœtus, act as an emmenagogue and diuretic, and disperse calculi of the -bladder. The anthemis is employed, also, for the cure of flatulency, -affections of the liver, excessive secretions of the bile, and fistulas -of the eye; chewed, it heals running sores. Of all the different -varieties, the one that is most efficacious for the treatment of -calculi is that with the purple flower,[2590] the leaves and stem[2591] -of which are somewhat larger than those of the other kinds. Some -persons, and with strict propriety, give to this last the name of -“eranthemis.” - - - - -CHAP. 27.—THE LOTUS PLANT: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Those who think that the lotus is nothing but a tree only, can easily -be refuted, if upon the authority of Homer[2592] only; for that poet -names the lotus first of all among the herbs which grow to administer -to the pleasures of the gods. The leaves of this plant,[2593] mixed -with honey, disperse the marks of sores, argema,[2594] and films upon -the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—THE LOTOMETRA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The lotometra[2595] is a cultivated lotus; with the seed of it, which -resembles millet, the shepherds in Egypt make a coarse bread, which -they mostly knead with water or milk. It is said, however, that there -is nothing lighter or more wholesome than this bread, so long as it -is eaten warm; but that when it gets cold, it becomes heavy and more -difficult of digestion. It is a well-known fact, that persons who use -it as a diet are never attacked by dysentery, tenesmus, or other -affections of the bowels; hence it is, that this plant is reckoned -among the remedies for that class of diseases. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—THE HELIOTROPIUM, HELIOSCOPIUM, OR VERRUCARIA: TWELVE -REMEDIES. THE HELIOTROPIUM, TRICOCCUM, OR SCORPIURON: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -We have spoken more than once[2596] of the marvels of the heliotropium, -which turns[2597] with the sun, in cloudy weather even, so great is its -sympathy with that luminary. At night, as though in regret, it closes -its blue flower. - -There are two species of heliotropium, the tricoccum[2598] and the -helioscopium,[2599] the latter being the taller of the two, though they -neither of them exceed half[2600] a foot in height. The helioscopium -throws out branches from the root, and the seed of it, enclosed in -follicules,[2601] is gathered at harvest-time. It grows nowhere -but in a rich soil, a highly-cultivated one more particularly; the -tricoccum, on the other hand, is to be found growing everywhere. -I find it stated, that the helioscopium, boiled, is considered an -agreeable food, and that taken in milk, it is gently laxative[2602] to -the bowels; while, again, a decoction of it, taken as a potion, acts -as a most effectual purgative. The juice of this plant is collected -in summer, at the sixth[2603] hour of the day; it is usually mixed -with wine, which makes[2604] it keep all the better. Combined with -rose-oil, it alleviates head-ache. The juice extracted from the leaves, -combined with salt, removes warts; from which circumstance our people -have given this plant the name of “verrucaria,”[2605] although, from -its various properties, it fully merits a better name. For, taken -in wine or hydromel, it is an antidote to the venom of serpents and -scorpions,[2606] as Apollophanes and Apollodorus state. The leaves, -too, employed topically, are a cure for the cerebral affections of -infants, known as “siriasis,”[2607] as also for convulsions, even when -they are epileptic. It is very wholesome, too, to gargle the mouth -with a decoction of this plant. Taken in drink, it expels tapeworm and -gravel, and, with the addition of cummin, it will disperse calculi. A -decoction of the plant with the root, mixed with the leaves and some -suet of a he-goat, is applied topically for the cure of gout. - -The other kind, which we have spoken[2608] of as being called the -“tricoccum,” and which also bears the name of “scorpiuron,”[2609] -has leaves that are not only smaller than those of the other kind, -but droop downwards towards the ground: the seed of it resembles a -scorpion’s tail, to which, in fact, it owes its latter appellation. It -is of great efficacy for injuries received from all kinds of venomous -insects and the spider known as the “phalangium,” but more particularly -for the stings of scorpions, if applied topically.[2610] Those who -carry it about their person are never stung by a scorpion, and it is -said that if a circle is traced on the ground around a scorpion with -a sprig of this plant, the animal will never move out of it, and that -if a scorpion is covered with it, or even sprinkled with the water -in which it has been steeped, it will die that instant. Four grains -of the seed, taken in drink, are said to be a cure for the quartan -fever, and three for the tertian; a similar effect being produced by -carrying the plant three times round the patient, and then laying it -under his head. The seed, too, acts as an aphrodisiac, and, applied -with honey, it disperses inflamed tumours. This kind of heliotropium, -as well as the other, extracts warts radically,[2611] and excrescences -of the anus. Applied topically, the seed draws off corrupt blood from -the vertebræ and loins; and a similar effect is produced by taking -a decoction of it in chicken broth, or with beet and lentils. The -husks[2612] of the seed restore the natural colour to lividities of the -skin. According to the Magi, the patient himself should make four knots -in the heliotropium for a quartan, and three for a tertian fever, at -the same time offering a prayer that he may recover to untie them, the -plant being left in the ground meanwhile. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—THE ADIANTUM, CALLITRICHOS, TRICHOMANES, POLYTRICHOS, OR -SAXIFRAGUM; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Equally marvellous, too, in other respects, is the adiantum;[2613] it -is green in summer, never dies in the winter, manifests an aversion -to water, and, when sprinkled with water or dipped in it, has all the -appearance of having been dried, so great is its antipathy to moisture; -a circumstance to which it owes the name of “adiantum,”[2614] given -to it by the Greeks. In other respects, it is a shrub which might be -well employed in ornamental gardening.[2615] Some persons give it the -name of “callitrichos,”[2616] and others of “polytrichos,” both of -them bearing reference to its property of imparting colour to the hair. -For this purpose, a decoction of it is made in wine with parsley-seed, -large quantities of oil being added, if it is desired to make the hair -thick and curly as well: it has also the property of preventing the -hair from coming off. - -There are two kinds of this plant, one being whiter than the other, -which last is swarthy and more stunted. It is the larger kind that is -known as the “polytrichos,” or, as some call it, the “trichomanes.” -Both plants have tiny branches of a bright black colour, and leaves -like those of fern, the lower ones being rough and tawny, and all -of them lying close together and attached to footstalks arranged on -either side of the stem: of root, so to say, there is nothing.[2617] -This plant frequents umbrageous rocks, walls sprinkled with the spray -of running water, grottoes of fountains more particularly, and crags -surrounded with streamlets, a fact that is all the more remarkable in a -plant which derives no benefit from water. - -The adiantum is of singular efficacy in expelling and breaking calculi -of the bladder, the dark kind in particular; and it is for this reason, -in my opinion, rather than because it grows upon stones, that it has -received from the people of our country its name of “saxifragum.”[2618] -It is taken in wine, the usual dose being a pinch of it in three -fingers. Both these plants are diuretics, and act as an antidote to -the venom of serpents and spiders: a decoction of them in wine arrests -looseness of the bowels. A wreath of them, worn on the head, alleviates -head-ache. For the bite of the scolopendra they are applied topically, -but they must be removed every now and then, to prevent them from -cauterizing the flesh:[2619] they are employed in a similar manner also -for alopecy.[2620] They disperse scrofulous sores, scurf on the face, -and running ulcers of the head. A decoction of them is useful also for -asthma, affections of the liver and spleen, enlarged secretions of the -gall, and dropsy. In combination with wormwood, they form a liniment -for strangury and affections of the kidneys; they have the effect also -of bringing away the after-birth, and act as an emmenagogue. Taken -with vinegar or juice of bramble-berries, they arrest hæmorrhage. -Combined with rose-oil they are employed as a liniment for excoriations -on infants, the parts affected being first fomented with wine. The -leaves, steeped in the urine of a youth who has not arrived at puberty, -and beaten up with saltpetre, compose a liniment which, it is said, -prevents wrinkles from forming on the abdomen in females. It is a -general belief that partridges and cocks are rendered more pugnacious -if this plant is mixed with their food; and it is looked upon as -particularly beneficial for cattle. - - - - -CHAP. 31. (22.)—THE PICRIS; ONE REMEDY. THE THESION; ONE REMEDY. - - -The picris[2621] derives its name from its intense bitterness, as we -have previously stated. The leaf of it is round; it is remarkably -efficacious for the removal of warts. - -The thesium,[2622] too, has a bitterness not unlike it: it is a -powerful purgative, for which purpose it is employed bruised in water. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—THE ASPHODEL; FIFTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -The asphodel[2623] is one of the most celebrated of all the plants, -so much so, indeed, that by some persons it has been called -“heroum.”[2624] Hesiod has mentioned the fact of its growing in -rivers, and Dionysius distinguishes it into male and female.[2625] -It has been observed that the bulbs of it, boiled with a ptisan, -are remarkably good for consumption and phthisis,[2626] and that -bread in which they have been kneaded up with the meal, is extremely -wholesome. Nicander[2627] recommends also, for the stings of serpents -and scorpions, either the stalk, which we have already[2628] spoken -of under the name of “anthericus,” or else the seed or bulbs, to be -taken in wine, in doses of three drachmæ; and he says that these -should be strewed beneath the bed, if there is any apprehension of -their presence. The asphodel is prescribed also for wounds inflicted -by marine animals of a venomous nature, and the bite of the land -scolopendra. It is quite wonderful how the snails, in Campania, seek -the stalk of this plant, and dry it by extracting the inside. The -leaves, too, are applied with wine to wounds made by venomous animals, -and the bulbs are beaten up with polenta and similarly used for -affections of the sinews and joints. It is also a very good plan to rub -lichens with them chopped up and mixed with vinegar, and to apply them -in water to putrid sores, as also to inflammations of the testes or -mamillæ. Boiled in lees of wine, and applied in a linen pledget, they -are used for the cure of defluxions of the eyes. - -Whatever the malady may happen to be, it is generally in a boiled[2629] -state that the bulbs are employed; but for foul ulcers of the legs -and for chaps upon any part of the body, they are dried and reduced -to powder. The bulbs are usually gathered in autumn,[2630] a period -when their medicinal properties are most fully developed. The juice -extracted from them pounded, or else a decoction of them, is good, -mixed with honey, for pains in the body: it is employed also with -dried iris and a little salt by those who wish to impart an agreeable -odour to the person. The leaves are used for the cure of the various -maladies above mentioned, as also, boiled in wine, for scrofulous -sores, inflamed tumours, and ulcers of the face. The ashes of the root -are a remedy for alopecy and chaps on the feet; and an extract of the -root, boiled in oil, is good for burns and chilblains. It is injected -also into the ears for deafness, and, for tooth-ache, it is poured into -the ear opposite to the part affected. A moderate dose of the root, -taken in drink, acts as a diuretic and emmenagogue; it is good also -for pains in the sides, ruptures, convulsions, and coughs, in doses of -one drachma, taken in wine. Chewed, the root promotes vomiting, but the -seed, taken internally, disorders the bowels. - -Chrysermus used to employ a decoction of the root, in wine, for -imposthumes of the parotid glands; and he has prescribed it, in -combination with cachrys,[2631] in wine, for the cure of scrofulous -sores. Some persons say that if, after applying the root to the sores, -a part of it is hung up in the smoke to dry, and not taken down till -the end of four days, the sores will gradually dry up with this portion -of the root. Sophocles[2632] used to employ it both ways, boiled and -raw, for the cure of gout; and he prescribes it, boiled in oil, for -chilblains, and, in vinegar, for jaundice and dropsy. It has been -stated, also, that, used as a friction with wine and honey, or taken -in drink, it acts as an aphrodisiac. Xenocrates assures us, too, that -a decoction of the root in vinegar removes lichens, itch-scabs, and -leprous sores; and that a decoction of it, with henbane and tar, has a -similar effect, and is good also for the removal of bad odours[2633] -of the armpits and thighs: he states, also, that if the head is well -rubbed with the root, being first shaved, the hair will curl all the -better for it. Simus prescribes a decoction of it, in wine, to be -taken for calculi in the kidneys; and Hippocrates recommends the seed -for obstructions of the spleen. The root, or else a decoction of it, -applied topically, restores the hair in beasts of burden, where it has -been lost by ulcerations or scab. It has the effect, too, of driving -away rats and mice, and of exterminating them, if placed before their -holes. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—THE HALIMON: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Some authors have thought that it is the asphodel that is called -“halimon” by Hesiod, an opinion which appears to me ill-founded; -halimon[2634] being the name of a distinct plant, which has been the -occasion of no few mistakes committed by writers. According to some, -it is a tufted shrub, white, destitute of thorns, and with leaves -like those of the olive, only softer; which eaten boiled, are an -agreeable food. The root, they say, taken in doses of one drachma in -hydromel, allays gripings of the bowels, and is a cure for ruptures -and convulsions. Others, again, pronounce it to be a vegetable growing -near the sea-shore,[2635] of a salt taste—to which, in fact, it owes -its name—with leaves somewhat round but elongated, and much esteemed as -an article of food. They say, too, that there are two species of it, -the wild and the cultivated,[2636] and that, mixed with bread, they -are good, both of them, for dysentery, even if ulceration should have -supervened, and are useful for stomachic affections, in combination -with vinegar. They state, also, that this plant is applied raw to -ulcers of long standing, and that it modifies the inflammation of -recent wounds, and the pain attendant upon sprains of the feet and -affections of the bladder. The wild halimon, they tell us, has thinner -leaves than the other, but is more effectual as a medicament in all the -above cases, as also for the cure of itch, whether in man or beast. -The root, too, according to them, employed as a friction, renders the -skin more clear, and the teeth whiter; and they assert that if the seed -of it is put beneath the tongue, no thirst will be experienced. They -state, also, that this kind is eaten as well as the other, and that -they are, both of them, preserved. - -Crateuas has spoken of a third[2637] kind also, with longer leaves than -the others, and more hairy: it has the smell of the cypress, he says, -and grows beneath the ivy more particularly. He states that this plant -is extremely good for opisthotony and contractions of the sinews, taken -in doses of three oboli to one sextarius of water. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—THE ACANTHUS, PÆDEROS, OR MELAMPHYLLOS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The acanthus[2638] is a plant that grows in cities, and is used in -ornamental gardening. It has a broad, long leaf, and is used as -a covering for the margins of ornamental waters and of parterres -in gardens.[2639] There are two varieties of it; the one that is -thorny[2640] and crisped is the shorter of the two; the other, which -is smooth,[2641] is by some persons called “pæderos,”[2642] and by -others “melamphyllos.”[2643] The root of this last is remarkably -good for burns and sprains; and, boiled with the food, a ptisan more -particularly, it is equally good for ruptures, spasms, and patients who -are in apprehension of phthisis. The root is also beaten up and applied -warm for hot gout. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—THE BUPLEURON: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The bupleuron[2644] is reckoned by the Greeks in the number of the -leguminous plants which grow spontaneously. The stem of it is a cubit -in height, the leaves are long and numerous, and the head resembles -that of dill. It has been extolled as an aliment by Hippocrates, and -for its medicinal properties by Glaucon and Nicander. The seed of -it is good for the stings of serpents; and the leaves, or else the -juice, applied as a liniment with wine, bring away the after-birth. -The leaves, also, in combination with salt and wine, are applied to -scrofulous sores. The root is prescribed in wine for the stings of -serpents, and as a diuretic. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—THE BUPRESTIS: ONE REMEDY. - - -With a remarkable degree of inconsistency, the Greek writers, while -praising the buprestis[2645] as an aliment, point out certain -antidotes[2646] to it, as though it were a poison. The very name, -however, proves to a certainty that it is poisonous to cattle, and it -is generally admitted that, on tasting it, they burst[2647] asunder: we -shall, therefore, say no more about it. Is there any reason, in fact, -why, when we are speaking of the materials employed in making our grass -crowns, we should describe a poison? or really ought we to enlarge upon -it only to please the libidinous fancies of those who imagine that -there is not a more powerful aphrodisiac in existence than this, when -taken in drink? - - - - -CHAP. 37.—THE ELAPHOBOSCON: NINE REMEDIES. - - -The elaphoboscon[2648] is a ferulaceous plant, articulated, and about -a finger in thickness. The seed of it is like that of dill, hanging in -umbels resembling those of hart-wort in appearance, but not bitter. -The leaves are very like those of olusatrum.[2649] This plant, too, is -highly spoken of as an article of food; in addition to which, it is -preserved and kept as a diuretic[2650] and for the purpose of assuaging -pains in the sides, curing ruptures and convulsions, and dispelling -flatulency and colic. It is used, too, for the cure of wounds -inflicted by serpents and all kinds of animals that sting; so much -so, indeed, that, as the story goes, stags, by eating of it, fortify -themselves against the attacks of serpents. The root, too, applied -topically, with the addition of nitre, is a cure for fistula, but, when -wanted for this purpose, it must be dried first, so as to retain none -of the juice; though, on the other hand, this juice does not at all -impair its efficacy as an antidote to the poison of serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE SCANDIX: NINE REMEDIES. THE ANTHRISCUM: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The scandix,[2651] too, is reckoned by the Greeks in the number of the -wild vegetables, as we learn from Opion and Erasistratus. Boiled, it -arrests[2652] looseness of the bowels; and the seed of it, administered -with vinegar, immediately stops hiccup. It is employed topically for -burns, and acts as a diuretic; a decoction of it is good, too, for -affections of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and bladder. It is this -plant that furnished Aristophanes with his joke[2653] against the poet -Euripides, that his mother used to sell not real vegetables, but only -scandix. - -The anthriscum[2654] would be exactly the same plant as the scandix, if -its leaves were somewhat thinner and more odoriferous. Its principal -virtue is that it reinvigorates the body when exhausted by sexual -excesses, and acts as a stimulant upon the enfeebled powers of old age. -It arrests leucorrhœa in females. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—THE IASIONE: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The iasione,[2655] which is also looked upon as a wild vegetable, is a -creeping plant, full of a milky juice: it bears a white flower, the -name given to which is “concilium.” The chief recommendation of this -plant, too, is that it acts as an aphrodisiac. Eaten with the food, -raw, in vinegar, it promotes the secretion of the milk in nursing -women. It is salutary also for patients who are apprehensive of -phthisis; and, applied to the head of infants, it makes the hair grow, -and renders the scalp more firm. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—THE CAUCALIS: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The caucalis,[2656] too, is an edible plant. It resembles fennel in -appearance, and has a short stem with a white flower;[2657] it is -usually considered a good cordial.[2658] The juice, too, of this plant -is taken as a potion, being particularly recommended as a stomachic, -a diuretic, an expellent of calculi and gravel, and for the cure of -irritations of the bladder. It has the effect, also, of attenuating -morbid secretions[2659] of the spleen, liver, and kidneys. The seed of -it acts as an emmenagogue, and dispels the bilious secretions after -child-birth: it is prescribed also, for males, in cases of seminal -weakness. Chrysippus is of opinion that this plant promotes conception; -for which purpose it is taken by women in wine, fasting. It is employed -in the form of a liniment, for wounds inflicted by marine animals of -a venomous nature, at least we find it so stated by Petrichus in his -poem.[2660] - - - - -CHAP. 41.—THE SIUM: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Among these plants there is reckoned also the sium:[2661] it grows in -the water, has a leaf broader than that of parsley, thicker, and of a -more swarthy colour, bears a considerable quantity of seed, and has the -taste of nasturtium. It is an active diuretic, is very good for the -kidneys and spleen, and acts as an emmenagogue, either eaten by itself -as an aliment,[2662] or taken in the form of a decoction; the seed of -it is taken in wine, in doses of two drachmæ. It disperses calculi in -the bladder, and neutralizes the action of water which tends to their -formation. Used in the form of an injection, it is good for dysentery, -and applied topically, for the removal of freckles. It is applied by -females, at night, for the removal of spots on the face, a result which -it produces almost instantaneously. It has the effect also of assuaging -hernia, and is good for the scab in horses. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—THE SILLYBUM. - - -The sillybum[2663] resembles the white chamæleon, and is a plant quite -as prickly. In Cilicia, Syria, and Phœnicia, the countries where it -grows, it is not thought worth while to boil it, the cooking of it -being so extremely troublesome, it is said. It is of no use whatever in -medicine. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—THE SCOLYMOS OR LIMONIA: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The scolymos,[2664] too, is used as an aliment[2665] in the East, where -it has also the name of “limonia.”[2666] This is a shrub-like plant, -which never exceeds a cubit in height, with tufted leaves and a black -root, but sweet. Eratosthenes speaks highly of it as a diet used by -the poor. It is said to possess diuretic properties in a very high -degree, and to heal lichens and leprous sores, applied with vinegar. -Taken in wine it acts as an aphrodisiac, according to the testimony -of Hesiod[2667] and Alcæus; who have stated in their writings, that -while it is in blossom, the song of the grasshopper is louder than at -other times, women more inflamed with desire, and men less inclined -to amorous intercourse; and that it is by a kind of foresight on the -part of Nature that this powerful stimulant is then in its greatest -perfection. The root, too, used without the pith, corrects the noisome -odour of the armpits, in doses of one ounce to two heminæ of Falernian -wine; the mixture being boiled down to one third, and taken fasting -after the bath, as also after meals, a cyathus at a time. It is a -remarkable thing, but Xenocrates assures us that he has ascertained it -experimentally, that these bad odours are carried off by the urine. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—THE SONCHOS; TWO VARIETIES: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The sonchos,[2668] too, is edible—at least, it was this that, according -to Callimachus, Hecale[2669] set before Theseus. There are two kinds, -the white[2670] and the black:[2671] they are, both of them, similar -to the lettuce, except that they are prickly, with a stem a cubit in -height, angular, and hollow within; when broken, the stem gives out -an abundance of milky juice. The white kind, which derives its colour -from the milk it contains, is good for hardness of breathing, if eaten -dressed with seasoning like the lettuce. Erasistratus says that it -carries off calculi by the urine, and that, chewed, it is a corrective -of bad breath. The juice of it, taken warm in doses of three cyathi, -with white wine and oil, facilitates delivery, but the patient must be -careful to walk about immediately after drinking it: it is also given -in broth. - -A decoction of the stalk renders the milk more abundant in nursing -women, and improves the complexion of the infants suckled by them; it -is also remarkably beneficial for females when the milk coagulates. The -juice of it is used as an injection for the ears, and is taken warm in -doses of one cyathus, for strangury, as also for gnawing pains of the -stomach, with cucumber seed and pine nuts. It is employed topically -for abscesses of the rectum, and is taken in drink for the stings of -serpents and scorpions, the root also being applied to the wounds. The -root, boiled in oil, with the rind of a pomegranate, is a remedy for -diseases of the ears—all these remedies, however, be it remembered, are -derived from the white kind. - -As to the black sonchos, Cleemporus forbids it to be eaten, as being -productive of diseases, but at the same time he approves of the use -of the white. Agathocles, however, goes so far as to assert that the -juice of the black kind is an antidote for poisoning by bulls’ blood; -and, indeed, it is generally agreed that the black sonchos has certain -refreshing properties; for which reason cataplasms of it may be -advantageously applied with polenta. Zeno recommends the root of the -white kind for strangury. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—THE CONDRION OR CHONDRYLLA: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The condrion,[2672] or chondrylla, has leaves, eaten away, as it were, -at the edges, and similar to those of endive, a stalk less than a foot -in length and full of a bitter juice, and a root resembling that of the -bean, and occasionally very ramified. It produces, near the surface -of the earth, a sort of mastich,[2673] in a tubercular form, the size -of a bean; this mastich, it is said, employed as a pessary, promotes -the menstrual discharge. This plant, pounded whole with the roots, is -divided into lozenges, which are employed for the stings of serpents, -and probably with good effect; for field mice, it is said, when injured -by those reptiles, are in the habit of eating this plant. A decoction -of it in wine arrests looseness of the bowels, and makes a most -excellent substitute for gum, as a bandoline for the eye-lashes,[2674] -even when the hairs are most stubborn. Dorotheus says, in his poems, -that it is extremely good for the stomach and the digestive organs. -Some persons, however, have been of opinion that it is unwholesome for -females, bad for the eyesight, and productive of impotence in the male -sex. - - - - -CHAP. 46.—MUSHROOMS: PECULIARITIES OF THEIR GROWTH. - - -Among those vegetable productions which are eaten with risk, I shall, -with good reason, include mushrooms;[2675] a very dainty food, it -is true, but deservedly held in disesteem since the notorious crime -committed by Agrippina, who, through their agency, poisoned her -husband, the Emperor Claudius, and at the same moment, in the person of -his son Nero, inflicted another poisonous curse upon the whole world, -herself[2676] in particular. - -Some of the poisonous mushrooms are easily known, being of a rank, -unwholesome look, light red without and livid within, with the -clefts[2677] considerably enlarged, and a pale, sickly margin to the -head.[2678] These characteristics, however, are not presented by others -of the poisonous kinds; but being dry to all appearance and strongly -resembling the genuine ones, they present white spots upon the head, -on the surface of the outer coat. The earth, in fact, first produces -the uterus[2679] or receptacle for the mushroom, and then the mushroom -within, like the yolk in the egg. Nor is this envelope less conducive -to the nutrition of the young mushroom [than is the albumen of the -egg to that of the chicken.] Bursting forth from the envelope at the -moment of its first appearance, as it gradually increases it becomes -transformed into a substantial stalk; it is but very rarely, too, that -we find two growing from a single foot-stalk. The generative[2680] -principle of the mushroom is in the slime and the fermenting juices -of the damp earth, or of the roots of most of the glandiferous trees. -It appears at first in the shape of a sort of viscous foam, and then -assumes a more substantial but membranous form, after which, as already -stated, the young mushroom appears. - -In general, these plants are of a pernicious nature, and the use -of them should be altogether rejected; for if by chance they should -happen to grow near a hob-nail,[2681] a piece of rusty iron, or a -bit of rotten cloth, they will immediately imbibe all these foreign -emanations and flavours, and transform them into poison. Who, in fact, -is able to distinguish them, except those who dwell in the country, or -the persons[2682] that are in the habit of gathering them? There are -other circumstances, too, which render them noxious; if they grow near -the hole of a serpent,[2683] for instance, or if they should happen to -have been breathed upon by one when just beginning to open; being all -the more disposed to imbibe the venom from their natural affinity to -poisonous substances. - -It will therefore be as well to be on our guard during the season at -which the serpents have not as yet retired to their holes for the -winter. The best sign to know this by is a multitude of herbs, of -trees, and of shrubs, which remain green from the time that these -reptiles leave their holes till their return; indeed, the ash alone -will be quite sufficient for the purpose, the leaves of it never coming -out after the serpents have made their appearance, or beginning to -fall before they have retired to their holes. The entire existence of -the mushroom, from its birth to its death, is never more than seven -days.[2684] - - - - -CHAP. 47. (23.)—FUNGI; SIGNS BY WHICH THE VENOMOUS KINDS MAY BE -RECOGNIZED: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Fungi are of a more humid nature than the last, and are divided into -numerous kinds, all of which are derived solely from the pituitous -humours[2685] of trees. The safest are those, the flesh of which is -red,[2686] the colour being more pronounced than that of the mushroom. -The next best are the white[2687] ones, the stems of which have a head -very similar to the apex[2688] worn by the Flamens; and a third kind -are the suilli,[2689] very conveniently adapted for poisoning. Indeed, -it is but very recently that they have carried off whole families, and -all the guests at a banquet; Annæus Serenus,[2690] for instance, the -prefect of Nero’s guard, together with all the tribunes and centurions. -What great pleasure, then, can there be in partaking of a dish of so -doubtful[2691] a character as this? Some persons have classified these -fungi according to the trees to which they are indebted for their -formation, the fig, for instance, the fennel-giant, and the gummiferous -trees; those belonging to the beech, the robur, and the cypress, not -being edible, as already mentioned.[2692] But who is there to give us a -guarantee when they come to market, that these distinctions have been -observed? - -All the poisonous fungi are of a livid colour; and the degree of -similarity borne by the sap of the tree itself to that of the fig will -afford an additional indication whether they are venomous or not. We -have already mentioned[2693] various remedies for the poison of fungi, -and shall have occasion to make mention of others; but in the mean -time, it will be as well to observe that they themselves also have some -medicinal[2694] uses. Glaucias is of opinion that mushrooms are good -for the stomach. The suilli are dried and strung upon a rush, as we see -done with those brought from Bithynia. They are employed as a remedy -for the fluxes known as “rheumatismi,”[2695] and for excrescences of -the fundament, which they diminish and gradually consume. They are -used, also, for freckles and spots on women’s faces. A wash, too, is -made of them, as is done with lead,[2696] for maladies of the eyes. -Steeped in water, they are applied topically to foul ulcers, eruptions -of the head, and bites inflicted by dogs. - -I would here also give some general directions for the cooking of -mushrooms, as this is the only article of food that the voluptuaries -of the present day are in the habit of dressing with their own -hands, and so feeding upon it in anticipation, being provided with -amber-handled[2697] knives and silver plates and dishes for the -purpose. Those fungi may be looked upon as bad which become hard in -cooking; while those, on the other hand, are comparatively innoxious, -which admit of being thoroughly boiled, with the addition of some -nitre. They will be all the safer if they are boiled with some meat or -the stalks of pears: it is a very good plan, too, to eat pears directly -after them. Vinegar, too, being of a nature diametrically opposed to -them, neutralizes[2698] their dangerous qualities. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—SILPHIUM: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -All these productions owe their origin to rain,[2699] and by rain is -silphium produced. It originally came from Cyrenæ, as already[2700] -stated: at the present day, it is mostly imported from Syria, the -produce of which country, though better than that of Media, is inferior -to the Parthian kind. As already observed,[2701] the silphium of Cyrenæ -no longer exists. It is of considerable use in medicine, the leaves -of it being employed to purge the uterus, and as an expellent of the -dead fœtus; for which purposes a decoction of them is made in white -aromatic wine, and taken in doses of one acetabulum, immediately after -the bath. The root of it is good for irritations of the trachea, and -is employed topically for extravasated blood; but, used as an aliment, -it is difficult of digestion, being productive of flatulency and -eructations: it is injurious, also, to the urinary secretions. Combined -with wine and oil, it is extremely good for bruises, and, with wax, for -the cure of scrofulous sores. Repeated fumigations with the root cause -excrescences of the anus to subside. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—LASER: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -Laser, a juice which distils from silphium, as we have already[2702] -stated, and reckoned among the most precious gifts presented to us by -Nature, is made use of in numerous medicinal preparations. Employed by -itself, it warms and revives persons benumbed with cold, and, taken -in drink, it alleviates affections of the sinews. It is given to -females in wine, and is used with soft wool as a pessary to promote -the menstrual discharge. Mixed with wax, it extracts corns on the -feet, after they have been first loosened with the knife: a piece of -it, the size of a chick-pea, melted in water, acts as a diuretic. -Andreas assures us that, taken in considerable doses even, it is never -productive of flatulency, and that it greatly promotes the digestion, -both in aged people and females; he says, too, that it is better used -in winter than in summer, and that even then, it is best suited for -those whose beverage is water: but due care must be taken that there is -no internal ulceration. Taken with the food, it is very refreshing for -patients just recovering from an illness; indeed, if it is used at the -proper time, it has all the virtues of a desiccatory,[2703] though it -is more wholesome for persons who are in the habit of using it than for -those who do not ordinarily employ it. - -As to external maladies, the undoubted virtues of this medicament are -universally acknowledged: taken in drink, it has the effect, also, -of neutralizing the venom of serpents and of poisoned weapons, and, -applied with water, it is in general use for the cure of wounds. In -combination with oil, it is only used as a liniment for the stings -of scorpions, and with barley-meal or dried figs, for the cure of -ulcers that have not come to a head. It is applied topically, also, to -carbuncles, with rue or honey, or else by itself, with some viscous -substance to make it adhere; for the bites of dogs, also, it is -similarly employed. A decoction of it in vinegar, with pomegranate -rind, is used for excrescences[2704] of the fundament, and, mixed with -nitre, for the corns commonly known as “morticini.”[2705] In cases of -alopecy which have been first treated with nitre, it makes the hair -grow again, applied with wine and saffron, or else pepper or mouse-dung -and vinegar. For chilblains, fomentations are made of it with wine, -or liniments with oil; as also for callosities and indurations. For -corns on the feet, if pared first, it is particularly useful, as also -as a preservative against the effects of bad water, and of unhealthy -climates or weather. It is prescribed for cough, too, affections of -the uvula, jaundice of long standing, dropsy, and hoarseness, having -the effect of instantly clearing the throat and restoring the voice. -Diluted in oxycrate, and applied with a sponge, it assuages the pains -in gout. - -It is given also in broth[2706] to patients suffering from pleurisy, -when about to take wine; and it is prescribed for convulsions and -opisthotony, in pills about as large as a chick-pea, coated with wax. -For quinsy, it is used as a gargle, and to patients troubled with -asthma or inveterate cough, it is given with leeks in vinegar; it is -prescribed, also, with vinegar, after drinking butter-milk.[2707] It -is recommended with wine for consumptive affections of the viscera -and epilepsy, and with hydromel for paralysis of the tongue; with a -decoction of honey, it forms a liniment for sciatica and lumbago. - -For my own part, I should not recommend,[2708] what some authors -advise, to insert a pill of laser, covered with wax, in a hollow tooth, -for tooth-ache; being warned to the contrary by a remarkable case of -a man, who, after doing so, threw himself headlong from the top of a -house. Besides, it is a well-known fact, that if it is rubbed on the -muzzle of a bull, it irritates him to an extraordinary degree; and -that if it is mixed with wine, it will cause serpents to burst—those -reptiles being extremely fond of wine. In addition to this, I should -not advise any one to rub the gums with Attic honey, although that -practice is recommended by some. - -It would be an endless task to enumerate all the uses to which laser is -put, in combination with other substances; and the more so, as it is -only our object to treat of simple remedies, it being these in which -Nature displays her resources. In the compound remedies, too, we often -find our judgment deceived, and quite at fault, from our comparative -inattention to the sympathy or antipathy which naturally exists between -the ingredients employed—on this subject, however, we shall have to -enlarge on a future occasion.[2709] - - - - -CHAP. 50. (24.)—PROPOLIS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Honey would be held in no less esteem than laser, were it not for -the fact that nearly every country produces it.[2710] Laser is the -production of Nature herself; but, for the formation of honey, she -has created an insect, as already described.[2711] The uses to which -honey is put are quite innumerable, if we only consider the vast number -of compositions in which it forms an ingredient. First of all, there -is the propolis,[2712] which we find in the hives, as already[2713] -mentioned. This substance has the property of extracting stings and -all foreign bodies from the flesh, dispersing tumours, ripening -indurations, allaying pains of the sinews, and cicatrizing ulcers of -the most obstinate nature. - -As to honey itself, it is of so peculiar a nature, that it prevents -putrefaction[2714] from supervening, by reason of its sweetness -solely, and not any inherent acridity, its natural properties being -altogether different from those of salt. It is employed with the -greatest success for affections[2715] of the throat and tonsils, for -quinsy and all ailments of the mouth, as also in fever, when the -tongue is parched. Decoctions of it are used also for peripneumony -and pleurisy, for wounds inflicted by serpents, and for the poison of -fungi. For paralysis, it is prescribed in honied wine, though that -liquor also has its own peculiar virtues. Honey is used with rose-oil, -as an injection for the ears; it has the effect also of exterminating -nits and foul vermin of the head. It is the best plan always to skim it -before using it. - -Still, however, honey has a tendency to inflate[2716] the stomach; it -increases the bilious secretions also, produces qualmishness, and, -according to some, if employed by itself, is injurious[2717] to the -sight: though, on the other hand, there are persons who recommend -ulcerations at the corners of the eyes to be touched with honey. - -As to the elementary principles of honey, the different varieties of -it, the countries where it is found, and its characteristic features, -we have enlarged upon them on previous occasions: first,[2718] when -treating of the nature of bees, and secondly, when speaking[2719] -of that of flowers; the plan of this work compelling us to separate -subjects which ought properly to be united, if we would arrive at a -thorough knowledge of the operations of Nature. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—THE VARIOUS INFLUENCES OF DIFFERENT ALIMENTS UPON THE -DISPOSITION. - - -While speaking of the uses of honey, we ought also to treat of the -properties of hydromel.[2720] There are two kinds of hydromel, one -of which is prepared at the moment, and taken while fresh,[2721] the -other being kept to ripen. The first, which is made of skimmed honey, -is an extremely wholesome beverage for invalids who take nothing but -a light diet, such as strained alica for instance: it reinvigorates -the body, is soothing to the mouth and stomach, and by its refreshing -properties allays feverish heats. I find it stated,[2722] too, by some -authors, that to relax the bowels it should be taken cold, and that it -is particularly well-suited for persons of a chilly temperament, or of -a weak and pusillanimous[2723] constitution, such as the Greeks, for -instance, call “micropsychi.” - -For there is a theory,[2724] remarkable for its extreme ingenuity, -first established by Plato, according to which the primary atoms of -bodies, as they happen to be smooth or rough, angular or round, are -more or less adapted to the various temperaments of individuals: and -hence it is, that the same substances are not universally sweet or -bitter to all. So, when affected with lassitude or thirst, we are more -prone to anger than at other times.[2725] These asperities, however, of -the disposition, or rather I should say of the mind,[2726] are capable -of being modified by the sweeter beverages; as they tend to lubricate -the passages for the respiration, and to mollify the channels, the work -of inhalation and exhalation being thereby unimpeded by any rigidities. -Every person must be sensible of this experimentally, in his own -case: there is no one in whom anger, affliction, sadness, and all the -emotions of the mind may not, in some degree, be modified by diet. -It will therefore be worth our while to observe what aliments they -are which exercise a physical effect, not only upon the body, but the -disposition as well. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—HYDROMEL: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Hydromel is recommended, too, as very good for a cough: taken warm, -it promotes vomiting. With the addition of oil it counteracts the -poison of white lead;[2727] of henbane, also, and of the halicacabum, -as already stated,[2728] if taken in milk, asses’ milk in particular. -It is used as an injection for diseases of the ears, and in cases of -fistula of the generative organs. With crumb of bread it is applied as -a poultice to the uterus, as also to tumours suddenly formed, sprains, -and all affections which require soothing applications. The more recent -writers have condemned the use of fermented hydromel, as being not so -harmless as water, and less strengthening than wine. After it has been -kept a considerable time, it becomes transformed into a wine,[2729] -which, it is universally agreed, is extremely prejudicial to the -stomach, and injurious to the nerves.[2730] - - - - -CHAP. 53.—HONIED WINE: SIX REMEDIES. - - -As to honied[2731] wine, that is always the best which has been made -with old wine: honey, too, incorporates with it very readily, which is -never the case with sweet[2732] wine. When made with astringent wine, -it does not clog the stomach, nor has it that effect when the honey -has been boiled: in this last case, too, it causes less flatulency, -an inconvenience generally incidental to this beverage. It acts as -a stimulant also upon a failing appetite; taken cold it relaxes the -bowels, but used warm it acts astringently, in most cases, at least. -It has a tendency also to make flesh. Many persons have attained an -extreme old age, by taking bread soaked in honied wine, and no other -diet—the famous instance of Pollio Romilius, for example. This man was -more than one hundred years old when the late Emperor Augustus, who -was then his host,[2733] asked him by what means in particular he had -retained such remarkable vigour of mind and body.—“Honied wine within, -oil without,”[2734] was his answer. According to Varro, the jaundice -has the name of “royal disease”[2735] given to it, because its cure is -effected with honied wine.[2736] - - - - -CHAP. 54.—MELITITES: THREE REMEDIES. - - -We have already described how melitites[2737] is prepared, of must and -honey, when speaking on the subject of wines. It is, I think, some -ages, however, since this kind of beverage was made, so extremely -productive as it was found to be of flatulency. It used, however, to -be given in fever, to relieve inveterate costiveness of the bowels, as -also for gout and affections of the sinews. It was prescribed also for -females who were not in the habit of taking wine. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—WAX: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -To an account of honey, that of wax is naturally appended, of the -origin, qualities, and different kinds of which, we have previously -made mention[2738] on the appropriate occasions. Every kind of wax is -emollient and warming, and tends to the formation of new flesh; fresh -wax is, however, the best. It is given in broth to persons troubled -with dysentery, and the combs themselves are sometimes used in a -pottage made of parched alica. Wax counteracts the bad effects[2739] of -milk; and ten pills of wax, the size of a grain of millet, will prevent -milk from coagulating in the stomach. For swellings in the groin, it is -found beneficial to apply a plaster of white wax to the pubes. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—REMARKS IN DISPARAGEMENT OF MEDICINAL COMPOSITIONS. - - -As to the different uses to which wax is applied, in combination with -other substances in medicine, we could no more make an enumeration of -them than we could of all the other ingredients which form part of our -medicinal compositions. These preparations, as we have already[2740] -observed, are the results of human invention. Cerates, poultices,[2741] -plasters, eye-salves, antidotes,—none of these have been formed by -Nature, that parent and divine framer of the universe; they are merely -the inventions of the laboratory, or rather, to say the truth, of human -avarice.[2742] The works of Nature are brought into existence complete -and perfect in every respect, her ingredients being but few in number, -selected as they are from a due appreciation of cause and effect, -and not from mere guesswork; thus, for instance, if a dry substance -is wanted to assume a liquefied form, a liquid, of course, must be -employed as a vehicle, while liquids, on the other hand, must be united -with a dry substance to render them consistent. But as for man, when he -pretends, with balance in[2743] hand, to unite and combine the various -elementary substances, he employs himself not merely upon guesswork, -but proves himself guilty of downright impudence. - -It is not my intention to touch upon the medicaments afforded by -the drugs of India, or Arabia and other foreign climates: I have no -liking for drugs that come from so great a distance;[2744] they are -not produced for us, no, nor yet for the natives of those countries, -or else they would not be so ready to sell them to us. Let people -buy them if they please, as ingredients in perfumes, unguents, and -other appliances of luxury; let them buy them as adjuncts to their -superstitions even, if incense and costus we must have to propitiate -the gods; but as to health, we can enjoy that blessing without their -assistance, as we can easily prove—the greater reason then has luxury -to blush at its excesses. - - - - -CHAP. 57.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM GRAIN. SILIGO: ONE REMEDY. WHEAT: ONE -REMEDY. CHAFF: TWO REMEDIES. SPELT: ONE REMEDY. BRAN: ONE REMEDY. -OLYRA, OR ARINCA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Having now described the remedies derived from flowers, both those -which enter into the composition of garlands, and the ordinary garden -ones, as well as from the vegetable productions, how could we possibly -omit those which are derived from the cereals? - -(25.) It will be only proper then, to make some mention of these as -well. In the first place, however, let us remark that it is a fact -universally acknowledged, that it is the most intelligent of the -animated beings that derive their subsistence from grain. The grain of -siligo[2745] highly roasted and pounded in Aminean[2746] wine, applied -to the eyes, heals defluxions of those organs;[2747] and the grain -of wheat, parched on a plate of iron, is an instantaneous remedy for -frost-bite in various parts of the body. Wheat-meal, boiled in vinegar, -is good for contractions of the sinews, and bran,[2748] mixed with -rose-oil, dried figs, and myxa[2749] plums boiled down together, forms -an excellent gargle[2750] for the tonsillary glands and throat. - -Sextus Pomponius, who had a son prætor, and who was himself the first -citizen of Nearer Spain, was on one occasion attacked with gout, -while superintending the winnowing in his granaries; upon which, he -immediately thrust his legs, to above the knees, in a heap of wheat. -He found himself relieved, the swelling in the legs subsided in a -most surprising degree, and from that time he always employed this -remedy: indeed, the action of grain in masses is so extremely powerful -as to cause the entire evaporation of the liquor in a cask. Men of -experience in these matters recommend warm chaff of wheat or barley, -as an application for hernia, and fomentations with the water in -which it has been boiled. In the grain known[2751] as spelt, there is -a small worm found, similar in appearance to the teredo:[2752] if this -is put with wax into the hollow of carious teeth, they will come out, -it is said, or, indeed, if the teeth are only rubbed with it. Another -name given to olyra, as already[2753] mentioned, is “arinca:” with a -decoction of it a medicament is made, known in Egypt as “athera,” and -extremely good for infants. For adult persons it is employed in the -form of a liniment. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF MEAL: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Barley[2754]-meal, raw or boiled, disperses, softens, or ripens -gatherings and inflammatory tumours; and for other purposes a decoction -of it is made in hydromel, or with dried figs. If required for pains -in the liver, it must be boiled with oxycrate in wine. When it is a -matter of doubt whether an abscess should be made to suppurate or be -dispersed, it is a better plan to boil the meal in vinegar, or lees of -vinegar, or else with a decoction of quinces or pears. For the bite -of the millepede,[2755] it is employed with honey, and for the stings -of serpents, and to prevent suppurations, with vinegar. To promote -suppuration, it should be used with oxycrate, with the addition of -Gallic resin. For gatherings, also, that have come to a head, and -ulcers of long standing, it must be employed in combination with resin, -and for indurations, with pigeons’ dung, dried figs, or ashes. For -inflammation of the tendons, or of the intestines and sides, or for -pains in the male organs and denudations of the bones, it is used with -poppies, or melilote; and for scrofulous sores, it is used with pitch -and oil, mixed with the urine of a youth who has not reached the years -of puberty. It is employed also with fenugreek for tumours of the -thoracic organs, and in fevers, with honey, or stale grease. - -For suppurations, however, wheat-meal is much more soothing;[2756] it -is applied topically also for affections of the sinews, mixed with the -juice of henbane, and for the cure of freckles, with vinegar and honey. -The meal of zea,[2757] from which, as already[2758] stated, an alica -is made, appears to be more efficacious than that of barley even; but -that of the three month[2759] kind is the most emollient. It is applied -warm, in red wine, to the stings of scorpions, as also for affections -of the trachea, and spitting of blood: for coughs, it is employed in -combination with goat suet or butter. - -The meal of fenugreek,[2760] however, is the most soothing of them -all: boiled with wine and nitre, it heals running ulcers, eruptions on -the body, and diseases of the feet and mamillæ. The meal of æra[2761] -is more detergent than the other kinds, for inveterate ulcers and -gangrenes: in combination with radishes, salt, and vinegar, it heals -lichens, and with virgin sulphur, leprosy: for head-ache, it is applied -to the forehead with goose-grease. Boiled in wine, with pigeons’ dung -and linseed, it ripens inflamed tumours and scrofulous sores. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—POLENTA: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Of the various kinds of polenta we have already treated -sufficiently[2762] at length, when speaking of the places where it is -made. It differs from barley meal, in being parched, a process which -renders it more wholesome for the stomach. It arrests looseness of -the bowels, and heals inflammatory eruptions; and it is employed as -a liniment for the eyes, and for head-ache, combined with mint or -some other refreshing herb. It is used in a similar manner also for -chilblains and wounds inflicted by serpents; and with wine, for burns. -It has the effect also of checking pustular eruptions. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—FINE FLOUR: FIVE REMEDIES. PULS: ONE REMEDY. MEAL USED FOR -PASTING PAPYRUS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The flour[2763] of bolted meal, kneaded into a paste, has the property -of drawing[2764] out the humours of the body: hence it is applied to -bruises gorged with blood, to extract the corrupt matter, even to -soaking the bandages[2765] employed: used with boiled must, it is still -more efficacious. It is used as an application also for callosities -of the feet and corns; boiled with old oil and pitch, and applied as -hot as possible, it cures condylomata and all other maladies of the -fundament in a most surprising manner. Puls[2766] is a very feeding -diet. The meal[2767] used for pasting the sheets of papyrus is given -warm to patients for spitting of blood, and is found to be an effectual -cure. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—ALICA: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Alica is quite a Roman invention, and not a very ancient one: for -otherwise[2768] the Greeks would never have written in such high terms -of the praises of ptisan in preference. I do not think that it was -yet in use in the days of Pompeius Magnus, a circumstance which will -explain why hardly any mention has been made of it in the works of the -school of Asclepiades. That it is a most excellent preparation no one -can have a doubt, whether it is used strained in hydromel, or whether -it is boiled and taken in the form of broth or puls. To arrest flux -of the bowels, it is first parched and then boiled with honeycomb, as -already mentioned:[2769] but it is more particularly useful when there -is a tendency to phthisis after a long illness, the proper proportions -being three cyathi of it to one sextarius of water. This mixture is -boiled till all the water has gone off by evaporation, after which one -sextarius of sheep’ or goats’ milk is added: it is then taken by the -patient daily, and after a time some honey is added. By this kind of -nutriment a deep decline may be cured. - - - - -CHAP. 62.—MILLET: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Millet[2770] arrests looseness of the bowels and dispels gripings of -the stomach, for which purposes it is first parched. For pains in the -sinews, and of various other descriptions, it is applied hot, in a bag, -to the part affected. Indeed, there is no better topical application -known, as it is extremely light and emollient, and retains heat for -a very long time: hence it is that it is so much employed in all -those cases in which the application of heat is necessary. The meal -of it, mixed with tar, is applied to wounds inflicted by serpents and -millepedes. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—PANIC: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Diocles, the physician, has given to panic[2771] the name of “honey of -corn.”[2772] It has the same properties as millet, and, taken in wine, -it is good for dysentery. In a similar manner, too, it is applied to -such parts of the body as require to be treated with heat. Boiled in -goats’-milk, and taken twice a-day, it arrests looseness of the bowels; -and, used in a similar manner, it is very good for gripings of the -stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—SESAME: SEVEN REMEDIES. SESAMOIDES: THREE REMEDIES. -ANTICYRICUM: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Sesame,[2773] pounded and taken in wine, arrests vomiting: it is -applied also topically to inflammations of the ears, and burns. It -has a similar effect even while in the blade; and in that state, a -decoction of it in wine is used as a liniment for the eyes. As an -aliment it is injurious to the stomach, and imparts a bad odour to the -breath. It is an antidote to the bite of the spotted lizard, and heals -the cancerous sore known as “cacoethes.”[2774] The oil made from it, as -already[2775] mentioned, is good for the ears. - -Sesamoïdes[2776] owes its name to its resemblance to sesame; the -grain[2777] of it, however, is bitter, and the leaf more diminutive: -it is found growing in sandy soils. Taken in water, it carries off -bile, and, with the seed, a liniment is made for erysipelas: it -disperses inflamed swellings also. Besides this, there is another[2778] -sesamoïdes, which grows at Anticyra, and, for that reason, is known by -some as “anticyricon.” In other respects, it is similar to the plant -erigeron, of which we shall have to speak[2779] on a future occasion; -but the seed of it is like that of sesame. It is given in sweet wine -as an evacuant, in doses of a pinch in three fingers, mixed with an -obolus and a half of white hellebore; this preparation being employed -principally as a purgative, in cases of insanity, melancholy, epilepsy, -and gout. Taken alone, in doses of one drachma, it purges by stool. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—BARLEY: NINE REMEDIES. MOUSE-BARLEY, BY THE GREEKS CALLED -PHŒNICE: ONE REMEDY. - - -The whitest barley is the best. Boiled[2780] in rain-water, the pulp -of it is divided into lozenges, which are used in injections for -ulcerations of the intestines and the uterus. The ashes of barley are -applied to burns, to bones denuded of the flesh, to purulent eruptions, -and to the bite of the shrew-mouse: sprinkled with salt and honey they -impart whiteness to the teeth, and sweetness to the breath. It is -alleged that persons who are in the habit of eating barley-bread are -never troubled with gout in the feet: they say, too, that if a person -takes nine grains of barley, and traces three times round a boil, with -each of them in the left hand, and then throws them all into the fire, -he will experience an immediate cure. There is another plant, too, -known as “phœnice” by the Greeks, and as “mouse-barley”[2781] by us: -pounded and taken in wine, it acts remarkably well as an emmenagogue. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—PTISAN: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -To ptisan,[2782] which is a preparation of barley, Hippocrates[2783] -has devoted a whole treatise; praises, however, which at the present -day are all transferred to “alica,” being, as it is, a much more -wholesome preparation. Hippocrates, however, recommends it as a -pottage, for the comparative ease with which, from its lubricous -nature, it is swallowed; as also, because it allays thirst, never -swells in the stomach, passes easily through the intestines, and is -the only food that admits of being given twice a-day in fever, at -least to patients who are in the habit of taking two meals—so opposed -is his method to that of those physicians who are for famishing their -patients. He forbids it to be given, however, without being first -strained; for no part, he says, of the ptisan, except the water,[2784] -should be used. He says, too, that it must never be taken while the -feet are cold, and, indeed, that no drink of any kind should be taken -then. With wheat a more viscous kind of ptisan is made, which is found -to be still more efficacious for ulcerations of the trachea. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—AMYLUM: EIGHT REMEDIES. OATS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Amylum[2785] weakens the eyesight,[2786] and is bad for the throat, -whatever opinions may be held to the contrary. It has the effect -also of arresting looseness of the bowels, and curing defluxions and -ulcerations of the eyes, as also pustules and congestions of the -blood. It mollifies indurations of the eyelids, and is given with -egg to persons when they vomit blood. For pains of the bladder, half -an ounce of it is prescribed with an egg, and as much raisin wine as -three egg-shells will hold, the mixture to be made lukewarm and taken -immediately after the bath. Oatmeal, boiled in vinegar, removes moles. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—BREAD: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -Bread,[2787] too, which forms our ordinary nutriment, possesses -medicinal properties, almost without number. Applied with water and -oil, or else rose-oil, it softens abscesses; and, with hydromel, it -is remarkably soothing for indurations. It is prescribed with wine -to produce delitescence, or when a defluxion requires to be checked; -or, if additional activity is required, with vinegar. It is employed -also for the morbid defluxions of rheum, known to the Greeks as -“rheumatismi,” and for bruises and sprains. For all these purposes, -however, bread made with leaven, and known as “autopyrus,”[2788] is the -best. - -It is applied also to whitlows, in vinegar, and to callosities of the -feet. Stale bread, or sailors’-bread,[2789] beaten up and baked again, -arrests looseness of the bowels. For persons who wish to improve the -voice, dry bread is very good, taken fasting; it is useful also as -a preservative against catarrhs. The bread called “sitanius,” and -which is made of three-month[2790] wheat, applied with honey, is a -very efficient cure for contusions of the face and scaly eruptions. -White bread, steeped in hot or cold water, furnishes a very light -and wholesome aliment for patients. Soaked in wine, it is applied as -a poultice for swellings of the eyes, and used in a similar manner, -or with the addition of dried myrtle, it is good for pustules on the -head. Persons troubled with palsy are recommended to take bread soaked -in water, fasting, immediately after the bath. Burnt bread modifies -the close smell of bedrooms, and, used in the strainers,[2791] it -neutralizes bad odours in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—BEANS: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Beans,[2792] too, furnish us with some remedies. Parched whole, and -thrown hot into strong vinegar, they are a cure for gripings of the -bowels. Bruised, and boiled with garlic, they are taken with the daily -food for inveterate coughs, and for suppurations of the chest. Chewed -by a person fasting, they are applied topically to ripen boils, or to -disperse them; and, boiled in wine, they are employed for swellings of -the testes and diseases of the genitals. Bean-meal, boiled in vinegar, -ripens tumours and breaks them, and heals contusions and burns. M. -Varro assures us that beans are very good for the voice. The ashes of -bean stalks and shells, with stale hogs’-lard, are good for sciatica -and inveterate pains of the sinews. The husks, too, boiled down, by -themselves, to one-third, arrest looseness of the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—LENTILS: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Those lentils[2793] are the best which boil the most easily, and -those in particular which absorb the most water. They injure the -eye-sight,[2794] no doubt, and inflate the stomach; but taken with the -food, they act astringently upon the bowels, more particularly if they -are thoroughly boiled in rain-water: if, on the other hand, they are -lightly boiled, they are laxative.[2795] They break purulent ulcers, -and they cleanse and cicatrize ulcerations of the mouth. Applied -topically, they allay all kinds of abscesses, when ulcerated and -chapped more particularly; with melilote or quinces they are applied to -defluxions of the eyes, and with polenta they are employed topically -for suppurations. A decoction of them is used for ulcerations of the -mouth and genitals, and, with rose-oil or quinces, for diseases of the -fundament. For affections which demand a more active remedy, they are -used with pomegranate rind, and the addition of a little honey; to -prevent the composition from drying too quickly, beet leaves are added. -They are applied topically, also, to scrofulous sores, and to tumours, -whether ripe or only coming to a head, being thoroughly boiled first in -vinegar. Mixed with hydromel they are employed for the cure of chaps, -and with pomegranate rind for gangrenes. With polenta they are used for -gout, for diseases of the uterus and kidneys, for chilblains, and for -ulcerations which cicatrize with difficulty. For a disordered stomach, -thirty grains should be eaten. - -For cholera,[2796] however, and dysentery, it is the best plan to -boil the lentils in three waters, in which case they should always -be parched first, and then pounded as fine as possible, either by -themselves, or else with quinces, pears, myrtle, wild endive, black -beet, or plantago. Lentils are bad for the lungs, head-ache, all -nervous affections, and bile, and are very apt to cause restlessness -at night. They are useful, however, for pustules, erysipelas, and -affections of the mamillæ, boiled in sea-water; and, applied with -vinegar, they disperse indurations and scrofulous sores. As a -stomachic, they are mixed, like polenta, with the drink given to -patients. Parboiled in water, and then pounded and bolted through -a sieve to disengage the bran, they are good for burns, care being -taken to add a little honey as they heal: they are boiled, also, with -oxycrate for diseases of the throat.[2797] - -There is a marsh-lentil[2798] also, which grows spontaneously in -stagnant waters. It is of a cooling nature, for which reason it is -employed topically for abscesses, and for gout in particular, either -by itself or with polenta. Its glutinous properties render it a good -medicine for intestinal hernia. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—THE ELELISPHACOS, SPHACOS, OR SALVIA: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The plant called by the Greeks “elelisphacos,”[2799] or “sphacos,” is -a species of wild lentil, lighter than the cultivated one, and with a -leaf, smaller, drier, and more odoriferous. There is also another[2800] -kind of it, of a wilder nature, and possessed of a powerful smell, -the other one being milder. It[2801] has leaves the shape of a quince, -but white and smaller: they are generally boiled with the branches. -This plant acts as an emmenagogue and a diuretic: and it affords a -remedy for wounds inflicted by the sting-ray,[2802] having the property -of benumbing the part affected. It is taken in drink with wormwood -for dysentery: employed with wine it accelerates the catamenia when -retarded, a decoction of it having the effect of arresting them when in -excess: the plant, applied by itself, stanches the blood of wounds. It -is a cure, too, for the stings of serpents, and a decoction of it in -wine allays prurigo of the testes. - -Our herbalists of the present day take for the “elelisphacos” of the -Greeks the “salvia”[2803] of the Latins, a plant similar in appearance -to mint, white and aromatic. Applied externally, it expels the dead -fœtus, as also worms which breed in ulcers and in the ears. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—THE CHICKPEA AND THE CHICHELING VETCH: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is a wild chickpea also, which resembles in its leaf the -cultivated kind,[2804] and has a powerful smell. Taken in considerable -quantities, it relaxes the bowels, and produces griping pains and -flatulency; parched, however, it is looked upon as more wholesome. -The chicheling vetch,[2805] again, acts more beneficially upon the -bowels. The meal of both kinds heals running sores of the head—that of -the wild sort being the more efficacious of the two—as also epilepsy, -swellings of the liver, and stings inflicted by serpents. It acts as -an emmenagogue and a diuretic, used in the grain more particularly, -and it is a cure for lichens, inflammations of the testes, jaundice, -and dropsy. All these kinds, however, exercise an injurious effect -upon ulcerations of the bladder and kidneys: but in combination with -honey they are very good for gangrenous sores, and the cancer known as -“cacoethes.” The following is a method adopted for the cure of all -kinds of warts: on the first day of the moon, each wart must be touched -with a single chickpea, after which, the party must tie up the pease in -a linen cloth, and throw it behind him; by adopting this plan, it is -thought, the warts will be made to disappear. - -Our authors recommend the plant known as the “arietinum”[2806] to -be boiled in water with salt, and two cyathi of the decoction to be -taken for strangury. Employed in a similar manner, it expels calculi, -and cures jaundice. The water in which the leaves and stalks of this -plant have been boiled, applied as a fomentation as hot as possible, -allays gout in the feet, an effect equally produced by the plant -itself, beaten up and applied warm. A decoction of the columbine[2807] -chickpea, it is thought, moderates the shivering fits in tertian or -quartan fevers; and the black kind, beaten up with half a nut-gall, and -applied with raisin wine, is a cure for ulcers of the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—THE FITCH: TWENTY REMEDIES. - - -In speaking of the fitch,[2808] we have mentioned certain properties -belonging to it; and, indeed, the ancients have attributed to it -no fewer virtues than they have to the cabbage. For the stings of -serpents, it is employed with vinegar; as also for bites inflicted by -crocodiles and human beings. If a person eats of it, fasting, every -day, according to authors of the very highest authority, the spleen -will gradually diminish. The meal of it removes spots on the face and -other parts of the body. It prevents ulcers from spreading also, and is -extremely efficacious for affections of the mamillæ: mixed with wine, -it makes carbuncles break. Parched, and taken with a piece of honey the -size of a hazel nut, it cures dysuria, flatulency, affections of the -liver, tenesmus, and that state of the body in which no nourishment -is derived from the food, generally known as “atrophy.” For cutaneous -eruptions, plasters are made of it boiled with honey, being left to -remain four days on the part affected. Applied with honey, it prevents -inflamed tumours from suppurating. A decoction of it, employed as a -fomentation, cures chilblains and prurigo; and it is thought by some, -that if it is taken daily, fasting, it will improve the complexion of -all parts of the body. - -Used as an aliment, this pulse is far from wholesome,[2809] being -apt to produce vomiting, disorder the bowels, and stuff the head and -stomach. It weakens the knees also; but the effects of it may be -modified by keeping it in soak for several days, in which case it is -remarkably beneficial for oxen and beasts of burden. The pods of it, -beaten up green with the stalks and leaves, before they harden, stain -the hair black. - - - - -CHAP. 74.—LUPINES: THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES. - - -There are wild lupines,[2810] also, inferior in every respect to the -cultivated kinds, except in their bitterness. Of all the alimentary -substances, there are none which are less heavy or more useful[2811] -than dried lupines. Their bitterness is considerably modified by -cooking them on hot ashes, or steeping them in hot water. Employed -frequently as an article of food, they impart freshness to the colour; -the bitter lupine, too, is good for the sting of the asp. Dried -lupines, stripped of the husk and pounded, are applied in a linen cloth -to black ulcers, in which they make new flesh: boiled in vinegar, -they disperse scrofulous sores and imposthumes of the parotid glands. -A decoction of them, with rue and pepper, is given in fever even, -as an expellent of intestinal worms,[2812] to patients under thirty -years of age. For children, also, they are applied to the stomach as -a vermifuge, the patient fasting in the meantime: and, according to -another mode of treatment, they are parched and taken in boiled must or -in honey. - -Lupines have the effect of stimulating the appetite, and of dispelling -nausea. The meal of them, kneaded up with vinegar, and applied in -the bath, removes pimples and prurigo; employed alone, it dries up -ulcerous sores. It cures bruises also, and, used with polenta, allays -inflammations. The wild lupine is found to be the most efficacious -for debility of the hips and loins. A decoction of them, used as a -fomentation, removes freckles and improves the skin; and lupines, -either wild or cultivated, boiled down to the consistency of honey, are -a cure for black eruptions and leprosy. An application of cultivated -lupines causes carbuncles to break, and reduces inflamed tumours and -scrofulous sores, or else brings them to a head: boiled in vinegar, -they restore the flesh when cicatrized to its proper colour. Thoroughly -boiled in rain-water, the decoction of them furnishes a detersive -medicine, of which fomentations are made for gangrenes, purulent -eruptions, and running ulcers. This decoction is very good, taken in -drink, for affections of the spleen, and with honey, for retardations -of the catamenia. Beaten up raw, with dried figs, lupines are applied -externally to the spleen. A decoction of the root acts as a diuretic. - -The herb chamæleon,[2813] also, is boiled with lupines, and the water -of it strained off, to be used as a potion for cattle. Lupines boiled -in amurca,[2814] or a decoction of them mixed with amurca, heals the -itch in beasts. The smoke of lupines kills[2815] gnats. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—IRIO, OR ERYSIMUM, BY THE GAULS CALLED VELA: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -When treating of the cereals, we have already stated[2816] that the -irio, which strongly resembles sesame, is also called “erysimon” by the -Greeks: the Gauls give it the name of “vela.” It is a branchy plant, -with leaves like those of rocket, but a little narrower, and a seed -similar to that of nasturtium. With honey, it is extremely good for -cough and purulent expectorations: it is given, also, for jaundice and -affections of the loins, pleurisy, gripings of the bowels, and cœliac -affections, and is used in liniments for imposthumes of the parotid -glands and carcinomatous affections. Employed with water, or with -honey, it is useful for inflammations of the testes, and is extremely -beneficial for the diseases of infants. Mixed with honey and figs, it -is good for affections of the fundament and diseases of the joints; -and taken in drink, it is an excellent antidote to poisons. It is used, -also, for asthma,[2817] and with stale axle-grease for fistulas; but it -must not be allowed to touch the interior of them. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—HORMINUM: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Horminum resembles cummin, as already stated,[2818] in its seed; but in -other respects, it is like the leek.[2819] It grows to some nine inches -in height, and there are two varieties of it. In one of these the seed -is oblong, and darker than that of the other, and the plant itself is -in request as an aphrodisiac, and for the cure of argema and albugo in -the eyes: of the other kind the seed is whiter, and of a rounder form. -Both kinds, pounded and applied with water, are used for the extraction -of thorns from the body. The leaves, steeped in vinegar, disperse -tumours, either used by themselves, or in combination with honey; they -are employed, also, to disperse boils, before they have come to a head, -and other collections of acrid humours. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—DARNEL: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Even more than this—the very plants which are the bane of the -corn-field are not without their medicinal uses. Darnel[2820] has -received from Virgil[2821] the epithet of “unhappy;” and yet, ground -and boiled with vinegar, it is used as an application for the cure -of impetigo, which is the more speedily effected the oftener the -application is renewed. It is employed, also, with oxymel, for the -cure of gout and other painful diseases. The following is the mode -of treatment: for one sextarius of vinegar, two ounces of honey is -the right proportion; three sextarii having been thus prepared, two -sextarii of darnel meal are boiled down in it to a proper consistency, -the mixture being applied warm to the part affected. This meal, too, is -used for the extraction of splinters of broken bones. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—THE PLANT MILIARIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -“Miliaria”[2822] is the name given to a plant which kills millet: this -plant, it is said, is a cure for gout in beasts of burden, beaten up -and administered in wine, with the aid of a horn. - - - - -CHAP. 79.—BROMOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Bromos[2823] is the seed also of a plant which bears an ear. It is -a kind of oat which grows among corn, to which it is injurious; the -leaves and stalk of it resemble those of wheat, and at the extremity -it bears seeds, hanging down, something like small locusts[2824] in -appearance. The seed of this plant is useful for plasters, like barley -and other grain of a similar nature. A decoction of it is good for -coughs. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—OROBANCHE, OR CYNOMORION: ONE REMEDY. - - -We have mentioned[2825] orobanche as the name of a plant which kills -the fitch and other leguminous plants. Some persons have called it -“cynomorion,” from the resemblance which it bears to the genitals of -a dog. The stem of it is leafless, thick, and red. It is eaten either -raw, or boiled in the saucepan, while young and tender. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—REMEDIES FOR INJURIES INFLICTED BY INSECTS WHICH BREED AMONG -LEGUMINOUS PLANTS. - - -There are some venomous insects also, of the solipuga[2826] kind, -which breed upon leguminous plants, and which, by stinging the hands, -endanger life. For these stings all those remedies are efficacious -which have been mentioned for the bite of the spider and the -phalangium.[2827] Such, then, are the medicinal properties for which -the cereals are employed. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—THE USE MADE OF THE YEAST OF ZYTHUM. - - -Different beverages, too, are made from the cereals, zythum in Egypt, -cælia and cerea in Spain, cervesia[2828] and numerous liquors in Gaul -and other provinces. The yeast[2829] of all of these is used by women -as a cosmetic for the face.—But as we are now speaking of beverages, -it will be the best plan to pass on to the various uses of wine, and -to make a beginning with the vine of our account of the medicinal -properties of the trees. - - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine hundred and six. - - -AUTHORS QUOTED.—All those mentioned in the preceding Book; and, -in addition to them, Chrysermus,[2830] Eratosthenes,[2831] and -Alcæus.[2832] - - - - -BOOK XXIII. - -THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CULTIVATED TREES. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—INTRODUCTION. - - -We have now set forth the various properties, medicinal or otherwise, -as well of the cereals as of the other productions which lie upon[2833] -the surface of the earth, for the purpose either of serving us for -food, or for the gratification of our senses with their flowers or -perfumes. In the trees, however, Pomona has entered the lists with -them, and has imparted certain medicinal properties to the fruits as -they hang. Not content with protecting and nourishing, under the shadow -of the trees, the various plants which we have[2834] already described, -she would even appear to be indignant, as it were, at the thought that -we should derive more succour from those productions which are further -removed from the canopy of heaven, and which have only come into use in -times comparatively recent. For she bids man bear in mind that it was -the fruits of the trees which formed his first nourishment, and that it -was these which first led him to look upwards towards the heavens: and -not only this, but she reminds him, too, that even still it is quite -possible for him to derive his aliment from the trees, without being -indebted to grain for his subsistence. - - - - -CHAP. 2.—THE VINE. - - -But, by Hercules! it is the vine more particularly to which she has -accorded these medicinal properties, as though she were not contented -with her generosity in providing it with such delicious flavours, -and perfumes, and essences, in its omphacium, its œnanthe, and its -massaris, preparations upon which we have already[2835] enlarged. -“It is to me,” she says, “that man is indebted for the greater part -of his enjoyments, it is I that produce for him the flowing wine -and the trickling oil, it is I that ripen the date and other fruits -in numbers so varied; and all this, not insisting, like the earth, -on their purchase at the cost of fatigues and labours. No necessity -do I create for ploughing with the aid of oxen, for beating out upon -the threshing-floor, or for bruising under the millstone, and all in -order that man may earn his food at some indefinite time by this vast -expenditure of toil. As for me, all my gifts are presented to him -ready prepared: for no anxieties or fatigues do they call, but, on the -contrary, they offer themselves spontaneously, and even fall to the -ground, if man should be too indolent to reach them as they hang.” -Vying even with herself, Pomona has done still more for our practical -advantage than for the mere gratification of our pleasures and caprices. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—THE LEAVES AND SHOOTS OF THE VINE: SEVEN REMEDIES. - -[2836] The leaves and shoots of the vine, employed with polenta, allay -head-ache and reduce inflammations:[2837] the leaves, too, applied by -themselves with cold water, are good for burning pains in the stomach; -and, used with barley-meal, are excellent applications for diseases -of the joints. The shoots, beaten up and applied, have the property -of drying up all kinds of running tumours, and the juice extracted -from them is used as an injection for the cure of dysentery. The -tears of the vine, which would appear to be a sort of gum, will heal -leprous sores, lichens, and itch-scabs, if treated first with nitre: -used with oil, and applied frequently to superfluous hairs, they act -as a depilatory, those more particularly which exude from the vine -when burnt in a green state: this last liquid has the effect, too, of -removing warts. An infusion of the shoots in water, taken in drink, is -good for persons troubled with spitting of blood, and for the fainting -fits which sometimes ensue upon conception. - -The bark of the vine and the dried leaves arrest the flowing of blood -from wounds, and make the sores cicatrize more rapidly. The juice -of the white vine,[2838] extracted from it while green, effectually -removes cutaneous[2839] eruptions. The ashes[2840] of the cuttings -of vines, and of the husks of the grapes, applied with vinegar, are -curative of condylomata and diseases of the fundament; as also of -sprains, burns, and swellings of the spleen, applied with rose-oil, -rue, and vinegar. Used with wine, but without oil, they make a -fomentation for erysipelas and parts of the body which are chafed; they -act as a depilatory also.[2841] For affections of the spleen the ashes -of vine-cuttings, moistened with vinegar, are administered in drink, -being taken in doses of two cyathi in warm water; after which the -patient must take due care to lie upon the side in which the spleen is -situate. - -The tendrils, too, which the vine throws out as it climbs, beaten up -in water and drunk, have the effect of arresting habitual vomiting. -The ashes of the vine, used with stale axle-grease, are good for -tumours, act as a detergent upon fistulas, and speedily effect a -radical cure; the same, too, with pains and contractions of the sinews, -occasioned by cold. Applied with oil, they are useful for contusions, -and with vinegar and nitre, for fleshy excrescences upon the bones: -in combination with oil, they are good, too, for wounds inflicted by -scorpions and dogs. The ashes of the bark, employed by themselves, -restore the hair to such parts of the body as have suffered from the -action of fire. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—OMPHACIUM EXTRACTED FROM THE VINE: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already[2842] mentioned, when speaking of the composition -of unguents, how omphacium is made from the grape, when it is just -beginning to form: we shall now proceed to speak of its medicinal -properties. Omphacium heals ulcerations of the humid parts of the -body, such as the mouth, tonsillary glands, and generative organs, -for example; it is very good, too, for the sight, for rough spots upon -the eyelids, ulcers at the corners of the eyes, films upon the eyes, -running sores on all parts of the body, cicatrizations[2843] slow in -forming, and purulent discharges from the ears. The powerful action of -omphacium is modified by the admixture of honey or raisin wine. It is -very useful, too, for dysentery, spitting of blood, and quinsy. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—ŒNANTHE: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -Next to omphacium comes œnanthe, a product of the wild vine, described -by us already[2844] when treating of the unguents. The most esteemed -kind is that of Syria, the produce of the white vine[2845] in the -vicinity of the mountains of Antiochia and Laodicea in particular. -Being of a cooling, astringent nature, it is used for sprinkling upon -sores, and is employed as a topical application for diseases of the -stomach. It acts also as a diuretic, and is good for maladies of the -liver, head-ache, dysentery, cœliac affections, and attacks of cholera: -for nausea, it is taken in doses of one obolus in vinegar. It acts as -a desiccative upon running eruptions of the head, and is extremely -efficacious for maladies of the humid parts of the body; hence it -is that it is employed, with honey and saffron, for ulcers of the -mouth, and for diseases of the generative organs and the fundament. It -arrests looseness of the bowels, and heals eruptions of the eyelids and -runnings at the eyes: taken with wine, it cures derangements of the -stomach, and with cold water, spitting of blood. - -The ashes of œnanthe are highly esteemed as an ingredient -in eye-salves, and as a detergent for ulcers, whitlows, and -hang-nails;[2846] to obtain these ashes, it is put into an oven, and -left there till the bread is thoroughly baked. - -As to massaris,[2847] it is used as a perfume only. The renown attached -to all these preparations is due solely to the innate greediness of -mankind, which has racked its invention to gather the productions of -the earth before they have arrived at maturity. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—GRAPES, FRESH GATHERED. - - -As to grapes when allowed to gain maturity, the black ones have more -marked properties[2848] than the others; and hence it is, that the wine -made from them is not so agreeable. The white grapes, on the other -hand, are sweeter, for, being transparent, the air penetrates them with -greater facility. - -Grapes fresh gathered are productive of flatulency, and disturb the -stomach and bowels; hence it is that they are avoided in fevers, in -large quantities more particularly. Indeed, they are very apt to -produce oppression of the head, and to bring on the malady known as -lethargy.[2849] Grapes which have been gathered, and left to hang for -some time, are much less[2850] injurious, the exposure to the air -rendering them beneficial even to the stomach, and refreshing to the -patient, as they are slightly cooling, and tend to remove nausea and -qualmishness. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—VARIOUS KINDS OF PRESERVED GRAPES: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Grapes which have been preserved in wine or in must are trying to the -head. Next to the grapes which have been left to hang in the air, are -those which have been kept in chaff; but as to those which have been -preserved among grape husks, they are injurious[2851] to the head, -the bladder, and the stomach, though at the same time they arrest -looseness of the bowels, and are extremely good for patients troubled -with spitting of blood. When preserved in must, they are worse even -in their effects than when kept among husks; boiled[2852] must, too, -renders them injurious to the stomach. It is the opinion of medical -writers, that grapes kept[2853] in rain-water are the most wholesome of -all, even though they are by no means agreeable eating; for the benefit -of them is particularly experienced in burning pains of the stomach, -biliousness arising from a disordered liver, vomiting of bile, and -attacks of cholera, as also dropsy and burning fevers. - -Grapes kept in earthen pots sharpen the taste, the stomach, and the -appetite; it is thought, however, that they are rendered a little -heavy[2854] by the exhalations from the husks with which they are -covered.[2855] If vine-blossoms are given to poultry, mixed with their -food, they will never touch the grapes.[2856] - - - - -CHAP. 8.—CUTTINGS OF THE VINE: ONE REMEDY. - - -Such cuttings of the vine as have borne grapes, have an astringent -effect, when they are preserved in earthen[2857] pots, more -particularly. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—GRAPE-STONES: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Grape-stones, also, have a similar[2858] property; it is through them -that wine is so apt to produce head-ache. Parched and then pounded, -they are beneficial for the stomach; and this powder is sprinkled, like -polenta, in the beverage of patients suffering from dysentery, cœliac -affections, and derangements of the stomach. A decoction of them is -useful, also, as a fomentation for itch-scabs and prurigo. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—GRAPE-HUSKS: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Grape-husks, used by themselves, are less injurious to the head and -bladder than grape-stones are: beaten up with salt, they form an -excellent liniment for inflammations of the mamillæ. A decoction -of them, taken in drink, or employed as a fomentation, is good for -inveterate dysentery, and cœliac affections. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—THE GRAPES OF THE THERIACA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The grape of the theriaca, of which we have already made mention[2859] -on the appropriate occasion, is eaten by way of antidote to the stings -of serpents. It is recommended, too, to eat the young shoots of this -tree, and to apply them topically. The wine and vinegar made from these -grapes are productive of a similar salutary effect.[2860] - - - - -CHAP. 12.—RAISINS, OR ASTAPHIS: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Raisins, the name given to which is “astaphis,” would be injurious -to the stomach, abdomen, and intestines, were it not for the stones -within them, which act as a corrective.[2861] When the stones are -removed, raisins, it is thought, are beneficial to the bladder, and -good for cough:[2862] in the last case, the raisin of the white grape -is considered the best. Raisins are good also for the trachea and -the kidneys, and the wine made from them is particularly efficacious -for the sting of the serpent called hæmorrhoïs.[2863] In combination -with meal of cummin or coriander, they are employed topically for -inflammations of the testes. For carbuncles and diseases of the joints, -the stones are removed, and the raisins are pounded with rue; if used -for ulcers, the sores must be first fomented with wine. - -Used with the stones, raisins are a cure for epinyctis, honeycomb -ulcers,[2864] and dysentery; and for gangrenes they are applied -topically with radish rind and honey, being first boiled in oil. They -are used with panax,[2865] for gout and loose nails; and they are -sometimes eaten by themselves, in combination with pepper, for the -purpose of cleansing the mouth and clearing the brain. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—THE ASTAPHISAGRIA, OTHERWISE CALLED STAPHIS OR TAMINIA: -TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The wild astaphis, otherwise called staphis,[2866] is by some persons -erroneously called “uva taminia;”[2867] for it is altogether a distinct -plant from the other. It has a black, upright stem, with leaves -resembling those of the labrusca,[2868] and bears what we may call -a pod,[2869] rather than a grape, green, similar to a chick-pea in -appearance, and enclosing a kernel of triangular form. The fruit of -it ripens with the vintage and turns black, while the berries of the -taminia,[2870] as is well known, are red; this last, too, as we are -aware, grows only in shaded spots, while the wild astaphis, on the -other hand, loves a site that is exposed to the sun. - -I would not recommend any one to use the kernels[2871] of the wild -astaphis as a purgative, as it is very doubtful whether they might -not choke the patient; nor would I advise them to be employed for the -purpose of attenuating the phlegm, as they are extremely irritating -to the throat. Beaten up, however, and applied topically, they -kill vermin[2872] in the head and other parts of the body, more -particularly if they are used with sandarach; they are very useful, -too, for itch-scabs and prurigo. A decoction of the kernels is made -with vinegar, for the cure of tooth-ache, diseases of the ears, -cicatrices[2873] that are slow in healing, and running sores. - -The blossoms of the plant are beaten up and taken in wine for -stings[2874] inflicted by serpents; but, as to the seed, I would -strongly recommend its rejection, on account of its extremely -pungent properties. Some persons give to this plant the name of -“pituitaria,”[2875] and use it as a common application for stings -inflicted by serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—THE LABRUSCA, OR WILD VINE: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The labrusca, too, produces an œnanthe, which has been described at -sufficient length already:[2876] by the Greeks the labrusca is known -as the wild vine.[2877] The leaves of it are thick and of a whitish -colour, the stem is jointed, and the bark full of fissures: it bears -grapes of a scarlet[2878] hue, like the coccus, which are made use of -by females for the purpose of improving the complexion, and removing -spots upon the face. Pounded with the leaves and the juice extracted -from the tree, these grapes are usefully employed for the treatment of -lumbago and sciatica. A decoction of the root[2879] in water, taken -in two cyathi of Coan wine, promotes an alvine evacuation of aqueous -secretions; for which reason it is prescribed for dropsy. - -I am inclined to think that this is the plant that is commonly known -as the “uva taminia;”[2880] it is in great request as an amulet, and -is employed, though as a gargle only, in cases of spitting blood; for -which purpose, salt, thyme, and oxymel are added to it, care being -taken not to swallow any of the mixture. It is generally looked upon as -unsafe to employ it as a purgative. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—THE SALICASTRUM: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -There is another plant,[2881] similar to the labrusca, but found -growing in willow-beds; for which reason it is known by a distinct -name, though the uses to which it is applied are just the same. The -name given to it is “salicastrum;” beaten up with oxymel, it displays -marvellous efficacy in the removal of itch-scab and prurigo in men and -cattle. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—THE WHITE VINE, OTHERWISE CALLED AMPELOLEUCE, STAPHYLE, -MELOTHRON, PSILOTRUM, ARCHEZOSTIS, CEDROSTIS, OR MADON: THIRTY-ONE -REMEDIES. - - -The white vine[2882] is known to the Greeks by the various names of -ampeloleuce, staphyle, melothron, psilotrum, archezostis, cedrostis, -and madon. The twigs of this tree are jointed, thin, and climbing, -with considerable interstices between the knots.[2883] The leaves, -attached to the numerous shoots, and about the size of an ivy leaf, -are jagged at the edges, like that of the vine. The root of it is -large and white, and very like a radish[2884] at first; from it issue -several stems, similar to asparagus in appearance. These stems, eaten -boiled, are both purgative and diuretic. The leaves, too, as well as -the stems, are possessed of caustic[2885] properties; for which reason -they are employed topically with salt, for phagedænic sores, gangrenes, -and putrid ulcers of the legs. The fruit of the tree is in the form -of grapes thinly scattered, the juice of which is red at first, and -afterwards of a saffron colour. This fruit[2886] is well known to -curriers, who are in the habit of using it in preparing leather. It -is employed also in the form of a liniment for itch-scabs and leprous -spots; and a decoction of it with wheat, taken in drink, increases the -milk in women when nursing. The root of this tree, so renowned for -the numerous medicinal purposes to which it is applied, is pounded -and taken in wine, in doses of two drachmæ, for the cure of stings -inflicted by serpents:[2887] it has the effect, also, of removing -spots upon the face, moles and freckles, as well as scars and bruises: -a decoction of it in oil is productive of a similar effect. A decoction -of it is given to drink for epilepsy,[2888] and to persons troubled -with a disordered mind or suffering from vertigo, the dose being one -drachma daily, for a whole year: taken in larger quantities, it is apt -sometimes to disorder[2889] the senses. It is possessed, also, of one -very remarkable property, applied with water in the same manner as -bryonia, of extracting splintered bones, for which reason it is known -to some persons by the name of white bryonia: the other kind, however, -which is black, is found to answer the purpose better, in combination -with honey and frankincense. - -The white vine disperses incipient suppurations, ripens them when -they are inveterate, and acts as a detergent: it operates also as an -emmenagogue and diuretic. An electuary is prepared from it for asthma -and pains in the sides, as also for convulsions and ruptures. Taken -in drink for thirty days together, in doses of three oboli, it has -the effect of reducing the spleen; and it is used, in combination -with figs, for the cure of hangnails[2890] on the fingers. Applied -with wine, it brings away the after-birth, and, taken in hydromel, in -doses of one drachma, it carries off phlegm. The juice of the root -should be extracted before the fruit ripens; applied either by itself -or with meal of fitches, it imparts an improved complexion and a -certain degree of suppleness to the skin: it has the effect also of -repelling serpents. The root itself, too, beaten up with a pulpy fig, -will remove wrinkles on the body, if the person using it takes care to -walk a couple of stadia immediately after the application; otherwise -it would leave marks upon the skin, unless, indeed, it were washed off -immediately with cold water. The black vine, too, is better for this -purpose than the white one, as the latter is very apt to be productive -of itching. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—THE BLACK VINE, OTHERWISE CALLED BRYONA, CHIRONIA, -GYNÆCANTHE, OR APRONIA: THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES. - - -For there is also a black vine, properly known as the “bryonia,”[2891] -though by some persons it is called the “chironia,” and by others the -“gynæcanthe,” or “apronia.” It differs only from the one previously -mentioned in its colour, which, as already stated,[2892] is black. -The shoots of this tree, which resemble asparagus in appearance, -are preferred by Diocles for eating to real asparagus,[2893] as a -diuretic and for its property of reducing the spleen. It is found -growing in shrubberies or reed-beds more particularly. The root of -it, which is black outside, and of the colour of box within, is even -more efficacious for the extraction of splintered bones than the plant -last mentioned; in addition to which, it has the property of being -a specific for excoriations of the neck in cattle. It is said, too, -that if a person plants it around a farm, it will be sure to keep -hawks away, and to preserve the poultry-yard[2894] in perfect safety. -Attached to the ankles, it tends to disperse the blood, congested or -otherwise, which may have settled in those parts of the body, whether -in human beings or in beasts of burden. - -Thus much with reference to the various species of vines. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—MUST: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The various kinds of must[2895] have different properties; some of them -being black, some white, and others of intermediate shades of colour. -There is a difference, too, between the kinds of must from which wine -is made, and those from which raisin wine is prepared. The various -degrees of care and attention on the part of the maker, render the -differences that already exist, quite innumerable; we shall therefore -content ourselves with taking a general view only of their medicinal -uses. - -Every kind of must is unwholesome to the stomach, but of a soothing -nature to the venous system. Taken off at a draught, immediately -after the bath, must is fatal[2896] in its effects. It acts as an -antidote[2897] to cantharides and stings inflicted by serpents, -those of the hæmorrhois and the salamandra[2898] in particular. It -is productive of head-ache, and is prejudicial to the throat, but it -is good for the kidneys, liver, and inner coat of the bladder, by -reason of its lubricating properties. It is particularly effectual -also in cases of injuries inflicted by the insect known as the -“buprestis.”[2899] - -Taken with oil as a vomit, it neutralizes the bad effects of -opium,[2900] milk that has curdled upon the stomach, hemlock, -dorycnium,[2901] and other poisons.[2902] For all these purposes, -however, white must is not so efficacious, while must prepared from -raisins of the sun has a more pleasant flavour, and is productive of a -less degree of oppression to the head. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO WINE. - - -We have already[2903] described the various kinds of wine, the -numerous differences which exist between them, and most of the -properties which each kind possesses. There is no subject that presents -greater difficulties than this, or, indeed, a more varied field for -discussion, it being extremely difficult to pronounce whether wine is -more generally injurious in its effects, or beneficial. And then, in -addition to this, how very uncertain is it, whether, the moment we have -drunk it, it will be productive of salutary results, or turn out no -better than so much poison! However, it is only with reference to its -medicinal properties, that we are now about to speak of it. - -Asclepiades has composed a whole treatise (which has thence received -its name[2904]) on the proper methods of administering wine; and -the number of commentators who have since written on this treatise, -is almost innumerable. For my own part, with all that gravity which -becomes a Roman, and one zealous for the furtherance of liberal -pursuits, I shall enter into a careful examination of this subject, -not, indeed, in the character of a physician, but as a careful -investigator of the effects which wine is likely to produce upon the -health of mankind. To treat, however, of the medicinal properties -of each individual kind, would be a labour without end, and quite -inexhaustible; the more so, as the opinions of medical men are so -entirely at variance upon the subject. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE SURRENTINE WINES: THREE REMEDIES. THE ALBAN WINES: TWO -REMEDIES. THE FALERNIAN WINES: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Our ancestors set the highest value upon the wines of Surrentum;[2905] -but at a later period the preference was given to the Alban, or the -Falernian wines. More recently, again, other varieties of wine have -come into fashion, quite in accordance with that most unreasonable -mode of proceeding, according to which, each person, as he finds a -wine most to his taste, extols it as superior to all others. Suppose, -now, that all persons were quite agreed as to the superiority of some -particular kind of wine, how small a proportion of mankind would be -enabled to make use of it! As it is, even the rich never drink it in an -unsophisticated state; the morals of the age being such, that it is the -name only of a vintage that is sold, the wines being adulterated the -very moment they enter the vat. Hence it is, by Hercules!—a thing truly -astounding—that, in reality, a wine is more innoxious in its effects, -in proportion as it enjoys a less extended renown. The three kinds, -however, of which we have made mention, appear to have maintained, with -the least diminution, their ancient repute. - -The Falernian wine, if a person should be desirous to know the marked -characteristics of wines according to age, is injurious to the health, -either too new or too old; at fifteen years it begins to be of medium -age. Falernian wine of this age, taken cold, is good for the stomach, -but not when taken warm. For an inveterate cough and for quartan -fevers, it is a good plan to drink it neat, fasting. There is no wine -that quickens the action of the venous system so much as this; it acts -astringently upon the bowels, and is feeding to the body. It has been -thought, however, that this wine is productive of injury to the sight, -and that it is far from beneficial to the nerves[2906] and the bladder. - -The Alban wines are more salutary to the nervous system, but the sweet -kinds are not so beneficial to the stomach. The rough wines of Alba -are even better than those of Falernum, but they do not promote the -digestion so well, and have a slight tendency to overload the stomach. - -As to the Surrentine wines, they have no such effect upon the stomach, -nor are they at all trying to the head; they have the property also of -arresting defluxions of the stomach and intestines. The Cæcuban wines -are no longer grown. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—THE SETINE WINES; ONE OBSERVATION UPON THEM. THE STATAN -WINES; ONE OBSERVATION UPON THEM. THE SIGNIAN WINES; ONE REMEDY. - - -Among the wines, however, which still exist, those of Setia[2907] -promote the digestion, having more strength than the Surrentine wines, -and more roughness than those of Alba. The wines of Falernum are not -so powerful. Those of Stata are but very little inferior in quality to -the wines already mentioned. It is universally agreed that the wines of -Signia are extremely beneficial in cases of derangement of the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—OTHER WINES: SIXTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -As to the other wines, they may be spoken of in general terms. By the -use of wine, the human vigour, blood, and complexion are improved. It -is wine that makes up for all the difference between the middle or -temperate zone, and those which lie on either side of it, the juice of -the vine conferring as much vigour and robustness upon the inhabitants -of our part of the earth as the rigorousness[2908] of the climate does -upon the people there. Milk, used as a beverage, strengthens, the -bones, liquids extracted from the cereals nourish the sinews, and water -imparts nutriment to the flesh: hence it is that persons who confine -themselves to these several liquids as a beverage, are of a less ruddy -complexion than the wine-drinker, less robust, and less able to endure -fatigue. By the use of wine in moderation the sinews are strengthened, -but taken in excess it proves injurious to them; the same, too, with -the eyes. Wine refreshes the stomach, sharpens the appetite, takes -off the keen edge of sorrows and anxieties, warms the body, acts -beneficially as a diuretic, and invites sleep. In addition to these -properties, it arrests vomiting, and we find that pledgets of wool, -soaked in wine, and applied to abscesses, are extremely beneficial. -According to Asclepiades, the virtues possessed by wine are hardly -equalled by the majestic attributes of the gods themselves. - -Old wine bears admixture with a larger quantity of water, and acts more -powerfully as a diuretic, though at the same time it is less effectual -for quenching thirst. Sweet wine, again, is less inebriating, but stays -longer on the stomach, while rough wine is more easy of digestion. The -wine that becomes mellow with the greatest rapidity is the lightest, -and that which becomes sweeter the older it is, is not so injurious to -the nerves. Wines that are rich and black,[2909] are not so beneficial -to the stomach; but, at the same time, they are more feeding to -the body. Thin-bodied rough wines are not so feeding, but are more -wholesome to the stomach, and pass off more speedily by urine, though -they are all the more liable to fly to the head; a remark which will -apply, once for all, to liquids of every kind. - -Wine that has been mellowed by the agency of smoke is extremely -unwholesome—a fraudulent method of preparation that has been invented -in the wine-lofts[2910] of the retail dealers. At the present day, -however, this plan is adopted in private families even, when it is -wished to give the appearance of maturity to wines that have become -carious.[2911] Indeed, this term carious has been used very appositely -by the ancients with reference to wines; for we find that in the case -of wood even, smoke exercises a caustic effect upon the carious parts, -and eats them away; and yet we, on the other hand, persuade ourselves -that an adventitious age may be imparted to wines by the bitter twang -derived from smoke![2912] - -Those wines which are extremely pale, become more wholesome the older -they are. The more generous[2913] a wine is, the thicker it becomes -with age; while, at the same time, it contracts a bitter flavour, -which is far from exercising a beneficial effect upon the health. To -season another wine, that is not so old, with this, is nothing less -than to make an unwholesome preparation. The more of its own natural -flavour[2914] a wine possesses, the more wholesome it is; and the best -age for a wine is that which naturally belongs to it, a medium age -being the one that is the most generally esteemed. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—SIXTY-ONE OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO WINE. - - -Persons whose wish it is to make flesh, or to keep the bowels relaxed, -will do well to drink while taking their food. Those, on the other -hand, who wish to reduce themselves, or prevent the bowels from being -relaxed, should abstain from drinking while taking their meals, and -drink but a very little only when they have done eating. To drink -wine fasting is a fashion of recent introduction[2915] only, and an -extremely bad one for persons engaged in matters of importance, and -requiring a continued application of the mental faculties. Wine, -no doubt, was taken fasting in ancient times, but then it was as a -preparative for sleep and repose from worldly cares; and it is for this -reason that, in Homer,[2916] we find Helen presenting it to the guests -before the repast. It is upon this fact, too, that the common proverb -is founded, which says that “wisdom is obscured by wine.”[2917] It is -to wine that we men are indebted for being the only animated beings -that drink without being thirsty. When drinking wine, it is a very good -plan to take a draught of water every now and then; and to take one -long draught of it at the last, cold water taken internally having the -effect of instantaneously dispelling inebriation. - -It is strongly recommended by Hesiod[2918] to drink undiluted -wine[2919] for twenty days before the rising of the Dog-star, and -as many after. Pure wine, too, acts as an antidote to hemlock, -coriander,[2920] henbane, mistletoe, opium, mercury, as also to stings -inflicted by bees, wasps, hornets, the phalangium, serpents, and -scorpions; all kinds of poison, in fact, which are of a cold nature, -the venom of the hæmorrhois and the prester,[2921] in particular, and -the noxious effects of fungi. Undiluted wine is good, too, in cases of -flatulency, gnawing pains in the thoracic organs, excessive vomitings -at the stomach, fluxes of the bowels and intestines, dysentery, -excessive perspirations after prolonged fits of coughing, and -defluxions of various kinds. In the cardiac[2922] disease, it is a good -plan to apply a sponge soaked in neat wine to the left breast: in all -these cases, however, old white wine is the best. A fomentation of hot -wine applied to the genitals of beasts of burden is found to be very -beneficial; and, introduced into the mouth, with the aid of a horn, -it has the effect of removing all sensations of fatigue.[2923] It is -asserted that in apes, and other quadrupeds with toes, the growth will -be impeded if they are accustomed to drink undiluted wine.[2924] - - - - -CHAP. 24.—IN WHAT MALADIES WINE SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED; HOW IT SHOULD -BE ADMINISTERED, AND AT WHAT TIMES. - - -We shall now proceed to speak of wine in relation to its medicinal -uses. The wines of Campania[2925] which have the least body, are the -most wholesome beverage for persons of rank and station; and for the -lower classes[2926] the best kind of wine is that which is the most -pleasant to the person who drinks it, provided he is in robust health. -For persons of all ranks, however, the most serviceable wine is that -the strength of which has been reduced by the strainer;[2927] for we -must bear in mind that wine is nothing else but juice of grapes which -has acquired strength by the process of fermentation. A mixture of -numerous kinds of wine is universally bad, and the most wholesome wine -of all is that to which no ingredient has been added when in a state -of must; indeed, it is still better if the vessels even in which it is -kept have never been pitched.[2928] As to wines which have been treated -with marble, gypsum, or lime,[2929] where is the man, however robust he -may be, that has not stood in dread of them? - -Wines which have been prepared with sea-water[2930] are particularly -injurious to the stomach, nerves, and bladder. Those which have been -seasoned with resin are generally looked upon as beneficial to a cold -stomach, but are considered unsuitable where there is a tendency -to vomit: the same, too, with must, boiled grape-juice,[2931] and -raisin wine. New wines seasoned with resin are good for no one, being -productive of vertigo and head-ache: hence it is that the name of -“crapula”[2932] has been given equally to new resined wines, and to the -surfeit and head-ache which they produce. - -The wines above mentioned[2933] by name, are good for cough and -catarrh, as also for cœliac affections, dysentery, and the catamenia. -Those wines of this sort which are red[2934] or black,[2935] are -more astringent and more heating than the others. Wines which have -been seasoned with pitch only, are not so injurious; but at the same -time we must bear in mind that pitch is neither more nor less than -resin liquefied[2936] by the action of fire. These pitched wines are -of a heating nature, promote the digestion, and act as a purgative; -they are good, also, for the chest and the bowels, for pains in -the uterus, if there are no signs of fever, for inveterate fluxes, -ulcerations, ruptures, spasms, suppurated abscesses, debility of the -sinews, flatulency, cough, asthma, and sprains, in which last case -they are applied in uncleansed wool. For all these purposes the wine -is preferred which has naturally the flavour of pitch,[2937] and is -thence known as “picatum:” it is generally agreed, however, that the -produce of the vine called “helvennaca,”[2938] if taken in too large a -quantity, is trying to the head. - -In reference to the treatment of fever, it is well known that wine -should never be given, unless the patient is an aged person, or the -symptoms are beginning to abate. In cases of acute fever, wine must -never be given, under any circumstance, except when there is an evident -remission of the attack, and more particularly if this takes place -in the night, for then the danger is diminished by one half, there -being the probability of the patient sleeping off the effects of the -wine. It is equally forbidden, also, to females just after delivery -or a miscarriage, and to patients suffering from over-indulgence of -the sexual passions; nor should it be given in cases of head-ache, -of maladies in which the attacks are attended with chills at the -extremities, of fever accompanied with cough, of tremulousness[2939] in -the sinews, of pains in the fauces, or where the disease is found to -concentrate itself in the iliac regions. Wine is strictly forbidden, -too, in cases of induration of the thoracic organs, violent throbbings -of the veins, opisthotony, tetanus, asthma, and hardness of breathing -attended with fever. - -Wine is far from beneficial for a patient, when the eyes are fixed -and rigid, and when the eyelids are immoveable, or else relaxed and -heavy; in cases, too, where, with an incessant nictation, the eyes are -more than usually brilliant, or where the eyelids refuse to close—the -same, too, if that symptom should occur in sleep—or where the eyes are -suffused with blood, or congealed matter makes its appearance in the -corners of those organs. The same rule should be observed, also, when -the tongue is heavy and swollen, or when there is an impediment from -time to time in the speech, when the urine is passed with difficulty, -or when a person has been seized with a sudden fright, with spasms, -or recurrent fits of torpor, or experiences seminal discharges during -sleep. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—NINETY-ONE OBSERVATIONS WITH REFERENCE TO WINE. - - -It is a well-ascertained fact, that in the cardiac[2940] disease the -only resource is wine. According to some authorities, however, wine -should only be given when the attacks come on, while others, again, are -of opinion, that it must only be administered between the attacks; it -being the object with the former to arrest the profuse perspirations, -while the latter base their practice on an impression that it may be -given with more safety at a moment when the malady has diminished in -intensity; and this I find is the opinion entertained by most people. -In all cases, wine must only be administered just after taking food, -never after sleep, and under no circumstances after any other kind of -drink, or in other words, only when the patient is thirsty; in no case -whatever should it be given, except at the very last extremity. Wine is -better suited to males than to females, to aged people than to youths, -to youths than to children, and to persons who are used to it than to -those who are not in the habit of taking it; winter, too, is a better -time for using it than summer. As to the quantity to be prescribed, and -the proportion of water to be mixed with it, that depends entirely upon -the strength of the wine; it is generally thought, however, that the -best proportions are one cyathus of wine and two of water. If, however, -there is a derangement of the stomach, and if the food does not pass -downward, the wine must be given in a larger proportion. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—ARTIFICIAL WINES. - - -Among the artificial wines, the preparation of which we have[2941] -described, [there are some which],[2942] I think, are no longer made; -in addition to which, it would be a mere loss of time to enlarge -upon their medicinal effects, having expatiated elsewhere upon the -properties of the various elements of which they are composed. And -then, besides, the conceits of the medical men in relation to these -wines have really passed all bounds; they pretend, for instance, that a -wine extracted from turnips[2943] is good for recruiting the exhausted -strength, after exercises in arms or on horseback; and, not to speak -of other preparations, they attribute a similar effect to wine of -juniper.[2944] Who is there, too, that would think of looking, upon -wormwood wine[2945] as superior in its effects to wormwood itself? - -I shall pass in silence the rest of these preparations, and among them -palm wine,[2946] which is injurious to the head, and is beneficial only -as a laxative to the bowels, and as a cure for spitting of blood. We -cannot, however, look upon the liquor which we have spoken of[2947] -under the name of “bion,” as being an artificial wine; for the whole -art of making it consists merely in the employment of grapes before -they have arrived at maturity. This preparation is extremely good for -a deranged stomach or an imperfect digestion, as also for pregnancy, -fainting fits, paralysis, fits of trembling, vertigo, gripings of the -bowels, and sciatica. It is said, too, that in times of pestilence, -and for persons on a long journey, this liquid forms a beverage of -remarkable efficacy. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—VINEGAR: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Wine, even when it has lost its vinous properties, still retains some -medicinal virtues. Vinegar possesses cooling properties in the very -highest degree, and is no less efficacious as a resolvent; it has the -property, too, of effervescing,[2948] when poured upon the ground. We -have frequently had occasion, and shall again have occasion, to mention -the various medicinal compositions in which it forms an ingredient. -Taken by itself, it dispels nausea and arrests hiccup, and if smelt at, -it will prevent sneezing: retained in the mouth, it prevents a person -from being inconvenienced by the heat[2949] of the bath. It is used -as a beverage also, in combination with water,[2950] and employed as -a gargle, it is found by many to be very wholesome to the stomach, -particularly convalescents and persons suffering from sun-stroke; used -as a fomentation, too, this mixture is extremely beneficial to the -eyes. Vinegar is used remedially when a leech has been swallowed;[2951] -and it has the property of healing leprous sores,[2952] scorbutic -eruptions, running ulcers, wounds inflicted by dogs, scorpions, and -scolopendræ, and the bite of the shrew-mouse. It is good, too, as a -preventive of the itching sensations produced by the venom of all -stinging animals, and as an antidote to the bite of the millepede. - -Applied warm in a sponge, in the proportion of three sextarii to -two ounces of sulphur or a bunch of hyssop, vinegar is a remedy for -maladies of the fundament. To arrest the hæmorrhage which ensues upon -the operation[2953] of lithotomy, and, indeed, all other operations -of a similar nature, it is usual to apply vinegar in a sponge, and at -the same time to administer it internally in doses of two cyathi, the -very strongest possible being employed. Vinegar has the effect also of -dissolving coagulated blood; for the cure of lichens, it is used both -internally and externally. Used as an injection, it arrests looseness -of the bowels and fluxes of the intestines; it is similarly employed, -too, for procidence of the rectum and uterus. - -Vinegar acts as a cure for inveterate coughs, defluxions of the -throat, hardness of breathing, and looseness of the teeth: but it acts -injuriously upon the bladder and the sinews, when relaxed. Medical men -were for a long time in ignorance how beneficial vinegar is for the -sting of the asp; for it was only recently that a man, while carrying -a bladder[2954] of vinegar, happening to be stung by an asp upon which -he trod, found to his surprise that whenever he put down the bladder he -felt the sting, but that when he took it up again, he seemed as though -he had never been hurt; a circumstance which at once suggested to him -the remedial properties of the vinegar, upon drinking some of which -he experienced a cure. It is with vinegar, too, and nothing else, -that persons rinse the mouth after sucking the poison from a wound. -This liquid, in fact, exercises a predominance not only upon various -articles of food, but upon many other substances as well. Poured upon -rocks in considerable quantities, it has the effect of splitting[2955] -them, when the action of fire alone has been unable to produce any -effect thereon. As a seasoning, too, there is no kind that is more -agreeable than vinegar, or that has a greater tendency to heighten the -flavour of food. When it is employed for this purpose, its extreme -tartness is modified with burnt bread or wine, or else it is heightened -by the addition of pepper, and of laser;[2956] in all cases, too, salt -modifies its strength. - -While speaking of vinegar, we must not omit to mention a very -remarkable case in connexion with it: in the latter years of his -life, M. Agrippa was dreadfully afflicted with gout, so much so, in -fact, that he was quite unable to endure the torments to which he -was subjected. Upon this, guided by the ominous advice of one of his -medical attendants, though unknown to Augustus, at the moment of an -extremely severe attack he plunged his legs into hot vinegar, content -to purchase exemption from such cruel torments as he suffered, if even -at the price of all use and sensation in those limbs, * * * * *.[2957] - - - - -CHAP. 28. (2.)—SQUILL VINEGAR: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Squill vinegar is the more esteemed, the older it is. In addition to -the properties which we have already[2958] mentioned, it is useful -in cases where the food turns sour upon the stomach, a mere taste of -it being sufficient to act as a corrective. It is good, too, when -persons are seized with vomiting, while fasting, having the effect of -indurating the passages of the throat and stomach. It is a corrective, -also, of bad breath, strengthens the teeth and gums, and improves the -complexion. - -Used as a gargle, squill vinegar remedies hardness of hearing, and -opens the passages of the ears, while at the same time it tends to -improve the sight. It is very good, too, for epilepsy, melancholy, -vertigo, hysterical suffocations, blows, falls with violence, and -extravasations of blood in consequence, as also for debility of the -sinews, and diseases of the kidneys. In cases of internal ulceration, -however, the use of it must be avoided. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—OXYMELI: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The following, as we learn from Dieuches, was the manner in which -oxymeli[2959] was prepared by the ancients. In a cauldron they used -to put ten minæ of honey, five heminæ of old vinegar, a pound and a -quarter of sea-salt, and five sextarii of rain-water; the mixture -was then boiled together till it had simmered some ten times, after -which it was poured off, and put by for keeping. Asclepiades, however, -condemned this preparation, and put an end to the use of it, though -before his time it used to be given in fevers even. Still, however, -it is generally admitted that it was useful for the cure of stings -inflicted by the serpent known as the “seps”[2960] and that it acted -as an antidote to opium[2961] and mistletoe. It was usefully employed -also, warm, as a gargle for quinsy and maladies of the ears, and for -affections of the mouth and throat; for all these purposes, however, -at the present day, oxalme is employed, the best kind of which is made -with salt and fresh vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—SAPA: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Sapa[2962] has a close affinity with wine, being nothing else but -must boiled down to one third: that which is prepared from white must -is the best. It is used medicinally in cases of injuries inflicted -by cantharides, the buprestis,[2963] the pine caterpillars known as -pityocampæ,[2964] salamanders, and all venomous bites and stings. Taken -with onions it has the effect of bringing away the dead fœtus and the -after-birth. According to Fabianus, it acts as a poison, if taken by a -person fasting, immediately after the bath.[2965] - - - - -CHAP. 31.—LEES OF WINE: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -Next in the natural order come the lees of these several liquids. -The lees of[2966] wine are so extremely powerful as to prove fatal -to persons on descending into the vats.[2967] The proper precaution -for preventing this, is to let down a light first, which so long -as it refuses to burn, is significant of danger. Wine-lees, in -an unrinsed[2968] state, form an ingredient in several medicinal -preparations: with an equal proportion of iris,[2969] a liniment -is prepared from them for purulent eruptions; and, either moist or -dried, they are used for stings inflicted by the phalangium, and for -inflammations[2970] of the testes, mamillæ, or other parts of the -body. A decoction of wine-lees is prepared, too, with barley-meal -and powdered frankincense; after which it is first parched and then -dried. The test of its being properly boiled, is its imparting, when -cold, a burning sensation to the tongue. When left exposed to the air, -wine-lees very rapidly lose their virtues; which, on the other hand, -are greatly heightened by the action of fire. - -Wine-lees are very useful, too, boiled with figs, for the cure of -lichens and cutaneous eruptions; they are applied also in a similar -manner to leprous sores and running ulcers. Taken in drink, they act -as an antidote to the poison of fungi, and more particularly if they -are undiluted; boiled and then rinsed, they are used in preparations -for the eyes. They are employed also topically for diseases of the -testes and generative organs, and are taken in wine for strangury. When -wine-lees have lost their strength, they are still useful for cleansing -the body and scouring clothes, in which case they act as a substitute -for gum acacia.[2971] - - - - -CHAP. 32.—LEES OF VINEGAR: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The lees of vinegar,[2972] as a matter of course, considering the -material from which they are derived, are much more acrid than those -of wine, and more caustic in their effects. This substance prevents -the increase of suppuration, and, employed topically, is good for -the stomach, intestines, and regions of the abdomen. It has the -property also of arresting fluxes of those parts, and the catamenia -when in excess; it disperses inflamed tumours which have not come to -a head, and is a cure for quinsy. Applied with wax, it is curative -of erysipelas. It reduces swellings of the mamillæ when gorged with -milk, and removes malformed nails. Employed with polenta, it is very -efficacious for the cure of stings inflicted by the serpent called -cerastes;[2973] and in combination with melanthium,[2974] it heals -bites inflicted by crocodiles and dogs. - -Vinegar lees, too, by being subjected to the action of fire, acquire -additional strength.[2975] Mixed in this state with oil of mastich, and -applied to the hair, they turn[2976] it red in a single night. Applied -with water in linen, as a pessary, they act as a detergent upon the -uterus. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—LEES OF SAPA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The lees[2977] of sapa are used for the cure of burns, it being the -best plan to employ with them the down that grows on the reed; a -decoction too, of these lees, is good for the cure of an inveterate -cough. They are boiled also in a saucepan with salt and grease as an -ointment for tumours of the jaws and neck. - - - - -CHAP. 34. (3.)—THE LEAVES OF THE OLIVE: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -The next rank, after the vine, clearly belongs to the olive. The -leaves of the olive-tree are astringent,[2978] detergent, and binding -in the highest degree. Chewed and applied to sores, they are of a -healing nature; and applied topically with oil, they are good for -head-ache. A decoction of them with honey makes a good liniment for -such parts of the body as have been subjected to cauterization, as -also for inflammations of the gums, whitlows, and foul and putrid -ulcers: combined with honey, they arrest discharges of blood from -the nervous[2979] parts of the a body. The juice of olive leaves is -efficacious for carbuncular ulcers and pustules about the eyes, and for -procidence of the pupil; hence it is much employed in the composition -of eye-salves, having the additional property of healing inveterate -runnings of the eyes, and ulcerations of the eyelids. - -This juice is extracted by pouring wine and rain-water upon the leaves, -and then pounding them; after which the pulp is dried and divided -into lozenges. Used with wool, as a pessary, this preparation arrests -menstruation when in excess, and is very useful for the treatment -of purulent sores, condylomata, erysipelas, spreading ulcers, and -epinyctis. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—THE BLOSSOM OF THE OLIVE: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The blossom,[2980] too, of the olive-tree possesses similar -properties. The young branches are burnt when just beginning to -blossom, and of the ashes a substitute for spodium[2981] is made, upon -which wine is poured, and it is then burnt afresh. To suppurations and -inflamed tumours these ashes are applied, or else the leaves, beaten up -with honey; for the eyes, they are used with polenta. The juice which -exudes[2982] from the wood, when burnt in a green state, heals lichens, -scaly eruptions, and running ulcers. - -As to the juice[2983] which exudes naturally from the olive-tree, and -more particularly that of Æthiopia, we cannot be sufficiently surprised -that authors should have been found to recommend it as an application -for tooth-ache, and to tell us at the same time that it is a poison, -and even that we must have recourse to the wild olive for it. The bark -of the roots of the olive, as young and tender a tree as possible -being selected, scraped and taken every now and then in honey, is -good[2984] for patients suffering from spitting of blood and purulent -expectorations. The ashes of the tree itself, mixed with axle-grease, -are useful for the cure of tumours, and heal fistulas by the extraction -of the vicious humours which they contain. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—WHITE OLIVES: FOUR REMEDIES. BLACK OLIVES: THREE REMEDIES. - - -White olives are wholesome for the upper regions of the stomach, but -not so good for the bowels. Eaten by themselves, habitually as a -diet, quite fresh and before they are preserved, they are remarkably -serviceable, having the effect of curing gravel,[2985] and of -strengthening the teeth when worn or loosened by the use of meat. - -Black olives, on the other hand, are not so wholesome for the upper -regions of the stomach, but are better for the bowels; they are not -good, however, for the head or for the eyes. Both kinds, pounded and -applied topically, are good for the cure of burns, but the black olive -is sometimes chewed first, and instantly applied to the sore, for the -purpose of preventing blisters from forming. Colymbades[2986] act as a -detergent for foul ulcers, but they are bad for persons suffering from -strangury. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—AMURCA OF OLIVES: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -As to the amurca of olives, we might appear to have said enough on the -subject already,[2987] taking Cato as our guide; it remains, however, -to speak of the medicinal uses of this substance. It is extremely -serviceable as a strengthener of the gums,[2988] and for the cure of -ulcers of the mouth; it has the effect, also, of strengthening loose -teeth in the sockets, and an application of it is good for erysipelas -and spreading ulcers. For chilblains, the amurca of the black olive is -the best, as also as a fomentation for infants; that of the white olive -is used, with wool, as a pessary for affections of the uterus. Of both -kinds, however, the amurca is much more serviceable when boiled; this -being done in a vessel of Cyprian copper, to the consistency of honey. -Thus prepared, it is used, according to the necessities of the case, -with either vinegar, old wine, or honied wine, for the treatment of -maladies of the mouth, teeth, and ears, and for running ulcers,[2989] -diseases of the generative organs, and chaps on various parts of the -body. It is employed topically, for the cure of wounds, in a linen -pledget, and for sprains, in wool: as a medicament, it is of great -utility, more particularly when old, as in such case it effects the -cure of fistula.[2990] - -It is used as an injection for ulcerations of the fundament, the -generative organs, and the uterus, and is employed topically for -incipient gout and diseases of the joints. Boiled down again, with -omphacium,[2991] to the consistency of honey, it extracts decayed -teeth; and, in combination with a decoction of lupines and the plant -chamæleon,[2992] it is a marvellous cure for itch in beasts of -burden.[2993] Fomentations of amurca in a raw state[2994] are extremely -good for gout. - - - - -CHAP. 38. (4.)—THE LEAVES OF THE WILD OLIVE: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The leaves of the wild olive are possessed of similar properties. -The spodium[2995] that is made by burning the young branches is of -remarkable efficacy for arresting fluxes; it allays inflammations of -the eyes also, acts as a detergent upon ulcerous sores, makes the -flesh grow on wounds from which it has been removed, and acts gently -as a caustic upon fleshy excrescences, drying them up and making them -cicatrize. The rest of its properties are similar to those of the -cultivated olive. There is, however, one peculiarity in it; the leaves, -boiled with honey, are given in doses of a spoonful for spitting -of blood.[2996] The oil, too, of the wild olive is more acrid, and -possesses greater energy than that of the cultivated olive; hence it -is that it is usual to rinse the mouth with it for the purpose of -strengthening the teeth.[2997] - -The leaves, too, are applied topically, with wine, to whitlows, -carbuncles, and all kinds of gatherings; and, with honey, to sores -which require a detergent. Both a decoction of the leaves and the -natural juices of the wild olive form ingredients in medicaments for -the eyes; and the latter are found useful as an injection for the -ears, in the case of purulent discharges even. From the blossom of the -wild olive a liniment is prepared for condylomata and epinyctis: it -is applied also to the abdomen, with barley-meal, for fluxes, and to -the head, with oil, for head-ache. In cases where the scalp becomes -detached from the cranium, the young branches, boiled and applied -with honey, have a healing effect. These branches, too, when arrived -at maturity, taken with the food, arrest diarrhœa: parched and beaten -up with honey, they act as a detergent upon corroding sores, and bring -carbuncles to a head and dispers them. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—OMPHACIUM: THREE REMEDIES. - - -As to olive oil, we have abundantly treated of its nature and elements -already.[2998] It now remains to speak of the medicinal properties of -the various kinds of oil. The most useful of all is omphacium,[2999] -and next to that, green oil;[3000] in addition to which, we may remark -that oil ought to be as fresh as possible, except in cases where old -oil is absolutely required. For medicinal purposes, too, oil should be -extremely fluid, have an agreeable smell, and be free from[3001] all -taste, just the converse, in fact, of the property which we look for in -food. Omphacium is good for the gums, and if kept from time to time in -the mouth, there is nothing better as a preservative of the whiteness -of the teeth. It checks profuse perspirations. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—OIL OF ŒNANTHE: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Oil of œnanthe[3002] has just the same properties as oil of roses. -Like oil in general, it makes the body supple, and imparts to it -strength and vigour; it is injurious to the stomach, promotes the -increase of ulcers, irritates the fauces, and deadens the effect of all -poisons, white-lead and gypsum in particular, if taken in hydromel or -a decoction of dried figs. Taken with water, it is good as an antidote -to the effects of opium, and to injuries inflicted by cantharides, -the buprestis, the salamandra, and the pine caterpillar.[3003] Taken -pure as an emetic, it is highly esteemed as an antidote in all the -before-mentioned cases. It is also a refreshing remedy for extreme -lassitude, and for fits of shivering from cold. Taken warm, in doses -of six cyathi, and more particularly when boiled with rue,[3004] it -relieves gripings of the stomach and expels intestinal worms, Taken -in doses of one hemina with wine and warm water, or else with barley -water,[3005] it acts as a purgative upon the bowels. It is useful, -also, in the composition of plasters for wounds, and it cleanses the -complexion of the face. Injected into the nostrils of oxen, till it -produces eructation, it cures attacks of flatulency. - -When old it is of a more warming nature than when new, and acts more -energetically as a sudorific, and as a resolvent for indurations. It -is very efficacious[3006] in cases of lethargy, and more particularly -in the decline of the disease. Mixed with an equal proportion of honey -which has not been smoked,[3007] it contributes in some degree to the -improvement of the sight. It is a remedy, also for head-ache; and, in -combination with water, for the burning attacks in fevers. If old oil -should happen not to be at hand, the new oil is boiled to act as a -substitute for it. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—CASTOR OIL: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Castor[3008] oil, taken with an equal quantity of warm water, acts -as a purgative[3009] upon the bowels. It is said, too, that as a -purgative this oil acts more particularly upon the regions of the -diaphragm.[3010] It is very useful for diseases of the joints, all -kinds of indurations, affections of the uterus and ears, and for burns: -employed with the ashes of the murex,[3011] it heals itch-scabs and -inflammations of the fundament. It improves the complexion also, and by -its fertilizing tendencies promotes the growth of the hair. The cicus, -or seed from which this oil is made, no animal will touch; and from -these grape-like seeds[3012] wicks are made,[3013] which burn with a -peculiar brilliancy; the light, however, that is produced by the oil -is very dim, in consequence of its extreme thickness. The leaves are -applied topically with vinegar for erysipelas, and fresh-gathered, they -are used by themselves for diseases of the mamillæ and defluxions; -a decoction of them in wine, with polenta and saffron, is good for -inflammations of various kinds. Boiled by themselves, and applied to -the face for three successive days, they improve the complexion. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—OIL OF ALMONDS: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Oil of almonds is of a purgative and emollient nature; it effaces -wrinkles on the skin, improves the complexion, and, in combination with -honey, removes spots on the face. A decoction of it with oil of roses, -honey, and pomegranate rind, is good for the ears, and exterminates the -small worms that breed there; it has the effect also, of dispelling -hardness of hearing, recurrent tinglings and singing in the ears, and -is curative of head-ache and pains in the eyes. Used with wax, it cures -boils, and scorches by exposure to the sun;[3014] in combination with -wine it heals running ulcers and scaly eruptions, and with melilote, -condylomatous swellings. Applied by itself to the head, it invites -sleep.[3015] - - - - -CHAP. 43.—OIL OF LAUREL: NINE REMEDIES. - - -As to oil of laurel,[3016] the fresher and greener it is, the more -valuable are its properties. It is of a heating nature, and is -consequently applied, warm, in a pomegranate rind, for paralysis, -spasms, sciatica, bruises, head-ache, catarrhs of long standing, and -diseases of the ears. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—OIL OF MYRTLE: TWENTY REMEDIES. - - -Oil of myrtle has similar properties.[3017] It is of an astringent and -indurative nature; mixed with the scoria of copper, and wax, it cures -diseases of the gums, tooth-ache, dysentery, ulcerations of the uterus, -affections of the bladder, inveterate or running ulcers, eruptions, -and burns. It exercises a healing effect also, upon excoriations, -scaly eruptions, chaps, condylomata, and sprains, and it neutralizes -offensive odours of the body. This oil is an antidote[3018] to -cantharides, the buprestis, and other dangerous poisons of a corrosive -nature. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—OIL OF CHAMÆMYRSINE OR OXYMYRSINE; OIL OF CYPRESS; OIL OF -CITRUS; OIL OF WALNUTS; OIL OF CNIDIUM; OIL OF MASTICH; OIL OF BALANUS; -VARIOUS REMEDIES. - - -Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine,[3019] possesses similar properties. -Oil of cypress[3020] also, produces the same effects as oil of myrtle, -and the same as to oil of citrus.[3021] Oil of walnuts, which we -have previously mentioned[3022] as being called “caryinon,” is good -for alopecy, and is injected into the ears for the cure of hardness -of hearing. Used as a liniment, it relieves head-ache; but in other -respects it is of an inert nature and disagreeable taste; indeed, if -part only of one of the kernels should happen to be decayed, the whole -making is spoilt. The oil extracted from the grain of Cnidos[3023] -has similar properties to castor[3024] oil. Oil of mastich[3025] is -very useful as an ingredient in the medicinal preparation known as -“acopum;”[3026] indeed it would be fully as efficacious as oil of -roses, were it not found to be somewhat too styptic in its effects. It -is employed in cases of too profuse perspiration, and for the cure of -pimples produced thereby. It is extremely efficacious also for itch -in beasts of burden. Oil of balanus[3027] removes spots on the skin, -boils, freckles, and maladies of the gums.[3028] - - - - -CHAP. 46.—THE CYPRUS, AND THE OIL EXTRACTED FROM IT; SIXTEEN REMEDIES. -GLEUCINUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -We have already enlarged[3029] upon the nature of the cyprus, and the -method of preparing oil of cyprus. This oil is naturally warming, and -relaxes the sinews. The leaves of the tree are used as an application -to the stomach,[3030] and the juice of them is applied in a pessary -for irritations of the uterus. Fresh gathered and chewed, the leaves -are applied to running ulcers of the head, ulcerations of the mouth, -gatherings, and condylomatous sores. A decoction of the leaves is very -useful also for burns and sprains. Beaten up and applied with the juice -of the strutheum,[3031] they turn the hair red. The blossoms, applied -to the head with vinegar, relieve head-ache, and the ashes of them, -burnt in a pot of raw earth, are curative of corrosive sores and putrid -ulcers, either employed by themselves, or in combination with honey. -The odour[3032] exhaled by these blossoms induces sleep. - -The oil called “gleucinum”[3033] has certain astringent and refreshing -properties similar to those of oil of œnanthe. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—OIL OF BALSAMUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The oil of balsamum is by far the most valuable of them all, as already -stated[3034] by us, when treating of the unguents. It is extremely -efficacious for the venom of all kinds of serpents, is very beneficial -to the eyesight, disperses films upon the eyes, assuages hardness -of breathing, and acts emolliently upon all kinds of gatherings and -indurations. It has the effect, also, of preventing the blood from -coagulating, acts as a detergent upon ulcers, and is remarkably -beneficial for diseases of the ears, head-ache, trembling,[3035] -spasms, and ruptures. Taken in milk, it is an antidote to the poison -of aconite, and used as a liniment upon the access of the shivering -fits in fevers, it modifies their violence. Still, however, it should -be used but sparingly, as it is of a very caustic nature, and, if not -employed in moderation, is apt to augment the malady. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—MALOBATHRUM: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -We have already[3036] spoken, also, of the nature of malobathrum, -and the various kinds of it. It acts as a diuretic, and, sprinkled -in wine upon the eyes, it is used very advantageously for defluxions -of those organs. It is applied also to the forehead, for the purpose -of promoting sleep; but it acts with still greater efficacy, if the -nostrils are rubbed with it, or if it is taken in water. The leaves, -placed beneath the tongue, impart a sweetness to the mouth and breath, -and put among clothes, they produce a similar effect. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—OIL OF HENBANE: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF LUPINES: ONE REMEDY. -OIL OF NARCISSUS: ONE REMEDY. OIL OF RADISHES: FIVE REMEDIES. OIL OF -SESAME: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF LILIES: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF SELGA: -ONE REMEDY. OIL OF IGUVIUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -Oil of henbane[3037] is of an emollient nature, but it is bad for -the nerves; taken in drink, it disturbs the brain. Therminum,[3038] -or oil of lupines, is emollient, and very similar to oil of roses in -its effects. As to oil of narcissus, we have already[3039] spoken -of it when describing that flower. Oil of radishes,[3040] cures -phthiriasis[3041] contracted in a long illness, and removes roughness -of the skin upon the face. Oil of sesame is curative of pains in the -ears, spreading ulcers, and the cancer[3042] known as “cacoethes.” Oil -of lilies, which we have previously[3043] mentioned as being called oil -of Phaselis and oil of Syria, is extremely good for the kidneys and for -promoting perspiration, as also as an emollient for the uterus, and as -tending to bring internal tumours to a head. As to oil of Selga, we -have already[3044] spoken of it as being strengthening to the tendons; -which is the case, also, with the herbaceous[3045] oil which the people -of Iguvium[3046] sell, on the Flaminian Way. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—ELÆOMELI: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF PITCH: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Elæomeli, which, as we have already[3047] stated, exudes from the -olive-trees of Syria, has a flavour like that of honey, but not without -a certain nauseous taste. It relaxes the bowels, and carries off the -bilious secretions more particularly, if taken in doses of two cyathi, -in a semisextarius of water. After drinking it, the patient falls into -a torpor, and requires to be aroused every now and then. Persons, when -about to drink for a wager, are in the habit of taking[3048] a cyathus -of it, by way of prelude. Oil of pitch[3049] is employed for the cure -of cough, and of itch in cattle. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—THE PALM: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Next in rank after the vine and the olive comes the palm. Dates -fresh-gathered have an inebriating[3050] effect, and are productive -of head-ache; when dried, they are not so injurious. It would appear, -too, that they are not wholesome to the stomach; they have an -irritating[3051] effect on coughs, but are very nourishing to the -body. The ancients used to give a decoction of them to patients, as a -substitute for hydromel, with the view of recruiting the strength and -allaying thirst, the Thebaïc date being held in preference for the -purpose. Dates are very useful, too, for persons troubled with spitting -of blood, when taken in the food more particularly. The dates called -caryotæ,[3052] in combination with quinces, wax, and saffron, are -applied topically for affections of the stomach, bladder, abdomen, and -intestines: they are good for bruises also. Date-stones,[3053] burnt in -a new earthen vessel, produce an ash which, when rinsed, is employed -as a substitute for spodium,[3054] and is used as an ingredient -in eye-salves, and, with the addition of nard, in washes for the -eye-brows.[3055] - - - - -CHAP. 52. (5.)—THE PALM WHICH PRODUCES MYROBALANUM: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Of the palm which produces myrobalanum,[3056] the most esteemed kind -is that grown in Egypt;[3057] the dates of which, unlike those of -the other kinds, are without stones. Used with astringent wine, they -arrest[3058] diarrhœa and the catamenia, and promote the cicatrization -of wounds. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—THE PALM CALLED ELATE: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The palm called “elate,”[3059] or “spathe,” furnishes its buds, leaves, -and bark for medicinal purposes. The leaves are applied to the thoracic -regions, stomach, and liver, and to spreading ulcers, but they are -adverse to cicatrization. The bark[3060] of the tree, while tender, -mixed with wax and resin, heals itch-scab in the course of twenty days: -a decoction, also, is made of it for diseases of the testes. Used as -a fumigation, it turns the hair black, and brings away the fœtus. It -is given in drink, also, for diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and -thoracic organs; but it acts injuriously upon the head and nerves. The -decoction of this bark has the effect, also, of arresting fluxes of the -uterus and the bowels: the ashes of it are used with white wine for -griping pains in the stomach, and form a very efficacious remedy for -affections of the uterus. - - - - -CHAP. 54. (6.)—REMEDIES DERIVED PROM THE BLOSSOMS, LEAVES, FRUIT, -BRANCHES, BARK, JUICES, WOOD, ROOTS, AND ASHES OF VARIOUS KINDS OF -TREES. SIX OBSERVATIONS UPON APPLES. TWENTY-TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON -QUINCES. ONE OBSERVATION UPON STRUTHEA. - - -We next come to the medicinal properties of the various kinds -of apples. The spring fruits, of this nature are sour and -unwholesome[3061] to the stomach, disturb the bowels, contract the -bladder, and act injuriously upon the nerves; when cooked, however, -they are of a more harmless nature. Quinces are more pleasant eating -when cooked; still however, eaten raw, provided they are ripe, they are -very useful[3062] for spitting of blood, dysentery, cholera, and cœliac -affections; indeed, they are not of the same efficacy when cooked, as -they then lose the astringent properties which belong to their juice. -They are applied also to the breast in the burning attacks of fever, -and, in spite of what has been stated above, they are occasionally -boiled in rain-water for the various purposes before-mentioned. For -pains in the stomach they are applied[3063] like a cerate, either raw -or boiled. The down upon them heals[3064] carbuncles. - -Boiled in wine, and applied with wax, they restore the hair, when it -has been lost by alopecy. A conserve of raw quinces in honey relaxes -the bowels: and they add very materially to the sweetness of the -honey, and render it more wholesome to the stomach. Boiled quinces -preserved in honey are beaten up with a decoction of rose-leaves, and -are taken as food by some for the cure of affections of the stomach. -The juice of raw quinces is very good, also, for the spleen, hardness -of breathing, dropsy, affections of the mamillæ, condylomata, and -varicose veins. The blossoms, either fresh or dried, are useful for -inflammations of the eyes, spitting of blood, and irregularities of -the catamenia. By beating them up with sweet wine, a soothing sirop is -prepared, which is very beneficial for cœliac affections and diseases -of the liver: with a decoction of them a fomentation is made for -procidence of the uterus and intestines. - -From quinces an oil is also extracted, which we have spoken of under -the name of “melinum:”[3065] in order to make it, the fruit must not -have been grown in a damp soil; hence it is that the quinces which come -from Sicily are so highly esteemed for the purpose; while, on the other -hand, the strutheum,[3066] though of a kindred kind, is not so good. - -A circle[3067] is traced round the root of this tree, and the root -itself is then pulled up with the left hand, care being taken by the -person who does so to state at the same moment the object for which it -is so pulled up, and for whom. Worn as an amulet, this root is a cure -for scrofula. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—THE SWEET APPLES CALLED MELIMELA: SIX OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. -SOUR APPLES: FOUR OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -The apples known as “melimela,”[3068] and the other sweet apples, relax -the stomach and bowels, but are productive of heat and thirst,[3069] -though they do not act injuriously upon the nervous system. The -orbiculata[3070] arrest diarrhœa and vomiting, and act as a diuretic. -Wild apples resemble the sour apples of spring, and act astringently -upon the bowels: indeed, for this purpose they should always be used -before they are ripe. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—CITRONS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -Citrons,[3071] either the pulp of them or the pips, are taken in -wine as an antidote to poisons. A decoction of citrons, or the juice -extracted from them, is used as a gargle to impart sweetness to the -breath.[3072] The pips of this fruit are recommended for pregnant women -to chew when affected with qualmishness. Citrons are good, also, for a -weak stomach, but it is not easy to eat them except with vinegar.[3073] - - - - -CHAP. 57.—PUNIC APPLES OR POMEGRANATES: TWENTY-SIX REMEDIES. - - -It would be a mere loss of time to recapitulate the nine[3074] -different varieties of the pomegranate. The sweet pomegranates, or, in -other words, those known by the name of “apyrena,”[3075] are generally -considered to be injurious to the stomach; they are productive, also, -of flatulency, and are bad for the teeth and gums. The kind which -closely resembles the last in flavour, and which we have spoken of as -the “vinous” pomegranate, has very diminutive pips, and is thought to -be somewhat more wholesome than the others. They have an astringent -effect upon the stomach and bowels, provided they are taken in -moderation, and not to satiety; but even these, or, indeed, any other -kind, should never be given in fevers, as neither the substance nor -the juice of the fruit acts otherwise than injuriously under those -circumstances. They should, also, be equally[3076] abstained from in -cases of vomiting and bilious evacuations. - -In this fruit Nature has revealed to us a grape, and, so to say, not -must, but a wine ready made, both grape and wine being enclosed in -a tougher skin.[3077] The rind of the sour pomegranate is employed -for many purposes. It is in very common use with curriers for -tanning[3078] leather, from which circumstance it has received the name -of “malicorium.”[3079] Medical men assure us that the rind is diuretic, -and that, boiled with nut-galls in vinegar, it strengthens loose -teeth in the sockets. It is prescribed also for pregnant women when -suffering from qualmishness, the flavour of it quickening the fœtus. A -pomegranate is cut, and left to soak in rain-water for some three days; -after which the infusion is given cold to persons suffering from cœliac -affections and spitting of blood. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE COMPOSITION CALLED STOMATICE: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -With the sour pomegranate a medicament is made, which is known as -“stomatice,” and is extremely good for affections of the mouth, -nostrils, and ears, dimness of sight, films upon the eyes,[3080] -diseases of the generative organs, corrosive sores called “nomæ,” and -fleshy excrescences in ulcers; it is useful, also, as an antidote -to the venom of the sea-hare.[3081] The following is the method of -making it: the rind is taken off the fruit, and the pips are pounded, -after which the juice is boiled down to one-third, and then mixed with -saffron, split alum,[3082] myrrh, and Attic honey, the proportions -being half a pound of each. - -Some persons have another way of making it: a number of sour -pomegranates are pounded, after which the juice is boiled down in a -new cauldron to the consistency of honey. This composition is used for -various affections of the generative organs and fundament, and, indeed, -all those diseases which are treated with lycium.[3083] It is employed, -also, for the cure of purulent discharges from the ears, incipient -defluxions of the eyes, and red spots upon the hands. Branches of the -pomegranate have the effect of repelling the attacks of serpents.[3084] -Pomegranate rind, boiled in wine and applied, is a cure for chilblains. -A pomegranate, boiled down to one-third in three heminæ of wine, is -a cure for griping pains in the bowels and for tape-worm.[3085] A -pomegranate, put in a new earthen pot tightly covered and burnt in a -furnace, and then pounded and taken in wine, arrests looseness of the -bowels, and dispels griping pains in the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—CYTINUS: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks have given the name of cytinus[3086] to the first germs -of this tree when it is just beginning to blossom. These germs have -a singular property, which has been remarked by many. If a person, -after taking off everything that is fastened upon the body, his -girdle, for instance, shoes, and even his ring, plucks one of them -with two fingers of the left hand, the thumb, namely, and the fourth -finger, and, after rubbing it gently round his eyes, puts it into -his mouth and swallows[3087] it without letting it touch his teeth, -he will experience, it is said, no malady of the eyes throughout all -the year. These germs, dried and pounded, check the growth of fleshy -excrescences; they are good also for the gums and teeth; and if the -teeth are loose a decoction of the germs will strengthen them. - -The young pomegranates[3088] themselves are beaten up and applied -as a liniment to spreading or putrid sores; they are used also for -inflammations of the eyes and intestines, and nearly all the purposes -for which pomegranate-rind is used. They are remedial also for the -stings of scorpions. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—BALAUSTIUM: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -We cannot sufficiently admire the care and diligence displayed by the -ancients, who, in their enquiries into every subject, have left nothing -untried. Within the cytinus, before the pomegranate itself makes its -appearance, there are diminutive flowers, the name given to which, as -already[3089] stated, is “balaustium.”[3090] These blossoms, even, -have not escaped their enquiries; it having been ascertained by them -that they are an excellent remedy for stings inflicted by the scorpion. -Taken in drink, they arrest the catamenia, and are curative of ulcers -of the mouth, tonsillary glands, and uvula, as also of spitting -of blood, derangement of the stomach and bowels, diseases of the -generative organs, and running sores in all parts of the body. - -The ancients also dried these blossoms, to try their efficacy in that -state, and made the discovery that, pulverized, they cure patients -suffering from dysentery when at the very point of death even, and that -they arrest looseness of the bowels. They have not disdained, too, to -make trial of the pips of the pomegranate: parched and then pounded, -these pips are good for the stomach, sprinkled in the food or drink. -To arrest looseness of the bowels, they are taken in rain-water. A -decoction of the juices of the root, in doses of one victoriatus,[3091] -exterminates tape-worm;[3092] and the root itself, boiled down in -water to a thick consistency, is employed for the same purposes as -lycium.[3093] - - - - -CHAP. 61.—THE WILD POMEGRANATE. - - -There is a tree, also, which is called the wild pomegranate,[3094] -on account of its strong resemblance to the cultivated pomegranate. -The roots of it have a red bark, which taken in wine in doses of one -denarius, promotes sleep. The seed of it taken in drink is curative of -dropsy. Gnats are kept at a distance by the smoke of burnt pomegranate -rind. - - - - -CHAP. 62. (7.)—PEARS: TWELVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -All kinds of pears, as an aliment, are indigestible,[3095] to persons -in robust health, even; but to invalids they are forbidden as rigidly -as wine. Boiled, however, they are remarkably agreeable and wholesome, -those of Crustumium[3096] in particular. All kinds of pears, too, -boiled with honey, are wholesome to the stomach. Cataplasms of a -resolvent nature are made with pears, and a decoction of them is used -to disperse indurations. They are efficacious, also, in cases of -poisoning[3097] by mushrooms and fungi, as much by reason of their -heaviness, as by the neutralizing effects of their juice. - -The wild pear ripens but very slowly. Cut in slices and hung in the air -to dry, it arrests looseness of the bowels, an effect which is equally -produced by a decoction of it taken in drink; in which case the leaves -also are boiled up together with the fruit. The ashes of pear-tree wood -are even more efficacious[3098] as an antidote to the poison of fungi. - -A load of apples or pears, however small, is singularly fatiguing[3099] -to beasts of burden; the best plan to counteract this, they say, is to -give the animals some to eat, or at least to shew them the fruit before -starting. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—FIGS: ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -The milky juice of the fig-tree possesses kindred properties with -vinegar;[3100] hence it is, that, like rennet, it curdles milk. This -juice is collected before the fruit ripens, and dried in the shade; -being used with yolk of egg as a liniment, or else in drink, with -amylum,[3101] to bring ulcers to a head and break them, and for the -purposes of an emmenagogue. With meal of fenugreek and vinegar, it is -applied topically for gout; it acts also as a depilatory,[3102] heals -eruptions of the eyelids, lichens and itch-scabs, and relaxes the -bowels. The milk of the fig-tree is naturally curative of the stings -of hornets, wasps, and similar insects, and is remarkably useful for -wounds inflicted by scorpions. Mixed with axle-grease it removes -warts. With the leaves and figs still green an application is made for -scrofulous[3103] and other sores of a nature which requires emollients -or resolvents. The leaves, too, used by themselves, are productive of -a similar effect. In addition to this, they are employed for other -purposes, as a friction for lichens, for example, for alopecy, and -other diseases which require caustic applications. The young shoots of -the branches are used as an application to the skin in cases of bites -inflicted by dogs. With honey they are applied to the ulcers known as -honeycomb ulcers;[3104] mixed with the leaves of wild poppies they -extract[3105] splinters of bones; and the leaves beaten up in vinegar -are a cure for bites inflicted by dogs. The young white shoots of the -black[3106] fig are applied topically, with wax, to boils, and bites -inflicted by the shrew-mouse: and the ashes of their leaves are used -for the cure of gangrenes and the reduction of fleshy excrescences. - -Ripe figs are diuretic and laxative; they promote the perspiration, and -bring out pimples; hence it is that they are unwholesome in autumn, the -perspirations which they excite being always attended with shivering. -They are injurious also to the stomach, though for a short time only; -and it is generally thought that they spoil the voice. The figs which -are the last to ripen are more wholesome than the first, but those -which are drugged[3107] for the purpose of ripening them are never -wholesome. This fruit invigorates the young, and improves the health of -the aged and retards the formation of wrinkles; it allays thirst, and -is of a cooling nature, for which reason it should never be declined -in those fevers of an astringent tendency which are known as “stegnæ.” - -Dried figs are injurious to the stomach,[3108] but are beneficial in -a marvellous degree to the throat and fauces. They are of a warming -nature, are productive of thirst, and relax the bowels, but are -unwholesome in stomachic complaints and fluxes of the bowels. In all -cases they are beneficial for the bladder, hardness of breathing, and -asthma, as also for diseases of the liver, kidneys, and spleen. They -are nourishing and invigorating, for which reason, the athletes in -former times used them as food: Pythagoras, the gymnast, being the -first who introduced among them a flesh diet.[3109] Figs are extremely -useful for patients recovering from a long illness, and for persons -suffering from epilepsy or dropsy. They are applied topically also in -all cases where sores require to be brought to a head, or dispersed; -and they are still more efficacious when mixed with lime or nitre. -Boiled with hyssop they act as a purgative on the pectoral organs, -carry off the phlegm, and cure inveterate coughs: boiled with wine they -heal maladies of the fundament, and tumours of the jaws. A decoction -of them is applied also to boils, inflamed tumours, and imposthumes -of the parotid glands. This decoction, too, is found very useful as a -fomentation for disorders incident to females. - -Boiled with fenugreek,[3110] figs are very useful in cases of pleurisy -and peripneumony. A decoction of them with rue is good for griping -pains in the bowels; in combination with verdigris,[3111] they are -used for ulcers of the legs and imposthumes of the parotid glands; -with pomegranates, for hang-nails;[3112] and with wax, for burns and -chilblains. Boiled in wine, with wormwood and barley-meal, they are -employed for dropsy. Eaten with nitre, they relax the bowels; and -beaten up with salt they are applied to stings inflicted by scorpions. -Boiled in wine, and applied topically, they bring carbuncles to a head. -In cases of carcinoma, unattended with ulceration, it is a singularly -good plan to apply to the part the pulpiest fig that can be procured; -the same, too, with phagedænic sores. - -As to the ashes of the fig, those of no tree known are of a more -acrid character,[3113] being of a detergent and astringent nature, -and tending to make new flesh and to promote the cicatrization of -wounds. They are also taken in drink, for the purpose of dissolving -coagulated blood, as also for bruises, falls with violence, ruptures, -convulsions * * * * in one cyathus respectively of water and oil. They -are administered also for tetanus and spasms, and are used either in -a potion, or as an injection for cœliac affections and dysentery. -Employed as a liniment with oil, they have a warming effect; and -kneaded into a paste with wax and rose-oil, they heal burns, leaving -the slightest scar only. Applied in oil, as a liniment, they are a cure -for weakness of sight, and are used as a dentifrice in diseases of the -teeth. - -It is said, too, that if a patient draws downward a branch of a -fig-tree, and turns up his head and bites off some knot or other of -it, without being seen by any one, and then wears it in a leather -bag suspended by a string from his neck, it is a certain cure for -scrofulous sores and imposthumes of the parotid glands. The bark of -this tree, beaten up with oil, cures ulcerations of the abdomen. Green -figs, applied raw, with the addition of nitre and meal, remove warts -and wens.[3114] - -The ashes of the suckers which spring from the roots are used as a -substitute for spodium.[3115] Burnt over a second time and incorporated -with white lead, they are divided into cakes which are used for the -cure of ulcerations of the eyes and eruptions. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—THE WILD FIG: FORTY-TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON IT. - - -The wild fig, again, is even more efficacious in its properties than -the cultivated one. It has not so large a proportion of milky juice as -the other: a slip of it put into milk has the effect of curdling it and -turning it into cheese. This juice, collected and indurated by being -subjected to pressure, imparts a fine flavor[3116] to meat, being -steeped in vinegar for the purpose, and then rubbed upon it. It is used -also as an ingredient in blisters, and taken internally it relaxes the -bowels. Used with amylum,[3117] it opens the passages of the uterus, -and combined with the yolk of an egg it acts as an emmenagogue. Mixed -with meal of fenugreek it is applied topically for gout, and is used -for the dispersion of leprous sores, itch-scabs, lichens, and freckles: -it is an antidote also to the stings of venomous animals, and to the -bites of dogs. Applied to the teeth in wool, or introduced into the -cavity of a carious tooth, this juice cures tooth-ache.[3118] The young -shoots and the leaves, mixed with meal of fitches, act as an antidote -to the poison of marine animals, wine being added to the preparation. -In boiling beef a great saving of fire-wood may be effected, by putting -some of these shoots in the pot.[3119] - -The figs in a green state, applied topically, soften and disperse -scrofulous sores and all kinds of gatherings, and the leaves, to a -certain extent, have a similar effect. The softer leaves are applied -with vinegar for the cure of running ulcers, epinyctis, and scaly -eruptions. With the leaves, mixed with honey, honeycomb ulcers[3120] -are treated, and wounds inflicted by dogs; the leaves are applied, -too, fresh, with wine, to phagedænic sores. In combination with -poppy-leaves, they extract splintered bones. Wild figs, in a green -state, employed as a fumigation, dispel flatulency; and an infusion of -them, used as a potion, combats the deleterious effects of bullocks’ -blood, white-lead, and coagulated milk, taken internally. Boiled in -water, and employed as a cataplasm, they cure imposthumes of the -parotid glands. The shoots, or the green figs, gathered as young as -possible, are taken in wine for stings inflicted by scorpions. The -milky juice is also poured into the wound, and the leaves are applied -to it: the bite of the shrew-mouse is treated in a similar manner. The -ashes of the young branches are curative of relaxations of the uvula; -and the ashes of the tree itself, mixed with honey, have the effect of -healing chaps. A decoction of the root, boiled in wine, is good for -tooth-ache. The winter wild fig, boiled in vinegar and pounded, is a -cure for impetigo: the branches are first barked for the purpose and -then scraped; these scrapings, which are as fine as sawdust, being -applied topically to the parts affected. - -There is also one medicinal property of a marvellous nature attributed -to the wild fig: if a youth who has not arrived at puberty breaks off -a branch, and then with his teeth tears off the bark swelling with the -sap, the pith of this branch, we are assured, attached as an amulet to -the person before sunrise, will prevent the formation of scrofulous -sores. A branch of this tree, attached to the neck of a bull, however -furious, exercises such a marvellous effect upon him as to restrain his -ferocity,[3121] and render him quite immoveable. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—THE HERB ERINEON: THREE REMEDIES. - - -It will be as well to speak here, in consequence of the similarity of -name,[3122] of the herb which is known to the Greeks as the “erineon.” -This plant[3123] is a palm in height, and has mostly five small stems: -in appearance it resembles ocimum, and bears a white flower, with -a small, black, seed. Beaten up with Attic honey, it is a cure for -defluxions of the eyes. In whatever way it is gathered, it yields a -considerable abundance of sweet, milky, juice. With the addition of a -little nitre, this plant is extremely useful for pains in the ears. The -leaves of it have the property of neutralizing poisons. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—PLUMS: FOUR OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -The leaves[3124] of the plum, boiled in wine, are useful for the -tonsillary glands, the gums, and the uvula, the mouth being rinsed -with the decoction every now and then. As for the fruit itself, it is -relaxing[3125] to the bowels; but it is not very wholesome to the -stomach, though its bad effects are little more than momentary. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—PEACHES: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Peaches, again, are more wholesome than plums; and the same is the case -with the juice of the fruit, extracted, and taken in either wine or -vinegar. Indeed, what known fruit is there that is more wholesome as -an aliment than this? There is none, in fact, that has a less powerful -smell,[3126] or a greater abundance of juice, though it has a tendency -to create thirst.[3127] The leaves of it, beaten up and applied -topically, arrest hæmorrhage: the kernels, mixed with oil and vinegar, -are used as a liniment for head-ache.[3128] - - - - -CHAP. 68.—WILD PLUMS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The fruit of the wild plum, or the bark of the root,[3129] boiled down -to one-third in one hemina of astringent wine, arrests looseness of -the bowels and griping pains in the stomach: the proper dose of the -decoction is one cyathus. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—THE LICHEN ON PLUM-TREES: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Upon the bark of the wild and cultivated plums we find an -excrescence[3130] growing, known to the Greeks by the name of “lichen:” -it is remarkably good for chaps and condylomatous swellings. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—MULBERRIES: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -In Egypt and in the Isle of Cyprus there are, as already stated,[3131] -mulberry-trees of a peculiar kind, being of a nature that is truly -marvellous; for, if the outer bark is peeled off, they emit a great -abundance of juice; but if a deeper incision is made, they are found to -be quite dry.[3132] This juice is an antidote to the venom of serpents, -is good for dysentery, disperses inflamed tumours and all kinds of -gatherings, heals wounds, and allays both head-ache and ear-ache: it is -taken in drink for affections of the spleen, and is used as a liniment -for the same purpose, as also for fits of shivering. This juice, -however, very soon breeds worms. - -Among ourselves, too, the juice which exudes from the mulberry-tree is -employed for an equal number of purposes: taken in wine, it neutralizes -the noxious effects of aconite[3133] and the venom of spiders, relaxes -the bowels, and expels tapeworm and other animals which breed in the -intestines;[3134] the bark of the tree, pounded, has also a similar -effect. The leaves, boiled in rain-water with the bark of the black fig -and the vine, are used for dyeing the hair. - -The juice of the fruit has a laxative effect immediately upon the -bowels, though the fruit itself, for the moment, acts beneficially upon -the stomach, being of a refreshing nature, but productive of thirst. If -no other food is taken upon them, mulberries[3135] are of a swelling -tendency. The juice of unripe mulberries acts astringently upon the -bowels. The marvels which are presented by this tree, and of which we -have made some mention[3136] when describing it, would almost appear to -belong to a creature gifted with animation. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—THE MEDICAMENT CALLED STOMATICE, ARTERIACE, OR PANCHRESTOS: -FOUR REMEDIES. - - -From the fruit of the mulberry a medicament is prepared, called -“panchrestos,”[3137] “stomatice,” or “arteriace:” the following is the -method employed. Three sextarii of the juice are reduced, at a slow -heat, to the consistency of honey; two denarii of dried omphacium[3138] -or one of myrrh, with one denarius of saffron, are then added, the -whole being beaten up together and mixed with the decoction. There is -no medicament known that is more soothing than this, for affections -of the mouth, the trachea, the uvula, and the stomach. There is also -another mode of preparing it: two sextarii of mulberry juice and one of -Attic honey are boiled down in the manner above stated. - -There are some other marvellous properties, also, which are mentioned -in reference to this tree. When the tree is in bud, and before the -appearance of the leaves, the germs of the fruit must be gathered with -the left hand—the Greeks give them the name of “ricini.”[3139] These -germs, worn as an amulet before they have touched the ground, have the -effect of arresting hæmorrhage, whether proceeding from a wound, from -the mouth, from the nostrils, or from piles; for which purposes they -are, accordingly, put away and kept. Similar virtues are attributed to -a branch just beginning to bear, broken off at full moon, provided also -it has not touched the ground: this branch, it is said, attached to the -arm, is peculiarly efficacious for the suppression of the catamenia -when in excess. The same effect is produced, it is said, when the woman -herself pulls it off, whatever time it may happen to be, care being -taken not to let it touch the ground, and to wear it attached to the -body. The leaves of the mulberry-tree beaten up fresh, or a decoction -of them dried, are applied topically for stings inflicted by serpents: -an infusion of them, taken in drink, is equally efficacious for that -purpose. The juice extracted from the bark of the root, taken in wine -or oxycrate, counteracts the venom of the scorpion. - -We must also give some account of the method of preparing this -medicament employed by the ancients: extracting the juice from the -fruit, both ripe and unripe, they mixed it together, and then boiled it -down in a copper vessel to the consistency of honey. Some persons were -in the habit of adding myrrh and cypress, and then left it to harden -in the sun, mixing it with a spatula three times a-day. Such was their -receipt for the stomatice, which was also employed by them to promote -the cicatrization of wounds. There was another method, also, of dealing -with the juice of this fruit: extracting the juice, they used the dried -fruit with various articles of food,[3140] as tending to heighten the -flavour; and they were in the habit of employing it medicinally[3141] -for corroding ulcers, pituitous expectorations, and all cases in which -astringents were required for the viscera. They used it also for the -purpose of cleaning[3142] the teeth. A third mode of employing the -juices of this tree is to boil down the leaves and root, the decoction -being used, with oil,[3143] as a liniment for the cure of burns. The -leaves are also applied by themselves for the same purpose. - -An incision made in the root at harvest-time, supplies a juice that is -extremely useful for tooth-ache, gatherings, and suppurations; it acts, -also, as a purgative upon the bowels. Mulberry-leaves, macerated in -urine, remove the hair from hides. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—CHERRIES: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -Cherries are relaxing to the bowels and unwholesome[3144] to -the stomach; in a dried state, however, they are astringent and -diuretic.[3145] I find it stated by some authors, that if cherries are -taken early in the morning covered with dew, the kernels being eaten -with them, the bowels will be so strongly acted upon as to effect a -cure for gout in the feet. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—MEDLARS: TWO REMEDIES. SORBS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Medlars, the setania[3146] excepted, which has pretty nearly the -same properties as the apple, act astringently upon the stomach and -arrest looseness of the bowels. The same is the case, too, with dried -sorbs;[3147] but when eaten fresh, they are beneficial to the stomach, -and are good for fluxes of the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 74. (8.)—PINE-NUTS: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Pine-nuts,[3148] with the resin in them, are slightly bruised, and then -boiled down in water to one-half, the proportion of water being one -sextarius to each nut. This decoction, taken in doses of two cyathi, is -used for the cure of spitting of blood. The bark of the tree, boiled -in wine, is given for griping pains in the bowels. The kernels of the -pine-nut allay thirst, and assuage acridities and gnawing pains in the -stomach; they tend also to neutralize vicious humours in that region, -recruit the strength, and are salutary to the kidneys and the bladder. -They would seem, however, to exercise an irritating effect[3149] upon -the fauces, and to increase cough. Taken in water, wine, raisin wine, -or a decoction of dates, they carry off bile. For gnawing pains in the -stomach of extreme violence, they are mixed with cucumber-seed and -juice of purslain; they are employed, too, in a similar manner for -ulcerations of the bladder and kidneys,[3150] having a diuretic effect. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—ALMONDS: TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -A decoction of the root of the bitter almond[3151] clears the -complexion, and gives the face a brighter colour.[3152] Bitter almonds -are provocative of sleep,[3153] and sharpen the appetite; they act, -also, as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue. They are used topically -for head-ache, when there is fever more particularly. Should the -head-ache proceed from inebriation,[3154] they are applied with -vinegar, rose-oil, and one sextarius of water. Used in combination with -amylum[3155] and mint, they arrest hæmorrhage. They are useful, also, -for lethargy and epilepsy, and the head is anointed with them for the -cure of epinyctis. In combination with wine, they heal putrid ulcers of -an inveterate nature, and, with honey, bites inflicted by dogs.[3156] -They are employed, also, for the cure of scaly eruptions of the face, -the parts affected being fomented first. - -Taken in water, or, as is often done, in an electuary, with resin -of terebinth,[3157] they remove pains in the liver and kidneys; -used with raisin wine, they are good for calculus and strangury. -Bruised in hydromel, they are useful for cleansing the skin; and -taken in an electuary with the addition of a small proportion of -elelisphacus,[3158] they are good for diseases of the liver, cough, -and colic, a piece about the size of a hazel-nut being taken in honey. -It is said that if five bitter almonds are taken by a person before -sitting down to drink, he will be proof against inebriation;[3159] -and that foxes, if they eat bitter almonds,[3160] will be sure to die -immediately, if they cannot find water to lap. - -As to sweet almonds, their remedial properties are not[3161] so -extensive; still, however, they are of a purgative nature, and are -diuretic. Eaten fresh, they are difficult[3162] of digestion. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—GREEK NUTS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Greek nuts,[3163] taken in vinegar with wormwood seed, are said to be -a cure for jaundice. Used alone, they are employed topically for the -treatment of diseases of the fundament, and condylomata in particular, -as also cough and spitting of blood. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—WALNUTS: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. THE MITHRIDATIC ANTIDOTE. - - -Walnuts[3164] have received their name in Greek from being -oppressive[3165] to the head; for, in fact, the emanations[3166] from -the tree itself and the leaves penetrate to the brain. The kernels, -also, have a similar effect when eaten, though not in so marked a -degree. When fresh gathered, they are most agreeable eating; for when -dry, they are more oleaginous, unwholesome to the stomach, difficult -of digestion, productive of head-ache, and bad for cough,[3167] or -for a person when about to take an emetic fasting: they are good in -cases of tenesmus only, as they carry off the pituitous humours of -the body. Eaten beforehand, they deaden the effects of poison, and, -employed with rue and oil, they are a cure for quinsy. They act as a -corrective, also, to onions, and modify their flavour. They are applied -to inflammations of the ears, with a little honey, and with rue they -are used for affections of the mamillæ, and for sprains. With onions, -salt, and honey, they are applied to bites inflicted by dogs or human -beings. Walnut-shells are used for cauterizing[3168] carious teeth; and -with these shells, burnt and then beaten up in oil or wine, the heads -of infants are anointed, they having a tendency to make the hair grow; -hence they are used in a similar manner for alopecy also. These nuts, -eaten in considerable numbers, act as an expellent upon tapeworm.[3169] -Walnuts, when very old, are[3170] curative of gangrenous sores and -carbuncles, of bruises also. Green walnut-shells[3171] are employed -for the cure of lichens and dysentery, and the leaves are beaten up -with vinegar as an application for ear-ache.[3172] - -After the defeat of that mighty monarch, Mithridates, Cneius Pompeius -found in his private cabinet a recipe for an antidote in his own -hand-writing; it was to the following effect:[3173]—Take two dried -walnuts, two figs, and twenty leaves of rue; pound them all together, -with the addition of a grain of salt; if a person takes this mixture -fasting, he will be proof against all poisons for that day.[3174] -Walnut kernels, chewed by a man fasting, and applied to the wound, -effect an instantaneous cure, it is said, of bites inflicted by a mad -dog. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—HAZEL-NUTS: THREE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. PISTACHIO-NUTS: -EIGHT OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. CHESNUTS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. - - -Hazel-nuts[3175] are productive of head-ache, and flatulency of the -stomach; they contribute, however, to the increase of flesh more than -would be imagined. Parched, they are remedial for catarrhs, and beaten -up and taken with hydromel,[3176] they are good for an inveterate -cough. Some persons add grains of pepper,[3177] and others take them in -raisin wine. - -Pistachio-nuts[3178] have the same properties, and are productive of -the same effects, as pine-nuts; in addition to which, they are used as -an antidote to the venom[3179] of serpents, eaten or taken in drink. - -Chesnuts[3180] have a powerful effect in arresting fluxes of the -stomach and intestines, are relaxing to the bowels, are beneficial in -cases of spitting of blood, and have a tendency to make flesh.[3181] - - - - -CHAP. 79.—CAROBS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. THE CORNEL; ONE REMEDY. -THE FRUIT OF THE ARBUTUS. - - -Fresh carobs[3182] are unwholesome to the stomach, and relaxing to -the bowels;[3183] in a dried state, however, they are astringent, and -are much more beneficial to the stomach; they are diuretic also. For -pains in the stomach, persons boil three Syrian carobs[3184] with one -sextarius of water, down to one-half, and drink the decoction. - -The juices which exude from the branches of the cornel[3185] are -received on a plate of red-hot iron[3186] without it touching the wood; -the rust of which is applied for the cure of incipient lichens. The -arbutus or unedo[3187] bears a fruit that is difficult of digestion, -and injurious to the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—THE LAUREL; SIXTY-NINE OBSERVATIONS UPON IT. - - -All parts of the laurel, both the leaves, bark, and berries, are -of a warming[3188] nature; and a decoction of them, the leaves -in particular, is very useful for affections of the bladder and -uterus.[3189] The leaves, applied topically, neutralize the poison of -wasps, bees, and hornets, as also that of serpents, the seps,[3190] -dipsas,[3191] and viper, in particular. Boiled in oil, they -promote the catamenia; and the more tender of the leaves beaten up -with polenta, are used for inflammations of the eyes, with rue for -inflammations of the testes, and with rose-oil, or oil of iris,[3192] -for head-ache. Three leaves, chewed and swallowed for three days in -succession, are a cure for cough, and beaten up with honey, for asthma. -The bark of the root is dangerous to pregnant women; the root itself -disperses calculi, and taken in doses of three oboli in aromatic wine, -it acts beneficially on the liver. The leaves, taken in drink, act as -an emetic;[3193] and the berries, pounded and applied as a pessary, -or else taken in drink, promote menstruation. Two of the berries with -the skin removed, taken in wine, are a cure for inveterate cough and -hardness of breathing; if, however, this is accompanied with fever, -they are given in water, or else in an electuary with raisin wine, or -boiled in hydromel. Employed in a similar manner, they are good for -phthisis, and for all defluxions of the chest, as they have the effect -of detaching the phlegm and bringing it off. - -For stings inflicted by scorpions, four laurel-berries are taken in -wine. Applied with oil, they are a cure for epinyctis, freckles, -running sores, ulcers of the mouth, and scaly eruptions. The juice of -the berries is curative of porrigo and phthiriasis; and for pains in -the ears, or hardness of hearing, it is injected into those organs with -old wine and oil of roses. All venomous creatures fly at the approach -of persons who have been anointed with this juice: taken in drink, the -juice of the small-leaved[3194] laurel in particular, it is good for -stings inflicted by them. The berries,[3195] used with wine, neutralize -the venom of serpents, scorpions, and spiders; they are applied -also, topically, with oil and vinegar, in diseases of the spleen and -liver, and with honey to gangrenous sores. In cases of lassitude and -shivering fits, it is a very good plan to rub the body with juice of -laurel-berries mixed with nitre. Some persons are of opinion that -delivery is accelerated by taking laurel-root to the amount of one -acetabulum, in water, and that, used fresh, it is better than dried. -It is recommended by some authorities, to take ten of the berries in -drink, for the sting of the scorpion; and in cases of relaxation of the -uvula, to boil a quarter of a pound of the berries, or leaves, in three -sextarii of water, down to one third, the decoction being used warm, as -a gargle. For head-ache, also, it is recommended to bruise an uneven -number of the berries in oil, the mixture being warmed for use. - -The leaves of the Delphic laurel[3196] bruised and applied to the -nostrils from time to time, are a preservative[3197] against contagion -in pestilence, and more particularly if they are burnt. The oil of -the[3198] Delphic laurel is employed in the preparation of cerates and -the medicinal composition known as “acopum,”[3199] and is used for fits -of shivering occasioned by cold, for the relaxation of the sinews, and -for the cure of pains in the side and the cold attacks in fevers.[3200] -Warmed in the rind of a pomegranate, it is applied topically for the -cure of ear-ache. A decoction of the leaves boiled down in water to one -third, used as a gargle, braces the uvula, and taken in drink allays -pains in the bowels and intestines. The more tender leaves, bruised in -wine and applied at night, are a cure for pimples and prurigo. - -The other varieties of the laurel possess properties which are nearly -analogous. The root of the laurel of Alexandria,[3201] or of Mount -Ida,[3202] accelerates delivery, being administered in doses of three -denarii to three cyathi of sweet wine; it acts also as an emmenagogue, -and brings away the after-birth. Taken in drink in a similar manner, -the wild laurel, known as “daphnoides” and by the other names which -we have mentioned,[3203] is productive of beneficial effects. The -leaves of it, either fresh or dried, taken in doses of three drachmæ, -in hydromel with salt, act as a purgative[3204] upon the bowels. The -wood, chewed, brings off phlegm, and the leaves act as an “emetic;” -they are unwholesome, however, to the stomach. The berries, too, are -sometimes taken, fifteen in number, as a purgative. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—MYRTLE; SIXTY OBSERVATIONS UPON IT. - - -The white[3205] cultivated myrtle is employed for fewer medicinal -purposes than the black one.[3206] The berries[3207] of it are good -for spitting of blood, and taken in wine, they neutralize the poison -of fungi. They impart an agreeable smell[3208] to the breath, even -when eaten the day before; thus, for instance, in Menander we find the -Synaristosæ[3209] eating them. They are taken also for dysentery,[3210] -in doses of one denarius, in wine: and they are employed lukewarm, in -wine, for the cure of obstinate ulcers on the extremities. Mixed with -polenta, they are employed topically in ophthalmia, and for the cardiac -disease[3211] they are applied to the left breast. For stings inflicted -by scorpions, diseases of the bladder, head-ache, and fistulas of the -eye before suppuration, they are similarly employed; and for tumours -and pituitous eruptions, the kernels are first removed and the berries -are then pounded in old wine. The juice of the berries[3212] acts -astringently upon the bowels, and is diuretic: mixed with cerate it -is applied topically to blisters, pituitous eruptions, and wounds -inflicted by the phalangium; it imparts a black tint,[3213] also, to -the hair. - -The oil of this myrtle is of a more soothing nature than the juice, -and the wine[3214] which is extracted from it, and which possesses the -property of never inebriating, is even more so. This wine, used when -old, acts astringently upon the stomach and bowels, cures griping pains -in those regions, and dispels nausea. - -The dried leaves, powdered and sprinkled upon the body, check -profuse perspirations, in fever even; they are good, too, used as a -fomentation, for cœliac affections, procidence of the uterus, diseases -of the fundament, running ulcers, erysipelas, loss of the hair, scaly -and other eruptions, and burns. This powder is used as an ingredient, -also, in the plasters known as “liparæ;”[3215] and for the same reason -the oil of the leaves is used for a similar purpose, being extremely -efficacious as an application to the humid parts of the body, the mouth -and the uterus, for example. - -The leaves themselves, beaten up with wine, neutralize[3216] the bad -effects of fungi; and they are employed, in combination with wax, for -diseases of the joints, and gatherings. A decoction of them, in wine, -is taken for dysentery and dropsy. Dried and reduced to powder, they -are sprinkled upon ulcers and hæmorrhages. They are useful, also, -for the removal of freckles, and for the cure of hang-nails,[3217] -whitlows, condylomata, affections of the testes, and sordid ulcers. In -combination with cerate, they are used for burns. - -For purulent discharges from the ears, the ashes of the leaves are -employed, as well as the juice and the decoction: the ashes are also -used in the composition of antidotes. For a similar purpose the -blossoms are stripped from off the young branches, which are burnt in -a furnace, and then pounded in wine. The ashes of the leaves, too, -are used for the cure of burns. To prevent ulcerations from causing -swellings in the inguinal glands, it will suffice for the patient to -carry[3218] a sprig of myrtle about him which has never touched the -ground or any implement of iron. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—MYRTIDANUM: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already described the manner in which myrtidanum[3219] is made. -Applied in a pessary, or as a fomentation or liniment, it is good for -affections of the uterus, being much more efficacious than the bark of -the tree, or the leaves and seed. There is a juice also extracted from -the more tender leaves, which are pounded in a mortar for the purpose, -astringent wine, or, according to one method, rain-water, being poured -upon them a little at a time. This extract is used for the cure of -ulcers of the mouth, the fundament, the uterus, and the abdomen. It -is employed, also, for dyeing the hair black, the suppression of -exudations at the arm-pits,[3220] the removal of freckles, and other -purposes in which astringents are required. - - - - -CHAP. 83.—THE WILD MYRTLE, OTHERWISE CALLED OXYMYRSINE, OR -CHAMÆMYRSINE, AND THE RUSCUS: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The wild myrtle, oxymyrsine,[3221] or chamæmyrsine, differs from the -cultivated myrtle in the redness of its berries and its diminutive -height. The root of it is held in high esteem; a decoction of it, -in wine, is taken for pains in the kidneys and strangury, more -particularly when the urine is thick and fetid. Pounded in wine, it -is employed for the cure of jaundice, and as a purgative for the -uterus. The same method is adopted, also, with the young shoots, which -are sometimes roasted in hot ashes and eaten as a substitute for -asparagus.[3222] - -The berries, taken with wine, or oil and vinegar, break calculi[3223] -of the bladder: beaten up with rose-oil and vinegar, they allay -head-ache. Taken in drink, they are curative of jaundice. Castor calls -the wild myrtle with prickly leaves, or oxymyrsine, from which brooms -are made, by the name of “ruscus”[3224]—the medicinal properties of it -are just the same. - -Thus much, then, with reference to the medicinal properties of the -cultivated trees; let us now pass on to the wild ones. - - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine hundred and -eighteen. - - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—C. Valgius,[3225] Pompeius Lenæus,[3226] Sextius -Niger[3227] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[3228] who wrote in -Greek, Antonius Castor,[3229] M. Varro,[3230] Cornelius Celsus,[3231] -Fabianus.[3232] - - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[3233] Democritus,[3234] -Orpheus,[3235] Pythagoras,[3236] Mago,[3237] Menander[3238] who wrote -the “Biochresta,” Nicander,[3239] Homer, Hesiod,[3240] Musæus,[3241] -Sophocles,[3242] Anaxilaüs.[3243] - - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus,[3244] Callimachus,[3245] -Phanias[3246] the physician, Timaristus,[3247] Simus,[3248] -Hippocrates,[3249] Chrysippus,[3250] Diocles,[3251] Ophelion,[3252] -Heraclides,[3253] Hicesius,[3254] Dionysius,[3255] Apollodorus[3256] -of Citium, Apollodorus[3257] of Tarentum, Plistonicus,[3258] -Medius,[3259] Dieuches,[3260] Cleophantus,[3261] Philistion,[3262] -Asclepiades,[3263] Crateuas,[3264] Petronius Diodotus,[3265] -Iollas,[3266] Erasistratus,[3267] Diagoras,[3268] Andreas,[3269] -Mnesides,[3270] Epicharmus,[3271] Damion,[3272] Dalion,[3273] -Sosimenes,[3274] Tlepolemus,[3275] Metrodorus,[3276] Solo,[3277] -Lycus,[3278] Olympias[3279] of Thebes, Philinus,[3280] Petrichus,[3281] -Micton,[3282] Glaucias,[3283] Xenocrates.[3284] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] In B. ii. c. 63. - -[2] Of course this is only mere declamation; it is not probable that -the animals have any notion at all of _sharpening_ the weapons that -nature has given; in addition to which, this mode of sharpening them -against hard substances would only wear away the enamel, and ultimately -destroy them. The acts of animals in a moment of rage or frenzy have -evidently been mistaken here for the dictates of instinct, or even a -superior intelligence. - -[3] See B. xxv. c. 25, and B. xxvii. c. 76. - -[4] In B. viii. c. 36. 41, 42. The works of the ancients, Fée remarks, -are full of these puerilities. - -[5] This sentiment is not at all akin to the melancholy view which our -author takes of mankind at the beginning of B. vii. and in other parts -of this work. It is not improbable that his censures here are levelled -against some who had endeavoured to impede him in the progress of his -work. - -[6] “Arvorum sacerdotes,” the priests of the fields. - -[7] Or foster-mother. It has been suggested that the Rogations of -the Roman church may have possibly originated in the Ambarvalia, or -ceremonial presided over by the Arval priesthood. - -[8] Made of salt and the meal or flour of spelt. Salt was the emblem of -wisdom, friendship, and other virtues. - -[9] This, Fée observes, is not the case with any kind of wheat; with -manioc, which has an acrid principle, the process may be necessary, in -order to make it fit for food. - -[10] Or Feast of the Furnace or Oven. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 5-25. - -[11] Called the Terminalia. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 641, _et seq._ - -[12] Tertullian, De Spect. i. 16, calls this goddess by the name of -Sessia. - -[13] Cœlius Rhodiginus, Turnebus, and Vossius, conjecture that the name -of this goddess, who might only be named in the field, was Tutelina. -Hardouin thinks that it was Segesta, here mentioned. - -[14] Four Roman feet in width, and 120 in length. - -[15] Quartarius. - -[16] “Faba,” a bean; “Lens,” a lentil; and “Cicer,” a chick-pea. - -[17] A “bubus,” from “oxen.” Caius Junius Bubulcus was twice Consul, -and once Master of the Horse. - -[18] “Farreum” was a form of marriage, in which certain words were -used, in presence of ten witnesses, and were accompanied by a certain -religious ceremony, in which “panis farreus” was employed; hence this -form of marriage was called “confarreatio.” - -[19] Farreum. - -[20] De Re Rust. Preface. - -[21] See B. xxxiii. c. 13. - -[22] St. Augustin, De Civ. Dei., mentions a goddess, Bubona, the -tutelar divinity of oxen. Nothing seems to be known of these games. - -[23] See B. xxxiii. c. 13. Macrobius says that it was Janus. - -[24] Table vii. s. 2. - -[25] On the “Nundinæ,” or ninth-day holiday: similar to our -market-days. According to _our_ mode of reckoning, it was every -_eighth_ day. - -[26] From “ador,” the old name for “spelt:” because corn was the chief -reward given to the conqueror, and his temples were graced with a -wreath of corn. - -[27] In the first place, it is difficult to see what there is in this -passage to admire, or “wonder at,” if that is the meaning of “admiror;” -and then, besides, it has no connection with the context. The text is -probably in a defective state. - -[28] See c. 69 of this Book. - -[29] “Vagina.” The meaning of this word here has not been exactly -ascertained. It has been suggested that the first period alludes to the -appearance of the stalk from its sheath of leaves, and the second to -the formation of the ear. - -[30] A.U.C. 298. - -[31] See B. xxxiv. c. 11. A.U.C. 317. - -[32] Nundinis. - -[33] On the road to Ostia. It was said to have received its name from -the Horatii and Curiatii. - -[34] A.U.C. 345. - -[35] A.U.C. 550. He alludes to the introduction of Cybele, from -Pessinus in Galatia, in the Second Punic war. - -[36] A.U.C. 604. See B. viii. c. 6. - -[37] Manius Curius Dentatus, Consul A.U.C. 464. - -[38] A.U.C. 497. - -[39] From “sero,” to sow. See the Æneid, B. vi. l. 844, where this -circumstance is alluded to. - -[40] “Prata Quintia.” Hardouin says that in his time this spot was -still called _I Prati_: it lay beyond the Tiber, between the vineyard -of the Medici and the castle of Sant Angelo. - -[41] He alludes to the twofold meaning of the word “coli,” “to be -tilled,” or “to receive homage from.” - -[42] “Ergastulorum.” The “Ergastula” were places of punishment -attached to the country houses of the wealthy, for the chastisement of -refractory slaves, who were usually made to work in chains. - -[43] In the First Book, as originally written. This list of writers is -appended in the present Translation to each respective Book. - -[44] This is probably written in humble imitation of the splendid -exordium of the Georgics of Virgil. - -[45] De Re Rust. Preface. - -[46] Fée remarks, that we still recruit our armies mostly from the -agricultural class. - -[47] De Re Rust. c. 1. - -[48] Quoted by Columella, De Re Rust. B. i. 4. The sad fate of Regulus -is known to all readers of Roman history. - -[49] From Columella, B. i. c. 3. - -[50] De Re Rust. c. 1. - -[51] It is still thought so in France, Fée says, and nothing has tended -more than this notion to the depreciation of the prices of wine. - -[52] Hence the usual Latin name, “prata.” - -[53] “Si sat bene.” Cicero, De Officiis, B. ii. n. 88, gives this -anecdote somewhat more at length. - -[54] De Re Rust. c. 2. - -[55] “Alienâ insaniâ frui.” We have a saying to a similar effect: -“Fools build houses, and wise men buy them.” - -[56] “Frons domini plus prodest quam occipitium.” See Cato, De Re Rust. -c. 4; also Phædrus, B. iv. Fab. 19. - -[57] Cato, c. 3. Varro and Columella give the same advice. - -[58] See B. iii. c. 9. - -[59] Sylla the Fortunate, the implacable enemy of Marius. - -[60] Because, though the last comer, he had obtained the best site in -the locality. - -[61] Od. v. 469. If the river has a bed of sand and high banks, it is -really advantageous than otherwise. - -[62] In B. xvii. c. 3. - -[63] Not to be found in his works which have come down to us. - -[64] Prunus spinosa of Linnæus. - -[65] See B. xix. c. 30; probably one of the genus Allium sphærocephalum -of Linnæus. - -[66] “Herba pratensis.” It is not known with certainty to what plant -he alludes. Fée suggests that it may be the Poa pratensis, or else a -phleum, alopecurus, or dactylis. All the plants here mentioned by Pliny -will thrive in a calcareous soil, and their presence, as Fée remarks, -is of bad augury. - -[67] He alludes to the famous maxim in the Georgics, B. ii. l. 412:— - -——Laudato ingentia rura, Exiguum colito—— - -“Praise a large farm, cultivate a small one.” - -[68] By introducing slovenly cultivation. - -[69] That small part of it known to the Romans. Hardouin says that the -province of Zeugitana is alluded to, mentioned in B. v. c. 3. - -[70] And reside on the farm. - -[71] Villicus. - -[72] De Re Rust. c. 5. - -[73] A.U.C. 737. - -[74] Probably because it entailed too great an expense. It may have -been deeply mortgaged: otherwise it is not clear why the heir refused -to take it, as he might have sold a part. - -[75] He means to say that it is so much labour lost, as it will take -care of itself; but this is hardly in accordance with his numerous -directions given in B. xv. Virgil, Geor. B. ii. 421, _et seq._, speaks -of the olive as requiring no attention when it has once taken root. - -[76] See B. xvii. c. 3. - -[77] In throwing away money and labour upon land that does not require -it. - -[78] Virgil, Georg. I. 268, _et seq._, speaks of the work that might -be done on feast days—making hedges, for instance, irrigating land, -catching birds, washing sheep, and burning weeds. - -[79] “Ne familiæ male sit.” - -[80] In B. xvii. c. 3. - -[81] The Pteris aquilina, or female fern. No such juices drop from it -as here mentioned by Pliny, Fée says. - -[82] A superstition quite unworthy of our author; and the same with -respect to that mentioned in the next line. - -[83] Sub-soil drainage is now universally employed, with the agency of -draining-tiles, made for the purpose. - -[84] The flower of the lupine could not possibly produce any such -effect; and the juice of cicuta, or hemlock, in only a very trifling -degree. - -[85] This word answers to the Latin “frumenta,” which indicates all -those kinds of corn from which bread was prepared by the ancients. - -[86] See c. 59 of this Book. - -[87] Triticum hibernum of Linnæus, similar to the “siligo” mentioned in -the sequel. Winter wheat was greatly cultivated in Apulia. - -[88] “Far.” This name is often used in the classics, to signify corn in -general; but in the more restricted sense in which it is here employed, -it is “Triticum dicoccum,” the “Zea” of the Greeks. It consists of two -varieties, the single grained, the Triticum monococcum of Linnæus, and -the double-grained, the Triticum spelta of Linnæus, which is still -called “farra” in Friuli. - -[89] Hordeum sativum of Linnæus. - -[90] See c. 66 of this Book. - -[91] Panicum Italicum of Linnæus. - -[92] Panicum miliaceum of Linnæus. This was probably one of the first -grains from which bread was made. - -[93] The Sesamum orientale of Linnæus. It is no longer cultivated in -Europe, though formerly it was much used in Greece. - -[94] It is very doubtful if this is the same as clary, the Salvia -horminum of Linnæus, as that is one of the Labiatæ, whereas here, most -probably, a leguminous plant is spoken of. - -[95] It has been asserted that this is identical with the Sisymbrium -polyceratium of Linnæus, rock-gentle, rock-gallant, or winter-cress. -Fée, however, is strongly of opinion that it can only be looked for in -the Sisymbrium irio of Linnæus. - -[96] Ervum lens of Linnæus. - -[97] The Cicer arietinum of naturalists, the Garbanzo of the Spaniards. -It abounds in the south of Europe and in India. - -[98] A variety of spelt was called by this name; but it was more -generally applied to a kind of flummery, pottage or gruel. - -[99] Hence our word “forage.” - -[100] Lupinus hirsutus and pilosus of Linnæus. - -[101] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 2. - -[102] All this, of course, depends upon numerous circumstances. - -[103] This is certainly the fact, as Fée says, but it is the same with -all the graminea. - -[104] A characteristic of the Panicum miliaceum in particular. - -[105] Or porridge; “puls.” - -[106] It has been suggested that this was maize, but that is indigenous -to South America. Fée has little doubt that it is the Holcus sorgho of -Linnæus, the “Indian millet,” that is meant. - -[107] From the Greek φόβη. The stalk and husk of the sorgho is covered -with a fine down. The reading “cornis” has been adopted. - -[108] This is considered by Fée to be very improbable. - -[109] In reality these vary, according to the rapidity of the growth. - -[110] Strictly speaking, spelt has seven. - -[111]This depends upon the time when it is sown, and numerous other -circumstances. - -[112] Strictly speaking, he is right; but still there is a swelling in -the stalk, to be perceived at the points where the leaves take their -rise. - -[113] This is incorrect; they all of them throw out leaves from the -root. - -[114] The same as the “Ervum” probably, the fitch, orobus, or bitter -vetch. - -[115] Not so with the pea, as known to us. - -[116] This is only true at the end of the season, and when the plant is -dying. - -[117] These annuals lose their leaves only that have articulations on -the stem; otherwise they die outright at the fall of the leaf. - -[118] If by “tunica” he means the husk of chaff, which surrounds the -grain, the assertion is contrary to the fact, in relation to barley and -the oat. - -[119] Only another name, Fée thinks, for the Triticum hibernum, or -winter-wheat. Spelt or zea has been suggested, as also the white barley -of the south of Europe; see c. 20. - -[120] Egyptian wheat, or rather what is called mummy-wheat, is bearded -equally to barley. - -[121] Siligo. - -[122] Before grinding. - -[123] Oats and rye excepted. - -[124] Here the word “far” means “a meal,” or “flour,” a substitute for -that of “far,” or “spelt.” - -[125] Triticum monococcum, according to some. Fée identifies it with -the Triticum spelta of Linnæus. - -[126] A variety, probably, of the Triticum hibernum of Linnæus, with -white grains; the white-wheat of the French, from which the ancient -Gauls made their malt; hence the French word “brasser,” to “brew.” - -[127] From Theophrastus, De Causis, B. iv. - -[128] That of the Ukraine and its vicinity, which is still held in high -esteem. - -[129] Panis militaris. - -[130] To the modius of wheat. - -[131] He alludes to beer, or sweet-wort. See B. xiv. c. 29. - -[132] He alludes to yeast. See B. xxii, c. 82. - -[133] This assertion, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 4, -is not based on truth. It is possible that he may allude in reality to -some other gramineous plant. - -[134] Trimestre. - -[135] Bimestre. - -[136] Columella (B. ii. c. 6) does _not_ state to this effect; on the -contrary, he speaks of the existence of a three months’ wheat; but he -asserts, and with justice, that wheat sown in the autumn is better than -that sown in March. - -[137] If he alludes here to what Theophrastus says, his assertion is -simply that, in Bactria, the grains are as large as an olive-stone. - -[138] There is no wild barley in India at the present day. - -[139] Porridge, or fermenty. - -[140] Oryza sativa of Linnæus. - -[141] Like our rice-milk, probably. See B. xxii. c. 26. - -[142] They are not carnose or fleshy, but thin, and similar to those of -the reed. - -[143] On the contrary, it is tough and fibrous. - -[144] The barley was, originally, the prize given to the victor in the -Eleusinian games. - -[145] Or “barley-fed.” - -[146] The ἀλφίτον of the Greeks. - -[147] This, as Fée observes, would tend to give it a very disagreeable -flavour. - -[148] “Acetabulum.” - -[149] Similar to our pearl barley, probably. - -[150] “Anguli.” Dalechamps interprets this as two rows of grain; -but Fée thinks that it signifies angles, and points. The Polygonum -fagopyrum of Linnæus, he says, buck-wheat, or black-wheat, has an -angular grain, but he doubts whether that can possibly be the grain -here alluded to. - -[151] There is no barley without a beard; it is clearly a variety of -wheat that is alluded to. - -[152] Triticum spelta of Linnæus. - -[153] “Semen,” the same as zea, or spelt. - -[154] Siligo. - -[155] Ἄμυλον. - -[156] De Re Rust. c. 87. This “amylum” seems somewhat to resemble our -starch. - -[157] The Hordeum distichum of Linnæus. - -[158] Hordeum hexastichum of Linnæus. The Hordeum vulgare, or common -barley, has but four rows. - -[159] These varieties are not known at the present day, and Fée -questions if they ever existed. There is a black barley found in -Germany, the Hordeum nigrum of Willdenow. - -[160] A calcareous soil is the best adapted for barley. - -[161] Nova Carthago, or New Carthage. - -[162] This fallacious opinion is shared with Galen, De Facult. Anim. B. -vi. c. 11. - -[163] Siligo. - -[164] Triticum. - -[165] The Triticum dicoccum, or spelt. - -[166] Probably rye. See the next Chapter. - -[167] Semen. - -[168] In c. 20, also in c. 29. This grain, which was in reality a -kind of spelt, received its name probably from having been the first -cultivated. - -[169] Il. ii. c. 548: “the land that produces zea.” - -[170] Not ἀπὸ τοῦ ζῆν, from “living.” - -[171] Merely, as Fée says, from the faulty method employed in its -preparation, as starch has, in all cases, the same physical appearance. - -[172] In c. 17 of this Book. - -[173] In c. 3 of this Book. - -[174] “Puls,” like our porridge. - -[175] Any food that was originally eaten with “puls,” and afterwards -with bread, was so called, such as meat, vegetables, &c. - -[176] “Offam.” This word, which in the later writers signifies a -“cake,” originally meant a hardened lump of porridge. - -[177] Pulte fritillâ. - -[178] “Siligo.” There are numerous contradictions in Pliny with -reference to this plant, but it is now pretty generally agreed that it -is the Triticum hibernum of Linnæus: the “froment tousselle” of the -French. It was formerly the more general opinion that it was identical -with spelt; but that cannot be the case, as spelt is red, and siligo is -described as white. - -[179] “Sine virtute.” It is doubtful what is the meaning of this. - -[180] Sine pondere. - -[181] In other places he says, most unaccountably, that wheat -“degenerates into siligo.” - -[182] As to this practice, see c. 29. - -[183] “Quam vocant castratam.” - -[184] From this account, it would appear that there were twenty-four -sextarii to the modius; but the account in general is very -contradictory. - -[185] Salt water is rarely used for this purpose in modern times. See -this passage discussed in Beckmann on Inventions, _Bohn’s Ed._ vol. i. -p. 164. - -[186] “Artopticio.” See c. 27 of this Book. - -[187] Without tin, probably; or the tin bread may have been baked -before the fire, similar to the method adopted at the present day with -the American ovens. - -[188] “Similago.” Founders still use meal occasionally for making -moulds; it is also employed in making paper. - -[189] The mention of “hundreds” here is evidently faulty, unless the -other part of the passage is corrupt. Fée suggests twenty-two and -twenty-seven. - -[190] But above we find him stating that “secundarius,” “seconds” -flour, and “cibarius,” or “coarse,” meal, are the same thing. His -contradictions cannot apparently be reconciled. - -[191] The whole of this passage, as Brotier remarks, is evidently -corrupt. - -[192] Fée has no doubt that this was siligo, or winter-wheat, in a very -high state of cultivation. - -[193] Il. v. l. 195. - -[194] There are still some varieties both of winter-wheat and spelt -that have the beard. - -[195] It is generally thought that this is the oat, the Avena sativa of -Linnæus, while some have suggested rice. Fée thinks that by the name, -some exotic gramineous plant is meant. - -[196] Probably a variety of spelt, as Sprengel conjectures, from Galen -and other writers. See c. 16 of this Book. - -[197] Fée thinks that it is the grain of the Festuca fluitans of -Linnæus that is here alluded to, and identifies it with the “ulva -palustris” of Virgil, Geor. iii. 174. - -[198] The Latin word “degener” cannot here mean “degenerate,” in our -sense of the word, but must merely imply a change of nature in the -plant. - -[199] See B. xvii. c. 3. - -[200] We know of no such fruitfulness as this in the wheat of Europe. -Fifteen-fold, as Fée remarks, is the utmost amount of produce that can -be anticipated. - -[201] Fée mentions instances of 150, 92, and 63 stalks arising from -a single grain; but all these fall far short of the marvels here -mentioned by Pliny. - -[202] The Triticum compositum of Linnæus; supposed to have originally -come from Egypt or Barbary. - -[203] “Centigranium.” Probably the same as the last. - -[204] In c. 10 of this Book. - -[205] See c. 10. - -[206] Pinguius. - -[207] Already mentioned in c. 10. - -[208] See B. xix. c. 47; and B. xx. c. 57. - -[209] This would rather _grate_ the grain than _pound_ it, as Beckmann -observes. See his Hist. Inv., vol. i. pp. 147 and 164, _Bohn’s Ed._, -where the meaning of this passage has been commented upon. Gesner, -also, in his Lexicon Rusticum, has endeavoured to explain it. - -[210] Ruido. - -[211] It is surprising to find the Romans, not only kneading their -bread with sea-water, but putting in it pounded bricks, chalk, and sand! - -[212] Beard chaff; so called, probably, from the sharpness of the -points, like needles (acus). - -[213] See B. xxxiii. c. 3; where he says, that a fire lighted with this -chaff, fuses gold more speedily than one made with maple wood. - -[214] The Tartars still employ millet as one of their principal -articles of food. They also extract a kind of wine from it. - -[215] Virgil alludes to this, Georg. iii. 463. - -[216] Panic is still employed more than any other grain in the south of -France. - -[217] Or grape-juice. This must have tended to affect the taste of the -bread. - -[218] Ervum. - -[219] “Cicercula.” See B. xxii. c. 72. - -[220] This remark is founded upon just notions. - -[221] Ostrearius. - -[222] From ἄρτος, and λάγανον, bread and cake. - -[223] From σπεύδω, to hasten. A sort of crumpet, probably. - -[224] Furnaceus. - -[225] Artopticeus. - -[226] “Clibanis.” The clibanus was a portable oven or mould, broader at -the bottom than the top. - -[227] Aquaticus. - -[228] See cc. 10 and 29 of this Book. - -[229] It would appear to be somewhat similar to our rusks. - -[230] Which ended A.U.C. 586. - -[231] A. ii. s. 9, l. 4. “Ego hinc artoptam ex proxumo utendam peto.” -It is thought by some commentators, that the word used by Pliny here -was, in reality, “Artoptasia,” a female baker; and that he alludes to a -passage in the Aulularia, which has now perished. - -[232] Which in Pliny’s time signified “baker.” - -[233] The Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus, Fée says; or else the Lygeum -spartum of Linnæus. - -[234] As to the cereal so called, see c. 10 of this Book. - -[235] Or perfumed oils. - -[236] See B. iii. c. 9. A volcanic district. - -[237] In c. 20 of this Book. - -[238] Grain from which the husk is removed. - -[239] A sub-carbonate of lime; it is still known in those parts of -Campania, and is called “lumera.” - -[240] Teneritatem. - -[241] From the Greek, meaning “white earth.” - -[242] Fée enquires, and with good reason, how the African mixture -accommodated itself to the stomachs of those who ate it. - -[243] Residue. - -[244] Seconds. - -[245] Sieve flour. - -[246] A porridge or pap, made of ground grain. It is mentioned by Cato, -c. 86. - -[247] The Faba vulgaris of the modern naturalists. It is supposed to -have originally come from Persia. - -[248] It is said that this mixture is still employed in the Valais and -in Savoy. - -[249] Fabata. - -[250] Beans were used in ancient times, in place of balls or pebbles, -in voting by ballot. Hence it has been suggested that Pythagoras, in -recommending his disciples to abstain from beans, meant to advise them -to have nothing to do with politics. - -[251] The sacrifices offered to the Manes or spirits of deceased -relations. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 565. - -[252] “Brought home.” The bean was offered up, to ensure good luck. - -[253] Didymus, in the Geoponica, B. ii. c. 33, repeats this absurdity. - -[254] Georg. i. 215. - -[255] This notion still prevails, and the bean, while in blossom, is -dug into the ground to manure it, both in England and France. - -[256] It does not appear, however, that this was done with the view of -digging in the beans. - -[257] Or Bean Islands. See B. iv. c. 27. - -[258] The Nymphæa nelumbo of Linnæus is alluded to, but it is no -longer to be found in Egypt. Pliny is supposed to derive this from -Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. iv. c. 10, but his translation is not -exactly correct. - -[259] Pisum sativum of Linnæus. - -[260] Meaning a wart or pimple on the face. - -[261] Cicer arietinum of the botanists. - -[262] “Gigni cum salsilagine.” It abounds in India, and while -blossoming, it distils a corrosive acid, which corrodes the shoes of -those who tread upon it. - -[263] There are still the red and the white kinds, the large and the -small. - -[264] Cicercula: the Lathyrus sativus of Linnæus. It is difficult to -cook and hard of digestion. See c. 26. - -[265] This must be said in reference to some of the pease when in a -dried state. - -[266] A variety of the Phaseolus vulgaris of Linnæus: the “haricot” -of the French. The French bean and the scarlet-runner are cooked in a -similar manner among us. - -[267] 15th of October. - -[268] 1st of November. - -[269] The Napo-brassica of Linnæus. The turnip cabbage, or -rape-colewort. - -[270] This taste, it is most probable, is nowhere in existence at the -present day. - -[271] This is not by any means an exaggeration. - -[272] Acrimonia. - -[273] These coloured varieties, Fée says, belong rather to the Brassica -oleracea, than to the Brassica rapa. It is not improbable, from the -structure of this passage, that Pliny means to say that the colours are -artificially produced. - -[274] In reality, belonging to the Crucifera, the rape is -hermaphroditical. - -[275] Wild horse-radish, which is divided into two varieties, the -Raphanus raphanistrum of Linnæus, and the Cochlearia Armoracia, may -possibly be meant, but their roots bear no resemblance to the radish. - -[276] An enormous price, apparently. - -[277] The Brassica napus of Linnæus. - -[278] 1st of March. - -[279] The Neptunalia and the Vulcanalia; 23rd of July and 23rd of -August. - -[280] In consequence of the brittleness of the pod. - -[281] This is an exaggeration of certain phænomena observed in the -leaves of all leguminous plants. - -[282] In B. xvii. c. 6. - -[283] “Ex areâ.” This reading is favoured by the text of Columella. B. -ii. c. 10, who says the same. But “ex arvo,” from the field, _i. e._ -the “moment it is gathered”—seems preferable, as being more consistent -with the context, - -[284] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 1. 11, &c. - -[285] It is still thought that the lupine enriches the soil in which it -grows. - -[286] Marcellus Empiricus says, that boiled lupine meal, spread as a -plaster, and laid on the abdomen, will destroy intestinal worms. - -[287] Vicia sativa of Linnæus. - -[288] Or orobus, the Ervum ervilia of Linnæus. - -[289] It is thought by many that the ervum is unwholesome, being -productive of muscular weakness. The blade of it is said to act as a -poison on pigs. However, we find the farina, or meal, extolled by some -persons for its medicinal qualities; and if we are to trust to the -advertisements in the newspapers, it is rising rapidly in esteem. See -B. xxii. c. 73. - -[290] From Columella, B. ii. c. 11. - -[291] Trigonella fœnum Græcum of Linnæus. - -[292] “Scarificatio.” - -[293] Probably the Secale cereale of Linnæus, cultivated rye. - -[294] It is now held in high esteem in many parts of Europe. - -[295] Rye has no bitterness, and this assertion has led some to doubt -if it is identical with the “secale” of Pliny. - -[296] Perhaps identical with the Vicia cracca of Linnæus. - -[297] In c. 54 and 60, and elsewhere. See B. xvii. c. 35. - -[298] Probably, fitches. - -[299] Fée suggests that this may be the Avena sterilis, or else the -Avena fatua of Linnæus. - -[300] De Re Rust. B. i. c. 31. - -[301] “Medica,” in Latin, a kind of clover, the Medicago sativa of -Linnæus. - -[302] Fée is inclined to doubt this. - -[303] Pliny exaggerates here: Columella, B. ii. c. 11, says, only -“ten:” a field, however, sown with it will last, with a fresh sowing, -as long as twenty years. - -[304] See B. xiii. c. 47. - -[305] Columella, B. ii. c. 11, says April. - -[306] By the aid of careful watering, as many as eight to fourteen -cuttings are obtained in the year, in Italy and Spain. In the north of -Europe there is but one crop. - -[307] In B. xiii. c. 47. - -[308] He borrows this notion of the oat being wheat in a diseased -state, from Theophrastus. Singularly enough, it was adopted by the -learned Buffon. - -[309] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 10. - -[310] This but rarely happens in our climates, as Fée remarks. - -[311] The grains are sometimes, though rarely, found devoured on the -stalk, by a kind of larvæ. - -[312] Some coleopterous insect, probably, now unknown, and not the -Cantharis vesicatoria, or “Spanish fly,” as some have imagined. -Dioscorides and Athenæus state to the same effect as Pliny. - -[313] The proper influence of the humidity of the earth would naturally -be impeded by a coating of these substances. - -[314] This plant has not been identified; but none of the gramineous -plants are noxious to cattle, with the exception of the seed of darnel. - -[315] Lolium temulentum of Linnæus. - -[316] See B. xxi. c. 58. - -[317] “Carduus.” A general term, probably including the genera -Centaurea (the prickly kinds), Serratula, Carduus, and Cnicus. The -Centaurea solstitialis is the thistle most commonly found in the south -of Europe. - -[318] Gallium Aparine of Linnæus. - -[319] Barley, wheat, oats, and millet have, each its own “rubigo” or -mildew, known to modern botany as uredo. - -[320] The Erineum vitis of botanists. - -[321] This rarely happens except through the violence of wind or rain. - -[322] See c. 32 of this Book. - -[323] The Cuscuta Europæa, probably, of Linnæus; one of the Convolvuli. - -[324] “Æra.” It is generally considered to be the same with darnel, -though Pliny probably looked upon them as different. - -[325] The Ægilops ovata, probably, of Linnæus. Dalechamps and Hardouin -identify it with the barren oat, the Avena sterilis of Linnæus. - -[326] To the Greek πελέκυς, or battle-axe. It is probably the Biserrula -pelecina of Linnæus, though the Astragalus hamosus and the Coronilla -securidaca of Linnæus have been suggested. - -[327] Pliny has here committed a singular error in translating from -Theophrastus, de Causis, B. iv. c. 14, who only says that a cold wind -in the vicinity of Philippi makes the beans difficult to cook or boil, -ἀτεράμονες. From this word he has coined two imaginary plants, the -“ateramon,” and the “teramon.” Hardouin defends Pliny, by suggesting -that he has borrowed the passage from another source, while Fée doubts -if he really understood the Greek language. - -[328] More probably one of the Coleoptera. He borrows from -Theophrastus, Hist. Anim. B. viii. c. 10. - -[329] This will only prevent the young plants from becoming a prey to -snails and slugs. - -[330] This plan is attended with no good results. - -[331] Georg. i. 193. It is generally said that if seed is steeped in -a solution of nitre, and more particularly hydrochloric acid, it will -germinate with accelerated rapidity; the produce, however, is no finer -than at other times. - -[332] “Fractæ.” Perhaps, more properly “crushed” - -[333] The odour of cypress, or savin, Fée thinks, might possibly keep -away noxious insects. - -[334] The “always living,” or perennial plant, our “house-leek,” the -Sedum acre of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[335] “Little finger,” from the shape of the leaves. - -[336] He must have allowed himself to be imposed upon in this case. - -[337] Fée thinks that this may possibly be efficacious against the -attacks of rats, as the author of the Geoponica, B. x., states. - -[338] Virgil, Georg, i. 111, recommends the same plan, and it is still -followed by agriculturists. It is not without its inconveniences, -however. - -[339] This is not consistent with truth, for no fresh ear will assume -its place. - -[340] De Re Rust. c. 6. - -[341] De Re Rust. c. 34. - -[342] “Ador.” See c. 10 of this Book. - -[343] From Varro; De Re Rust. i. 23. - -[344] A.U.C. 553. - -[345] There is nothing wonderful in a few grains of corn germinating in -the cleft of a tree. - -[346] In B. v. c. 10. - -[347] First of April. - -[348] _I. e._ Egypt Proper, the Delta, or Lower Egypt, Thebais being in -Upper Egypt. - -[349] The overflow of these rivers is by no means to be compared with -that of the Nile. - -[350] Fée remarks, that the plough here described differs but little -from that used in some provinces of France. - -[351] Resupinus. - -[352] Gallia Togata. Rhætia is the modern country of the Grisons. - -[353] According to Goropius Becanus, from _plograt_, the ancient Gallic -for a plough-wheel. Hardouin thinks that it is from the Latin “plaustra -rati;” and Poinsinet derives it from the Belgic _ploum_, a plough, and -_rat_, or _radt_, a wheel. - -[354] “Crates;” probably made of hurdles; see Virgil, Georg. i. 95. - -[355] De Re Rust. c. 61. - -[356] These rules are borrowed mostly from Varro, B. i. c. 19, and -Columella, B. ii. c. 4. - -[357] “Vere actum” “worked in spring.” - -[358] Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 9. - -[359] Crosswise, or horizontally. - -[360] Zig-zag, apparently. - -[361] A rude foreshadowing of the spade husbandry so highly spoken of -at the present day. - -[362] “Prevaricare,” “to make a balk,” as we call it, to make a -tortuous furrow, diverging from the straight line. - -[363] He probably means the heavy “rastrum,” or rake, mentioned by -Virgil, Georg. i. 164. It is impossible to say what was the shape of -this heavy rake, or how it was used. Light, or hand rakes were in -common use as well. - -[364] “A gong crooked;” hence its meaning of, folly, dotage, or madness. - -[365] Georg. i. 47. Servius seems to understand it that the furrow -should be untouched for two days and two nights before it is gone over -again. - -[366] Fée declines to give credit to this story. - -[367] A.U.C. 830. - -[368] “Semen,” “seed-wheat,” a variety only of spelt. - -[369] In c. 65 of this Book. - -[370] Runcatio. - -[371] Crates. - -[372] Georg. i. 71. - -[373] In B. xvii. c. 7. - -[374] See B. v. c. 3, and B. xvi. c. 50. It is also mentioned by -Ptolemy and Procopius. It was situate evidently in an oasis. - -[375] Or arm’s length from the elbow. - -[376] He surely does not mention this as an extravagant price, more -especially when he has so recently spoken (in c. 34) of rape selling at -a sesterce per pound. - -[377] How was this ascertained? Fée seems to think that it is the -Festuca fluitans of Linnæus that is alluded to, it being eagerly sought -by cattle. - -[378] In B. xvii. c. 3. - -[379] Tenerum. - -[380] Adoreum. - -[381] “Tertio” may possibly mean the “third time,” _i. e._ for every -third crop. - -[382] In B. xvii. c. 6. - -[383] “Ares” seems to be a preferable reading to “arescat,” “before it -dries.” - -[384] Schneider, upon Columella, B. ii. c. 15, would reject these -words, and they certainly appear out of place. - -[385] Poinsinet would supply here “tricenis diebus,” “in thirty days,” -from Columella, B. ii. c. 15. - -[386] “Sterile.” This is not necessarily the case, as we know with -reference to what is called mummy wheat, the seed of which has been -recovered at different times from the Egyptian tombs. - -[387] The threshing floor was made with an elevation in the middle, -and the sides on an incline, to the bottom of which the largest grains -would be the most likely to fall. - -[388] “Far” or spelt is of a red hue in the exterior. - -[389] This appearance is no longer to be observed, if, indeed, Pliny is -correct: all kinds of corn are white in the interior of the grain. - -[390] Hand-sowing is called by the French, “semer à la volée.” - -[391] This occult or mysterious method of which Pliny speaks, consists -solely of what we should call a “happy knack,” which some men have of -sowing more evenly than others. - -[392] Sors genialis atque fecunda est. - -[393] This Chapter is mostly from Columella, B. ii. c. 9. - -[394] In c. 19 of this Book. - -[395] Probably the mixture called “farrago” in c. 10 and c. 41. - -[396] Upon this point the modern agriculturists are by no means agreed. - -[397] From Cato, De Re Rust. c. 5. - -[398] “Segetem ne defrudes.” The former editions mostly read -“defruges,” in which case the meaning would be, “don’t exhaust the -land.” - -[399] This passage of Attius is lost, but Hermann supposes his words to -have run thus:— - - ——serere, cum est - Luna in Ariete, Geminis, Leone, Libra, Aquario. - -[400] In c. 8 of this Book. - -[401] Georg. i. 208. - -[402] Georg. i. 227. - -[403] See c. 74 of this Book. - -[404] Columella, B. ii. c. 8. - -[405] Favonius. See B. ii. c. 47. - -[406] The five days’ festival in honour of Minerva. It begins on the -fourteenth before the calends of April, or on the nineteenth of March. -Virgil, Georg. i. 208, says that flax and the poppy should be sown in -autumn. - -[407] Fifteenth of October. - -[408] First of November. - -[409] Georg. i. 204. - -[410] “To be an early winter.” - -[411] “To be a long winter.” - -[412] Confectum sidus. - -[413] In B. xvii. c. 2. - -[414] Georg. i. 335. - -[415] A.U.C. 830. - -[416] Twenty-seventh of January. - -[417] Ad solis cursum. - -[418] Soon after the corrections made by order of Julius Cæsar, the -Pontifices mistook the proper method of intercalation, by making it -every third year instead of the fourth; the consequence of which was, -that Augustus was obliged to correct the results of their error by -omitting the intercalary day for twelve years. - -[419] He most probably refers to the list of writers originally -appended to the First Book; but which in the present Translation is -distributed at the end of each Book. For the list of astronomical -writers here referred to, see the end of the present Book. - -[420] Or Ἀστρικὴ βίβλος. It is now lost. - -[421] In his work mentioned at the end of this Book. It is now lost. - -[422] _I. e._ Asia Minor. - -[423] _I. e._ the north-west parts of Africa. - -[424] See c. 39 of that Book. - -[425] “Ratione solis.” This theory of the succession of changes every -four years, was promulgated by Eudoxus. See B. ii. c. 48. - -[426] See c. 69, as to Arcturus and Aquila. - -[427] He speaks of Equinoctial hours, these being in all cases of the -same length, in contradistinction to the Temporal, or Unequal hours, -which with the Romans were a twelfth part of the Natural day, from -sunrise to sunset, and of course were continually varying. - -[428] Twenty-fifth of December. - -[429] Fere. - -[430] In this Translation, the names of the Constellations are given -in English, except in the case of the signs of the Zodiac, which are -universally known by their Latin appellations. - -[431] He begins in c. 64, at the winter solstice, and omits the period -between the eleventh of November and the winter solstice altogether, so -far as the mention of individual days. - -[432] “Cum sidus vehemens Orionis iisdem diebus longo decedat spatio.” -This passage is apparently unintelligible, if considered, as Sillig -reads it, as dependent on the preceding one. - -[433] In his Œconomica. - -[434] In B. ii. c. 47. - -[435] “Vestis institor est.” This passage is probably imperfect. - -[436] “Lacernarum.” - -[437] “Puleium.” See B. ii. c. 41. - -[438] De Re Rust. i. 34. - -[439] The setting of the Vergiliæ. - -[440] De Divinat. B. i. c. 15. They are a translation from Aratus. - -[441] De Re Rust. c. 38. Pliny has said above, that flax and the poppy -should be sown in the spring. - -[442] The Papaver Rhœas of Linnæus is still used for affections of the -throat. - -[443] For the grape and the olive. - -[444] First of November. - -[445] In the more northern climates this is never done till the spring. - -[446] This is merely imaginary. - -[447] Or king-fisher. It was a general belief that this bird incubated -on the surface of the ocean. - -[448] Hence the expression, “Halcyon days.” - -[449] Vadimonia. - -[450] In B. xvi. c. 74. - -[451] “Ridicas.” - -[452] “Palos.” - -[453] Thirtieth of December. According to the Roman reckoning, the -_third_ day would be the day but one before. - -[454] Fourth of January. - -[455] Eighth of January. - -[456] Seventeenth of January. - -[457] Twenty-fifth of January. - -[458] “Regia Stella.” - -[459] Fourth of February. - -[460] Or wine-vats; by the use of the word “laminas,” he seems to be -speaking not of the ordinary earthen dolia, but the wooden ones used in -Gaul and the north of Italy. - -[461] Sixteenth of February. - -[462] Twenty-second of February. - -[463] Fifth of March. - -[464] On the fifth of March, Ovid says, Fasti, iii. l. 407. Columella -makes it rise on the sixth of the nones, or the second of March. - -[465] Eighth of March. - -[466] Or, more literally, the “Northern Fish.” - -[467] Fifteenth of March, the day on which he was assassinated, in -accordance, it is said, with the prophecy of a diviner, who had warned -him to beware of the ides of March. - -[468] Eighteenth of March. - -[469] Twenty-first of March. - -[470] In c. 46 and c. 47. - -[471] Seventh of February. - -[472] In B. xvii. c. 35. - -[473] Fée approves of this method of weeding before the corn is in ear. - -[474] In a day, probably. - -[475] Georg. i. 63. - -[476] De Re Rust. 40. - -[477] See B. xvii. c. 8. - -[478] Alluding to his quotation from Cicero in c. 61. - -[479] Or mastich. - -[480] See c. 7 of this Book. - -[481] It is not known whence he derived this unfounded notion. - -[482] Twenty-fifth of March. - -[483] First of April. - -[484] This passage is omitted in the original, but was probably left -out by inadvertence. - -[485] Third of April. - -[486] Fifth of April. - -[487] Eighth of April. - -[488] Eighteenth of April. - -[489] Sixteenth of April. - -[490] Twentieth of April. - -[491] Twenty-first of April. See B. xix. c. 24. - -[492] From ὕειν, to rain. - -[493] “Sus,” a pig. - -[494] Twenty-fourth of April. - -[495] Twenty-fifth of April. - -[496] Twenty-sixth of April. - -[497] Twenty-seventh of April. - -[498] Twenty-eighth of April. - -[499] Second of May. - -[500] Eighth of May. - -[501] Tenth of May. - -[502] “Cuculus.” Sec B. x. c. 11. - -[503] “Petulantiæ vales.” Perhaps “indecent,” or “wanton jokes:” at -least, Hardouin thinks so. - -[504] By causing quarrels, probably. - -[505] See B. xi. c. 34. - -[506] A quotation from some unknown poet, Sillig thinks. - -[507] See B. xvi. c. 41. - -[508] See Virgil, Ecl. iii. l. 111. - -[509] Eleventh of May. - -[510] Thirteenth of May. - -[511] Twenty-first of May. - -[512] Twenty-second of May. - -[513] Second of June. - -[514] Seventh of June. - -[515] Tenth of June. - -[516] Fifteenth of June. - -[517] Twenty-first of June. - -[518] Twenty-fourth of June. - -[519] First of June. - -[520] Columella, B. ii. c. 18. - -[521] The varieties now known as Trifolium pratense, Trifolium rubens -and Trifolium repens. - -[522] “Gramen.” Under this head, as Fée says, he probably includes the -gramineous plants, known as Alopecurus, Phleum, Poa, Festuca, &c. - -[523] Probably the Lysimachia nummularia of Linnæus, which has a -tendency to corrode the lips of the sheep that pasture on it. - -[524] Known to us as “horse-tail;” varieties of which are the Equisetum -fluviatile and the Equisetum palustre of Linnæus. - -[525] De Re Rust. c. 53. - -[526] See Virgil’s Georg. i. 289. - -[527] As to whetstones, for further information, see B. xxvi. c. 47. - -[528] The word “falx,” “sickle” or “scythe,” is used here as denoting -an implement for mowing, and not reaping. - -[529] Similar in shape to our sickle, or reaping hook, no doubt. - -[530] “Majoris compendii.” Similar to our reaping-hook, also. Fée -thinks that the former was similar to the “faux faucille,” or false -sickle, the latter to the common sickle of the French. - -[531] Fée says that this is the case in some parts of France. - -[532] In c. 59 of this Book. - -[533] Twenty-fourth of June. See the last Chapter. - -[534] On this subject see B. xvi. c. 36. See also Varro, De Re Rust. B. -i. c. 46, and Aulus Gellius, B. ix. c. 7. - -[535] “Tenes Sidus.” - -[536] Twenty-sixth of June. - -[537] Fourth of July. - -[538] There is some confusion, apparently, here. Canicula, Syrius, or -the Dog-star, belongs to the Constellation Canis Major; while Canis -Minor a Constellation which contains the star Procyon, (“the forerunner -of the Dog,”) precedes it. - -[539] Fourth of July. - -[540] Fourteenth of July. - -[541] Seventeenth of July. - -[542] B. ii. c. 40, and B. xix. c. 25. - -[543] Twentieth of July. - -[544] Twenty-third of July. - -[545] Thirtieth of July. - -[546] Sixth of August. - -[547] Eleventh of August. - -[548] Eighth of August. - -[549] See B. xvii. c. 37. - -[550] Carbunculus. - -[551] Cicero. De Div., B. ii. 201, Aristotle, Polit. B. i. c. 7, and -Diogenes Laertius tell this story of Thales the philosopher; Pliny -being the only one that applies it to Democritus. - -[552] In the last Chapter. This passage is corrupt. - -[553] Mentioned by Seneca, Ep. 59. - -[554] It was reserved for the latter part of the last century to -discover that mildew operated on vegetation through the medium of -minute, parasitical fungi. It is mostly attributed to defects in the -light or the atmosphere, or else humidity in excess. See c. 44 of this -Book. - -[555] In B. ii. c. 6, for instance. - -[556] An onomatic prejudice, as Fée says, solely founded on the -peculiarity of the name. - -[557] In the preceding Chapter. - -[558] In the preceding Chapter. - -[559] In B. xvi. c. 42. - -[560] Twentieth of December. - -[561] Or festival in honour of Robigo, the Goddess of mildew, on the -twenty-fifth of April. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. iv. l. 907, _et seq._ - -[562] Robigo. - -[563] “Nineteen” is the proper number. - -[564] “Et cui præoccidere caniculam necesse est.” The real meaning of -this passage would seem to be,—“Before which, as a matter of course, -Canicula must set.” But if so, Pliny is in error, for Canicula, or -Procyon, sets heliacally _after_ the Dog-star, though it rises before -it. Hardouin observes, that it is abundantly proved from the ancient -writers that it was the custom to sacrifice a puppy to Sirius, or the -Dog-star, at the Robigalia. As Littré justly remarks, it would almost -appear that Pliny intended, by his ambiguous language, to lead his -readers into error. - -[565] Twenty-eighth of April. The festival of Flora. - -[566] Twenty-third of April. This was the first, or Urban Vinalia: the -second, or Rustic Vinalia, were held on the nineteenth of August. - -[567] The same as the Greek Πιθοίγια, or “opening of the Casks.” - -[568] Tenth of May. - -[569] In B. xvi. c. 42, and in c. 66 of this Book. - -[570] Second of June. - -[571] Twenty-fourth of June. - -[572] Fourth of July. - -[573] Seventeenth of July. - -[574] Twentieth of July. - -[575] Twenty-third of July. - -[576] Nineteenth of August. - -[577] Eighth of August. - -[578] See B. x. c. 45, and c. 50. The popinjay, lapwing, and tit-mouse -have been suggested. - -[579] Virio. See B. x. c. 45. - -[580] Columella, De Arborib. c. 13, gives similar advice. - -[581] This absurd practice is mentioned in the Geoponica, B. v. c. 31. - -[582] As to this fish, see B. ix. c. 17. - -[583] “Uva picta.” This absurdity does not seem to be found in any of -Varro’s works that have come down to us. - -[584] Nothing whatever is known of him or his works; and, as Fée says, -apparently the loss is little to be regretted. - -[585] Rubeta rana. - -[586] De Re Rust. 129. Cato, however, does not mention chalk, but -Virgil (Georg. i. 178) does. Poinsinet thinks that this is a “lapsus -memoriæ” in Pliny, but Fée suggests that there may have been an -omission by the copyists. - -[587] See the last Note. He recommends that it should be turned up with -the hand, rammed down with “tenacious chalk,” and levelled with a large -roller. - -[588] Both cow-dung and marc of olives are still employed in some parts -of France, in preparing the threshing floor. - -[589] Palladius gives a long description of this contrivance, which -seems to have been pushed forward by the ox; the teeth, which were -sharp at the edge and fine at the point, catching the ears and -tearing them off. But, as Fée says, the use of it must have been very -disadvantageous, in consequence of the unequal height of the stalks. -The straw, too, was sacrificed by the employment of it. - -[590] In contrarium juncto. - -[591] “Merges.” Supposed to be the same as the “batillum” of Varro. -Its form is unknown, and, indeed, the manner in which it was used. It -is not improbable that it was a fork, sharp at the edge, and similar -to an open pair of scissars, with which the heads of corn were driven -off, as it were; this, however, is only a mere conjecture. By the use -of “atque,” it would almost appear that the “merges” was employed after -the sickle had been used; but it is more probable that he refers to two -different methods of gathering the ears of corn. - -[592] The roots and the stubble are, in reality, as good as a manure to -the land. - -[593] Called “tribulum;” a threshing-machine moved by oxen. Varro, De -Re Rust. i. 52, gives a description of it. Fée says that it is still -used in some parts of Europe. - -[594] On the contrary, Fée says, the risk is greater from the -depredations of birds, and the chance of the grain falling out in -cutting, and gathering in. Spelt and rye may be left much longer than -wheat or oats. - -[595] Columella, B. ii. c. i., gives the same advice. - -[596] “Palea” seems here to mean “chaff;” though Fée understands it as -meaning straw. - -[597] The chaff of millet, and not the straw, must evidently be -intended here, for he says above that the straw—“culmus”—of millet is -generally burnt. - -[598] Muria dura. - -[599] Georg. i. 84, _et seq._ Fée says that Virgil has good reason for -his commendations, as it is a most excellent plan. - -[600] Palladius, i. 19, says _two_ feet. - -[601] On account of the damp. Columella, however, recommends a mixture -of sand, lime, and marc of olives for the floor; B. i. c. 6. - -[602] In B. xv. c. 8. - -[603] This is still done in the Valais, and has the great merit of -preserving the corn from house and field-mice. - -[604] “Ventilare.” On the contrary, the weevil penetrates deep, and -does not keep near the surface. - -[605] De Re Rust. ii. 21. - -[606] See B. ii. c. 48. - -[607] Those keep the best, Fée says, which have a farinaceous -perisperm. Millet has but one coat. - -[608] This, in reality, would tend to make them turn rancid all the -sooner. - -[609] And so repel the attacks of insects. - -[610] This would not only spoil the flavour, but absolutely injure the -corn as well. - -[611] This also, if practised to any extent, would infallibly spoil the -grain. - -[612] De Re Rust. i. 57. - -[613] See B. xix. c. 15: also Columella, De Re Rust. B. ii. c. 10. - -[614] Twelfth of August. - -[615] Twenty-second of August. - -[616] Twenty-eighth of August. - -[617] Fifth of September. - -[618] Ninth of September. - -[619] Twelfth of September. - -[620] See the Rudens of Plautus, Prol. l. 69. - -[621] Sixteenth of September. - -[622] Eighteenth of September. - -[623] Twenty-first of September. - -[624] Commissura. - -[625] Twenty-fourth of September. - -[626] Mentioned by Virgil, Eccl. iii. l. 38, and by Propertius, Eleg. -iv. 1. - -[627] Twenty-eighth of September. - -[628] Twenty-ninth of September. - -[629] Second of October. - -[630] Third of October. - -[631] Fourth of October. - -[632] Eighth of October. - -[633] Tenth of October. - -[634] Fifteenth of October. - -[635] Sixteenth of October. - -[636] Or Hyades, see c. 66. - -[637] Second of November. - -[638] Ninth of November. - -[639] Eleventh of November. - -[640] In c. 35 of this Book. - -[641] “Frondarias fiscinas.” These must have been baskets of a very -large size. The leaves were used for fodder. - -[642] This, Fée says, is diametrically opposite to the modern practice. - -[643] The “culeus,” it is supposed, was of the same measure of -capacity as the “dolium,” and held twenty amphoræ. The “pressura,” or -“pressing,” was probably the utmost quantity that the pressing vat -would hold at one time. - -[644] “Lacus.” - -[645] “Mali rugis per cocleas bullantibus.” The whole of this passage -is full of difficulties. - -[646] “Tympana:” literally, “drums.” - -[647] Grape juice boiled down to one half; see B. xiv. c. 9. - -[648] Virgil mentions this in the Georgics, B. i. 295. Of course, it is -nothing but an absurd superstition. - -[649] First of January. - -[650] Piscinis. - -[651] _I. e._ before getting in the next year’s crop. Of course, -he alludes only to wines of an inferior class, used for domestic -consumption. - -[652] In B. xiv. - -[653] In B. xv. c. 3. - -[654] Georg. i. 276. - -[655] In contradistinction to the two periods of full moon, and change -of the moon, the only epochs in reference to it noticed by Pliny. - -[656] In Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 11. - -[657] Or “between moons.” The “change of the moon,” as we call it. - -[658] 51-1/4 minutes. - -[659] Many of his statements are drawn from Aristotle’s Treatise, “De -Mundo.” - -[660] Our mid-day. - -[661] From due north to due south. - -[662] Cardo. - -[663] “Arbusta.” The trees on which the vines were trained. - -[664] _I. e._ the north-west of Africa; the Roman province so called. - -[665] In the next Chapter. - -[666] Ventus Auster. - -[667] In B. ii. c. 46. - -[668] Incendia. - -[669] See B. xvii. c. 2. - -[670] See B. viii. c. 75. - -[671] He seems to be in error here, as he has nowhere made mention of -this. - -[672] Aristotle, on the other hand, and Columella, B. vii. c. 3, -say “males.” See also B. viii. c. 72, where males are mentioned in -connection with the north-wind. Also the next Chapter in this Book. - -[673] In the last Chapter. - -[674] Very similar to our compass, but describing only eight points of -the wind, instead of thirty-two. - -[675] “Tympanum,” a drum, similar in shape to our tambourines or else -kettle-drums. - -[676] See B. ii. c. 46. - -[677] Or the “summer” wind. - -[678] Africus, or south-west. - -[679] Or, according to our mode of expression, the “second,” or “next -but one.” - -[680] Or, as we say, the “third.” - -[681] Georg. i. 313, _et seq._ - - “Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvis - Agricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo, - omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.” - -[682] See the Treatise of Theophrastus on the Prognostics of the -Weather. - -[683] This, Fée observes, is confirmed by experience. Aratus, as -translated by Avienus, states to a similar effect. - -[684] So Virgil, Georg. i. 427. - -[685] Coronam. - -[686] See B. ii. c. 6 and c. 36. - -[687] In c. 59 of this Book. - -[688] “Densum.” Fée says that this is in general confirmed by -experience. - -[689] This results, Fée says, from the presence of thin, aqueous -vapours, which portend a change in the atmosphere. - -[690] Fée attributes this phænomenon to hydrosulphuric gas, ignited in -the air by an electric spark. The notion that these meteors are stars, -was prevalent to a very recent period. - -[691] To which they proceed. - -[692] This, Fée says, is confirmed by experience. - -[693] Or “Little Asses.” - -[694] Præsepia. - -[695] This, as Fée remarks, is consistent with experience. - -[696] This, Fée remarks, appears to be consistent with general -experience. - -[697] Theophrastus states to a similar effect, and it is confirmed by -the experience of those who live in mountainous countries. - -[698] We still hear of the “white squalls” of the Mediterranean. - -[699] “‘Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a -man’s hand.’——And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven -was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.”—1 Kings, -xviii. 44, 45. - -[700] The truth of this, Fée says, he has personally experienced in the -vallies of the Alps. - -[701] Terreni ignes. - -[702] This, and the other phænomena here mentioned, result, as Fée -says, from the hygrometric state of the air. Virgil mentions this -appearance on the wick of the lamp, Georg. i. 392. - -[703] Fée thinks that this indicates fine weather rather than rain, as -showing a pure state of the atmosphere. - -[704] Sea “lungs.” See B. ix. c. 71. - -[705] Ludentia. - -[706] Virgil mentions these indications, Georg. i. 368-9. - -[707] “Suus fragor.” The winds, Fée remarks, however violent they may -be, make no noise unless they meet with an obstacle which arrests their -onward progress. - -[708] Theophrastus, Cicero, and Plutarch state to a similar effect; and -it is corroborated by the experience of most mariners. - -[709] The ink-fish; Sepia loligo of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 21. - -[710] Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 378. - -[711] “Fulicæ.” See B. x. c. 61, and B. xi. c. 44. - -[712] Virgil says the same of the diver, or didapper, Georg. i. 361; -and Lucan Pharsalia, v. 553. - -[713] Both Theophrastus and Ælian mention this. - -[714] It is not known what bird is here alluded to, but Fée is probably -right in suggesting a sort of sea-mew, or gull. - -[715] This is still considered a prognostic of rain. Fée says that the -swallow descends thus near to the surface to catch the insects on the -wing which are now disabled from rising by the hygrometric state of the -atmosphere. - -[716] This is confirmed by experience. - -[717] On the contrary, Lucan says (Pharsalia, B. v. l. 549), that on -the approach of rain, the heron soars in the upper regions of the air; -and Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 364. - -[718] Indecorâ lasciviâ. - -[719] Fée suggests that they probably do this to diminish the electric -fluid with which the air is charged. - -[720] Alienos sibi manipulos. - -[721] This is confirmed by common experience. - -[722] “Repositoriis.” See B. xix. c. 13, and B. xxx. c. 49. - -[723] See end of B. vii. - -[724] See end of B. xii. - -[725] See end of B. iii. - -[726] See end of B. ii. - -[727] See end of B. vii. - -[728] See end of B. iii. - -[729] See end of B. xiv. - -[730] See end of B. ii. - -[731] See end of B. iii. - -[732] See end of B. xi. - -[733] See end of B. x. - -[734] See end of B. xi. - -[735] See end of B. iii. - -[736] See end of B. vii. - -[737] See end of B. vii. - -[738] A native of Sulmo, in the country of the Peligni, and one of -the greatest poets of the Augustan age. It is most probable that his -“Fasti” was extensively consulted by Pliny in the compilation of the -present Book. Six Books of the Fasti have come down to us, but the -remaining six have perished, if, indeed, they were ever written, which -has been doubted by many of the learned. - -[739] See end of B. xiv. - -[740] See end of B. viii. - -[741] See end of B. ii. It is supposed that there were several writers -of this name, but it is impossible to say with certainty which of them -is the one here referred to. It is probable, however, that it is either -L. Ælius Tubero, the friend of Cicero, or else Q. Ælius Tubero, his -son, that is alluded to. - -[742] L. Tarutius Firmianus, a mathematician and astronomer, and a -friend and contemporary of Cicero and M. Varro. At the request of the -latter, he took the horoscope of Romulus. It is generally supposed that -he was of Etruscan descent. - -[743] The founder of the imperial dignity at Rome. His Commentaries are -the only work written by him that has come down to us. His treatise -on the Stars, which Pliny frequently quotes throughout this Book, was -probably written under the inspection of the astronomer, Sosigenes. - -[744] See end of B. ii. - -[745] Nothing is known of this writer. It has been suggested, however, -that he may have been the same person as Papirius Fabianus, mentioned -at the end of B. ii. - -[746] See end of B. vii. - -[747] See end of B. xvi. - -[748] See end of B. iii. - -[749] See end of B x. - -[750] L. Accius, or Attius, an early Roman tragic poet, and the son of -a freedman, born about B.C. 170. His tragedies were chiefly imitations -from the Greek. He is highly praised by Cicero. The “Praxidica” here -mentioned, is probably the same as the “Pragmatica” spoken of by Aulus -Gellius, B. xx. c. 3. Only some fragments of his Tragedies are left. - -[751] See end of B. vii. - -[752] See end of B. iii. - -[753] See end of B. ii. - -[754] See end of B. ii. - -[755] See end of B. viii. - -[756] See end of B. viii. - -[757] See end of B. viii. - -[758] See end of B. viii. - -[759] See end of B. iv. - -[760] Sec end of B. viii. - -[761] See end of B. ix. - -[762] See end of B. viii. - -[763] See end of B. viii. - -[764] See end of B. viii. - -[765] See end of B. viii. - -[766] See end of B. viii. - -[767] See end of B. viii. - -[768] See end of B. viii. - -[769] See end of B. vi. - -[770] See end of B. viii. - -[771] See end of B. xiv. - -[772] See end of B. xv. - -[773] See end of B. viii. - -[774] See end of B. ii. - -[775] See end of B. x. - -[776] See end of B. viii. - -[777] See end of B. viii. - -[778] See end of B. viii. - -[779] See end of B. viii. - -[780] See end of B. xii. - -[781] See end of B. viii. - -[782] Of Miletus, the most ancient of the Greek philosophers, and the -founder of the Ionian school of Philosophy. He is said to have written -upon the Solstice and the Equinox, and a work on Astronomy, in verse, -was also attributed to him. It is, however, more generally believed, -that he left no written works behind him, and that those attributed to -him were forgeries. - -[783] See end of B. ii. - -[784] An astronomer of Medama, or Medma, in Magna Græcia, and a -disciple of Plato. He is said to have written a treatise on the winds, -and Plutarch states that he demonstrated the figure of the moon. - -[785] An astronomer of Cyzicus, and a friend of Aristotle, whom he -assisted in completing the discoveries of Eudoxus. He invented the -cycle of seventy-six years, called after him the Calippic. - -[786] Of Colonus, a geometrician, to whom Archimedes dedicated his -works on the sphere and cylinder, and on spirals. - -[787] A grammarian, who is supposed to have written a commentary -on Aratus. Varro, De Ling. Lat. x. 10, speaks of him as making the -distinctive characteristics of words to be eight in number. - -[788] A famous astronomer of Athens, to whom the discovery of the cycle -of nineteen years has been attributed. - -[789] There were several learned men of this name, but it appears -impossible to say which of them is the one here alluded to; probably -it is either the Pythagorean philosopher of Ægæ, who wrote on -Predestination, or else the historian, a native of Pieria in Macedonia. -There was also an astronomer of this name, a native of Naxos, and a -friend of Eudoxus of Cnidos. - -[790] A famous astronomer, a native of Chios. He is said to have -claimed the discovery of the obliquity of the Ecliptic. - -[791] Probably Zenon of Elea, one of the most famous philosophers of -antiquity. All of his works had perished at a very early period. - -[792] An Athenian astronomer, the friend and assistant of Meton, about -430 B.C. - -[793] An astronomer mentioned by Censorinus, as having corrected the -intercalation of Cleostratus. Nothing further appears to be known of -him. - -[794] For Hecatæus of Miletus, see B. iv. For Hecatæus of Abdera, see -B. vi. - -[795] See end of B. iv. - -[796] See end of B. ii. - -[797] See end of B. ii. - -[798] A native of Soli, or else Tarsus, in Cilicia. He was the author -of two Greek astronomical poems which have come down to us. He -flourished about B.C. 270. - -[799] Nothing can be said of him with any degree of historical -certainty. By the Persians he was called Zerdusht, and was said to have -been the founder of the Magian religion. There were several works in -Greek bearing his name, but which, no doubt, were forgeries of a later -age than that usually assigned to him. - -[800] He is mentioned in c. 70 of this Book, as writing a letter to -Antiochus, king of Syria; but nothing further seems to be known of him. - -[801] More particularly in B. xvii. cc. 2 and 3, and B. xviii. cc. -57-75. - -[802] The Linum usitatissimum of Linnæus. - -[803] What would he have said to the application of the powers of -steam, and the electric telegraph? - -[804] Possibly Galerius Trachalus, Consul A.D. 68, a relation of -Galeria Fundana, the wife of the Emperor Vitellius. - -[805] Governor of Egypt in the reign of Nero, A.D. 55. He is mentioned -by Seneca, Quæst. Nat. B. iv. c. 2, and is supposed to have written a -work on Egypt and his journeys in that country. - -[806] Or, as Sillig suggests, “after ill treatment such as this, that -it arrives at the sea.” The passage is evidently defective. - -[807] In B. vii. c. 57. He alludes to Dædalus. - -[808] He probably has in view here the imprecation uttered by Horace:— - - “Illi robur, et æs triplex - Circa pectus erat, qui fragilem truci - Commisit pelago ratem.”—_Odes_, i. 3. - -At the present day hemp forms a material part in the manufacture of -sails. In addition to flax, the ancients employed broom, rushes, -leather, and various skins of animals for the purpose. - -[809] In c. 76. - -[810] On the contrary, as Fée observes, the cultivation of flax is -attended with the greatest difficulties. - -[811] See B. xvii. c. 7. Virgil says, Georg. i. 77, “Urit enim lini -campum seges”—but in the sense, as Fée remarks, of _exhausting_, not -_scorching_ the soil. - -[812] A light soil, and well manured, is usually employed for the -purpose. Columella, B. ii. c. 10, recommends a rich, moist soil. It is -sown in March or April, and is gathered, according to the season, from -June to September. - -[813] Though rapid in its growth, there are many vegetable productions -that grow more rapidly. - -[814] This was the time for sowing it with the Romans, though in some -countries, at the present day, it is sown so late as the autumn. - -[815] In B. xviii. c. 72, he has spoken of this method of gathering -vegetable productions as injurious to the soil, by withdrawing its -natural juices. - -[816] “Censentur hoc reditu?” There is little doubt that the Gauls, -like their German neighbours, cultivated flax for the purposes of -female dress, and not mainly for the manufacture of sails. - -[817] “Quod vocant inane.” He implies that the boundless space of -ocean on the Western coasts of Gaul was useless for any purposes of -navigation. - -[818] See B. iv. c. 33. - -[819] See B. iv. c. 33. - -[820] See B. xxxiv. c. 48. - -[821] See B. iv. c. 31. - -[822] A family of the Atilia gens. - -[823] It was, and is still to some extent, a prevalent opinion, that -the humidity of caves under-ground is favourable to the manufacture of -tissues of hemp and flax. - -[824] In Spain. Sec B. i. c. 1, and B. iii. c. 4. - -[825] Cluvier takes this place to be the same with Litubium in Liguria, -mentioned by Livy, B. xxxii. - -[826] “Lanugo.” This is not generally looked upon as a merit in linen, -at the present day. - -[827] Now Tarragona. See B. iii. c. 4. - -[828] “Carbasus.” This was probably the Spanish name originally for -fine flax, and hence came to signify the cambrics, or fine linen -tissues made of it. It seems, however, to have afterwards been extended -to all kinds of linen tissues, as we find the name given indifferently -to linen garments, sail-cloth, and awnings for the theatres. - -[829] See B. iii. c. 4. - -[830] “Sætas ceu per ferri aciem vincunt.” This passage is probably in -a mutilated state. - -[831] There must either be some corruption in the text, or else Pliny -must have been mistaken. Nets such as these could have been of no -possible use in taking a wild boar. - -[832] See B. iv. c. 33. Now Querci, the chief town of which is Cahors. - -[833] “Culcitæ.” - -[834] “Tomenta.” - -[835] Exactly corresponding to our “paillasse,” a “bed of straw.” - -[836] This is doubtful, though at the same time it is a well-known fact -that the Egyptian flax grows to the greatest size. Hasselquist speaks -of it attaining a height of fifteen feet. - -[837] Our cotton, the Gossypium arboreum of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. -21. The terms _xylon_, _byssus_, and _gossypium_, must be regarded as -synonymous, being applied sometimes to the plant, sometimes to the raw -cotton, and sometimes to the tissues made from it. _Gossypium_ was -probably the barbarous name of the cotton tree, and _byssus_ perhaps a -corruption of its Hebrew name. - -[838] Probably the Arundo donax of modern botanists. See B. xvi. c. 66. - -[839] Fée says, that the people of Pisa, at the present day, soak the -stalks of broom, and extract therefrom a thread, of which cords and -coarse stuffs are made. - -[840] In B. xii. c. 21. He seems there to speak of the cotton-tree, -though Fée suggests that he may possibly allude to the “Bombax -pentandrum” of Linnæus. - -[841] It is the mucilage of the perisperm that is so useful in -medicine. As an article of food, the farina of linseed is held in no -esteem whatever. In times of scarcity, attempts have been made to mix -it with flour or meal, but the result has been found to be heavy and -indigestible, and has caused, it is said, the death even of those who -have eaten of it in considerable quantities. - -[842] There are various other methods employed of dressing flax at the -present day; but they are all of them long and tedious. - -[843] And not feminine or servile. - -[844] “Vivum.” - -[845] He evidently considers asbestus, or amianthus, to be a vegetable, -and not a mineral production. It is, in reality, a mineral, with long -flexible filaments, of a silky appearance, and is composed of silica, -magnesia, and lime. The wicks of the inextinguishable lamps of the -middle ages, the existence of which was an article of general belief, -were said to be made of asbestus. Paper and lace, even, have been made -of it in modern times. - -[846] “Nascitur.” In the year 1702 there was found near the Nævian -Gate, at Rome, a funereal urn, in which there was a skull, calcined -bones, and other ashes, enclosed in a cloth of asbestus, of a -marvellous length. It is still preserved in the Vatican. - -[847] On the contrary, it is found in the Higher Alps in the vicinity -of the Glaciers, in Scotland, and in Siberia, even. - -[848] Signifying “inextinguishable,” from ἀ, “not,” and σβέννυμι, “to -extinguish.” See B. xxxvii. c. 54. - -[849] See end of this Book. - -[850] He evidently alludes to cotton fabrics under this name. See Note -[837] to c. 2 of this Book. - -[851] Pausanias, in his Eliaca, goes so far as to say, that byssus -was found only in Elis, and nowhere else. Judging from the variable -temperature of the climate, it is very doubtful, Fée says, if cotton -was grown there _at all_. Arrian, Apollonius, and Philostratus say that -the tree which produced the _byssus_ had the leaves of the willow, and -the shape of the poplar, characteristics which certainly do not apply -to the cotton-tree. - -[852] Impure oxide of metals, collected from the chimneys of -smelting-houses. Fée says that Pliny on this occasion is right. - -[853] In B. xx. c. 79, he speaks of the “heraclion” poppy, supposed by -some of the commentators to be identical with the one mentioned here. - -[854] “Vestium insaniam.” - -[855] “Postea.” Sillig would reject this word, as being a corruption, -and not consistent with fact, Catulus having lived before the time of -Cleopatra. He suggests that the reading should be “Populo Romano ea in -theatris spectanti umbram fecere.” “Linen, too, has provided a shade -for the Roman people, when viewing the spectacles of the theatre.” -Lucretius, B. iv. l. 73, _et seq._, speaks of these awnings as being -red, yellow, and iron grey. - -[856] “Carbasina.” Cambric. - -[857] The cavædium is generally supposed to have been the same as the -“atrium,” the large inner apartment, roofed over, with the exception -of an opening in the middle, which was called the “compluvium,” or -“impluvium,” over which the awning here mentioned was stretched. Here -the master of the house received his visitors and clients. - -[858] White would be much preferable to red for this purpose. - -[859] Il. ii. ll. 529 and 830. - -[860] Il. viii. l. 63. - -[861] Il. ii. l. 135. See B. xxiv. c. 40. - -[862] The Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus; a kind of broom, called -“Esparto” by the Spaniards. - -[863] Although, as Fée says, this is still the fact, it is a plant -which would readily admit of cultivation. Varro, however, De Re Rust. -B. i. c. 23, speaks of it in conjunction with hemp, flax, and rushes, -as being sown. - -[864] This kind, Fée thinks, may possibly have been identical with the -Spartum Lygeum of Linnæus, false esparto, or alvarde. - -[865] At the present day it is only in the provinces on the -Mediterranean that spartum is found; the other provinces producing -nothing but alvarde. - -[866] It is still used in the southern parts of Spain for the same -purposes. - -[867] The shoes now made of it are known as “espartenas” and -“alpargatas.” - -[868] It is not dangerous in itself, but is too tough to be a favourite -article of food with cattle. - -[869] Fifteenth of May and thirteenth of June. - -[870] The same word, σχοῖνος, signifying both a “rush” and a “rope.” - -[871] Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 13. Athenæus, B. ii., mentions it also. - -[872] Fée is at a loss to identify this plant, but considers it quite -clear that it is not the same with the Eriophorum augustifolium of -Linnæus, a cyperaceous plant, of which the characteristics are totally -different. Dodonæus, however, was inclined to consider them identical. - -[873] On the contrary, Theophrastus _does_ mention it, in the Hist. -Plant. B. i. c. 8, and speaks of it as having a bark composed of -several tunics or membranes. - -[874] In B. xiii. c. 13, and B. xv. c. 1. - -[875] “Tuber.” The Tuber cibarium of Linnæus, the black truffle; and -probably the grey truffle, the Tuber griseum. - -[876] This callous secretion of the earth, or corticle, is, as Fée -says, a sort of hymenium, formed of vesicles, which, as they develope -themselves, are found to contain diminutive truffles. Pliny is wrong in -saying that the truffle forms neither cleft nor protuberance, as the -exact contrary is the fact. - -[877] Haller speaks of truffles weighing as much as fourteen pounds. -Valmont de Bomare speaks of a truffle commonly found in Savoy, which -attains the weight of a pound. - -[878] Those of Africa are in general similar to those found in Europe, -but there is one peculiar to that country, possibly the same that is -mentioned in the following Chapter under the name of “misy.” - -[879] “Jura reddenti.” - -[880] It is really propagated by spores, included in sinuous chambers -in the interior; but, notwithstanding the attempts that have been made, -it has never yet been cultivated with any degree of success. In c. -13, Pliny seems to recognize the possibility of its multiplication by -germs, where he says that its formation is attributed by some to water. - -[881] Fée takes this to be the Tuber niveum of Desfontaines, the -snow-white truffle. It is globular and somewhat piriform, grows to the -size of a walnut, and sometimes of an orange, and is said to be most -delicate eating. - -[882] These truffles or morels do not appear to have been identified. - -[883] Juvenal alludes to this absurd notion, Sat. v. l. 116. “The long -wished-for thunder will provide a more ample repast.” - -[884] Theophrastus, as quoted by Athenæus, B. ii. speaks of this. - -[885] “Peziza” was a name given by the ancients to a kind of cupuliform -mushroom; in which, however, we cannot recognize the “pezica” of -Pliny. Some writers think that this was the same as the lycoperdon and -geastrum of botanists, our puff-ball: while others take it to be the -morel, the Morchella esculenta, Sprengel in the number. Fée is inclined -to be of opinion that an edible mushroom is meant, but is quite at a -loss to identify it. - -[886] Possibly the Ferula asafœtida of Linnæus; or, according to some, -the Thapsia silphium of Viviani, _Flor. Lib._ It was a plant common, -according to ancient writers, to Syria, Armenia, Media, and Libya; but -it was the produce of this last country, probably, that afforded the -juice or gum resin here mentioned as “laser,” and so highly esteemed -by the ancients, as forming a component part of their perfumes. Fée is -inclined to think that the Laserpitium here spoken of was the Thapsia -silphium, and to reject the more general opinion that it is identical -with the Ferula asafœtida. Pliny has probably caused some confusion -by blending the description of other writers with that given by -Theophrastus, each having in view a different plant. Indeed, whatever -the Laserpitium or Silphium of other countries may have been, it is not -improbable that the odoriferous plant of Cyrenaica was not identical -with the Ferula asafœtida of Linnæus. The foliage of the Thapsia -silphium is exactly similar to that of the Laserpitium as depicted on -medals of Cyrenaica, still extant. We learn from Littré, that Dr. Guyon -showed, in 1842, to the Académie des Sciences, a plant which the Arabs -of Algeria employ as a purgative, and which they call _bonnefa_. It is -the Thapsia Garganica of Desfontaines, and is considered by Guyon to be -identical with the Silphium of the ancients. - -[887] See B. xxii. c. 48. In the “Rudens” of Plautus, the scene of -which is near Cyrene, frequent allusion is made to the growth of -laserpitium there, and the preparation and export of the resin, as -forming the staple article of commerce. - -[888] Scribonius Largus, who lived in the time of Tiberius, speaks of -using in a prescription laser of Cyrenaica, “if it can be met with;” -“si poterit inveniri.” - -[889] “In spem nascentis.” - -[890] Fée remarks that Pliny has not found this absurd story in any -of the works from which he has compiled his account, but that it is -entirely his own. - -[891] This was probably the Ferula asafœtida of Linnæus. - -[892] See B. xx. c. 75. - -[893] A.U.C. 661. - -[894] Fée remarks, that if Pliny here alludes to Theophrastus, Hist. -Plant. B. vi. c. 3, he has mistaken his meaning. - -[895] This, as Fée says, could hardly apply to the Ferula asafœtida of -Linnæus, the stalk of it being extremely acrid, and the juice fetid in -the highest degree. - -[896] “Vitia his omnibus.” The reading here is probably corrupt. - -[897] “Root-juice,” and “stalk-juice.” - -[898] Poinsinet fancies that this name means “staff of the Magi.” - -[899] Or “laser,” these names being indifferently applied to the -gum-resin. - -[900] The whole of this paragraph has been borrowed from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. iii. - -[901] Sprengel takes this to be the Laserpitium ferulaceum of Linnæus, -but Fée thinks it is more than doubtful if the identity can be -established. - -[902] From Theophrastus. Dioscorides says, on the other hand, that it -grows in Libya. - -[903] From Littré we learn that M. Fraas has suggested that the -Magydaris and Laserpitium are possibly the Ferula Tingitana, and the -Ptychotis verticillata of Decandolle, which last he has found upon -high mountains in the lower region of pines, on Mount Parnassus, among -others. - -[904] See B. xxii. cc. 48, 49. - -[905] The Rubia tinctorum of Linnæus. - -[906] Dioscorides speaks of the madder of Ravenna as being the most -esteemed. It is much cultivated at the present day in the South of -France, Holland, and the Levant. That of Lille enjoys a high reputation. - -[907] It is covered with bristly hairs, or rather, fine, hooked teeth. -There is, however, no resemblance whatever between it and ervilia or -orobus, the fitch. - -[908] B. xxiv. c. 56. - -[909] Or “little root;” though, in reality, as Pliny says, it had a -large root. Some writers have supposed, that by this name is meant -the Reseda luteola of Linnæus, the “dyer’s weed” of the moderns; but -neither Pliny nor any of the Greek writers mention the Radicula as -being used for dyeing. Some, again, identify it with the Gypsophila -struthium of Linnæus, without sufficient warranty, however, as Fée -thinks. - -[910] The Gypsophila struthium grows in Spain, and possibly, Fée -says, in other countries. Linnæus has “pretended,” he says, that the -Spaniards still employ the root and stalk of the Gypsophila for the -same purposes as the ancients did the same parts of the Radicula. He -himself, however, though long resident in Spain, had never observed -such to be the fact. - -[911] This description, Fée says, does not correspond with that of -the Gypsophila struthium, the stalk of which does not at all resemble -that of the ferulaceous plants, and the leaf is quite different in -appearance from that of the olive. - -[912] As Fée observes, by the word “hortus” the Romans understood -solely the “vegetable” or “kitchen-garden;” the pleasure garden being -generally denominated “horti.” - -[913] See B. v. c. 1. - -[914] A fabulous king of Phœnicia, probably, whose story was afterwards -transferred, with considerable embellishments, to the Grecian -mythology. Adonis is supposed to have been identical with the Thammuz -of Scripture, mentioned by Ezekiel, viii. 14, where he speaks of the -“women weeping for Thammuz.” Hardouin considers him to have been a -Syrian deity, identical with the Moon. - -[915] Celebrated by Homer, Od. B. vi. and xiii. - -[916] “Alio volumine.” As no further mention is made by Pliny of the -Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it is most probable that he contemplated -giving a description of them in another work, an intention which he did -not live to realize. - -[917] See further on this subject, c. 53 of the present Book. - -[918] The reading, “quam rem,” seems preferable to “quam ob rem,” -adopted by Sillig. - -[919] “Effascinationes.” The effects of the evil eye. - -[920] “Hortorum.” “Pleasure-gardens.” - -[921] “Otii magister.” - -[922] For the purpose of teaching philosophy there. - -[923] “Hortus.” The “kitchen-garden.” - -[924] Ironically said. - -[925] He alludes to the pheasant. See B. x. c. 67. - -[926] He alludes to Colchis, the country of Medea, the scene of the -exploits of Jason and the Argonauts, and the land of prodigies and -fable. - -[927] See B. x. cc. 38 and 67. He alludes to “meleagrides,” or -Guinea-fowls. - -[928] See B. x. c. 37. He alludes to the birds called “Memnonides.” - -[929] See B. xvii. c. 1. - -[930] See B. xiv. c. 28. - -[931] He alludes to the finest and most delicate kinds of wheaten -flour. See B. xviii. c. 29. - -[932] “Uno asse.” - -[933] As “corruda,” or “wild asparagus.” The Brassica capitata alba -of C. Bauhin, or white cabbage, sometimes attains a weight of ten or -twelve pounds. - -[934] This is an exaggeration, probably. - -[935] He alludes to the artichoke, or Cinara cardunculus of the -botanists, which bears some resemblance to the common thistle. - -[936] Martial and Aulus Gellius speak of ice and snow drinks. The -latter must have been very injurious to the stomach. - -[937] See B. xxxi. c. 23. - -[938] In this corrupt and otherwise unintelligible passage, we have -adopted the proposed emendations of Sillig, who is of opinion that it -bears reference to the abolition of the market-dues, or “portorium,” by -Augustus Cæsar, and the substitution of a property tax of one twentieth -of the land, a method of taxation which inflicted greater hardships -than the former one, as it was assessed according to the _superficies_, -not the _produce_ of the land. His proposed emendations of the text -are as follows: “mox enim certe æquabit _eos pecunia_ quos pecunia -separaverit. Itaque——ac minore fortunæ jure, _quam_ cum _hereditate -datur_ pensio ea pauperum; _his_ in solo sponsor est,” &c. - -[939] De Re Rust. cc. 156, 157. He speaks of it as being eaten either -boiled or raw, but in the latter case with vinegar. Fée thinks that -even then it would make a very acrid and indigestible diet. - -[940] “Acetaria.” Salads. - -[941] He alludes, no doubt, to the words of Virgil, in Georg. iv. l. 6. - - “In tenui labor, at tenuis non Gloria——” - -though in that instance the poet is speaking of bees. - -[942] “Tollenonum haustu.” These would be used in the case of -well-water; they are still to be seen occasionally in this country, and -are very common on the continent. The wheel is also used for drawing -well-water, and is frequently employed in Barbary and Spain. - -[943] By the word “fructus” he no doubt means the edible parts solely, -the leaf, stalk, or root, as the case may be. - -[944] Fée is surprised to find elecampane figuring among the garden -vegetables. It has a powerful odour, is bitter, and promotes -expectoration. Though not used as a vegetable it is still used as a -preserve, or sweetmeat, mixed with sugar. See further on it in c. 29 of -this Book. - -[945] See c. 28 of this Book. - -[946] See c. 27 of this Book. - -[947] Fée remarks that this juxtaposition of anise and mallows betokens -the most complete ignorance of botany on the part of our author; there -being few plants which differ more essentially. The field-mallow, or -Malva silvestris of Linnæus, or perhaps several varieties of it, are -here referred to. The anise will be further mentioned in c. 74 of this -Book. - -[948] Fée suggests that the plant here mentioned may have been an -annual, probably the Lavatorea arborea of botanists, or some kindred -species. In a few months it is known to attain a height of ten feet or -more. - -[949] In Fée’s opinion this tree cannot have belonged to the family -of Malvaceæ; the Adansonia and some other exotics of the family, with -which Pliny undoubtedly was not acquainted, being the only ones that -attain these gigantic proportions. - -[950] There is no resemblance between mallows and hemp, any more than -there is between mallows and anise. - -[951] “Carnosa.” - -[952] Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Conferva, or river sponge, -again mentioned in B. xxvii. c. 45. Fée, however, dissents from that -opinion. - -[953] In B. xvi. cc. 11 and 13, and in cc. 12 and 14 of the present -Book. - -[954] In c. 11 of the present Book. - -[955] The Cucumis sativus of Linnæus. - -[956] “Lapis specularis.” See B. xxxvi. c. 45. Columella, De Re Rust. -B. xi. c. 3, speaks of this mode of ripening cucumber, and the fondness -of the Emperor Tiberius for them. - -[957] Theophrastus and Columella say the same of the cucumber, and -Palladius of the melon, but there is no ground, probably, for the -belief. In very recent times, however, Fée says, it was the usage to -steep the seeds of the melon in milk. This liquid, in common with any -other, would have the effect of softening the exterior integuments, and -thereby facilitating the germination, but no more. - -[958] Still known as the “green” or “gherkin” cucumber, and much used, -when young, for pickling. - -[959] Probably in the sense of a very dark green, for _black_ cucumbers -are a thing unheard of. - -[960] He is evidently speaking of the pompion, or pumpkin, the -Cucurbita pepo of Linnæus: quite distinct from the cucumber. - -[961] Cucumbers are not difficult of digestion to the extent that Pliny -would have us to believe. - -[962] As Fée says, it is a loss of time to combat such absurd -prejudices as these. - -[963] This is conformable with modern experience. - -[964] Fée says that this is the melon, the Cucumis melo of Linnæus. - -[965] B. xi. c. 3. Columella professes to borrow it from the people of -Mendes in Egypt. - -[966] Theophrastus enumerates these varieties, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. -4. - -[967] Theophrastus only says that the Laconian cucumber thrives better -with watering than the others. - -[968] It is impossible to identify this plant, as no ancient writer -has given any description of it: it has been suggested, however, that -it may have been the Plantago Psyllium, or else the Inula pulicaria -of Linnæus. Of course there is no truth in the story here told of the -effects of its juice upon the cucumber. - -[969] This depth would probably have the effect of retarding, or else -utterly impeding, the growth of the plant. - -[970] See c. 44 of this Book. The Parilia was a festival celebrated on -the nineteenth of April, the anniversary of the foundation of Rome. - -[971] First of March. - -[972] Seventh of March. - -[973] See B. xviii. c. 56. - -[974] The “camerarium,” and the “plebeium.” The former, Fée thinks, is -the Cucurbita longior of Dodonæus and J. Bauhin, the long gourd, and -other varieties probably of the calabash gourd, the Cucurbita leucantha -of Duchesne. The latter is probably the Cucurbita pepo and its -varieties. Fée thinks that the name “cucurbita,” as employed by Pliny, -extends not only to the gourd, but the citrul or small pumpkin as well. - -[975] As Fée says, he must be speaking of the fruit here, and not the -plant, which attains a far greater length than nine feet. - -[976] The young shoots of the gourd, Fée says, would afford an insipid -food, with but little nutriment. - -[977] The varieties thus employed, Fée says, must have been the -Cucurbita lagenaria of Linnæus, and the Cucurbita latior of Dodonæus. - -[978] This is not the fact. The seed produces fruit similar to that -from which it was taken, and no more. - -[979] The trumpet gourd, the Cucurbita longior of Dodonæeus, is still -employed, Fée says, by gardeners for this purpose. - -[980] See B. xx. c. 2. - -[981] In B. xviii. c. 34. - -[982] Though borrowed from Theophrastus and the Greek school, this -distinction is absurd and unfounded. - -[983] It is not the fact that the seed of the round kind, after -repeated sowings, will produce long roots. Pliny, however, has probably -miscopied Theophrastus, who says, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4, that this -transformation takes place when the seed is sown very thick. This -assertion, however, is no more founded on truth than that of Pliny. - -[984] Also from Theophrastus, B. vii. c. 4, though that author is -speaking of radishes, ῥαφανίδες, and not turnips. - -[985] Properly _radish_. - -[986] Properly _radish_. - -[987] Radish. - -[988] Properly _radish_. - -[989] See B. xx. c. 49. Fée queries whether this radish may not be the -Raphanus raphanistrum of botanists. See B. xviii. c. 34. - -[990] See B. xviii. c. 35. - -[991] “Nostratibus.” Poinsinet would render this, “Those of my native -country,” _i. e._ the parts beyond the Padus. As Pliny resided at Rome -during the latter part of his life, there can be little doubt but that -he alludes to the vicinity of Rome. - -[992] See B. xviii. c. 34. - -[993] This property extends to most of the Cruciferæ. - -[994] “Cibus illiberalis.” - -[995] The variety Oleifera of the Raphanus sativus is still cultivated -extensively in Egypt and Nubia for the extraction of the oil. The -variety Oleifera of the Brassica napus is also greatly cultivated in -Egypt. Fée suggests that Pliny may possibly confound these two plants -under the one name of “raphanus.” It is worthy of remark, too, that the -Colza oil, so much used in France and Belgium for burning in lamps, is -expressed from the seed of the Brassica oleracea, a species of cabbage. - -[996] The Raphanus sativus of Linnæus. This passage, however, down to -“crisped leaf,” properly applies to the cabbage, and not the radish, -Pliny having copied the Greek, and taken the word ῥάφανος, properly -“cabbage,” to mean “radish;” which in the later Greek writers it -sometimes does, though not in this instance. - -[997] Mount Algidus was near Tusculum, fifteen miles from Rome. Its -coldness contributed greatly to the goodness of its radishes. - -[998] Or “wild.” Fée suggests that this is the Raphanus rusticanus of -Lobellius, the Cochlearia Armoracia of Linnæus, the wild radish, or -horse-radish. - -[999] Or “white.” From the extreme whiteness of the roots. - -[1000] Probably meaning, “radish of Armorica.” - -[1001] Fée suggests that he is here speaking of the beet-root, in -reality a native of the north of Europe. - -[1002] Thirteenth of February. - -[1003] The festival of Vulcan, beginning on the twenty-third of August, -and lasting eight days. - -[1004] A natural production, the carbonate of sodium of the chemists, -known from time immemorial by the name of “natron.” See B. xxx. c. 46; -from which passage it would appear that it was generally employed for -watering the leguminous plants. - -[1005] Dioscorides recommends these puerilities with the cabbage, and -not the radish; though Celsus gives similar instructions with reference -to the radish. - -[1006] It was a general belief with the ancients that the phthiriasis, -or morbus pediculosus, has its seat in the heart. It was supposed -also that the juice of the radish was able, by reason of its supposed -subtlety, to penetrate the coats of that organ. - -[1007] This is said by other ancient authors, in reference to the -_cabbage_ and the vine. See B. xxiv. c. i. - -[1008] There is some doubt as to the identity of this plant, but Fée, -after examining the question, comes to the conclusion that it is the -Daucus Carota, or else Mauritanicus of Linnæus, the common carrot, or -that of Mauritania. Sprengel takes it to be either this last or the -Daucus guttatus, a plant commonly found in Greece. - -[1009] The Pastinaca sativa of Linnæus, or common parsnip. - -[1010] The marsh-mallow, probably, the Althæa officinalis of Linnæus. - -[1011] The carrot. The Daucus Carota of Linnæus. - -[1012] In B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1013] “Siser.” The Sium sisarum of Linnæus. See also B. xx. c. 17. It -is said to have been originally a native of China. - -[1014] It is supposed that this is the same with Gelb, near Neuss, in -Germany, mentioned by Tacitus, Hist. B. iv. cc. 26, 32. - -[1015] The Inula Helenium of Linnæus. Its English name is derived from -Inula campana, that under which it is so highly recommended in the -precepts of the School of Health at Salerno. See also B. xx. c. 19. At -the present day it is universally rejected as an article of food in any -shape. - -[1016] The School of Salerno says that it may be preserved by being -pickled in brine, or else in the juice of rue, which, as Fée remarks, -would produce neither more nor less than a veritable poison. The modern -Pharmacopœias give the receipt of a conserve of elecampane, which, -however, is no longer used. - -[1017] “Defrutum.” Must, boiled down to one half. - -[1018] The daughter of Augustus Cæsar. - -[1019] The same account nearly is given in Columella, De Re Rust. B. -xi. c. 3. - -[1020] Under this general name were included, probably, garlic, -scallions, chives, and some kinds of onions; but it is quite impossible -to identify the ancient “bulbus” more closely than this. - -[1021] It has been suggested that this was probably the onion, the -Allium cepa of Linnæus. - -[1022] The Scilla maritima of Linnæus, the sea-squill. - -[1023] See B. xx. c. 39. He might have added that it renders vinegar -both an emetic, and a violent purgative. - -[1024] The leaves are in all cases green, and no other colour; but in -one kind the squamæ, or bracted leaves, are white, and in another, red. - -[1025] Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 11, gives it this name. As -none of the sea-squills can be eaten with impunity, Fée is inclined to -doubt if this really was a squill. - -[1026] They still abound in those places. The Spanish coasts on the -Mediterranean, Fée says, as well as the vicinity of Gibraltar, are -covered with them. - -[1027] In c. 39. - -[1028] Fée thinks that this may be the Muscaria botryoïdes of Miller, -_Dict. No. I._ See also B. xx. c. 41. - -[1029] A variety, probably, of the common onion, the Allium cepa of -Linnæus. - -[1030] Some variety of the genus Allium, Fée thinks. - -[1031] Fée queries whether this may not be some cyperaceous plant with -a bulbous root. - -[1032] A white bulb, if we may judge from the name. The whole of this -passage is from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 11. - -[1033] This has not been identified. The old reading was “ægilops,” a -name now given to a kind of grass. - -[1034] The Iris sisyrinchium of Linnæus. - -[1035] The Arum colocasia of Linnæus, held in great esteem by the -ancient Egyptians as a vegetable. The root is not a bulb, but -tubercular, and the leaf bears no resemblance to that of the Lapathum, -dock or sorrel. It was sometimes known by the name of “lotus.” - -[1036] In Gaul. See B. iv. c. 31. - -[1037] This passage, and indeed nearly the whole of the Chapter, is -borrowed from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. i. c. 9. - -[1038] Fée thinks that by the expression μονόῤῥιζα, Theophrastus means -a root that strikes vertically, instead of spreading. - -[1039] Gramen. See B. xviii. c. 67, and B. xxiv. c. 118. - -[1040] Atriplex. See B. xx. c. 83. - -[1041] See B. xx. c. 93. - -[1042] Poinsinet suggests that this may mean the “mole-plant,” ἀσπάλαξ -being the Greek for “mole.” - -[1043] “Perdicium.” See B. xxii. cc. 19, 20. - -[1044] “Crocus.” See B. xxi. c. 17, _et seq._ - -[1045] This is not the fact. All these assertions are from -Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 3. - -[1046] Fée thinks that the ocimum of Pliny is not the basil of the -moderns, the Ocimum basilicum of the naturalists. The account, however, -here given would very well apply to basil. - -[1047] The Heliotropium Europæum of botany. See B. xxii. c. 19. - -[1048] These assertions, Fée says, are not consistent with modern -experience. - -[1049] See c. 45 of this Book. - -[1050] “Gethyum.” The Allium schœnoprasum, probably, of botany, the -ciboul or scallion. - -[1051] The Allium cepa of Linnæus. - -[1052] The inhabitants of Pelusium, more particularly, were devoted to -the worship of the onion. They held it, in common with garlic, in great -aversion as an article of food. At Pelusium there was a temple also in -which the sea-squill was worshipped. - -[1053] With some little variation, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. -vii. c. 4. - -[1054] Supposed to be identical with the Allium Ascalonicum of Linnæus, -the chalotte. Pliny is the only writer who mentions the Alsidenian -onion. - -[1055] To the Ascalonian onion, the scallion, or ciboul, owes its -English name. - -[1056] Owing to the acetic acid which the bulb contains, and which acts -on the membranes of the eye. - -[1057] “Pinguitudinis.” - -[1058] Fée queries whether the early white onion of Florence, the -smallest now known among the cultivated kinds, may not possibly be -identical with the setanian, or else the Tusculan, variety. - -[1059] From σχίζω, to “divide” or “tear off.” - -[1060] “Capitata.” - -[1061] For this reason, Fée is inclined to regard it as a variety -either of garlic, Allium sativum, or of the chalotte, Allium -Ascalonicum of Linnæus. - -[1062] The Allium porrum of Linnæus. - -[1063] This prejudice in favour of the leek, as Fée remarks, still -exists. It is doubtful, however, whether its mucilage has any -beneficial effect upon the voice. See B. xx. c. 21. - -[1064] Fée says, that it is a practice with many gardeners, more -harmful than beneficial, to cut the leaves of the leek as it grows, -their object being to increase the size of the stalk. - -[1065] Martial, B. xiii. Epig. 19, mentions the leeks of Aricia. - -[1066] Fée thinks that this may be the wild leek, which is commonly -found as a weed in Spain. - -[1067] M. Annæus Mela, the brother of L. Seneca the philosopher, and -the father of the poet Lucan. - -[1068] Though Pliny would seem inclined, as Fée says, to credit this -story, the juice of the leek is in reality quite harmless. - -[1069] The Allium sativum of Linnæus. It was much eaten by the Roman -soldiers and sailors, and by the field labourers. It is in reference to -this vegetable, “more noxious than hemlock,” that Horace exclaims— - - “O dura messorum ilia!” - -[1070] It was thought to have the property of neutralizing the venom of -serpents; and though persons who had just eaten of it were not allowed -to enter the Temple of the Mother of the Gods, it was prescribed to -those who wished to be purified and absolved from crimes. It is still -held in considerable esteem in the south of Europe, where, by the lower -classes, great medicinal virtues are ascribed to it. - -[1071] Theophrastus says, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4, that this is the -largest of all the varieties of garlic. - -[1072] Second of May. - -[1073] Seventeenth of December. - -[1074] The Allium oleraceum of Linnæus. - -[1075] Fée refuses credence to this story. - -[1076] “Ursinum.” The Allium ursinum of Linnæus. Instead, however, of -having the comparatively mild smell of millet, its odour is powerful; -so much so, as to impart a strong flavour to the milk of the cows that -eat of it. It is very common, Fée says, in nearly every part of France. - -[1077] The whole nearly of this Chapter is borrowed from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vii. cc. 1 and 2. It must be borne in mind that what -the Romans called the “third” day would with us be the “second,” and so -on; as in reckoning, they included the day reckoned _from_, as well as -the day reckoned _to_. - -[1078] Fée remarks, that most of the observations made in this Chapter -are well founded. - -[1079] This statement, Fée remarks, is entirely a fiction, it being -impossible for seed to acquire, the second year, a faculty of -germinating which it has not had in the first. - -[1080] This is true, but, as Fée observes, the instances might be -greatly extended. - -[1081] Fée says that basil, the Ocimum basilicum of Linnæus, is not -meant here, nor yet the leguminous plant that was known to the Romans -by that name. - -[1082] A singular superstition truly! Theophrastus says the same in -relation to cummin seed. - -[1083] This is not done at the present day. - -[1084] This can hardly be our basil, the Ocimum basilicum, for that -plant is an annual. - -[1085] Fée suggests that Pliny may have intended here to except the -Monocotyledons, for otherwise his assertion would be false. - -[1086] This, Fée says, cannot be basil, for when cut it will not shoot -again. - -[1087] The radish is not mentioned in the parallel passage by -Theophrastus. - -[1088] The lettuce, as Fée remarks, will not shoot again when cut down. - -[1089] This puerility, Fée observes, runs counter to the more moral -adage, that “stolen goods never prosper.” - -[1090] See B. xi. c. 15. - -[1091] This variety, Fée says, is the Apium graveolens of Linnæus. - -[1092] Or marsh-parsley. - -[1093] Pliny has mistranslated, or rather misread, the passage of -Theophrastus, who says, B. vii. c. 6, that this kind of parsley is -μανόφυλλον, “thinly covered with leaves,” and not μονόφυλλον, “having -a single leaf.” Palladius (_In Aprili._) translates it, “molli folio,” -“with a soft leaf;” but, though Fée commends this version, it is not -correct. - -[1094] Or “horse-parsley.” Hardouin takes this to be Macedonian -parsley, the Bubon Macedonicum of Linnæus. Fée, following C. Bauhin -and Sprengel, is inclined to identify it with Macerona, the Smyrnium -olusatrum of Linnæus. - -[1095] Or “mountain-parsley.” Probably the Athamanta oreoselinum of -Linnæus. Some commentators, however, take it to be the Laserpitium -formosum of Wilidenow. Sprengel identifies it with the Selinum -oreoselinum of Linnæus. - -[1096] The Apium petroselinum, probably, of Linnæus. - -[1097] The Lactuca sativa of Linnæus. This account of the Greek -varieties is from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4. - -[1098] This, no doubt, is fabulous, and on a par with the Greek -tradition that Adonis concealed himself under the leaves of a lettuce, -when he was attacked and killed by the wild boar. The Coss, or Roman, -lettuce, as Fée remarks, is the largest of all, and that never exceeds -fifteen to twenty inches in height, leaves, stalk and all. - -[1099] This would seem not to be a distinct variety, as the rounded -stalk is a characteristic of them all. - -[1100] “Sessile.” A cabbage-lettuce, probably; though Hardouin dissents -from that opinion. - -[1101] Columella more particularly. There are still varieties known -respectively as the black, brown, white, purple, red, and blood-red -lettuce. - -[1102] Martial, B. v. Epig. 79, gives to this lettuce the epithet of -“vile.” - -[1103] It has been suggested that this may have been wild endive, the -Cichoreum intubus of botanists. - -[1104] Or “poppy-lettuce.” See B. xx. c. 26. The Lactuca virosa, -probably, of modern botany, the milky juice of which strongly resembles -opium in its effects. - -[1105] For its medicinal qualities, most probably. - -[1106] “Lac.” - -[1107] So called, Columella informs us, from Cæcilius Metellus, Consul -A.U.C. 503. - -[1108] Meaning “antaphrodisiac.” The other name has a kindred meaning. - -[1109] A.U.C. 731. - -[1110] Antonius Musa. For this service he received a large sum of -money, and the permission to wear a gold ring, and a statue was erected -by public subscription in honour of him, near that of Æsculapius. He is -supposed to be the person described by Virgil in the Æneid, B, xii. l. -390, _et seq._, under the name of Iapis. See B. xxix. c. 5 of this work. - -[1111] Vinegar and honey; a mixture very ill-adapted, as Fée observes, -to preserve either the medicinal or alimentary properties of the -lettuce. - -[1112] “Caprina lactuca.” See B. xx. c. 24. - -[1113] Endive, in fact, belongs to the same family as the lettuce. - -[1114] This is not the case; unless, indeed, under the name “lactuca,” -Pliny would include several plants, that in reality are not lettuces. - -[1115] The stalk, in fact, is more intensely bitter than the leaves. - -[1116] “Erraticum.” Wild endive. - -[1117] From which comes the French “chicorée,” and our “chicory,” or -“succory.” - -[1118] In B. xx. c. 29, and B. xxi. c. 52. - -[1119] The usual times for sowing the lettuce are before winter and -after February. - -[1120] An excess of manure is injurious to the lettuce. - -[1121] As already stated in a previous Note (p. 179), lettuces when cut -down will not grow again, with the exception of a few worthless lateral -branches. - -[1122] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4. - -[1123] Not the Beta sicla of modern botany, Fée thinks. The black beet -of the ancients would be one of the dark purple kinds. - -[1124] It was only the leaf of beet, and not the root, that was eaten -by the ancients. From Martial, B. xiii. Epig. 10, we learn that the -leaves were preserved in a mixture of wine and pepper. - -[1125] Though not positively unwholesome, the leaves would form an -insipid dish, that would not agree with all stomachs. Galen says that -it cannot be eaten in great quantities with impunity, but Diphilus the -physician, as quoted by Athenæus, B. ix. c. 3, says the reverse. Some -MSS. read here “innocentiorem,” “more harmless.” - -[1126] Columella says the same, De Re Rust. B. xi. c. 3. - -[1127] Fée would seem to render this, “when wine has been spoiled by -cabbage leaves being mixed with it.” - -[1128] De Re Rust. cc. 156, 157. - -[1129] In B. xx. c. 33. - -[1130] Or “parsley” cabbage, so called from its crisped leaves: the -curled colewort, or Brassica viridis crispa of C. Bauhin. - -[1131] The same as our Brussels sprouts. Columella, however, B. xi. c. -3, and B. xii. c. 7, speaks of the Brassica cyma as a distinct variety -of cabbage. - -[1132] See B. viii. c. 77. - -[1133] The Brassica oleracea capitata of Lamarck, and its varieties. - -[1134] The ordinary cabbage, or Brassica oleracea of Linnæus. - -[1135] A variety, Fée thinks, of the Lacuturrian cabbage. - -[1136] The Brassica oleracea botrytis of Linnæus, the cauliflower. - -[1137] Or Calabrian cabbage: it has not been identified. - -[1138] The Brassica oleracea Sabellica of Linnæus, or fringed cabbage. - -[1139] Or “Lake-towers.” The turnip-cabbage or rape-colewort, the -Brassica oleracea gongyloides of Linnæus. - -[1140] Generally thought to be the Crambe maritima of botanists, -sea-cabbage, or sea-kale. Some, however, take it to be the Convolvulus -soldanella of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 38. - -[1141] From ἅλς, the “sea.” - -[1142] He alludes to the statement made by Columella, probably, De Re -Rust. B. xi. c. 3. - -[1143] Fée remarks, that probably we here find the first germs of the -practice which resulted in the making of sour-krout (sauer-kraut). -Dalechamps censures Pliny for the mention of trefoil here, the passage -which he has translated speaking not of that plant, but of the trefoil -or three-leaved cabbage. - -[1144] The same as the “chara,” probably, mentioned by Cæsar, Bell. -Civ. B. iii. Hardouin thinks that it is the common parsnip, while -Clusius and Cuvier would identify it with the Crambe Tatarica -of Hungary, the roots of which are eaten in time of scarcity at -the present day. Fée suggests that it may belong to the Brassica -napo-brassica of Linnæus, the rape-colewort. See B. xx. c. 37. - -[1145] Or cabbage-sprout. - -[1146] In B. xvi. c. 67. The Asparagus officinalis of Linnæus. - -[1147] De Re Rust. c. 161. - -[1148] Or wild sperage. See B. xvi. c. 67; also B. xx. c. 43. - -[1149] “Spongiis.” Fée is at a loss to know why the name “spongia” -should have been given to the roots of asparagus. Probably, as -Facciolati says, from their growing close and matted together. See the -end of this Chapter. - -[1150] De Re Rust. c. 161. - -[1151] See B. xvii. c. 47. - -[1152] On the contrary, Martial says that the asparagus of Ravenna was -no better than so much wild asparagus. - -[1153] In B. xvi. c. 67. See also c. 19 of this Book. - -[1154] Dioscorides mentions this absurdity, but refuses to credit it. - -[1155] Probably the artichoke, the Cinara scolymus of Linnæus. See -further on this subject, B. xx. c. 99. - -[1156] About £24 sterling. “Sestertia” has been suggested, which would -make the sum a thousand times as much. - -[1157] The ass, of course, excepted, which is fond of thistles. - -[1158] Seventh of March. - -[1159] Thirteenth of November. - -[1160] “Si Dîs placet.” - -[1161] Oxymel. - -[1162] This is evidently said contemptuously. - -[1163] See further as to the identity of this plant, B. xx. c. 48. - -[1164] Twenty-second of April. - -[1165] Brassica eruca of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 49. - -[1166] Cresses, or nosesmart, the Lepidium sativum of Linnæus. See B. -xx. c. 50. - -[1167] “Quod nasum torqueat.” - -[1168] The Ruta graveolens of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 51. This offensive -herb, though looked upon by the Romans as a vegetable, is now only -regarded as an active medicament of almost poisonous qualities. - -[1169] A.U.C. 421. - -[1170] It so happens that it thrives best on the same soil as the -fig-tree. - -[1171] This practice has no beneficial effect whatever. - -[1172] This is not the fact; for its branches never come in contact -with the ground. - -[1173] Pliny has derived the greater part of this Chapter from -Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 5, and Columella, B. xi. c. 3. - -[1174] For the purpose of separating the seeds, which are slightly -joined together; and of disengaging a portion of the perisperm. At the -present day this is not done, for fear of bursting the kernel of the -seed. - -[1175] See B. xx. c. 53. - -[1176] Called by the Greeks καλαμίνθη, according to Apuleius. - -[1177] Or “Mentha.” - -[1178] “Sweet-smelling.” - -[1179] “Sæpius.” See B. xviii. c. 60. - -[1180] The Cuminum cyminum of botanists. See B. xx. c. 57. - -[1181] See B. xx. c. 57. - -[1182] In Hispania Tarraconensis. See B. iii. c. 4. - -[1183] Or “black-herb:” the herb Alexander, the Smyrnium olusatrum of -Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 46. - -[1184] “Horse-parsley.” - -[1185] See B. xvii. c. 14, and B. xxi. c. 14. - -[1186] Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 1. This story originated, no doubt, in -the fancied resemblance of its smell to that of myrrh. - -[1187] The Capparis spinosa of Linnæus. See B. xiii. c. 44, also B. xx. -c. 59. - -[1188] In B. xiii. c. 44. - -[1189] The Carum carvi of Linnæus. - -[1190] Caria, in Asia Minor. - -[1191] The Ligusticum levisticum of Linnæus. - -[1192] “Ox cunila.” One of the Labiatæ, probably; but whether one of -the Satureia or of the Thymbra is not known. See B. xx. cc. 60, 61. - -[1193] See B. xxi. c. 32. - -[1194] Scribonius Largus gives this name to savory, the Satureia -hortensis of Linnæus. The whole of this passage is very confused, and -its meaning is by no means clear. - -[1195] The Lepidium sativum of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 70. - -[1196] It is an annual, in fact. - -[1197] Its leaf has no resemblance whatever to that of the laurel. - -[1198] The Nigella sativa of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 71. - -[1199] Or sagapenum. See B. xx. c. 75. It is mentioned also in B. xii. -c. 56, as being used for adulterating galbanum. As to laser, see c. 15 -of the present Book. - -[1200] This practice, as Fée remarks, is not followed; and indeed, -unless it is intended to transplant them, it would be attended with -injurious results to the young plants. - -[1201] As to the poppy, for further particulars see B. xx. c. 76 and -the Note. - -[1202] The variety Album of the Papaver somniferum of modern botanists. - -[1203] The variety Nigrum of the Papaver somniferum. The white poppy -has also a milky juice. - -[1204] The Papaver rhœas of modern botanists, the corn-poppy, or wild -poppy. The seed of the poppy does not partake of the qualities of its -capsular envelope, and at the present day it is extensively employed in -the South of Europe for sprinkling over pastry. - -[1205] “Rhœas,” the “crimson,” or “pomegranate” poppy. - -[1206] See B. xx. cc. 76-79. - -[1207] See c. 17 of this Book, also Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 703, _et -seq._ - -[1208] “Lad’s love.” - -[1209] Black mustard, Fée thinks. - -[1210] He can hardly mean a pottage made of boiled mustard-seed alone, -as Fée seems to think. If so, however, Fée no doubt is right in -thinking that it would be intolerable to a modern palate. - -[1211] See B. xx. c. 87. - -[1212] Perhaps a corruption of its Greek name, σίνηπι. - -[1213] Hardouin suggests “thlaspi.” - -[1214] Its bite being as sharp as the venom of the “saurus,” or lizard. - -[1215] Hardouin, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, suggests -a reading, “whence the streams bring down branches of them torn off, -and so plant them.” - -[1216] The plants. Fée says, that we find in these localities, are -nearly always ferns, or else Marchantia, or mosses of the genus Hypnum. -Fée queries whether one of these may not have been the sisymbrium of -Pliny. Water-cresses, again, have been suggested. - -[1217] In B. viii. c. 41. The Anæthum fœniculum of Linnæus. - -[1218] In B. xiii. c. 42. - -[1219] The Cannabis sativa of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. 97. - -[1220] Hemp-seed is never smoke-dried now. - -[1221] See B. v. c. 29. The same hemp is mentioned as being used for -making hunting-nets, by Gratius, in the Cynegeticon. - -[1222] See B. v. c. 29. - -[1223] See B. iii. c. 17, and B. xvii. c. 3. - -[1224] This, as Fée says, is no doubt erroneous. It is seldom known to -attain a couple of inches in circumference. - -[1225] In B. xiii. c. 42. - -[1226] These absurd notions are borrowed from Theophrastus, De Causis, -c. 8. - -[1227] See B. xx. c. 91. - -[1228] Or, according to some readings, “limodorum,” a parasitical -plant, probably the Lathræa phelypea of Sprengel. Fée suggests that -this plant may be the Polygonum convolvulus of Linnæus, or else one of -the Cuscutæ, or a variety of Orobanche. - -[1229] “Scabies.” A fungous excrescence, Fée thinks, now known as -“puccinia,” or “uredo.” - -[1230] See B. xvii. c. 47. Fée says that he has met with persons, in -their sound senses, who obstinately defend the notion here mentioned by -Pliny. - -[1231] See Theophrastus. Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 5. Many of these -insects, however, do not breed upon the plants, but are only attracted -to them. - -[1232] “Book on Gardening.” - -[1233] The Heliotropium Europæum of botanists. See B. xxii. c. 29. - -[1234] This may possibly, Fée says, be efficacious against some insects. - -[1235] See B. xviii. c. 45. - -[1236] A mere puerility, of course, though it is very possible that the -insects may collect in it, and so be more easily taken. Garden-pots, on -sticks, are still employed for this purpose. - -[1237] See B. xvi. c. 30. - -[1238] “Culices,” including both flies and gnats, probably. - -[1239] See B. xii. c. 56. - -[1240] An almost literal translation of Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. -vii. c. 6. - -[1241] This is certainly not true with reference to the leguminous and -gramineous plants. It is pretty generally known as a fact, that wheat -has germinated after being buried in the earth two thousand years: -mummy-wheat, at the present day, is almost universally known. - -[1242] Rain-water, if collected in cisterns, and exposed to the heat -of the sun, is the most beneficial of all; rain has the effect also of -killing numerous insects which have bred in the previous drought. - -[1243] From Theophrastus, B. vii. c. 5. Evening is generally preferred -to morning for this purpose; the evaporation not being so quick, and -the plant profiting more from the water. - -[1244] It should, however, be of a middling temperature, and warmed to -some extent by the rays of the sun. - -[1245] These statements are consistent with modern experience. - -[1246] See B. xx. c. 85. - -[1247] He says this probably in reference partly to the large leaves -which characterize the varieties of dock. - -[1248] Dishes made of rice or barley. See B. xviii. c. 13. - -[1249] See B. xx. c. 85. - -[1250] He does not give the name of the poet, but, as Fée says, we do -not experience any great loss thereby. - -[1251] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 6. - -[1252] See B. xv. c. 32. - -[1253] “Absinthium.” See B. xxvii. c. 28. - -[1254] See B. xxv. c. 30. - -[1255] Fée remarks, that though rarely to be met with, the salt flavour -is still to be found in the vegetable kingdom. - -[1256] The “cicercula,” or Lathyrus sativus of Linnæus. See B. xviii. -c. 32. - -[1257] See B. xii. c. 57. - -[1258] Or pepper-wort. See B. xx. c. 66. - -[1259] See B. xx. c. 54. - -[1260] The same, probably, as olusatrum. See cc. 37 and 48 of this -Book, and B. xx. c. 46: also B. xxvii. c. 109. - -[1261] In B. xii. c. 57. - -[1262] See c. 48 of this Book. - -[1263] Rosemary, or “sea-dew.” - -[1264] See B. xx. c. 74. - -[1265] Fée suggests, though apparently without any good reason, that -this paragraph, to the end of the Book, is an interpolation of the -copyists. - -[1266] See end of B. xiv. - -[1267] See end of B. ii. - -[1268] See end of B. xiv. - -[1269] See end of B. iii. - -[1270] See end of B. iii. - -[1271] See end of B. vii. - -[1272] See end of B. ii. - -[1273] See end of B. vii. - -[1274] See end of B. viii. - -[1275] See end of B. xvi. - -[1276] See end of B. x. - -[1277] Beyond the mention made of this writer in c. 57, nothing -whatever is known of him. - -[1278] C. Licinius Macer, a Roman annalist and orator, born about B.C. -110. Upon being impeached by Cicero, he committed suicide. He wrote a -History or Annals of Rome, which are frequently referred to by Livy and -Dionysius of Halicarnassus. - -[1279] Nothing whatever appears to be known of this writer. - -[1280] See end of B. xiv. - -[1281] Nothing whatever is known relative to this writer on -Horticulture. - -[1282] Nothing certain is known of him; but it has been suggested that -he may have been the father of the rhetorician Castritius, so often -mentioned by Aulus Gellius, and who lived in the time of the Emperor -Adrian. - -[1283] Nothing whatever is known relative to this writer. - -[1284] The author of a Greek poem on venomous serpents, mentioned in B. -xx. c. 96, and B. xxii. c. 40, and by the Scholiast on the Theriaca of -Nicander. - -[1285] See end of B. ii. - -[1286] See end of B. iii. - -[1287] See end of B. ii. - -[1288] See end of B. xi. - -[1289] Nothing whatever is known of him. His Book seems to have been a -compendium of “Things useful to life.” - -[1290] A physician and Pythagorean philosopher, born at one of the -cities called Larissa, but which, is now unknown. He was banished by -the Emperor Augustus, B.C. 28, on the charge of practising magic, a -charge probably based on his superior skill in natural philosophy. He -is frequently mentioned by Pliny in the course of this work. - -[1291] Fée remarks, that the commencement of this exordium is contrary -to truth, and that Pliny appears to forget that in the Eighteenth Book -he has treated, at very considerable length, of the various cereals, -the art of preparing bread, pottages, ptisans, &c. He suggests, that -the author may have originally intended to place the Eighteenth Book -_after_ the present one, and that on changing his plan he may have -neglected to alter the present passage. From his mention, however, -of man’s “ignorance by what means lie exists,” it is not improbable -that he may have considered that the nutritive qualities of plants -are really based upon their medicinal virtues, a point of view little -regarded by the majority of mankind in his time, but considered by -Pliny to be the true key to a just appreciation of their utility. - -[1292] “Quibus cuncta constant.” See B. xxiv. c. 1. - -[1293] See B. xxxiv. c. 42. - -[1294] The “theamedes.” See B. xxxvi. c. 25. - -[1295] Pliny is the only author who makes mention of this singularly -absurd notion. - -[1296] In B. xix. c. 24: so, too, Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 154. The wild -cucumber of Pliny, as Fée observes, is in reality not a cucumber, but a -totally different plant, the Cucumis silvestris asininus of C. Bauhin, -the Momordica elaterium of Linnæus, or squirting cucumber. - -[1297] Elaterium, Fée says, is not extracted from the seed, but is the -juice of the fruit itself, as Pliny, contradicting himself, elsewhere -informs us. Theophrastus commits the same error, which Dioscorides does -not; and it is not improbable that Pliny has copied from two sources -the method of making it. - -[1298] Meaning the juice and seed combined, probably. Fée thinks that -it is to this the medicament owes its name, from ἐλαύνω, to “drive” -or “impel.” It is much more probable, however, that the medicine was -so called from its strong purgative powers; for, as Galen tells us, -ἐλατήριον was a name given to purgative medicines in general. - -[1299] Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 154, states to this effect. Fée remarks -that, singularly enough, most of the antiophthalmics used by the -ancients, were composed of acrid and almost corrosive medicaments, -quite in opposition to the sounder notions entertained on the subject -by the moderns. - -[1300] Dioscorides says the same; and much the same statements are made -by Celsus, Apuleius, Marcellus Empiricus, and Plinius Valerianus. The -different parts of the plant, dried, have but very feeble properties, -Fée says. - -[1301] A sort of tetter or ring-worm. Celsus enumerates four varieties. - -[1302] Itch-scab, probably. - -[1303] A disease of the skin, in which the scab assumes the form almost -of a lichen or moss. - -[1304] “Panos.” “Panus” was the name given to a wide-spreading, but -not deeply-seated, tumour, the surface of which presented a blistered -appearance. - -[1305] Fée says that this is not the fact, as it speedily deteriorates -by keeping. - -[1306] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 10. - -[1307] Fée acknowledges the truth of this observation, that of a green -colour containing feculent matter, and showing that the juice is not -pure. - -[1308] In reality there is no such resemblance whatever. See B. xxii. -c. 29. - -[1309] Fée says that this is an exaggerated account of the properties -of the wild cucumber, as it would require a very considerable dose to -cause death. - -[1310] The Morbus pedicularis, or “lousy disease.” - -[1311] This has been identified by some writers, Fée says, with the -Cucumis flexuosus of Linnæus; but, as he observes, that plant comes -originally from India, and it is more than probable that it was not -known by the ancients; in addition to which, it is possessed of no -medicinal properties whatever. He looks upon it as an indigenous plant -not identified. - -[1312] So Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 154. - -[1313] “Morbus regius;” literally, the “royal disease.” - -[1314] “Lentigo.” - -[1315] See B. xix. c. 23. It is but little appreciated for its -medicinal properties by the moderns. Emulsions are sometimes made of -the seeds, which are of an oily nature. Fée says that the French ladies -esteem pommade of cucumber as an excellent cosmetic; which is, however, -an erroneous notion. - -[1316] The combination of cummin with cucumber seed is in opposition, -Fée remarks, with their medicinal properties, the one being soothing, -and the other moderately exciting. - -[1317] As to the several varieties of the pumpkin or gourd, known under -this name, see B. xix. c. 24. - -[1318] Dioscorides states to the same effect, and, as Fée thinks, with -a probability of being correct. - -[1319] “Smegmata.” - -[1320] This assertion, Fée says, is utterly untrue. - -[1321] From ἐπί, “upon,” and νὺξ, “night.” These are red or whitish -pustules, accompanied with sharp pains, which appear on the skin at -night, and disappear in the day-time. See c. 21. - -[1322] Or “many-legs.” See B. xxix. c. 39. Probably one of our -millepedes or centipedes: though Fée suggests that it may have been a -large caterpillar. - -[1323] From σηπεῖν, “to rot.” - -[1324] This, Fée says, is untrue: but it is hard to say on what grounds -he himself asserts that the smell of the cucumber is faint, and almost -nauseous. - -[1325] This, probably, is not conformable to modern notions on the -subject. - -[1326] From the Greek σομφὸς, porous, spongy, or hollow. - -[1327] It is supposed by some naturalists that this gourd is the -variety Pyxidaris of the Cucurbita pepo of Linnæus, the Colocynthis -amara of C. Bauhin. Fée remarks, however, that this designation is -arbitrary; as this plant never grows wild in Europe, and its pulp is -so bitter, that instead of proving beneficial to the stomach, it would -cause vomiting. From the fact of its comparison to the human finger, he -doubts if it really was one of the Cucurbitæ at all. - -[1328] The Cucumis colocynthus of Linnæus, or Coloquintida, so -remarkable for its bitterness. - -[1329] It is an extremely drastic, and indeed violent purgative. - -[1330] Recurring at stated times. The absurdity of this statement does -not require discussion. - -[1331] The cultivated cucumber, Fée says. - -[1332] Or “aposthumes,” a kind of abscess, probably. - -[1333] “Ignis sacer,” literally “sacred fire.” It is sometimes called -“St. Anthony’s fire.” Celsus, in describing it, distinguishes it, -however, from erysipelas, and divides it into two kinds. - -[1334] On the contrary, Fée says, the pulp of the gourd is tough and -leathery, extremely insipid, and destitute of any salutary qualities. - -[1335] A decoction of rape or turnips is still recommended for -chilblains at the present day. Fée remarks that ground mustard is much -preferable. - -[1336] This, as Fée remarks, he says of nearly all the vegetable -productions known. - -[1337] It is only suited as an aliment to a strong stomach, and it is -owing to the property here mentioned that the School of Salerno says,— - -Ventum sæpe capis, si tu vis vivere rapis. - -and - -Rapa juvat stomachum, novit producere ventum. - - -[1338] Dioscorides and Galen say the same, but this property is not -recognized in modern times. - -[1339] “Eruca:” a plant itself of a very stimulating nature. - -[1340] The Brassica napus, var. α of Linnæus, the Brassica asperifolia, -var. α of Decandolles, the “navette” of the French. An oil is extracted -from the seed, very similar to the Colza oil, extracted from the -Brassica oleracea. - -[1341] It is in reality of a blackish hue without, and white within. - -[1342] See B. xxii. c. 73. Dioscorides speaks of the use of the wild -rape for this purpose, B. ii. c. 135. - -[1343] See B. xviii. c. 35, and B. xix. c. 25. - -[1344] Dalechamps remarks that Pliny here confounds the bunion with the -bunias; the first of which, as Fée says, is an umbellifera, either the -Bunium bulbocastanum of Linnæus, or the Peucedanum silaus of Linnæus, -and the second is the Brassica napo-brassica of Linnæus. Dioscorides -says that the stalks of the bunion are quadrangular. M. Fraas thinks -that the bunion is the Bunium pumilum of modern Botany, and says -that the Bunium bulbocastanum, usually supposed to be the bunion of -Dioscorides, is a stranger to Greece. - -[1345] These properties, Fée says, are not to be found in the Bunium -bulbocastanum of modern botanists. - -[1346] Sillig is of opinion that there is an hiatus here in the text, -and that the meaning is that a drachma of the juice is taken with -something else: honey possibly, he suggests. - -[1347] The Brassica napo-brassica of Linnæus. - -[1348] See B. xix. c. 26. - -[1349] The Cochlearia Armoracia of Linnæus. - -[1350] In B. xix. c. 26. - -[1351] Fée says that the medicinal properties recognized by the moderns -in the several varieties of the Raphanus sativus are, that their action -is slightly stimulating when eaten raw, and that boiled and eaten with -sugar they are soothing, and act as a pectoral. - -[1352] “Lagonoponon.” Nearly all these asserted virtues of the radish, -Fée says, are illusory. - -[1353] “Phlegmoni.” Stagnation of the blood, with heat, redness, -swelling, and pain. - -[1354] “Veternosi.” Fée says that, rigorously speaking, “veternus” was -that state of somnolency which is the prelude to apoplexy. - -[1355] The Coluber cerastes of Linnæus. See B. viii. c. 35. - -[1356] Poinsinet warns us not to place too implicit faith in this -assertion. - -[1357] Dioscorides says the same, but the assertion is quite destitute -of truth. - -[1358] Nicander, in his “Alexipharmaca,” ll. 430 and 527, says that the -cabbage, _not_ the radish, is good for poisoning by fungi and henbane; -and in l. 300 he states that the cabbage is similarly beneficial -against the effects of bullock’s blood. Pliny has probably fallen into -the error by confounding ῥάφανος, the “cabbage,” with ῥαφανίς, the -“radish.” - -[1359] Themistocles is said to have killed himself by taking hot -bullock’s blood. It is, however, very doubtful. - -[1360] “Morbus comitialis”—literally the “comitial disease.” Epilepsy -it is said, was so called because, if any person was seized with it -at the “Comitia” or public assemblies of the Roman people, it was the -custom to adjourn the meeting to another day. - -[1361] From μέλας, “black,” and χολή, “bile.” Melancholy, or -bad spirits, was so called from a notion that it was owing to a -predominance of an imaginary secretion called by the ancients “black -bile.” - -[1362] The cœliac flux, Fée says, is symptomatic of chronic enteritis; -and is a species of diarrhœa, in which the chyme is voided without -undergoing any change in passing through the intestines. - -[1363] “Præcordiorum.” - -[1364] “Enterocele.” - -[1365] De Morb. Mulier. B. ii. c. 67. - -[1366] Eating or corroding ulcers. - -[1367] Hippocrates, De Diætâ, B. ii. cc. 25, 26, says that radishes are -of a cold, and hyssop of a warm, nature. - -[1368] “Moloche agria.” - -[1369] See B. xix. c. 27. - -[1370] See B. viii. c. 73. - -[1371] De Remed. B. iv. c. 24. The parsnip is a stimulating plant, and -it is not without reason, Fée says, that Celsus recommends it for this -purpose. - -[1372] Or “wild.” See B. xix. c. 27. - -[1373] This seed, Fée says, is an energetic excitant, and certainly -would not be found suitable for any of the purposes here mentioned by -Pliny; though equally recommended for them by Galen, Dioscorides, and -in Athenæus. - -[1374] Tetanus, or contraction of the muscles, in which the head is -twisted round or stretched backwards. - -[1375] “Axungia;” properly swine’s grease, with which the axle-trees of -chariots were rubbed. See B. xxviii. c. 9. - -[1376] Diphilus of Siphnos, as quoted in Athenæus, B. ix. c. 3, states -that the ancients employed this plant as a philtre, for which reason it -was called by some persons φίλτρον. - -[1377] “Posca.” This was the ordinary drink of the lower classes at -Rome, as also the soldiers when on service, and the slaves. “Oxycrate” -is the scientific name sometimes given to vinegar and water. - -[1378] Πολλὰ Σύρων λάχανα. Similar to our proverb, probably, “There is -more corn in Egypt.” - -[1379] The Daucus visnaga of Linnæus, the Daucus gingidium of Sprengel, -the Visnagha, or Bisnagha of other botanists. It is also known as the -“wild carrot,” or “French carrot.” - -[1380] Or “erratic.” - -[1381] See B. xix. c. 28. - -[1382] The root and seed, Fée observes, really are stimulants: there is -no perceptible difference between the wild and cultivated plants. For -silphium, see B. xix. c. 15. - -[1383] Fée thinks that it may be so in a slight degree. - -[1384] Pliny often speaks of persons having swallowed quicksilver, but -never lets us know under what circumstances. As Fée remarks, it could -not be accidentally; nor yet, on the other hand, could it have been -done purposely, with the object of committing suicide, it not being an -active poison. He concludes that it must have been taken medicinally, -and that part of it becoming absorbed in the system, other remedies -were resorted to, to counteract its noxious effects. - -[1385] “Inutile,” and not “utile,” is evidently the correct reading -here. - -[1386] Σισάρον the “skirret,” and Σέσελι, Σέλι, or Σίλι, “hart-wort.” - -[1387] The Seseli tortuosum of Linnæus. - -[1388] Or Marseilles: the Seseli tortuosum. Fée says that there is -great confusion relative to the supposed varieties of this plant. -The Bupleurum fruticosum, or Seseli of Æthiopia, has leaves smaller -than those of ivy, and resembling the leaves of honeysuckle. That of -Peloponnesus, the Ligusticum austriacum, has a leaf similar to that of -hemlock, but larger and thicker; and the Seseli of Crete, some species -of the genus Tordylium, is a small plant which throws out shoots in -large quantities. All these, he says, are so far different plants, that -it is quite impossible to unite them with any degree of certainty under -one concordance. Indeed, he thinks it very possible that they do not -all belong to the genus Seseli of modern botanists. - -[1389] It is clear that Pliny hesitates to believe this story, and it -is hardly necessary to remark how utterly foreign this is to the habits -of carnivorous birds. - -[1390] See B. viii. c. 50. An absurd story. - -[1391] The Inula Helenium of botanists. See B. xix. c. 29. - -[1392] Modern notions, Fée says, do not agree with those of the -ancients on the subject of elecampane. The root owes the energy of its -action to the camphor which it contains. - -[1393] This notion of the virtues of the onion is quite erroneous, -though it still prevails to a considerable degree. Hippocrates, -however, Dioscorides, and Galen, like Pliny, attribute this property to -the onion. - -[1394] This, Fée says, is not the fact. - -[1395] A disease of the eye, by which the cornea contracts a whiteness. - -[1396] A white speck within the black of the eye. - -[1397] It is of no use whatever for such a purpose. - -[1398] Fox evil, or scurf, or scaldhead: a disease which causes the -hair to fall off the body. It derives its name from the Greek ἀλώπηξ, a -“fox,” from the circumstance that they were supposed to be peculiarly -affected with a similar disease. - -[1399] Or millepedes. See c. 6 of this Book. - -[1400] So the school of Salerno says— - -Non modicum sanas Asclepius asserit illas, Præsertim stomacho, -pulchrumque creare colorem. - - -[1401] This is not the case. - -[1402] “Vermiculis.” Small worms or maggots. - -[1403] “Porrum sectivum.” See B. xix. c. 33. - -[1404] Fée thinks that boiled leeks may possibly, with some justice, be -ranked among the pectorals. - -[1405] This, as Pliny himself here remarks, is a different disease from -that previously mentioned in c. 6 of this Book. - -[1406] From the Greek συκὴ, “a fig.” - -[1407] “Merum.” - -[1408] They would be of no utility whatever. - -[1409] This is an unfounded statement, Fée says. - -[1410] See B. xix. c. 33. Aristotle, Sotion, and Dioscorides state to -the same effect. - -[1411] “Porrum capitatum.” - -[1412] There is no difference now recognized between these two kinds of -leeks, so far as their medicinal effects are concerned. - -[1413] See B. xvi. c. 9. - -[1414] _I. e._ gum arabic. For an account of the Acacia Nilotica, see -B. xiii. c. 19. - -[1415] De Morb. Mul. B. ii. c. 89, and De Steril. c. 13. - -[1416] This is not the fact. - -[1417] See B. xix. c. 34. - -[1418] Fée says that the action of garlic is so powerful, that it is -one of the most energetic vermifuges known; but at the same time it is -so strong an excitant, that it is very liable to cause worse evils than -the presence even of worms. - -[1419] This serpent is described by Lucan, in the “Pharsalia,” B. ix. -l. 708, _et seq._, where a fearful account is given of the effects of -its sting. Nicander, in his “Theriaca,” informs us that those bitten -by the hæmorrhoïs die with the blood flowing from the nose and ears, -whence its name. - -[1420] Pard or panther-strangle. See B. xxvii. c. 2. The juice of -garlic has no such effect as here stated. - -[1421] De Morb. Mul. B. i. c. 74. - -[1422] See B. xxix. c. 39. - -[1423] The Morbus pedicularis. From the frequent mention of it, Fée -says, it would seem to have been very prevalent in ancient times; -whereas now, it is but rarely known. - -[1424] A disease of the skin; supposed by some to be the same as -ringworm. The word is employed in modern medicine to signify skin -diseases in general, such as itch, lichen, scaldhead, ringworm, &c. - -[1425] Pintianus suggests “hirudines,” “leeches,” and not “arundines,” -arrows. The latter reading is supported, however, by Plinius Valerianus -and M. Empiricus. - -[1426] An expensive kind of fish-sauce: for some further account of it -see B. ix. c. 30. - -[1427] See B. xix. c. 15. - -[1428] See B. x. c. 78. - -[1429] “Caprina.” See B. xxvi. c. 39. - -[1430] Fée is of opinion that this in reality is not a lettuce, but -that Pliny has been led, by the milky juice which it contains, to that -conclusion. In B. xxvi. c. 39, he calls it “tithymalum.” Hardouin -conjectures it to have been the spurge, or Euphorbia lathyris of -Linnæus, the juice of which is a violent drastic; and Fée is of opinion -that it must have been one of the Euphorbiaceæ. At the same time, he -says, powerful as their properties are, we cannot believe that they -exercise the destructive effects on fish here stated. - -[1431] Fée thinks that this plant may be looked for among the varieties -of the Sonchus or the Hieracium, which belong to the same family as the -lettuce. - -[1432] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1433] Fée thinks that this is the Isatis tinctoria of Linnæus in a -wild state, and Littré suggests that the one next mentioned is the same -plant, cultivated. Fée says, however, that this plant, employed in -dyeing wool, does not contain any milky juice, a fact which should have -cautioned Pliny against classing it among the Lactucæ. - -[1434] Of the lettuce, evidently. Fée says, who would recognise a -lettuce, with its green leaves, and smooth stalk and leaves, under this -description? Still, it is by no means an inaccurate description of the -wild lettuce. - -[1435] “Hawk-weed,” from the Greek ἱέραξ, “a hawk.” Under this name are -included, Fée thinks, the varieties of the genus Crepis. - -[1436] Apuleius, Metam. c. 30, says this of the eagle, when preparing -to soar aloft. - -[1437] This is in some degree true of the juices of the wild lettuces, -in a medicinal point of view; but it must be remembered that he has -enumerated the Isatis among them, which in reality has no milky juice -at all. - -[1438] “Lactucarium,” or the inspissated milky juice of the garden -lettuce, is still used occasionally as a substitute for opium, having -slightly anodyne properties, but, as Fée remarks, all that Pliny says -here of its effects is erroneous. - -[1439] “Adustiones;” “burns,” perhaps. - -[1440] A kind of spider. See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29. - -[1441] This is consistent with modern experience, as to the medicinal -effects of the cultivated plants in general. - -[1442] In B. xix. c. 38. - -[1443] The lettuce is not a purgative, nor has it the property here -ascribed to it, of making blood. - -[1444] Sillig is probably correct in his belief that there is a lacuna -here. - -[1445] “Oxypori.” - -[1446] “Ad intinctum aceti.” - -[1447] In B. xix. c. 38; the “opium” or “poppy lettuce,” the Lactuca -silvestris of modern botany, the soporific properties of which are -superior to those of the cultivated kinds. - -[1448] Or southern-wood. See B. xxi. c. 34. - -[1449] See B. xxxi. cc. 11 and 12. - -[1450] There are few plants, Fée says, which are so utterly destitute -of all remedial properties as the beet. See B. xix. c. 40. - -[1451] Fée says that the leaves of beet are not at all efficacious -except as applications for inflammations of the body. - -[1452] Dioscorides merely says that the leaves of the limonion are -similar to those of beet, but he does not state that it _is_ a kind of -wild beet. - -[1453] Dioscorides says “ten or more.” - -[1454] Fée is inclined to identify the “limonium,” or “meadow-plant,” -with the Statice limonium of Linnæus; but looks upon its identification -as very doubtful. Fuchs, Tragus, and Lonicerus, have identified it with -the Pyrola rotundifolia; but that is not a meadow plant, it growing -only in the woods. Others, again, have suggested the Senecio doria, or -“water trefoil.” - -[1455] Divided by naturalists into wild chicory or endive, the -Cichorium intybus of Linnæus, and cultivated endive, the Cichorium -endivia of Linnæus. The name “endive” comes from the Arabian “hindeb;” -but whether that was derived from the Latin “intubum,” or vice versâ, -is uncertain. The two kinds above mentioned, are subdivided, Fée says, -into two varieties, the cultivated and the wild. See B. xix. c. 39. - -[1456] The foundation of the Greek name, κιχώριον, and the Arabic -“Schikhrieh.” - -[1457] The medicinal properties of endive vary, according as it is -employed wild or cultivated, and according to the part employed. The -leaves are more bitter than the stalk, but not so much so as the root. -The juice of all the varieties is very similar, probably, to that of -the lettuce; but, as Fée says, little use has been made of it in modern -times. - -[1458] Or else, “Magi.” - -[1459] The “useful.” - -[1460] “The all-powerful.” - -[1461] The Cichorium luteum of C. Bauhin, the Leontodon palustre of -Linnæus: known to us as the “dandelion,” or by a coarser name. - -[1462] The kind known as garden endive, the Cichorium endivia of -Linnæus. - -[1463] “Anthologumena.” - -[1464] See B. xix. c. 41. - -[1465] “Crispam.” - -[1466] “Parsley-like.” - -[1467] The only use now made of the cabbage, in a medicinal point -of view, is the extraction from the red cabbage, which is rich in -saccharine matter, of a pectoral, and the employment of the round -cabbage, in the form of sour-krout, as an antiscorbutic. The great -majority of the statements as to the virtues of the cabbage, though -supported by Cato, and in a great measure by Hippocrates, are utterly -fallacious. - -[1468] De Re Rust. 157. - -[1469] “Scintillationibus.” - -[1470] See B. xix. c. 15. - -[1471] Or cancer. - -[1472] Cato, De Re Rust., 156, 157. - -[1473] See Note [1301] to c. 2 of this Book. - -[1474] This absurd notion of antipathy is carried so far by the author -of the Geoponica, B. v. c. 11, that he states that if wine is thrown on -cabbage while on the fire, it will never be thoroughly boiled. - -[1475] Fée remarks, that this fact would surely have engaged the -attention of the moderns, if there had been any truth in the statement. - -[1476] “Crapulam discuti.” “Crapula” was that state, after drinking, -colloquially known at the present day as “seediness.” - -[1477] The contrary is in reality the case, it being a diet only -suitable to strong stomachs. - -[1478] De Morb. Mulier. B. i. cc. 73 and 74. De Nat. Mulier. 29 and 31. - -[1479] The jaundice. - -[1480] Fée is inclined to account for the numerous antidotes and -remedies mentioned for the stings of serpents, by supposing that the -stings themselves of many of them were not really venomous, but only -_supposed_ to be so. - -[1481] “Repuntinas caligines.” - -[1482] “Sprout,” or “Brussels sprout.” See B. xix. c. 41. - -[1483] He is probably speaking of cabbage-water in general. - -[1484] See B. xix. c. 15. - -[1485] This bitter or pungent cabbage, Fée suggests, did not, probably, -belong to the genus Brassica. - -[1486] De Re Rust. c. 157. - -[1487] Fée is of opinion that Pliny has here confused the description -of two different plants; and that, intending to describe the Brassica -arvensis of modern botany, he has superadded a description of the -“Crambe agria,” mentioned by Dioscorides, which appears to be identical -with the Crambe maritima, or Brassica marina, the “sea-cabbage” of the -ancients (see c. 38.), the Convolvulus soldanella of modern botany. - -[1488] Or “rock-cabbage,” a name given more properly to the Convolvulus -soldanella. - -[1489] See c. 34, and B. xxiv. c. 1. - -[1490] A description, really, of the Convolvulus soldanella. - -[1491] See B. xix. c. 41. - -[1492] The Convolvulus soldanella of Linnæus, Fée thinks: not one of -the Cruciferæ, but belonging to the Convolvulaceæ. - -[1493] See B. xix. c. 30. - -[1494] The squill is still regarded in medicine as one of the most -energetic of all the vegetable productions, as a diuretic, an -expectorant, and, in large doses, an emetic. Squill vinegar is still -the form in which it is usually administered. Columella gives a -somewhat different account of the mode of preparing it. - -[1495] Theocritus says that the squill effectually protects statues and -tombs from outrages being committed upon them; and it was so customary -to plant them about the graves, that it became a proverbial saying, “He -is frantic enough to pluck squills from a grave.” Theophrastus states -that squills were employed in certain expiatory ceremonials. - -[1496] As to the identification of the “bulbs,” see B. xix. c. 30. The -wild bulbs, Fée is of opinion, are probably the Nigrum allium or Moly -of modern Botany; and the Allium schœnoprasum belongs, in his opinion, -to the cultivated bulbs. - -[1497] Supposing, Fée says, that the Bulbi of the ancients belonged to -the genus Allium or garlic of modern Botany, we may conclude that in -a medicinal point of view, they were of an exciting nature, powerful -vermifuges, and slightly blistering when applied topically. The -other statements here made, as to their medicinal qualities, are not -consistent with modern experience. - -[1498] Testium pituitas. - -[1499] See B. xix. c. 30. Athenæus, B. ii. c. 26, attributes a similar -property to the bulbs of Megara. - -[1500] See B. xi. cc. 24, 28. - -[1501] The Hyacinthus botryoides of Linnæus, most probably. - -[1502] “Bulbus vomitorius.” The Narcissus jonquilla of Linnæus, the -“emetic jonquil.” The bulb of the Spanish jonquil acts as a strong -emetic. - -[1503] Dioscorides says, more correctly, a black outer coat or peeling. - -[1504] Asparagus is recognized in modern times, as exercising a strong -action on the kidneys. Fée says, that according to Dr. Broussais, it -is a sedative to palpitations of the heart, an assertion, the truth -of which, he says, his own experience has confirmed. The root is also -looked upon as diuretic. - -[1505] Asparagus seed is not used in modern pharmacy, and it is very -doubtful if it possesses any virtues at all. - -[1506] Fée says that there is no truth in this assertion. - -[1507] See B. xix. c. 42: the Asparagus tenuifolius of Linnæus, the -wild asparagus, or Corruda of the South of France. - -[1508] Fée says that in the South of Europe there is a kind, known to -botanists as white asparagus, with a prickly stem: he suggests that it -may possibly be the same as that here spoken of. - -[1509] Or fennel. Fée says that, till very recently, the roots of -asparagus and of fennel were combined in medicine, forming part of the -five “major aperitive” roots. The sirop of the five aperitive roots is -still used, he says, in medicine. - -[1510] Chrysippus and Dioscorides were of opinion, that a decoction of -asparagus root causes sterility in women; a false notion, which, as Fée -remarks, prevailed very generally in Greece. - -[1511] This is not consistent with fact. - -[1512] See B. xix. c. 37. Parsley, though possessed of marked -properties, is but little employed in medicine. What Pliny here states -respecting it, Fée says, is a tissue of fables: but it is still used -for the cure of sores, and even as an ophthalmic. - -[1513] This distinction, Fée says, cannot be admitted. - -[1514] Or maggots. - -[1515] This belief in its efficacy, Fée says, still exists. - -[1516] See B. xxi. c. 86: this is the Melissa officinalis of Linnæus, -or balm-gentle, from which the bees gather honey, quite a different -plant to apiastrum or wild parsley. The Sardinian plant here mentioned, -is probably the same as the Ranunculus, mentioned in B. xxv. c. 109, -where its identification will be further discussed. - -[1517] See B. xix. c. 48. - -[1518] Or “horse parsley.” - -[1519] Or strangury. No medicinal use is made of this plant in modern -times. - -[1520] Or “mountain parsley,” see B. xix. c. 48. - -[1521] Or “marsh-parsley,” see B. xix. c. 37. It is possessed of certain -energetic properties, more appreciated by the ancient physicians than -in modern pharmacy. - -[1522] “Rock-parsley:” from this name comes our word “parsley.” It is -not clearly known to what variety of parsley he refers under this name. - -[1523] Or “ox-parsley.” C. Bauhin identifies this with the Petroselinum -Creticum or Agriopastinaca of Crete; but, as Fée remarks, it is not -clear to which of the Umbelliferæ he refers under that name. - -[1524] The Ocimum basilicum of Linnæus, according to most commentators: -though Fée is not of that opinion, it being originally from India, and -never found in a wild state. From what Varro says, De Re Rust. B. i. c. -31, he thinks that it must be sought among the leguminous plants, the -genus Hedysarum, Lathyrus, or Medicago. He remarks also, that Pliny is -the more to be censured for the absurdities contained in this Chapter, -as the preceding writers had only mentioned them to ridicule them. - -[1525] See B. ix. c. 51. - -[1526] “In Empericis.” - -[1527] “Atramento sutorio.” - -[1528] The Brassica eruca of Linnæus. - -[1529] None of the numerous remedies mentioned by Pliny for removing -spots on the skin, are at all efficacious, in Fée’s opinion. - -[1530] “Good for sauces.” - -[1531] In B. xix. c. 44. - -[1532] The Lepidium sativum of Linnæus, cresses or nose-smart. - -[1533] This opinion is corroborated by Dioscorides, B. ii. c. 185, and -confirmed by the author of the Geoponica, B. xii. c. 27. Fée inclines -to the opinion of Dioscorides, and states that is highly antiscorbutic. - -[1534] In B. xix. c. 44. - -[1535] The two varieties, the white and the black, are no longer -distinguished. The only variety now recognized, Fée says, is that with -crisped leaves. - -[1536] “Furunculos.” Gangrenous sores, probably. - -[1537] “Unguibus scabris,” _i. e._ for the removal of malformed nails, -with the view to the improvement of their appearance. - -[1538] The Lepidium Iberis of Linnæus, Fée thinks. - -[1539] The Ruta graveolens of Linnæus. The Romans, singularly enough, -valued this offensive plant as a condiment for their dishes, and a -seasoning for their wines.—See B. xiv. c. 19: and at the present -day even, it is admired for its smell, Fée says, by the ladies of -Naples. The Italians use it also for their salads. Its smell is -thought to prevent infection, for which reason it is still used, in -country-places, at funerals, and is placed before prisoners when tried -criminally, for the prevention, it is said, of gaol fever. - -[1540] It is not the rue that has this effect, so much as the salts of -copper which are formed. - -[1541] Fée thinks it not likely that the rue grown here was at all -superior to that of other localities. - -[1542] This word, omitted in the text, is supplied from Dioscorides. - -[1543] Or aconite. There is no truth whatever in these assertions, that -rue has the effect of neutralizing the effects of hemlock, henbane, or -poisonous fungi. Boerrhave says that he employed rue successfully in -cases of hysteria and epilepsy; and it is an opinion which originated -with Hippocrates, and is still pretty generally entertained, that it -promotes the catamenia. - -[1544] See B. viii. c. 40. - -[1545] See B. x. c. 86. - -[1546] “Si vero sit cephalæa.” - -[1547] Dioscorides says however, B. iii. c. 52, that it arrests -incontinence of the urine. See below. - -[1548] De Morb. Mul. B. i. c. 128. - -[1549] De Diæta, B. ii. c. 26. - -[1550] “Pituitæ eruptionibus.” - -[1551] This prejudice, Fée says, still survives. - -[1552] The Menta silvestris of Linnæus; though Clusius was of opinion -that it is the Nepeta tuberosa of Linnæus. - -[1553] “Silvestre puleium.” - -[1554] Galen and Dioscorides say the same; but it is not the fact; the -leaves being of no utility whatever. - -[1555] Difficulty of breathing, unless the neck is kept in a straight -position. - -[1556] Fée is inclined to think exactly the contrary. - -[1557] Its properties as a vermifuge are contested. - -[1558] According to ancient fable, Mintha, the daughter of Cocytus, -and beloved by Pluto, was changed by Proserpine into this plant: it -was generally employed also in the mysteries of the Greeks. It is the -Mentha sativa of Linnæus. - -[1559] Fée says that this passage alone would prove pretty clearly that -Pliny had no idea of the existence of the gastric juices. - -[1560] See B. xviii. c. 17, and B. xxii. c. 67. - -[1561] It is only in this case and the next, Fée says, that modern -experience agrees with our author as to the efficacy of mint. - -[1562] The Menta pulegium of Linnæus. - -[1563] Its medicinal properties are similar to those of mint; which -is a good stomachic, and is useful for hysterical and hypochondriac -affections, as well as head-ache. We may therefore know how far to -appreciate the medicinal virtues ascribed by Pliny to these plants. - -[1564] “Ampullas.” - -[1565] “Cubiculis:” “sleeping-chambers.” It was very generally the -practice among the ancients to keep odoriferous plants in their -bed-rooms; a dangerous practice, now held in pretty general disesteem. - -[1566] Strong odours, as Fée remarks, are not generally beneficial for -head-ache. - -[1567] Dioscorides makes no such distinction, and botanically speaking, -as Fée observes, this distinction is faulty. - -[1568] See B. xiv. c. 5. - -[1569] “Defunctos partus” is certainly a better reading than “defunctis -partus” though the latter is the one adopted by Sillig. - -[1570] “Salsitudines.” Hardouin is probably right in his conjecture, -that the correct reading is “lassitudines,” “lassitude.” - -[1571] “Pulices.” It is to this belief, no doubt, that it owes its -Latin name “pulegium,” and its English appellation, “flea-bane.” - -[1572] It differs in no respect whatever from the cultivated kind, -except that the leaves of the latter are somewhat larger. - -[1573] Or origanum. - -[1574] Whence our name “dittany.” - -[1575] The “bleating plant;” from βληχάομαι, “to bleat.” Dioscorides, -B. ii. c. 36, says the same of cultivated pennyroyal. - -[1576] “Pulmonum vitia exscreabilia facit.” - -[1577] Or “catmint;” the variety “longifolia,” Fée thinks, of the Menta -silvestris of Linnæus; or else the Melissa altissima of Sibthorp. -Sprengel identifies it with the Thymus Barrelieri, the Melissa Cretica -of Linnæus. Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 42, identifies the “Calamintha” of -the Greeks with the Nepeta of the Romans. The medicinal properties of -Nep, or catmint, are the same as those of the other mints. - -[1578] “Ægilopiis.” - -[1579] Cummin is the Cuminum cyminum of Linnæus. The seed only is used, -and that but rarely, for medicinal purposes, being a strong excitant -and a carminative. In Germany, and Turkey, and other parts of the East, -cummin-seed is esteemed as a condiment. - -[1580] Horace, B. i. Epist. 19, says the same; but in reality cummin -produces no such effect. - -[1581] M. Porcius Latro, a celebrated rhetorician of the reign of -Augustus, a Spaniard by birth, and a friend and contemporary of the -elder Seneca. His school was one of the most frequented at Rome, and he -numbered among his scholars the poet Ovid. He died B.C. 4. - -[1582] The son of a Roman senator, but descended from a noble family in -Aquitanian Gaul. When proprætor of Gallia Celtica, he headed a revolt -against Nero; but being opposed by Virginius Rufus, he slew himself at -the town of Vesontio, now Besançon. - -[1583] “Captationi” is suggested by Sillig as a preferable reading to -“captatione,” which last would imply that it was Vindex himself who -sought a place by this artifice, in the wills of others. - -[1584] There would be but little difference, Fée observes, between this -and the cummin of other countries, as it is a plant in which little -change is effected by cultivation. Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 79, says -that the cummin of Æthiopia (by Hippocrates called “royal cummin”) has -a sweeter smell than the other kinds. - -[1585] Fée is inclined to identify wild cummin, from the description of -it given by Dioscorides, with the Delphinium consolida of Linnæus; but -at the same time, he says, it is impossible to speak positively on the -subject. - -[1586] “Penicillis.” - -[1587] The Ammi Copticum of modern botany. - -[1588] The Æthiopian cummin, namely, which Pliny himself seems inclined -to confound with ammi. - -[1589] Or “horned” serpent. See B. viii. c. 35, and B. xi. c. 45. - -[1590] In B. xiii. c. 44. - -[1591] It is not improbable that under this name he alludes to the -carpels of some kind of Euphorbiacea, which bear a resemblance to the -fruit of the caper. Indeed, there is one variety of the Euphorbia with -an acrid juice, known in this country by the name of the “caper-plant.” - -[1592] The Capparis spinosa, probably, on which the capers used in our -sauces are grown. - -[1593] Until recently, the bark was employed in the Materia Medica, as -a diuretic: it is now no longer used. - -[1594] Or Lovage. See B. xix. c. 50. - -[1595] In B. xix. c. 50, where he states that Crateuas has given to the -wild Ligusticum the name of Cunila bubula, or “ox cunila.” - -[1596] See B. xix. c. 50. - -[1597] See B. viii. cc. 41 and 44. - -[1598] Universal remedy, or “all-heal.” - -[1599] Or “Poultry cunila:” the Origanum Heracleoticum of Linnæus. - -[1600] See B. xxv. c. 12. - -[1601] An Umbellifera, Fée says, of the modern genus Conyza. See B. -xxi. c. 32. - -[1602] Fée is of opinion that Pliny has here confounded “cunila” with -“conyza,” and that he means the κόνυζα μικρά of Dioscorides, B. iii. -c. 136, the κόνυζα θῆλυς of Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 2, -supposed to be the Inula pulicaria of Linnæus. See B. xxi. c. 32. - -[1603] A variety of Conyza. See B. xxi. c. 32. - -[1604] Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 136, says the same of the κόνυζα μικρά, -or “small conyza.” - -[1605] The Satureia thymbra of Linnæus. See B. xix. c. 50. - -[1606] “Ictus,” possibly “stings.” - -[1607] See the preceding Chapter: also B. xix. c. 62, and B. xxi. c. 32. - -[1608] Perhaps Indian pepper, the Capsicum annuum of Botany. See B. -xix. c. 62. - -[1609] For some account of Castor, the botanist, see the end of this -Book. - -[1610] Or Wild Marjoram. See B. xix. c. 50. - -[1611] So called, Nicander says, from being sought with avidity by the -ass, ὄνος. It is the Origanum onites of Linnæus. - -[1612] The Prasion, or “green plant,” mentioned by Hippocrates and -Theophrastus, is _not_ identical, Fée says, with the Origanum onitis, -it being the Marrubium Creticum, or peregrinum of modern botanists. -To add to the confusion of these names, we find Pliny stating, in c. -69, that the name of “prasion” was given also by the Greeks to his -second species of Heraclium, and that of “onitis” to the Heraclium -Heracleoticum. - -[1613] Or “Goat’s origanum:” the Thymus tragoriganum of Linnæus. -Dioscorides mentions two kinds of tragoriganum, one of which has been -supposed by Clusius to be the Thymus mastichina of Linnæus, and the -other the Stachys glutinosa of Linnæus; Zanoni being the first author -who promulgated this opinion; from which Fée, however, dissents. - -[1614] Or Heracleotic origanum: see c. 62 of this Book. Pliny here -confounds several distinct plants, and, as Fée observes, the whole -account is in hopeless confusion. - -[1615] Probably the Origanum Heracleoticum of Linnæus, mentioned in c. -62. - -[1616] The Marrubium Creticum, or peregrinum, probably, a variety of -horehound. See c. 67. - -[1617] See B. xiii. c. 2, and B. xv. c. 7. - -[1618] The Origanum onites of Linnæus, probably. See c. 67. - -[1619] Fée says that a strong infusion of pepperwort has been used in -France for the itch, with successful results. - -[1620] Sulphate of lime, which, as Fée remarks, though insoluble, -does not act as a poison, but causes a derangement of the digestive -functions. The wines of the Romans were extensively treated with -this substance, and we have seen in B. xviii. that it was used as an -ingredient in their bread. - -[1621] Dittander, or pepperwort: the Lepidium latifolium of Linnæus. - -[1622] Or fennel-flower: the Nigella sativa of Linnæus. Fée suggests -that its name, “gith,” is from the ancient Egyptian. - -[1623] “Black flower.” - -[1624] “Black seed.” - -[1625] It is no longer used in medicine, but it is esteemed as a -seasoning in the East. All that Pliny states as to its medicinal -properties, Fée considers to be erroneous. The action of the seed is -irritating, and reduced to powder, it causes sneezing. - -[1626] See B. xxv. c. 17. - -[1627] See B. xix. c. 52. - -[1628] The Pimpinella anisum of Linnæus. - -[1629] It is still used in some countries as a seasoning with which -bread and pastry are powdered. - -[1630] See B. xiv. c. 28. - -[1631] See B. xix. cc. 48 and 62: also B. xxvii. c. 97. - -[1632] This and the next statement are utterly fabulous. - -[1633] “Unconquerable,” from the Greek ἀ, “not,” and νικάω, “to -conquer.” Fée thinks that the word is a diminutive of “anisum,” which, -according to some persons, is a derivative from “_anysun_,” the Arabic -name of the plant. Dioscorides gives the name “anicetum” to dill, and -not to anise. - -[1634] A mere fable, as Fée remarks. - -[1635] A fiction, without any foundation in truth. - -[1636] See B. viii. c. 47, and B. xxxii. cc. 13, 23, 24, and 28. - -[1637] Fée evidently mistakes the meaning of this passage, and censures -Pliny for speaking of anise as an emetic. On the contrary, he here -prescribes it to counteract vomiting, and he has previously stated, in -this Chapter, that it _arrests_ vomiting. - -[1638] The Anethum graveolens of Linnæus: originally a native of the -hot climates. Its properties are very similar to those of anise. - -[1639] Or Sagapenum. This is a fetid gum-resin, imported from Persia -and Alexandria, and supposed, though without sufficient proof, Fée -says, to be the produce of the Ferula Persica. It is occasionally -used in medicine as a stimulating expectorant. In odour it somewhat -resembles assafœtida, only it is much weaker. Galen speaks of it as the -produce of a Ferula. It acts also as a purgative and a vermifuge. - -[1640] See B. xii. c. 56, and B. xix. c. 52. Some writers have -supposed, but apparently without any sufficient authority, that this -is the Ferula communis of Linnæus. Fée is of opinion that one of the -Umbelliferæ is meant. - -[1641] In B. xix. c. 53. - -[1642] It is probable, Fée says, that Pliny does not intend here -to speak of the _calyx_ as understood by modern botanists, but the -_corolla_ of the plant. The calyx disappears immediately after the -plant has blossomed; and is never employed by medical men at the -present day, who confine themselves to the heads or capsules. - -[1643] The variety Album of the Papaver somniferum. See B. xix. c. 53. - -[1644] The variety A. nigrum of the Papaver somniferum of Decandolle. - -[1645] The incisions are made in the capsules, and towards the upper -part of the peduncle. The account given by Pliny, Fée remarks, differs -but little from that by Kæmpfer, in the early part of last century. - -[1646] Nine in the morning. - -[1647] This plan, Fée thinks, would not be attended with advantage. - -[1648] A name, probably, of Eastern origin, and now universally -employed. - -[1649] “Bilbilis” has been suggested. - -[1650] Syrop of white poppies was, till recently, known as sirop -of diacodium. Opium is now universally regarded as one of the most -important ingredients of the Materia Medica. - -[1651] Poppy-seed, in reality, is not possessed of any soporific -qualities whatever. This discovery, however, was only made in the -latter part of the last century, by the French chemist, Rosier. - -[1652] “Collyriis.” - -[1653] “Lexipyretos,” “pepticas,” and “cœliacas”—Greek appellations. - -[1654] The type of the cultivated poppy is the Papaver somniferum of -Linnæus. - -[1655] This, Fée says, is a matter of doubt. - -[1656] From μήκων, a “poppy.” Tournefort has described this kind of -opium obtained by decoction; it is held in little esteem. - -[1657] Fée remarks, that this account of the tests of opium is correct -in the extreme. - -[1658] In B. xix. c. 53. The Papaver rhœas of Linnæus: the field poppy, -corn poppy, or corn rose. - -[1659] Theophrastus says that it has just the taste of wild endive. Fée -remarks that the peasants of Treves eat the leaves of this poppy while -young. - -[1660] The Glaucium Corniculatum of Persoon; the horned poppy, or -glaucium. This, Fée remarks, is not a poppy in reality, but a species -of the genus Chelidonium. The juice is an irritating poison, and the -seed is said to act as an emetic. - -[1661] “Argema.” - -[1662] “By the sea-shore.” - -[1663] Not a poppy, but the Euphorbia esula of Linnæus, a spurge. The -milky juice found in the stalk and leaves have caused it to be classed -among the poppies, as other varieties of Euphorbiaceæ appear to have -been, among the wild lettuces. - -[1664] Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 31, compares this plant -with the Struthium—(see B. xix. c. 18). Pliny, or his scribes, have -supposed him to be speaking of the στρούθος, or “sparrow”—hence the -present mistake. The Struthium itself has received that name from the -resemblance which its flower bears to a bird with the wings expanded. - -[1665] Hence its name, “aphron.” - -[1666] See B. xix. c. 4. Pliny has here mistaken a passage of -Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 31; where he attributes this -quality to the Struthium, and not the Heraclium. - -[1667] See c. 76 of this Book. It is difficult to conjecture how one of -the Euphorbiaceæ, a powerful drastic, could enter into the composition -of a soothing preparation, such as the diacodion is said to have been. - -[1668] “Capitibus.” As Fée remarks, the capsules of Euphorbia bear no -resemblance whatever to the heads of the poppy. Dioscorides, B. iv. c. -67, similarly confounds these two plants. - -[1669] See B. xxvi. c. 31. - -[1670] See B. xxvi. c. 41. Probably the Euphorbia paralias of Linnæus, -or Sea euphorbia. Its medicinal properties are similar to those of the -Euphorbia esula above mentioned. - -[1671] The fructiferous heads of the Euphorbiaceæ, thus employed, -would, as Fée remarks, be productive of most disastrous results. - -[1672] The Euphorbia peplis of Linnæus. - -[1673] See B. xiii. c. 40. By Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 165, all these -virtues are attributed exclusively to the cultivated purslain. Indeed, -there is no analogy between the properties of the two plants; though -neither of them is possessed of the wonderful virtues as antidotes here -mentioned, and they would only increase the sufferings of asthmatic -patients. - -[1674] As to this serpent, see Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 722, _et -seq._ - -[1675] A kind of spreading tumour, which, according to Scribonius -Largus, would appear as if about to force the eye out of the socket. -Fée remarks, that this malady is no longer known. - -[1676] See B. xxxv. c. 57. - -[1677] “Acetariis.” - -[1678] “Sapa.” Grape-juice, boiled down to one third. - -[1679] Ἐπιτομὴν ῥιζοτουμένων. - -[1680] The Coriandrum sativum of Linnæus. At the present day, wild -coriander is commonly found in Italy, on uncultivated soils. It may -have been naturalized, however, Fée thinks, since the time of Pliny. - -[1681] Nicander says also, that it is a cure for the stings of serpents -and scorpions, but there is no truth in the assertion. - -[1682] See B. viii. c. 35. - -[1683] The Atriplex hortensis of Linnæus. Fée thinks that the wild -atriplex of Pliny is some kind of Chenopodium, which it is now -impossible to identify. Orage is more of an aliment than a medicament. -Applied externally, it is soothing and emollient. - -[1684] De Morb. Mulier. B. ii. c. 57. - -[1685] It would not have this effect. The statements here given -relative to the virtues of orage are, in general, considered to be -correct. - -[1686] See B. xix. c. 22. - -[1687] The Malva silvestris of Linnæus, or wild mallow. - -[1688] The Malva rotundifolia of Linnæus, or round-leaved mallow. - -[1689] From μαλάσσω, to “soften,” or “relax.” - -[1690] These wild varieties are the same in every respect as the -cultivated kinds; their essential characteristics not being changed -by cultivation. See further as to the Althæa or marsh mallow, at the -latter end of this Chapter. - -[1691] The meaning of this name appears to be unknown. “Pistolochia” is -a not uncommon reading. - -[1692] Mallows were commonly used as a vegetable by the ancients; -and are so in China and the south of France, at the present day. The -mucilaginous principle which they contain renders them emollient and -pectoral; they are also slightly laxative. - -[1693] The only benefit resulting from the application of mallows would -be the reduction of the inflammation; the plant having no efficacy -whatever in neutralizing the venom. - -[1694] Sub-carbonate of lead. The mallow would have little or no effect -in such a case. - -[1695] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3. - -[1696] The same was said in the middle ages, of the virtues of sage, -and in more recent times of the Panax quinquefolium, the Ginseng of the -Chinese. - -[1697] Q. Serenus Sammonicus speaks of the accumulation of dandriff in -the hair to such a degree as to form a noxious malady. He also mentions -the present remedy for it. - -[1698] Some commentators have supposed this to be the Alcea rosa of -Linnæus; but Fée considers this opinion to be quite unfounded. - -[1699] It would be of no use whatever in such cases, Fée says. - -[1700] Without any good results, Fée says. - -[1701] “Permeatus suaves facit.” We can only make a vague guess at the -meaning; as the passage is, most probably, corrupt. - -[1702] The Althæa officinalis of Linnæus, or marsh-mallow. The -medicinal properties are similar to those of the other varieties of the -mallow. - -[1703] It is the fact, that water, in which mallows are steeped, owing -to the mucilage of the root, assumes the appearance of milk. - -[1704] Fée says that this milky appearance of the water does not depend -on the freshness of the root; as it is only the aqueous particles that -are dried up, the mucilage preserving its chemical properties in their -original integrity. - -[1705] The Rumex acetosella of Linnæus, or small sorrel. - -[1706] See B. xix. c. 60. - -[1707] “Horse Lapathum.” - -[1708] Or “Lapathum with pointed leaves;” the Rumex acutus of Linnæus. - -[1709] Or “water lapathum;” the Rumex aquaticus of Linnæus. - -[1710] Or “horse lapathum;” the Rumex patientia of Linnæus: or dock, as -Fée thinks: though, according to Sprengel, the cultivated lapathum was -identical with that plant. - -[1711] The medicinal properties of the lapathum vary according to the -parts of the plant employed. The leaves and stalks of the acid kinds of -Rumex are refreshing, and slightly diuretic and laxative. The action of -those which are not acid is sudorific, antiherpetic, and depurative. - -[1712] Fée says that it would be of no benefit whatever for tooth-ache. - -[1713] It is not possessed of any stomachic properties, Fée remarks. - -[1714] It would be of no utility in such a case, Fée says. - -[1715] Supposed by Fée to be the same as the wild lapathum of the last -Chapter, the Rumex acetosella of Linnæus; small sorrel. - -[1716] Fée remarks that no part of lapathum is naturally astringent. - -[1717] Or “ox lapathum.” Fée considers this to be identical with the -“hippolapathon” of the last Chapter. - -[1718] In B. xix. c. 54. Fée identifies these three varieties of -mustard as follows; the slender-stemmed mustard of Pliny he identifies -with the Sinapis alba of Linnæus, mustard with white seeds. The mustard -mentioned as having the leaves of rape he considers to be the same as -the Sinapis nigra of Linnæus, mustard with black seed; and that with -the leaf of the rocket he identifies with the Sinapis erucoïdes of -Linnæus, the Eruca silvestris of Gessner, or rocket-leaved mustard. - -[1719] In reality, mustard is injurious for all affections of the chest -and throat. - -[1720] “Seseli.” - -[1721] A sinapism applied to the head, Fée remarks, in cases of -cerebral congestion, would very soon cause death. - -[1722] Mustard poultices are used extensively at the present day for -blisters on the chest. - -[1723] “Rubrica.” - -[1724] “Scabras genas.” - -[1725] This is not the fact; no juice flows from the stem which is -capable of becoming concrete. - -[1726] As a tonic, mustard-seed is commonly taken whole at the present -day. - -[1727] In B. xvi. c. 66. In B. xxxii. c. 52, we shall find Pliny -speaking of this substance under the name of “Calamochnus.” -Dioscorides, B. v. c. 137, speaks of adarca as growing in Cappadocia, -and as being a salt substance which adheres to reeds in time of drought. - -[1728] This, Fée says, cannot possibly be the fact, whatever adarca may -really have been. - -[1729] The “grass-green” plant. - -[1730] The “twisted flax” plant. - -[1731] “Lad’s-love.” - -[1732] “Love and grace,” apparently. - -[1733] There are two kinds of prasion mentioned by Dioscorides, and by -Pliny at the end of the present Chapter, one of which Fée is inclined -to identify with the Ballota nigra of Linnæus, the fetid ballota; and -the other with the Marrubium vulgare of Linnæus, the white horehound. -Bochart conjectures that the word “marrubium” had a Punic origin, -but Linnæus thinks that it comes from “Maria urbs,” the “City of the -Marshes,” situate on Lake Fucinus, in Italy. - -[1734] Though much used in ancient times, horehound is but little -employed in medicine at the present day: though its medicinal value, -Fée thinks, is very considerable. Candied horehound is employed to some -extent in this country, as a pectoral. - -[1735] See B. xviii. c. 25. - -[1736] Its medicinal properties, as recognized in modern times, are in -most respects dissimilar to those mentioned by Pliny. - -[1737] “Far.” - -[1738] “Pterygia.” “Pterygium” is also a peculiar disease of the eye. - -[1739] “Inter pauca.” He has mentioned, however, a _vast number_ of -so-called antidotes or remedies. It is just possible that he may mean, -“There are few antidotes like it for efficacy.” - -[1740] “A serpendo:” the Thymus serpyllum of Linnæus. - -[1741] The Thymus zygis of Linnæus: the Serpyllum folio thymi of C. -Bauhin. Dioscorides says that it is the _cultivated_ thyme that is a -creeping plant. - -[1742] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 712, _et seq._ - -[1743] The Sisymbrion menta of Gerard; the Menta hirsuta of Decandolle, -prickly mint. Sprengel, however, takes it to be the Menta silvestris of -modern Botany. - -[1744] The Sisymbrion nasturtium of Linnæus. - -[1745] Apparently the Sisymbrium just mentioned, and the Nasturtium. - -[1746] Ovid, Fasti, B. iv. l. 869, speaks of Sisymbrium as being -esteemed by the Roman ladies for its agreeable smell. - -[1747] See B. xix. c. 1. The rich mucilage of linseed makes it -extremely valuable, in a medicinal point of view, for poultices. This -mucilage is found in the perisperm more particularly; the kernel -containing a fixed oil, which is extremely valuable for numerous -purposes. The account given by Pliny and the other ancient writers of -the medicinal uses of linseed, is, in general, correct. - -[1748] “Inspersum,” sprinkled with boiling water; like oatmeal for -porridge, probably. - -[1749] It would be of no use whatever for such a purpose, Fée says. - -[1750] “Emendat.” By bringing them off, probably. - -[1751] It would be of no utility for hernia, Fée says, or for the cure -of gangrenous sores. - -[1752] The Blitum capitatum of Linnæus. - -[1753] Hence, too, the Latin word “bliteus,” meaning “insipid,” -“senseless,” or “worthless.” - -[1754] This is not the case, it being as innocuous as it is insipid. -Applied topically, the leaves are emollient. - -[1755] There is no foundation, Fée says, for this opinion. - -[1756] The Æthusa meum of Linnæus; our Spignel, or Baldmoney, the -Athamanta Matthioli of Wulf. By some authorities it is called Feniculum -Alpinum perenne. It is possessed of exciting properties, and is no -longer used in medicine. - -[1757] See B. iv. c. 8. - -[1758] See B. viii. c. 41. This plant is the Anethum feniculum -of Linnæus. The seed and roots are still used in medicine, being -sudorific, diuretic, and aperitive. - -[1759] This resinous juice of fennel is no longer employed, or indeed -known, Fée says, to the curious. - -[1760] “Horse marathrum:” the Cachrys Libanotis of Linnæus, probably. - -[1761] The Seseli tortuosum of Linnæus, probably. - -[1762] It is sometimes used at the present day for condiments, as a -substitute for anise. Pliny’s account of its medicinal virtues, Fée -says, is replete with errors. - -[1763] “Oxyporis:” perhaps “salad-dressings.” - -[1764] See B. xviii. c. 13. - -[1765] Their properties, Fée says, are very similar. - -[1766] “Ophiaca.” - -[1767] “Rhizotomumena.” - -[1768] Theriaca, l. 596. _et seq._ - -[1769] The wild hemp of Pliny is the Althæa cannabina of Linnæus: the -hemp marsh-mallow. - -[1770] The cultivated hemp is the Cannabis sativa of Linnæus. - -[1771] He is speaking of the hemp marsh-mallow here, and not the real -hemp; though at the same time he mingles with his statement several -facts which are stated by Dioscorides with reference to the genuine -hemp. See B. xix. c. 56. - -[1772] This is evidently stated in reference to the hemp-mallow. - -[1773] For an account of the Ferula, see B. xiii. c. 42. - -[1774] An accidental circumstance, Fée says, and no distinctive mark of -sex or species. - -[1775] Fée thinks that Pliny’s meaning is, that it is eaten as a -confection, similar to those of angelica and parsley stalks at the -present day. That, however, would hardly appear to be the sense of the -passage. In B. xix. c. 56, he speaks of it being dried and used as a -seasoning. - -[1776] Fennel-giant is considered to be a good stomachic. - -[1777] This, Fée thinks, is probably the fact. - -[1778] The pith, in reality, of the Umbelliferæ, is insipid and inert. - -[1779] In B. xix. c. 43. - -[1780] This, Fée considers to be the Cinara carduncellus of Linnæus, -artichoke thistle, or Cardonette of Provence. - -[1781] The Cinara scolymus of Linnæus probably, our artichoke, which -the ancients do not appear to have eaten. Both the thistle and the -artichoke are now no longer employed in medicine. - -[1782] Galen gives these lines, sixteen in number, in his work De -Antidot. B. ii. c. 14; the proportions, however, differ from those -given by Pliny. - -[1783] Half a denarius; the weight being so called from the coin which -was stamped with the image of the Goddess of Victory. See B. xxxiii. c. -13. - -[1784] Antiochus II., the father of Antiochus Epiphanes. - -[1785] Or “antidote.” In this term has originated our word “treacle,” -in the Elizabethan age spelt “triacle.” The medicinal virtues of this -composition were believed in, Fée remarks, so recently as the latter -half of the last century. The most celebrated, however, of all the -“theriacæ” of the ancients, was the “Theriaca Andromachi,” invented by -Andromachus, the physician of the Emperor Nero, and very similar to -that composed by Mithridates, king of Pontus, and by means of which -he was rendered proof, it is said, against all poisons. See a very -learned and interesting account of the Theriacæ of the ancients, by Dr. -Greenhill, in Smith’s Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. His -articles “Pharmaceutica,” and “Therapeutica,” will also be found well -worth attention by the reader of Pliny. - -[1786] See end of B. iii. - -[1787] See end of B. ii. - -[1788] See end of B. xiv. - -[1789] He is also mentioned in B. xxv. c. 2, as having commenced a -treatise on Medicinal Plants, which he did not live to complete. It is -not improbable that he is the same Valgius that is mentioned in high -terms by Horace, B. i. Sat. 10. - -[1790] See end of B. iii. - -[1791] See end of B. xii. - -[1792] Supposed by some to be the same with the Bassus Tullius -mentioned by ancient writers as the friend of Niger, possibly the -Sextius Niger here mentioned. - -[1793] See end of B. vii. - -[1794] He lived at Rome, in the first century of the Christian era, and -possessed a botanical garden, probably the earliest mentioned. He lived -more than a hundred years, in perfect health both of body and mind. See -B. xxv. c. 5. - -[1795] See end of B. ii. - -[1796] See end of B. iii. - -[1797] A mystic personage of the early Grecian Mythology, under whose -name many spurious works were circulated. Pliny says. B. xxv. c. 2, -that he was the first who wrote with any degree of attention on the -subject of Plants. - -[1798] See end of B. xix. - -[1799] See end of B. ii. - -[1800] See end of B. viii. - -[1801] Probably Chrysippus of Cnidos, a pupil of Eudoxus and -Philistion, father of Chrysippus, the physician to Ptolemy Soter, -and tutor to Erasistratus. Others, again, think that the work “on -the Cabbage,” mentioned by Pliny in c. 33, was written by another -Chrysippus, a pupil of Erasistratus, in the third century B.C. - -[1802] A native of Carystus, in Eubœa, who lived in the fourth century -B.C. He belonged to the medical sect of the Dogmatici, and wrote -several medical works, of which the titles only and a few fragments -remain. - -[1803] Of this writer nothing whatever is known. - -[1804] For Heraclides of Heraclea, see end of B. xii.; for Heraclides -of Pontus, see end of B. iv.; and for Heraclides of Tarentum, see end -of B. xii. They were all physicians. - -[1805] See end of B. xv. - -[1806] See end of B. xii. - -[1807] It was probably this personage, or the one next mentioned, who -wrote to Ptolemy, one of the kings of Egypt, giving him directions as -to what wines he should drink. See B. xiv. c. 9. A person of this name -wrote a work on Ointments and Chaplets, quoted by Athenæus, and another -on Venomous Animals, quoted by the same author. This last is probably -the work referred to by Pliny, B. xxi. cc. 15, 29, &c. It has been -suggested also, that the proper reading here is “Apollonius” of Citium, -a pupil of Zopyrus, a physician of Alexandria. - -[1808] See the preceding Note. - -[1809] A celebrated physician, a native of the island of Cos. He -belonged to the medical sect of the Dogmatici, and flourished probably -in the fourth century B.C. He was more particularly celebrated for his -comparatively accurate knowledge of anatomy. The titles only and a few -fragments of his works survive. - -[1810] A pupil of Praxagoras. He appears to have written a work on -Anatomy, quoted more than once by Galen. - -[1811] A pupil of Chrysippus of Cnidos, and who lived probably in the -fourth and third centuries B.C. Galen speaks of him as being held in -great repute among the Greeks. - -[1812] He flourished in the fourth century B.C., and belonged to the -medical sect of the Dogmatici. He wrote some medical works, of which -nothing but a few fragments remain. - -[1813] He lived probably about the beginning of the third century B.C., -as he was the tutor of Antigenes and Mnemon. He seems to have been -famous for his medicinal prescriptions of wine, and the quantities of -cold water which he gave to his patients. - -[1814] Born either in Sicily or at Locri Epizephyrii, in Italy. He -is supposed to have lived in the fourth century B.C. By some persons -he was thought to have been one of the founders of the sect of the -Empirici. He wrote works on Materia Medica and Cookery, and is several -times quoted by Pliny and Galen. - -[1815] See end of B. vii. - -[1816] A Greek herbalist, who lived about the beginning of the first -century B.C. He is mentioned by Galen as one of the most eminent -writers on Materia Medica. Another physician of the same name is -supposed to have lived in the time of Hippocrates. - -[1817] A Greek physician, supposed to have lived in or before the first -century B.C. Dioscorides and Saint Epiphanius speak of Petronius _and_ -Diodotus, making them different persons; and it is not improbable that -the true reading in c. 32 of this Book, is “Petronius _et_ Diodotus.” - -[1818] See end of B. xii. - -[1819] See end of B. xi. - -[1820] See end of B. xii. - -[1821] It is probable that there were several Greek physicians of -this name; but the only one of whom anything certain is known is the -physician to Ptolemy Philopater, king of Egypt, in whose tent he was -killed by Theodotus, the Ætolian, B.C. 217. He was probably the first -writer on hydrophobia. Eratosthenes is said to have accused him of -plagiarism. - -[1822] See end of B. xii. - -[1823] It is doubtful if the person of this name to whom Pliny -attributes a work on the Cabbage, in cc. 34 and 36 of this Book, was -the same individual as Epicharmus of Cos, the Comic poet, born B.C. -540. It has been suggested that the botanical writer was a different -personage, the brother of the Comic poet Demologus. - -[1824] Possibly the same person as the Damon mentioned at the end of B. -vii. He is mentioned in c. 40 of this Book, and in B. xxiv. c. 120, and -wrote a work on the Onion. - -[1825] See end of B. vi. - -[1826] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 73 of this Book, nothing -whatever is known relative to this writer. - -[1827] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 73, nothing is known of -him. Some read “Theopolemus.” - -[1828] Probably Metrodorus of Chïos, a philosopher, who flourished -about B.C. 330, and professed the doctrine of the Sceptics. Cicero, -Acad. ii. 23, § 73, gives a translation of the first sentence of his -work “On Nature.” - -[1829] A physician of Smyrna. He is called Solon the Dietetic, by -Galen; but nothing further seems to be known of his history. - -[1830] See end of B. xii. - -[1831] A Theban authoress, who wrote on Medicine; mentioned also by -Plinius Valerianus, the physician, and Pollux. - -[1832] A Greek physician, a native of Cos, the reputed founder of the -sect of the Empirici. He probably lived in the third century B.C. From -Athenæus we learn that he wrote a work on Botany. A parallel has been -drawn between Philinus and the late Dr. Hahnemann, by F. F. Brisken, -Berlin, 1834. - -[1833] See end of B. xix. - -[1834] The Scholiast on Nicander mentions a treatise on Botany written -by a person of this name: and a work of his on Medicine is mentioned by -Labbe as existing in manuscript in the Library at Florence. - -[1835] A Greek physician of this name belonging to the sect of the -Empirici, lived probably in the third or second century B.C. Galen -mentions him as one of the earliest commentators on the works of -Hippocrates. It is uncertain, however, whether he is the person so -often quoted by Pliny. - -[1836] A physician of Aphrodisias, in Cilicia, who lived in the reign -of Tiberius. He wrote some pharmaceutical works, and is censured -by Galen for his disgusting remedies, such as human brains, flesh, -urine, liver, excrements, &c. There is a short essay by him still in -existence, on the Aliments derived from the Aquatic Animals. - -[1837] See B. xxii. c. 1. - -[1838] “Sive privatis generum funiculis in orbem, in obliquum, in -ambitum; quædam coronæ per coronas currunt.” As we know but little -of the forms of the garlands and chaplets of the ancients, the exact -translation of this passage is very doubtful. - -[1839] According to Boettiger, the word “struppus” means a string -arranged as a fillet or diadem. - -[1840] Fée makes the word “vocabulum” apply to “corona,” and not to -“struppus;” but the passage will hardly admit of that rendering. - -[1841] “To bind” or “join together.” - -[1842] A “connected line,” from the verb “sero.” - -[1843] By “quod,” Hardouin takes Pliny to mean, the use of the word -σπαρτὸν, among the Greeks, corresponding with the Latin word “sertum.” - -[1844] These chaplets, we learn from Festus, were called “pancarpiæ.” -The olive, oak, laurel, and myrtle, were the trees first used for -chaplets. - -[1845] See B. xxxv. c. 40. - -[1846] The “Chaplet-weaver.” See B. xxxv. c. 40. - -[1847] B.C. 380. - -[1848] From Athenæus, B. xv. c. 2, _et seq._, we learn that the -Egyptian chaplets were made of ivy, narcissus, pomegranate blossoms, &c. - -[1849] “Corolla,” being the diminutive of “corona.” - -[1850] Or tinsel. - -[1851] The “Rich.” - -[1852] Ribbons or streamers. - -[1853] “Puri.” - -[1854] Consul, A.U.C. 570. - -[1855] Or “engrave,” “cælare.” He is probably speaking here of golden -lemnisci. - -[1856] “Philyræ.” This was properly the inner bark of the linden-tree; -but it is not improbable that thin plates of metal were also so called, -from the resemblance. The passage, however, admits of various modes of -explanation. - -[1857] “Pecuniâ.” Fée compares this usage with the employment of -jockies at horse-races in England and France. - -[1858] “Intus positus esset.” - -[1859] “Foris ferretur.” - -[1860] Or “money-changer,” “argentarius.” - -[1861] “E pergulâ suâ.” Scaliger thinks that the “pergula” was a part -of a house built out into the street, while, according to Ernesti, it -was a little room in the upper part of a house. In B. xxxv. c. 36, it -clearly means a room on the ground-floor. - -[1862] In the Fora of ancient cities there was frequently a statue of -this mythological personage, with one hand erect, in token, Servius -says (on B. iv. l. 58 of the Æneid), of the freedom of the state, -Marsyas having been the minister of Bacchus, the god of liberty. -His statue in the Forum of Rome was the place of assembly for the -courtesans of that city, who used to crown it with chaplets of flowers. -See also Horace i. Sat. 6. l. 120; Juvenal, Sat. 9. l. 1 and 2; and -Martial, ii. Ep. 64. l. 7. - -[1863] Cujacius thinks that Pliny has in view here Polemon of Athens, -who when a young man, in his drunken revelry, burst into the school of -Xenocrates, the philosopher, with his fellow-revellers, wearing his -festive garland on his head. Being arrested, however, by the discourse, -he stopped to listen, and at length, tearing off the garland, -determined to enter on a more abstemious course of life. Becoming an -ardent disciple of Xenocrates, he ultimately succeeded him at the head -of the school. The passage as given in the text, from its apparent -incompleteness, would appear to be in a mutilated state. - -[1864] Julia. See B. vii. c. 46. - -[1865] Thus acknowledging herself to be no better than a common -courtesan. - -[1866] “Illius dei.” - -[1867] See B. vii. c. 10. - -[1868] “Funus elocavit.” - -[1869] “E prospectu omni.” “From every look-out:” _i. e._ from the -roofs, doors, and windows. - -[1870] This usage is still observed in the _immortelles_, laid on the -tombs of departed friends, in Catholic countries on the continent. -Tibullus alludes to it, B. ii. El. 4: - - “Atque aliquis senior veteres veneratus amores, - Annua constructo serta dabit tumulo.” - -[1871] At the conclusion of the festival of Mars on the 1st of March, -and for several successive days. These entertainments were celebrated -in the Temple of that god, and were proverbial for their excellence. - -[1872] It is a well-known fact, as Fée remarks, that the smell of -flowers is productive, in some persons, of head-ache, nausea, and -vertigo. He states also that persons have been known to meet their -death from sleeping all night in the midst of odoriferous flowers. - -[1873] “Ipsaque capiti imposita.” Holland and Ajasson render this as -though Cleopatra placed the garland on Antony’s head, and not her own. -Littré agrees with the translation here adopted. - -[1874] Fée remarks that we know of no poisons, hydrocyanic or prussic -acid excepted, so instantaneous in their effects as this; and that it -is very doubtful if they were acquainted with that poison. - -[1875] Hist. Plant. B. vi. cc. 6, 7. - -[1876] “Persecutus est.” - -[1877] A characteristic, it would appear, of the greater part of the -information already given in this Book. - -[1878] He alludes to the wild rose or eglantine. See B. xvi. c. 71. - -[1879] “Granoso cortice.” - -[1880] Boxes of a pyramidal shape. See B. ix. c. 56. - -[1881] Still, even for that purpose the rose was very extensively used. -One ancient author states that, even in the middle of winter, the more -luxurious Romans were not satisfied without roses swimming in their -Falernian wine; and we find Horace repeatedly alluding to the chaplets -of roses worn by the guests at banquets. Hence probably arose the -expression, “Under the rose.” Fée is evidently mistaken in thinking -that Pliny implies here, that it was but rarely used in chaplets. - -[1882] Il. xxiii. l. 186. - -[1883] B. xiii. c. 2. - -[1884] “Collyriis.” - -[1885] Clusius was of opinion that this was the Provence rose, the Rosa -Gallica of Linnæus. - -[1886] The same rose, probably, of which Virgil says, Georg. B. iv. l. -119, “Biferique rosaria Pæsti”—“And the rose-beds of Pæstum, that bear -twice in the year.” It has been suggested that it is identical with the -Rosa alba vulgaris major of Bauhin, the Rosa alba of Decandolle: but, -as Fée says, it is very questionable if this is correct, this white -rose blossoming but once a year. - -[1887] A simple variety of the Rosa Gallica of Linnæus, Fée thinks. - -[1888] See B. iv. c. 14. According to J. Bauhin, this is the pale, -flesh-coloured rose, called the “rose of France,”—the “Rosa rubello -flore, majore, pleno, incarnata vulgo.” Others, again, take it to be -the Damascus rose. - -[1889] See B. v. c. 29. A variety of the white rose, Fée thinks, the -determination of which must be sought among the Eglantines. - -[1890] “Spiniola.” A variety belonging to or approaching the Eglantine -in all probability. Fée makes mention here of a kind called the Rosa -myriacantha by Decandolle (the “thousand-thorn rose”), which is found -in great abundance in the south of Europe, and other parts of it. - -[1891] Fée remarks on this passage, that the beauty of the flower and -the number of the petals are always in an inverse proportion to the -number of thorns, which disappear successively the more carefully the -plant is cultivated. - -[1892] This is most probably the meaning of “Asperitate, levore.” - -[1893] Still known as the “Rosa centifolia.” Its petals sometimes -exceed _three_ hundred in number; and it is the most esteemed of all -for its fragrant smell. - -[1894] “Non suæ terræ proventu.” - -[1895] This rose is mentioned also by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. -c. 6. From the description that Pliny gives of it, Fée is inclined to -think that it is some variety of the Rosa rubrifolia, which is often -found in mountainous localities. - -[1896] This assertion is borrowed from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. -c. 6. Fée remarks that there is no truth in it. It is not improbable, -however, that the word “cortex” here may mean, not the calyx, but the -bark of the stem, in reference to its exemption from thorns. The τραχὺ -τὸ κάτω of Theophrastus would seem to admit of that rendering. See Note -[1891] above. - -[1897] “Extremas velut ad cardines.” - -[1898] This is not the case with the Rosa centifolia of modern botany. -See Note [1893] above. It is not improbable, however, that the reading -is “probabilis,” and that this passage belongs to the next sentence. - -[1899] The Lychnis, Fée remarks, is erroneously classed by Pliny among -the roses. It is generally agreed among naturalists that it is the -garden flower, the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus; which, however, -does not grow in humid soils, but in steep, rocky places. - -[1900] Or “small Greek” rose. Some commentators have identified it with -the Rosa silvestris, odorata, flore albo of C. Bauhin, a wild white -rose. - -[1901] Sillig thinks that this may mean the “Macedonian” rose. Another -reading is “moscheuton.” Fée says that it is not a rose at all, but one -of the Malvaceæ belonging to the genus Alcæa; one variety of which is -called the Alcæa rosa. - -[1902] Or “little chaplet.” Possibly a variety of the Eglantine, the -Rosa canina or dog-rose, Fée suggests. - -[1903] The Eglantine. - -[1904] This seems to be the meaning of “tot modis adulteratur:” the -roses without smell appearing to him to be not _genuine_ roses. - -[1905] The Rosa Damascena of Miller, Fée thinks, our Damascus rose. - -[1906] The earliest rose in France and Spain, Fée says, is the -“pompon,” the variety Pomponæa of the Rosa centifolia. - -[1907] This is consistent with modern experience. - -[1908] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 6. The rose is but -very rarely reproduced from seed. - -[1909] See B. xvi. c. 67, and B. xvii. c. 33. - -[1910] Previously mentioned in this Chapter. The meaning of this -passage, however, is extremely doubtful. “Unum genus inseritur pallidæ, -spinosæ, longissimis virgis, quinquifoliæ, quæ Græcis altera est.” - -[1911] If the water was only lukewarm, Fée says, it would be of no use, -and if hotter, the speedy death of the tree would be the result. - -[1912] “Quâdam cognatione.” He alludes to a maceration of the petals of -the rose and lily in oil. The aroma of the lily, Fée says, has not been -fixed by any method yet found. - -[1913] See B. xiii. c. 2. - -[1914] The Lilium candidum of Linnæus. Fée remarks that the “Lilium” of -the Romans and the λείριον of the Greeks is evidently derived from the -_laleh_ of the Persians. - -[1915] “Calathi.” The “calathus” was a work-basket of tapering shape; -it was also used for carrying fruits and flowers, Ovid, Art. Am. ii. -264. Cups, too, for wine were called by this name, Virg. Ecl. v. 71. - -[1916] As this passage has been somewhat amplified in the translation, -it will perhaps be as well to insert it: “Resupinis per ambitum labris, -tenuique pilo et staminum stantibus in medio crocis.” - -[1917] The Convolvulus sæpium of modern botany; the only resemblance in -which to the lily is in the colour, it being totally different in every -other respect. - -[1918] “Rudimentum.” She must have set to work in a very roundabout -way, Fée thinks, and one in which it would be quite impossible for a -naturalist to follow her. - -[1919] The white lily is reproduced from the offsets of the bulbs; -and, as Fée justly remarks, it is highly absurd to compare the mode of -cultivation with that of the rose, which is propagated from slips. - -[1920] This absurd notion is derived from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. -ii. c. 2, and B. vi. c. 6. - -[1921] See B. xix. c. 48. - -[1922] The root really consists of certain fine fibres, to which the -bulbs, or rather cloves or offsets, are attached. - -[1923] Judging from what Theocritus says, in his 35th Idyl, the -“crinon” would appear to have been a white lily. Sprengel, however, -takes the red lily of Pliny to be the scarlet lily, the Lilium -Chalcedonicum of Linnæus. - -[1924] Or “dog-rose:” name now given to one of the wild roses. - -[1925] See B. xiii. c. 9. - -[1926] Fée remarks, that it is singular that Pliny, as also Virgil, -Ecl. v. l. 38, should have given the epithet “purpureus” to the -Narcissus. It is owing, Fée says, to the red nectary of the flower, -which is also bordered with a very bright red. - -[1927] Into cloves or offsets. - -[1928] The Narcissus poeticus of Linnæus. Pliny gives the origin of its -name in c. 75 of this Book. - -[1929] Though supported by Theophrastus, this assertion is quite -erroneous. In France, even, Fée says, the Narcissus poeticus blossoms -at the end of April, and sooner, probably, in the climates of Greece -and Italy. - -[1930] See B. xviii. c. 76. It is just possible that Pliny and -Theophrastus may be speaking of the Narcissus scrotinus of Linnæus, -which is found in great abundance in the southern provinces of Naples, -and is undoubtedly the flower alluded to by Virgil in the words, “Nec -sera comantem Narcissum,” Georg. iv. ll. 122, 123. - -[1931] Fée remarks, that the extravagant proceeding here described by -Pliny with a seriousness that is perfectly ridiculous, does not merit -any discussion. - -[1932] When detached from the bulb, the stem of the lily will -infallibly die. - -[1933] “Nudantibus se nodulis.” There are no such knots in the lily, as -Fée remarks. - -[1934] The Viola odorata of Linnæus. - -[1935] The Greek name. - -[1936] “Ianthina vestis,” violet-coloured. - -[1937] Desfontaines identifies this with the Cheiranthus Cheiri; but -Fée says that there is little doubt that it belongs to the Viola -tricolor herbensis (pansy, or heart’s-ease), in the petals of which -the yellow predominates, and the type of which is the field violet, or -Viola arvensis, the flowers of which are extremely small, and entirely -yellow. - -[1938] This has been identified with the Cheiranthus incanus, the -Cheiranthus tricuspidatus of the shores of the Mediterranean, the -Hesperis maritima of Linnæus; also, by some commentators, with the -Campanula Medium of Linnæus. - -[1939] So called, according to Pintianus and Salmasius, from Calatia, a -town of Italy. Fée adopts the reading “Calathiana,” and considers it to -have received that name from its resemblance to the Caltha mentioned in -the next Chapter. Dalechamps identifies it with the Digitalis purpurea; -Gessner, Dodonæus, and Thalius, with the Gentiana pneumonanthe, others -with the Gentiana ciliata and Pannonica, and Sprengel with the Gentiana -verna of Linnæus. Fée admits himself totally at a loss on the subject. - -[1940] “Concolori amplitudine.” Gronovius, with considerable justice, -expresses himself at a loss as to the exact meaning of these words. -If Sprengel and Salmasius are right in their conjectures that the -Caltha of Pliny and Virgil is the marigold, our Calendula officinalis, -the passage cannot mean that the flower of it is of the same size -and colour with any variety of the violet mentioned in the preceding -Chapter. From the description given of it by Dioscorides, it is more -than probable that the Caltha of the ancients is not the marigold, and -Hardouin is probably right in his conjecture that Pliny intends to -describe a variety of the violet under the name. Fée is at a loss as to -its identification. - -[1941] Or “royal broom.” Sprengel thinks that this is the Chenopodium -scoparia, a plant common in Greece and Italy; and Fée is inclined to -coincide with that opinion, though, as he says, there are numerous -other plants with odoriferous leaves and pliant shoots, as its name, -broom, would seem to imply. Other writers would identify it with a -Sideritis, and others, again, with an Achillæa. - -[1942] See B. xii. c. 26. Fée is inclined to coincide with Ruellius, -and to identify this with the Digitalis purpurea, clown’s spikenard, -or our Lady’s gloves. The only strong objection to this is the fact -that the root of the digitalis has a very faint but disagreeable smell, -and not at all like that of cinnamon. But then, as Fée says, we have -no positive proof that the “cinnamomum” of the ancients is identical -with our cinnamon. See Vol. iii. p. 138. Sprengel takes the “bacchar” -of Virgil to be the Valeriana Celtica, and the “baccharis” of the -Greeks to be the Gnaphalium sanguineum, a plant of Egypt and Palestine. -The bacchar has been also identified with the Asperula odorata of -Linnæus, the Geum urbanum of Linnæus (the root of which has the smell -of cloves), the Inula Vaillantii, the Salvia Sclarea, and many other -plants. - -[1943] “Barbaricam.” Everything that was not indigenous to the -territory of Rome, was “barbarum,” or “barbaricum.” - -[1944] Cæsalpinus says that this is a rushy plant, called, in Tuscany, -Herba luziola; but Fée is quite at a loss for its identification. - -[1945] Sillig is most probably right in his surmise that there is an -hiatus here. - -[1946] In B. xii. c. 27. Asarum Europæum, or foal-foot. - -[1947] Probably meaning that it comes from ἀ, “not,” and σαίρω, “to -adorn.” - -[1948] Or Crocus, the Crocus sativus of Linnæus, from the prepared -stigmata of which the saffron of commerce is made. It is still found -growing wild on the mountains in the vicinity of Athens, and is -extensively cultivated in many parts of Europe. - -[1949] “Degenerans ubique.” Judging from what he states below, he may -possibly mean, if grown repeatedly on the same soil. - -[1950] He may allude either to the city of Phlegra of Macedonia, or -to the Phlegræan Plains in Campania, which were remarkable for their -fertility. Virgil speaks of the saffron of Mount Tmolus in Cilicia. - -[1951] It is very extensively adulterated with the petals of the -marigold, as also the Carthamus tinctorius, safflower, or bastard -saffron. - -[1952] This is the case; for when it is brittle it shows that it has -not been adulterated with water, to add to its weight. - -[1953] Perhaps the reading here, “Cum sit in medio candidum,” is -preferable; “because it is white in the middle.” - -[1954] “White throughout.” - -[1955] He contradicts himself here; for in c. 79 of this Book, he says -that chaplets of saffron are good for dispelling the fumes of wine. - -[1956] “Ad theatra replenda.” It was the custom to discharge -saffron-water over the theatres with pipes, and sometimes the saffron -was mixed with wine for the purpose. It was discharged through pipes -of very minute bore, so that it fell upon the spectators in the form -of the finest dust. See Lucretius, B. ii. l. 416; Lucan, Phars. ix. l. -808-810; and Seneca, Epist. 92. - -[1957] It flowers so rapidly, in fact, that it is difficult to avoid -the loss of a part of the harvest. - -[1958] The whole of this passage is from Theophrastus, De Odorib. - -[1959] This statement, though borrowed from Theophrastus, is not -consistent with fact. The root of saffron is not more long-lived than -any other bulbs of the Liliaceæ. - -[1960] Because, Dalechamps says, all the juices are thereby thrown back -into the root, which consequently bears a stronger flower the next year. - -[1961] Il. xiv. l. 348. - -[1962] see B. xiii. c. 32. - -[1963] All these statements as to the odours of various substances, are -from Theophrastus, De Causis, B. vi. c. 22. - -[1964] He does _not_ say, however, that it is but rarely that a bitter -substance is not odoriferous; a sense in which Fée seems to have -understood him, as he says, “This assertion is not true in general, -and there are numerous exceptions; for instance, quassia wood, which -is inodorous and yet intensely bitter.” The essential oil, he remarks, -elaborated in the tissue of the corolla, is the ordinary source of the -emanations of the flower. - -[1965] Fée remarks that cultivation gives to plants a softer and -more aqueous consistency, which is consequently injurious to the -developement of the essential oil. - -[1966] Theophrastus, from whom this is borrowed, might have said with -more justice, Fée remarks, that certain roses have more odour when -dried than when fresh gathered. Such is the case, he says, with the -Provence rose. Fresh roses, however, have a more pronounced smell, the -nearer they are to the olfactory organs. - -[1967] This is by no means invariably the case: in fact, the smell of -most odoriferous plants is most powerful in summer. - -[1968] Because the essential oils evaporate more rapidly. - -[1969] With Littré, we adopt the reading “ætate,” “mid-age,” and -not “æstate,” “midsummer,” for although the assertion would be in -general correct, Pliny would contradict the statement just made, that -all plants have a more penetrating odour in spring. This reading is -supported also by the text of Theophrastus. - -[1970] Or saffron. - -[1971] This is a just observation, but the instances might be greatly -extended, as Fée says. - -[1972] See B. xviii. c. 39. - -[1973] The white lily and the red lily. See c. 11 of this Book. - -[1974] As to the Abrotonum, see B. xiii. c. 2, and c. 34 of this Book. - -[1975] See c. 35 of this Book. - -[1976] Or in other words, the interior of the petals has a more bitter -flavour than that of the exterior surface. - -[1977] Pliny makes a mistake here, in copying from Theophrastus. De -Causis, B. vi. c. 25. That author is speaking not of the flower, but of -the rainbow, under the name of “iris.” Pliny has himself made a similar -statement as to the rainbow, in B. xii. c. 52, which he would appear -here to have forgotten. - -[1978] The Cheiranthus tristis of Linnæus, or sad gilliflower, Fée -thinks. - -[1979] See B. viii. c. 23. Pliny did not know of the existence of the -musk-deer, the Muschus moschiferus of Eastern Asia: and he seems not to -have thought of the civet, (if, indeed, it was known to him) the fox, -the weasel, and the polecat, the exhalations from which have a peculiar -smell. The same, too, with the urine of the panther and other animals -of the genus Felis. - -[1980] For some superstitious reason, in all probability. Pliny -mentions below, the formalities with which this plant ought to be -gathered. - -[1981] See B. xiii. c. 2. The ancient type of this plant, our iris, -sword-lily, or flower-de-luce, was probably the Iris Florentina or -Florentine iris of modern botany. - -[1982] At the present day, too, it is the root of the plant that is the -most important part of it. - -[1983] The Iris Florentina, probably, of Linnæus. - -[1984] Mentioned by Nicander, Theriaca, l. 43. - -[1985] Probably a variety only of the preceding kind. - -[1986] The most common varieties in Africa are the Iris alata of -Lamarck, I. Mauritanica of Clusius, I. juncea, and I. stylosa of -Desfontaines. - -[1987] “Raphanus.” C. Bauhin identifies the Rhaphanitis with the Iris -biflora, and the Rhizotomus with the Iris angustifolia prunum redolens. - -[1988] See c. 38 of this Book. - -[1989] No kind of iris, Fée says, fresh or dried, whole or powdered, is -productive of this effect. - -[1990] Very similar, probably, to that of Illyria. - -[1991] All these superstitions are from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. -ix. c. 9. - -[1992] This, Fée says, is quite consistent with modern experience. - -[1993] “Irinum.” See B. xiii. c. 2. - -[1994] Probably the Valeriana Celtica of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. 27, -where it is mentioned as Gallic nard. - -[1995] “Cæspes.” - -[1996] See B. iii. c. 21. - -[1997] Probably the Teucrium polium of Linnæus; the herb poley, or -poley-mountain. - -[1998] By those who carry it on their person. - -[1999] This marvel is related by Dioscorides in reference to the -Tripolium, and not the Polium. - -[2000] The Teucrium montanum, probably, of Linnæus. - -[2001] This name belongs, properly, to the wild or mountain Polium. - -[2002] “Principales.” The meaning of this term is explained at the end -of this Chapter. Red, yellow, and blue—or else, red, green, and violet, -are probably the _primary_ colours of light. - -[2003] See B. ix. c. 65, and B. xvi. c. 12. He alludes to the Coccus -ilicis of Linnæus. - -[2004] See B. xxxvii. c. 40, as to the meaning of the word “Suspectus.” -This passage, however, as Sillig remarks, is hopelessly corrupt. - -[2005] See B. ix. cc. 60, 63. - -[2006] “Doubly-dyed,” or “twice dipped,” in purple. See B. ix. c. 63. -Littré remarks here that, according to Doctor Bizio, it was the Murex -brandaris that produced the Tyrian purple, and the Murex trunculus the -amethystine purple. - -[2007] Or “violet-colour.” See B. xxxvii. c. 40. - -[2008] For further information on these tints, see B. ix. cc. 64, 65. - -[2009] Belonging, probably, Fée thinks, to the Cruciferæ of the genera -Hesperis and Cheiranthus. - -[2010] “Flammeis” The “flammeum,” or flame-coloured veil of the bride, -was of a bright yellow, or rather orange-colour, perhaps. - -[2011] The Celosia cristata of Linnæus. - -[2012] “Spica.” The moderns have been enabled to equal the velvety -appearance of the amaranth in the tints imparted by them to their -velvets. The Italians call it the “velvet-flower.” - -[2013] The real fact is, that the amaranth, being naturally a dry -flower, and having little humidity to lose, keeps better than most -others. - -[2014] From the Greek ἀ, “not,” and [μαραίνεσθαι], “to -fade.” - -[2015] Being the Greek for “blue” or “azure.” - -[2016] The Centaurea cyanus of Linnæus; our blue-bell. - -[2017] Meaning “all gold.” It has been identified with the Gnaphalium -stœchas of Linnæus, the _immortelle_ of the French, which forms the -ingredient for their funereal chaplets. - -[2018] Sprengel says that this is the Geum rivale of Linnæus; but then -the Geum is a spring, and not an autumn flower, its blossoms bear no -resemblance to those of the eglantine, and its seeds are not yellow. - -[2019] Generally supposed to be the Chrysanthemum segetum, or golden -daisy. - -[2020] “Pastillicantibus quinquagenis quinis barbulis coronatur.” Pliny -is unusually verbose here. - -[2021] “Golden locks,” or “gold plant;” probably the Chrysocoma -linosyris of Linnæus; though the name appears to have been given to -numerous plants. - -[2022] See B. xvi. c. 69, B. xviii. c. 65, B. xix. c. 2, B. xxiv. c. -40; also c. 42 of the present Book. - -[2023] The Nerium oleander of Linnæus. See B. xvi. c. 33, and B. xxiv. -cc. 47, 49. - -[2024] As to the Zizyphum, or jujube, see B. xv. c. 14. The flower, as -Pliny says, is not unlike that of the olive; but Fée remarks, that it -may at the present day as justly be called the tree of Provence or of -Italy, as in ancient times “the tree of Cappadocia.” - -[2025] B. xxv. c. 67. - -[2026] See B. v. c. 41. - -[2027] See B. xvi. cc. 62 and 63, and B. xxiv. cc. 47 and 49. - -[2028] Or Vitis alba, “white vine,” the Bryonia dioica of modern -botany. See B. xxiii. c. 16. - -[2029] The Spiræa salicifolia of Linnæus, or meadowsweet. - -[2030] See B. xx. c. 67, and c. 30 of this Book. - -[2031] The Daphne Cnidium of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. 35; also B. xii. -c. 43. It is altogether different from the Laurus cassia, or genuine -cassia. - -[2032] See B. xx. c. 63. - -[2033] See B. xx. c. 45. - -[2034] “Sertula Camapana.” - -[2035] Most probably, Fée thinks, the Trifolium Melilotus officinalis, -a clover, or trefoil. - -[2036] The Psoranthea bituminosa of Linnæus. It is found on declivities -near the sea-coast, in the south of Europe. - -[2037] “Pointed trefoil.” Pliny has probably committed an error here, -as Dioscorides makes oxyphyllum, minyanthes, and asphaltium to be -different names of the same variety. Sprengel, however, identifies this -pointed trefoil with the Trifolium Italicum of Linnæus. - -[2038] The Anethum fæniculum of Linnæus. See B. viii. c. 41, B. xx. c. -95, and B. xxx. c. 9. - -[2039] See B. xx. c. 96. - -[2040] The “mouse-killer.” Probably the Aconitum napellus of Linnæus. -See B. xxvii. c. 2. - -[2041] See B. xvi. c. 62. - -[2042] Fée remarks, that there is no such ivy in existence; he agrees -with Dalechamps in the opinion that Pliny has confounded κίσσος, “ivy,” -with κίστος, the “rock-rose.” See B. xvi. c. 62. - -[2043] The Daphne Cnidium and the Daphne Cneorum of Linnæus. See B. -xxiii. c. 35, and B. xv. c. 7. - -[2044] In reality, they blossom in April and May, and mostly a second -time in autumn as well, the Daphne Cneorum in particular. - -[2045] See B. xx. c. 69. - -[2046] Under the head “Thymus,” Fée thinks that both the Satureia -capitata of Linnæus, headed savory, and the Thymus vulgaris, and Thymus -zygis of Linnæus (varieties of thyme), should be included. - -[2047] Fée thinks that in the expression “nigricans,” he may allude to -the deep red of the stalk of some kinds of thyme, more particularly at -the end of summer. It is the Thymus zigis that has a white, downy stem. - -[2048] From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 2, and De Causis, -B. i. c. 5. Fée suggests, that the seed, lying at the bottom of the -calyx, may have escaped notice, and that in reality, when the ancients -imagined they were sowing the blossoms, they were putting the seed in -the earth. That, in fact, seems to agree with the view which Pliny -takes of the matter. - -[2049] Which lies in the interior of the Peloponnesus. - -[2050] See B. xv. c. 1. - -[2051] “Lapidei Campi.” See B. iii. c. 5. - -[2052] Similar to our practice of depasturing sheep on Dartmoor and -other favourite moors and downs. - -[2053] Fée takes this to be the Inula viscosa of Desfontaines, and -identifies the other kind with the Inula pulicaria of Linnæus. See B. -xx. cc. 63, 64. - -[2054] B. xx. c. 64. - -[2055] Supposed to be the same as the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus. - -[2056] Sprengel identifies it with the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus. -As described by Dioscorides, however, Fée takes it to be the Lilium -Martagon, or Turk’s-cap lily. See c. 90 of this Book. - -[2057] This is different from the Helenium of the Greeks, the Inula -Helenium of Linnæus, mentioned in B. xv. c. 7. Sprengel identifies it -with the Teucrium Creticum of Linnæus, the Cretan germander. - -[2058] See B. xx. c. 91. - -[2059] “Flame.” Sprengel identifies it with the Agrostemma coronaria of -Linnæus, making the flower of Jove to be the Agrostemma flos Jovis. - -[2060] Fée remarks, that if this is our Thymus serpyllum, this -exception is inexact. - -[2061] For two islands of this name, see B. iv. c. 20, and c. 23. - -[2062] The female Abrotonum is identified with the Santolina -chamæcyparissus of Linnæus: the little-cypress Santoline. The male is -the Artemisia abrotonum of Linnæus, our southern-wood. - -[2063] Pliny has probably committed an error here in transcribing -from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, who, when speaking of -the abrotonum, says, “It is transplanted in earthen pots, in the way -employed for the gardens of Adonis,” these gardens being moveable -parterres, laid out in pots or vases. We cannot agree with Hardouin, -who looks upon the Adonium as a variety of the Abrotonum, and censures -Salmasius for accusing Pliny of committing an error here. - -[2064] The “White flower.” See B. xxii. c. 26. - -[2065] See B. xiii. c. 2. The sampsuchum, or amaracus, is generally -thought to be the sweet marjoram, or Origanum marjorana of Linnæus. -But Fée identifies it with the Origanum majoranoides of Willdenow, our -organy, wild or false marjoram. - -[2066] The “night-watcher.” According to Sprengel, this is the -Cæsalpina pulcherrima of Linnæus. But, as Fée says, that is entirely -an Indian plant, and has only been introduced but very recently into -Europe. Hardouin identifies it with a plant called “lunaria” by the -naturalists of his day, which shines, he says, with the moon at night. - -[2067] The Cæsalpina pulcherrima is not to be found in or near Gedrosia -(in ancient Persia), but solely on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. - -[2068] From χῆνες “geese” and μύχος a “corner;” because geese run into -a corner on seeing it. - -[2069] As to the meaning of this word, see B. xxviii. c. 47. - -[2070] See c. 29 of this Book. - -[2071] This has been thought to be the Cheiranthus incanus, Cheiranthus -annus, and Leucoium vernum of modern botany; but Fée is of opinion that -it is next to impossible to identify it. See c. 14 of this Book. - -[2072] See c. 33 of this Book. - -[2073] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[2074] In c. 11 of this Book. There is no late variety of the lily -known at the present day. - -[2075] Or “wind flower:” the Anemone coronaria of Linnæus. - -[2076] A ranunculus. See c. 94 of this Book. - -[2077] Or “vine-blossom.” See c. 95 of this Book. - -[2078] Or “black violet,” mentioned by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. -vi. c. 7. Pliny may probably mean the purple violet, mentioned by him -in c. 14 of this Book. “Melanthium” is another reading. - -[2079] Not improbably the same as the “holochrysos,” mentioned in c. 24 -of this Book. - -[2080] “Meadow” anemone. - -[2081] “The little sword.” See c. 67 of this Book. - -[2082] There have been conflicting opinions as to the identification -of the hyacinth of the ancients. Linnæus identifies it with the -Delphinium Ajacis: Sprengel and Salmasius with the Gladiolus communis: -Sibthorp with the Gladiolus communis triphyllos: Dodonæus and Porta the -Lilium bulbiferum: and Martyn and Fée the Lilium Martagon of Linnæus, -the Turk’s-cap lily. From what Pliny says in cc. 39 and 97 of this -Book, and in B. xxv. c. 80, it is pretty clear that under the name of -hyacinth he has confused the characteristics of two different plants. -The hyacinth, too, of Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 5, is a different plant, -Fée remarks, being the Hyacinthus comosus of modern botanists. - -[2083] The Greek ΑΙ, “Alas!” which the ancients fancied they saw -impressed on the leaves. - -[2084] See Ovid’s Met. B. x. l. 162-220. - -[2085] See Ovid’s Met. B. xiii. l. 397, _et seq._ - -[2086] “Unsullied by fire.” - -[2087] Or “light” flower: the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus. - -[2088] Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, mentions the “cerinthus” -next after the flower of Jove: Pliny seems to have taken it for a kind -of lily. This flower has not been identified. - -[2089] Sprengel takes this to be the Lavandula spica, or Lavender. - -[2090] Hardouin identifies this with the Lychnis Chalcedonica, or Cross -of Jerusalem, with which opinion Fée seems inclined to coincide. Other -commentators incline to the opinion that it is the Jasminum fruticans, -a plant in which, beyond its smell, there is nothing at all remarkable. -The exotic monocotyledon, known as the “Pothos,” has no connection with -the plant here mentioned. - -[2091] This, according to some, is the Lychnis Chalcedonica, the next -being the Jasminum fruticans. - -[2092] As known to us, all the varieties of the iris blossom in spring. - -[2093] The purple lily, Fée thinks. - -[2094] If this is the correct reading, which is very doubtful, this -plant is unknown. M. Jan has suggested that Pliny, in copying from -Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, has read ὀρσινὸς by mistake for -ὀρεινός, “mountainous,” the original meaning being, “Two varieties of -saffron, one of them growing on the mountains, the other cultivated;” -and this last word being rendered by Pliny “hebes,” translated above as -meaning “inodorous.” - -[2095] The Acanthus, probably. See B. xxii. c. 34, and B. xxiv. c. 66. - -[2096] Forskhal speaks of an acanthus in Arabia, the leaves of which -are eaten raw. Fée thinks, that these shoots might be eaten without any -inconvenience, but doubts if they would make such a tempting morsel as -Pliny describes. - -[2097] Or blue-bell. - -[2098] Linnæus and other authorities identify this with the Clematis -of Dioscorides, the Vinca major and minor of modern botany, our -periwinkle. Fée, however, is inclined to identify it with the -Chamædaphne, or ground-laurel of B. xv. c. 39, the Ruscus racemosus of -Linnæus. - -[2099] See c. 38 of this Book. - -[2100] This method of cultivation, also mentioned by Theophrastus, is -never employed in modern horticulture. - -[2101] In c. 10 of this Book. - -[2102] See B. xix. c. 50. - -[2103] “Honey-leaf.” The Melissa officinalis of Linnæus: our -balm-gentle. It is the same as the “apiastrum,” though Pliny has -erroneously made them distinct plants. - -[2104] “Wax-flower.” The Cerinthe major of Linnæus: the greater -honeywort. - -[2105] See B. xi. c. 8. On the contrary, Virgil says, Georg. iv. l. 20, -that a wild olive-tree should be planted near the hives, to protect -them with its shade. Varro says also, De Re Rust. iii. 16, that the bee -extracts honey from the olive-tree; but according to Aristotle, Hist. -Anim. B. ix. c. 64, it is from the leaf, and not the flower of that -tree that the honey is extracted. - -[2106] See B. xv. c. 31. Fée is inclined to doubt the correctness of -the assertion here made by Pliny. - -[2107] See B. xiv. c. 5. The remedies for the diseases of bees in -modern times are of a very similar nature, but attention is equally -paid to the proper ventilation of the hives. - -[2108] This plan is still adopted on the river Po, the ancient Padus, -as also at Beauce, in the south of France, where the hives are carried -from place to place upon carts. In the north of England it is the -practice to carry the hives to the moors in autumn. - -[2109] This has been doubted by Spielmann, but it is nevertheless the -truth; the nature of the sugar secreted by the glands of the nectary, -being analogous to that of the plant which furnishes it. The honey -gathered from aconite in Switzerland has been known to produce vertigo -and even delirium. Dr. Barton also gives a similar account of the -effects of the poisonous honey collected from the Kalmia latifolia in -Pennsylvania; and Geoffroi Saint Hilaire says that, having eaten in -Brazil some honey prepared by a wasp called “lecheguana,” his life was -put in very considerable danger thereby. Xenophon also speaks of the -effects of the intoxicating or maddening honey upon some of the Ten -Thousand in their retreat. - -[2110] The rhododendrons and rose laurels, Fée says, which are so -numerous in these parts, render the fact here stated extremely probable. - -[2111] “Goats’ death.” Fée says that this is the Rhododendron Ponticum -of Linnæus. Desfontaines identifies it with the Azalea Pontica of -modern botany. - -[2112] In reality, there are no visible signs by which to detect that -the honey is poisonous. - -[2113] B. xxix. c. 31. - -[2114] See B. xii. c. 25. - -[2115] Μαινόμενον, “maddening.” - -[2116] The ægolethron of the preceding Chapter, Fée thinks. If so, -the word rhododendron, he says, would apply to two plants, the Nerion -oleander or rose laurel (see B. xvi. c. 33), and the Rhododendron -Ponticum. - -[2117] Fée refuses to credit this: but still such a thing might -accidentally happen. - -[2118] These asserted remedies would be of no use whatever, Fée says. - -[2119] See B. vii. c. 2. - -[2120] Fée seems to take it for granted that Pliny is speaking here of -honey made by other insects than bees; but such does not appear to be -the case. - -[2121] Fée remarks here that Pliny is right, and that Columella and -Palladius are wrong, who would have the hives to look due north. - -[2122] Lapis specularis: a sort of talc, probably. See B. iii. c. 4. B. -ix. c. 56. B. xv. c. 1. B. xix. c. 23, and B. xxxvi. c. 45. - -[2123] In B. ix. c. 16, he mentions hives made of horn for this -purpose. Glass hives are now made for the purpose, but the moisture -which adheres to the interior of the glass prevents the operations of -the bees from being watched with any degree of nicety. - -[2124] “Cognatum hoc.” He probably alludes to the notion entertained by -the ancients that bees might be reproduced from the putrefied entrails -of an ox, as wasps from those of a horse. See the story of Aristæus in -B. iv. of Virgil’s Georgics. - -[2125] Or butterflies—“papiliones.” - -[2126] “Teredines.” - -[2127] Honeycombs and rough wax are placed in the hive, when the bees -are in want of aliment; also honey and sugar-sirop. - -[2128] “Defrutum:” grape-juice boiled down to one-half. - -[2129] Fée is at a loss to know how this could be of any service as an -aliment to bees. - -[2130] A mere puerility, Fée says. - -[2131] But extremely weak, no doubt; for after boiling, the hydromel -must be subjected, first to vinous, and then to acetous, fermentation. - -[2132] The method here described differs but little from that employed -at the present day. - -[2133] “Sporta.” - -[2134] Or Carthaginian. - -[2135] In reality, the wax has properties totally different from those -of the honey, and it is not always gathered from the same plants. - -[2136] A kind of bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6. - -[2137] Neither the nitre nor the salt, Fée says, would be of the -slightest utility. - -[2138] By causing the aqueous particles that may remain in it, to -evaporate. - -[2139] Or “likenesses”—“similitudines.” Waxen profiles seem to have -been the favourite likenesses with the Romans: See the Asinaria of -Plautus, A. iv. sc. i. l. 19, in which one of these portraits is -clearly alluded to. Also Ovid, Heroid. xiii. l. 152, and Remed. Amor. -l. 723. The “imagines” also, or busts of their ancestors, which were -kept in their “atria,” were made of wax. - -[2140] To protect the paintings, probably, with which the walls were -decorated. - -[2141] In B. xi. - -[2142] See B. xv. c. 28. - -[2143] See B. xxiii. c. 17. According to some authorities, it is -supposed to be the Delphinium staphis agria of Linnæus; but Fée and -Desfontaines identify it with the Tamus communis of Linnæus, Our Lady’s -seal. - -[2144] The Ruscus aculeatus of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. 83. - -[2145] In B. xxii. c. 33, this plant is called “halimon.” Some authors -identify it with the Atriplex halymus, and others, again, with the -Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus. See also B. xxvi. c. 50. - -[2146] Identified by some commentators with the Portulaca sativa or -Portulaca oleracea of Linnæus. - -[2147] “Pastinaca pratensis.” Fée and Desfontaines are undecided -whether this is the Daucus carota of Linnæus, the common carrot, or the -Pastinaca sativa, the cultivated parsnip. - -[2148] “Lupus salictarius,” the “willow wolf,” literally; the Humulus -lupulus of Linnæus. It probably took its Latin name from the tenacity -with which it clung to willows and osiers. - -[2149] The Arum colocasia of Linnæus. - -[2150] The “bean.” Not, however, the Egyptian bean, which is the -Nymphæa nelumbo of Linnæus, the Nelumbum speciosum of Willdenow. - -[2151] These filaments are mentioned also by Martial, Epig., B. viii. -Ep. 33, and B. xiii. Ep. 57. But according to Desfontaines, this -description applies to the stalks of the Nymphæa lotos, and not of the -Arum colocasia. - -[2152] “Thyrsus.” - -[2153] Desfontaines has identified this with the Arctium lappa of -botanists; but that is a land plant, and this, Pliny says, grows in the -rivers, if the reading here is correct, it cannot be the plant of the -same name mentioned in B. xxv. c. 58. - -[2154] This applies, Desfontaines says, to the Nymphæa nelumbo. - -[2155] Here he returns, according to Desfontaines, to the Arum -colocasia. - -[2156] See B. xx. c. 29. - -[2157] “Intubum erraticum.” - -[2158] The Cyperus Esculentus of Linnæus. - -[2159] Theophrastus, B. iv. c. 10, says that it grows in the sandy soil -in the vicinity of the river. - -[2160] It is similar in appearance to the papyrus, and its tubercles -are oblong, or round and fleshy, with an agreeable flavour. - -[2161] The Arachis hypogæa of Linnæus, the earth pistachio. - -[2162] The root is not large; but the fruit is so close to the earth -that Pliny may have confounded it with the real root of the plant. - -[2163] Sprengel identifies this with the Lathyrus amphicarpos, and the -aracos with the Lathyrus tuberosus, varieties of the chicheling vetch. -Columna thinks that this last was the arachidna. Fée says that the data -are altogether insufficient to enable us to form an opinion. - -[2164] The Chondrylla juncea of Linnæus, according to Fée; but -Desfontaines identifies it with the Lactuca perennis. - -[2165] Desfontaines identifies it with the Hyoseris lucida. Fée says -that the opinion is equally as difficult to combat as to support. - -[2166] Fée identifies it with the Caucalis grandiflora of Linnæus, a -native of Greece. Desfontaines mentions the Caucalis Orientalis, an -Eastern plant. - -[2167] For this and the Scandix, see B. xxii. c. 38. - -[2168] A chicoraceous plant: the Tragopogon crocifolius of Linnæus. - -[2169] See c. 104 of this Book. - -[2170] See cc. 35 and 105 of this Book. - -[2171] The Corchorus olitorius of Linnæus: still cultivated in Egypt. - -[2172] Identified by some, but it is doubtful if with any good reason, -with the Leontodon taraxacum of Linnæus: our dandelion. - -[2173] The reading is doubtful, and it does not appear to have been -identified. - -[2174] Or “stone-plant:” identified with the Sedum anacampseros of -Linnæus: a variety of house-leek. - -[2175] On the contrary, it has a purple flower. - -[2176] It is this, probably, that has caused it to be identified with -the Leontodon taraxacum. - -[2177] The Carthamus tinctorius of Linnæus, or bastard saffron. The -seed of it is a powerful purgative to man, but has no effect on -birds: it is much used for feeding parrots, hence one of its names, -“parrot-seed.” - -[2178] Identified by Fée with the Atractylis of Dioscorides, the -Carthamus mitissimus of Linnæus; the Carduncellus mitissimus of -Decandolle. - -[2179] From ἄτρακτος, “a distaff.” - -[2180] The Centaurea lanata of Decandolle, the Centaurea benedicta of -Linnæus. - -[2181] The Asparagus aphylla of Linnæus: the leafless asparagus. - -[2182] The Spartium scorpius of Linnæus: scorpion-grass, or -scorpion-wort. - -[2183] See B. xxii. c. 8. - -[2184] See B. xxii. c. 11. The “sweet-root;” our liquorice. The -Glycyrrhiza echinata of Linnæus bears a prickly fruit; it is of this, -Fée thinks, that Pliny speaks here. - -[2185] Fée remarks, that though the leaf of the nettle is furnished -with numerous stings, or rather prickly hairs, it is quite wrong to -look upon them as thorns, which Pliny, in the present instance, (though -not in the next Chapter) appears to do. Genuine thorns, he remarks, are -abortive branches, which, of course, cannot be said of the fine hairs -springing from the nerves of the leaf. See B. xxii. c. 15. - -[2186] Supposed to be the Tribulus terrestris of Linnæeus, a species -of thistle: the leaves of this plant, however, are not provided, Fée -remarks, with thorns at their base, the fruit alone being spinous. See -c. 58 of this Book. - -[2187] See c. 58 of this Book. - -[2188] The Poterium spinosum of botanists. See B. xxii. c. 13. - -[2189] See B. xxii. c. 13. Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 5, -identifies this plant with the Stœbe just mentioned. - -[2190] “Acetabulis.” Fée complains of the use of this term (meaning a -“small cup”) in relation to the calyces of the nettle; such not being -in reality their form. - -[2191] Probably in allusion to the Urtica dioica, which grows to a -greater height than the Urtica urens. See B. xxii. c. 15. - -[2192] “Canina.” A variety, probably, of the Urtica urens, the nettle, -with the exception of the Urtica pilifera, which has the most stinging -properties of all those found in Europe, and the leaves of which are -the most deeply indented. - -[2193] This has not been identified. They are all of them either -inodorous, or else possessed of a faint, disagreeable smell. - -[2194] This “lanugo,” or down, as he calls it, consists of a fine -elongated tube of cellular tissue, seated upon a gland of similar -tissue. In this gland a poisonous fluid is secreted, and when any -pressure is made upon the gland, the fluid passes upwards in the tube. -The nettle of the East, known as the Devil’s Leaf, is of so poisonous a -quality as to produce death. - -[2195] In some parts of the north of England and of Scotland the young -plant of the Urtica dioica is eaten as greens, and is far from a -disagreeable dish, strongly resembling spinach. It is also reckoned a -very wholesome diet, and is taken habitually in the spring, under the -impression that it purifies the blood. This notion, we see from the -context, is as old as the time of the Romans. - -[2196] Dalechamps speaks of it as the custom in his time to wrap up -fish and game in nettles, under the impression that they would keep the -longer for it. - -[2197] The dead nettle, or blind nettle. See B. xxii. c. 16. - -[2198] See B. xxii. c. 17. - -[2199] He probably means the thistle, but possibly the artichoke, under -this name. See B. xix. cc. 19 and 43, and B. xx. c. 99. - -[2200] This is probably the same with the second variety of the -“Cnecos,” mentioned above in c. 53, the Centaurea lanata, or benedicta. - -[2201] Probably the Carduus leucographus of Linnæus. - -[2202] According to Dalechamps, this is the Echinops ritro of modern -botany. - -[2203] See c. 93 of this Book. - -[2204] “Many thorns.” According to Dalechamps, this is the Carduus -spinosissimus angustifolius vulgaris of C. Bauhin, the Cirsium -spinosissimum of Linnæus. - -[2205] Identified by Dalechamps with the Onopordon Illyricum, or -Acanthium of modern botany. - -[2206] The Acarna gummifera of modern botanists, the flowers of which -yield a kind of gum with an agreeable smell. It is quite a different -plant from Wall pellitory, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 19, under this name. - -[2207] See B. xx. c. 99, and B. xxii. c. 43. - -[2208] The black chamæleon is identified by Fée with the Brotera -corymbosa of Willdenow: the white variety, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21, -with the Acarna gummifera of Willdenow, the Helxine above mentioned. -Desfontaines identifies it with the Carlina acaulis. - -[2209] See B. xxii. c. 8. - -[2210] The Greek for “blood” or “slaughter.” - -[2211] “Carduus.” - -[2212] “Thorn mastich,” or “resin.” - -[2213] This is not the Cactus of modern botany, a plant mentioned -in the sequel under the name of “Opuntia,” but probably the Cinara -carduncellus. See B. xx. c. 99. - -[2214] Theophrastus says, that when peeled they have a somewhat bitter -flavour, and are kept pickled in brine. - -[2215] This name is now given by naturalists to the calyx of Compositæ, -which exists in the rudimentary condition of a membranous coronet, or -of downy hairs, like silk. - -[2216] “Cortex.” - -[2217] The Trapa natans of Linnæus, or water chesnut, a prickly marsh -plant of Europe and Asia. Hence our word “caltrop.” - -[2218] “Dira res alibi.” - -[2219] These two plants have no affinity whatever with the one just -mentioned. The first of these so-called varieties is the Tribulus -terrestris of Linnæus; and the second is identified by Fée, though with -some doubt, with the Fagonia Cretica of Linnæus. - -[2220] The Ononis antiquorum of Linnæus, the Cammock, or rest-harrow. - -[2221] The Cochlearia coronopus. See B. xxii. c. 22. - -[2222] The Anchusa tinctoria, probably, or dyers’ alkanet. See B. xxii. -c. 23. - -[2223] See B. xxii. c. 26. - -[2224] It has not been identified with any degree of certainty: the -Centaurea nigra and the Campanula rapunculus have been named. - -[2225] See B. xxvii. c. 21: also c. 52 of this Book. The name appears -to have been given to both the Leontodon taraxacum and the Lathyras -aphaca of modern botany. - -[2226] Theophrastus has Picris in the parallel passage, Hist. Plant. -B. vii. c. 9, the Helminthia echioides of Linnæus. If “Crepis” is the -correct reading, that plant has not been identified. - -[2227] The herbaceous kinds are no doubt those alluded to. - -[2228] See B. xix. cc. 31, 36, and 44; and B. xx. c. 48. The ocimum of -the Greeks has been identified by some with the Ocimum basilicum of -Linnæus, our basil. That of the Romans seems to have been a name given -to one or more varieties of leguminous plants of the vetch kind. - -[2229] The Heliotropium Europæum. See B. xxii. c. 29. - -[2230] This plant has not been identified, but Fée is inclined, from -what Dioscorides says, B. iv. c. 24, to identify it with either the -Lithospermum fruticosum, or else the Anchusa Italica of Linnæus. - -[2231] This is not the case, if this plant is identical with the -Heliotropium Europæum, that being an annual. - -[2232] The Adiantum Capillus Veneris of Linnæus, or the Asplenium -trichomanes of Linnæus. “Venus hair, or coriander maiden hair; others -name it to be well fern.”—T. Cooper. The leaves of these plants last -the whole of their lives. - -[2233] The Teuerium polium of Linnæeus, our poley; the leaves of which -are remarkably long-lived. - -[2234] “Spicatæ.” - -[2235] Fée is in doubt whether to identify it with the Plantago cynops -of the south of Europe, and the banks of the Rhine. - -[2236] “Foxtail.” According to Dalechamps, it is the Saccharum -cylindricum, the Lagurus of Linnæus; but Fée expresses his doubts as to -their identity. - -[2237] Fée inclines to think that it may be the Secale villosum of -Linnæus; though the more recent commentators identify it with the -Plantago angustifolia. The Saccharum Ravennæ has been suggested. - -[2238] Or “quail.” - -[2239] In B. xxv. c. 39. - -[2240] Hardouin takes this to be our pimpernel, the Sanguisorba -officinalis of Linnæeus. Sprengel inclines to the Verbascum lychnitis -of Linnæus. - -[2241] “Proxuma.” - -[2242] See B. xviii. c. 66. - -[2243] Supposed by most commentators to be the Parietaria officinalis -of Linnæus; Wall pellitory or parietary. Some, however, have suggested -the Polygonum maritimum, or the Polygonum divaricatum of Linnæus. Fée -expresses doubts as to its identity, but remarks that the modern Greek -name of pellitory is “perdikaki.” See c. 104 of this Book, and B. xxii. -c. 20. - -[2244] “Perdix,” the Greek name. - -[2245] Probably the Ornithogalum umbellatum of Linnæus. Sprengel -identifies it with the Ornithogalum natans: but that variety is not -found in Greece, while the other is. - -[2246] “Puls” - -[2247] Probably the Melilotus cœrulea of Linnæus, Fée says. -Desfontaines mentions the Melilotus Cretica or Italica. - -[2248] The Avena fatua or sterilis; the barren oat. See B. xviii. c. 44. - -[2249] See B. xxii. c. 26. - -[2250] The Gallium aparine of Linnæus. See B. xviii. c. 44. - -[2251] The Opuntia. The Cactus Opuntia of Linnæus; the cactus, or -Indian fig. - -[2252] Perhaps the Convolvulus sepium of Linnæus; though Fée dissents -from that opinion. See B. xxii. c. 39. - -[2253] See c. 52 of this Book. - -[2254] See B. xxii. c. 31. - -[2255] From the Greek πικρὸς. - -[2256] In B. xviii. c. 65. - -[2257] “Little sword:” the Gladiolus communis of Linnæus. See the -remarks on the hyacinthus of the ancients in the Notes to c. 38 of this -Book. - -[2258] Sprengel says that it is the Thesium linophyllum of modern -botany; an opinion at which Fée expresses his surprise. See B. xxii. c. -31. - -[2259] The Asphodelus ramosus of Linnæus. - -[2260] “Little sword.” - -[2261] It is no longer employed as an article of food. - -[2262] Od. xi. 539, and xxiv. 13. - -[2263] It is difficult to say to what “illud” refers, if, indeed, it is -the correct reading. - -[2264] “Hastula regia.” - -[2265] “Caulis acinosi.” - -[2266] See B. xxii. c. 32. - -[2267] “Arrow.” The Sagittaria sagittifolia of Linnæus; our arrow-head, -or adder’s tongue. - -[2268] 15th of May. - -[2269] The Schœnus mariscus of Linnæus. - -[2270] Pliny is guilty of a lapsus memoriæ here, for he has nowhere -given any such advice on the subject. Hardouin refers to B. xviii. c. -67, but erroneously, for there he is speaking of hay, not “ulva” or -sedge. - -[2271] The “sharp rush.” The Juncus acutus of Linnæus; the pointed -bulrush. - -[2272] The “pointed” rush. The Schœnus mucronatus of Linnæus. - -[2273] A variety, Fée says, of the Schœnus nigricans of Linnæus, the -black bulrush. - -[2274] The “black head.” - -[2275] The Scirpus holoschœnus of Linnæus, Fée thinks. - -[2276] None of the rushes, Fée remarks, are barren; and when the head -is inserted in the ground, it is neither more nor less than a sowing of -the seed. Hardouin remarks, however, that by the word “cacumine,” the -bulbous root of the rush is meant, and not the point of the stem. - -[2277] “Nassæ.” Baskets with a narrow mouth. - -[2278] It has descended in our time to the more humble rushlight; and -even that is fast “going out.” - -[2279] Fée identifies it with the Cyperus longus and Cyperus rotundus -of Linnæus, the odoriferous or round souchet. - -[2280] In c. 67 of this Book. The bulb, however, of the gladiolus is -inodorous; for which reason Fée is inclined to think that Pliny, with -all his care, is describing a cyperus, perhaps the Cyperus esculentus. - -[2281] It would be curious to know who these barbarians were, who -thus _smoked_ cypirus as we do tobacco. Fée queries whether they were -Germans or Gauls, people of Asia or of Africa. - -[2282] This applies more particularly, Fée thinks, to the Cyperus -rotundus of Linnæus. - -[2283] The Cyperus longus of Linnæus, Fée thinks. - -[2284] Sillig finds a difficulty here which does not seem to exist. It -is pretty clear that “cæteris” refers to the other varieties of the -cypiros, mentioned in the preceding Chapter. - -[2285] It has not been identified. - -[2286] Mentioned also by Dioscorides. It has not been identified. - -[2287] B. xii. c. 48. - -[2288] Dioscorides says that it grows in Babylonia. It is a variety, no -doubt, of the Andropogon schœnanthus. - -[2289] “Ungues,” “nails;” in allusion to the white part of the -finger-nails. - -[2290] “Cortex.” - -[2291] “Anchusam.” - -[2292] In B. xiv. c. 19. - -[2293] “In calliblepharum.” - -[2294] “Diapasmata.” - -[2295] “Pilulæ.” He alludes to the galls produced by an insect of the -Cynips kind, and known as “bedeguar.” They are astringent, but no -longer employed in medicine. - -[2296] The efficacy of bears’-grease for promoting the growth of the -hair was believed in, we find, so early as Pliny’s time. - -[2297] See c. 11 of this Book. The bulbs of the lily contain a -mucilage, and roasted or boiled they are sometimes employed, Fée says, -to bring inflammations to a head. Employed internally, he thinks -that they would be of no use whatever, and there is nothing in their -composition, he says which would induce one to think that they might be -employed to advantage in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny. - -[2298] Or “Poley.” See c. 21 of this Book. - -[2299] “Mel.” - -[2300] See c. 12 of this Book. - -[2301] The Narcissus pseudo-narcissus of Linnæus, the meadow narcissus, -or daffodil. The epithet “herbaceous,” Fée says, applies, not to the -flower, but to the leaves, which are larger and greener than in the -other kinds. - -[2302] “Torpor,” or “lethargy.” - -[2303] See c. 14 of this Book. - -[2304] An ointment made of wax and oil. - -[2305] “Ægilopiis.” - -[2306] “Diapasmata.” - -[2307] This, as Fée remarks, can hardly apply to the Digitalis purpurea -of Linnæus, with which he has identified it, the smell of which is -disagreeable rather than otherwise. - -[2308] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2309] The Asarum Europæum of Linnæus; our foalfoot. See B. xii. c. 27. - -[2310] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2311] In B. xii. c. 26. - -[2312] B. xii. c. 26. Either the Valeriana Italica, Fée says, or the -Valeriana Dioscoridis of Sibthorpe. The Valeriana phu and the Valeriana -officinalis of Linnæus have been suggested by some commentators. - -[2313] Or “prurigo.” - -[2314] See B. xxxv. cc. 18 and 57. - -[2315] “Collyrium.” Saffron is still the base of certain eye-salves. - -[2316] Formed, most probably, of all the insoluble substances contained -in the oil employed in making the “unguentum crocinum.” - -[2317] A small kind of quince. See B. xv. cc. 10 and 14. - -[2318] “Orthopnœa.” - -[2319] The Iris fœtidissima of Linnæus. It grows near Constantinople, -and the smell of it is so like that of roast meat, that it is commonly -called, Fée says, the “leg of mutton iris.” - -[2320] “Credo.” It does not exactly appear that Pliny puts faith in -this superstition, as Fée and Desfontaines seem to think; but he merely -hazards a supposition as to what are the intentions of these avaricious -herbalists. - -[2321] See c. 20 of this Book. - -[2322] See c. 21 of this Book. Fée remarks, that in reality it -possesses none of the qualities that are attributed to it. - -[2323] The “protection against poisons.” - -[2324] We have adopted Sillig’s emendation of this passage; the words -“aiunt, quod alii” being evidently required by the context. - -[2325] “Cytinus” appears to be a preferable reading here to “cyanus,” -the “blue-bell.” - -[2326] See c. 24 of this Book. Its medicinal properties, Fée says, are -next to nothing. - -[2327] See c. 26 of this Book. If it is the Chrysocoma linosyris, it -has no peculiar medicinal properties, Fée says. All these statements -are found in Dioscorides. - -[2328] Sec B. xx. c. 45, and c. 41 of this Book. It is a plant of -somewhat stimulating properties, and may possibly be useful, Fée -thinks, for nervous affections. - -[2329] “Scopis.” He may possibly mean small brooms made of the sprigs -of the plant. - -[2330] See c. 29 of this Book. The melilote is possessed of no peculiar -energy, but decoctions of it are sometimes employed as a lotion. - -[2331] Sores “resembling a honey-comb.” - -[2332] See c. 30 of this Book. - -[2333] In c. 30 of this Book. - -[2334] See c. 31 of this Book. Thyme yields an essential oil, possessed -of stimulating properties. Most of the assertions here made as to its -virtues are quite unfounded. - -[2335] See c. 33 of this Book. The Pancratium maritimum, if that plant -is identical with it, is but little used, but has a marked action, Fée -says, upon the human frame. - -[2336] In c. 33 of this Book. - -[2337] Od. iv. l. 221. This has been supposed by many commentators -to have been opium. The origin of the word is νή, “not,” and πένθος, -“grief;” and, as Fée says, it would seem to indicate rather a -composition than a plant. Saffron, mandragore, nightshade, and even -tea and coffee, have been suggested by the active imaginations of -various writers. Fée is of opinion that it is impossible to come to -any satisfactory conclusion, but inclines to the belief that either -the poppy or a preparation from it, is meant. In confirmation of this -opinion, it is a singular fact, that, as Dr. Paris remarks (in his -Pharmacologia), the Nepenthes of Homer was obtained from Thebes in -Egypt, and that tincture of opium, or laudanum, has received the name -of “Thebaic tincture.” Gorræus, in his “Definitiones Medicæ,” thinks -that the herb alluded to is the Inula Campania, or Elecampane, which -was also said to have derived its name of “Helenium” from Helen. Dr. -Greenhill, in Smith’s Dictionary of Antiquities, inclines to the -opinion that it was opium. See the article “Pharmaceutica.” - -[2338] See c. 34 of this Book. Both of the plants mentioned share -the medicinal properties of wormwood, being stimulants, tonics, -anthelmintics, and febrifuges. It would be dangerous, however, Fée -says, to administer them in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny, nor -would they be good for strangury, or affections of the chest. - -[2339] “Nervis.” Pliny had no knowledge, probably, of the nervous -system; but Fée seems to think that such is his meaning here. See B. -xi. c. 88. - -[2340] See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, and 29. - -[2341] See c. 34 of this Book; also B. xxii. c. 26. - -[2342] See c. 35 of this Book. - -[2343] In c. 38 of this Book. - -[2344] The Anemone coronaria of Linnæus, Fée thinks. - -[2345] Probably the Adonis æstivalis of Linnæus, a ranunculus. These -plants are of an acrid, irritating nature, and rank at the present day -among the vegetable poisons. - -[2346] The “wind-flower,” from the Greek ἄνεμος, “wind.” - -[2347] See B. xxv. c. 26. - -[2348] In B. xix. c. 53. - -[2349] As Fée remarks, it would be very dangerous to use it. - -[2350] “Cuique animalium.” - -[2351] The Œnanthe pimpinellifolia of Linnæus. If taken internally, Fée -says, it would tend to aggravate the disease so treated, in a very high -degree. - -[2352] See c. 38. Also B. xxvi. c. 55. - -[2353] See c. 38 of this Book; also B. xvi. c. 31. - -[2354] From the herb “hysge,” used for dyeing a deep red. See B. ix. c. -65, and B. xxi. c. 36. No such colour, Fée says, can be obtained from -the petals of either the Lilium Martagon or the Gladiolus communis, -with which it has been identified. - -[2355] It has no such effect; and the slave-dealers certainly lost -their pains in cosmetizing their slaves with it, their object being -to make them look younger than they really were, and not older, as -Hardouin seems to think. - -[2356] See c. 10 of this Book. - -[2357] White specks in the pupil of the eye, or whiteness of the cornea. - -[2358] See c. 39 of this Book. - -[2359] “Ground-laurel.” - -[2360] See c. 50, and B. xxiii. c. 83. The medicinal properties of this -plant are not developed to any great extent; but it was thought till -lately, Fée says, to be an excellent diuretic. - -[2361] See c. 49 and B. xxvi. c. 50. - -[2362] The Thymus acinos of Linnæus. - -[2363] See c. 51 of this Book. It is an alimentary plant, but eaten -raw, it is possessed of some acridity. - -[2364] The Cyperus esculentus of Linnæus, the esculent souchet. - -[2365] The two varieties are identified with the Cressa Cretica and the -Teucrium iva of Linnæus. The latter plant is said to be a sudorific. - -[2366] See B. xxvi. c. 53. - -[2367] The Matricaria parthenium of Linnæus. See c. 52. - -[2368] De Re Med. ii. 33. It must not be confounded with the plant of -that name mentioned in c. 62 of this Book. - -[2369] The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. -xxi. c. 108. - -[2370] The Physalis alkekengi of Linnæus; red night-shade, alkekengi, -or winter cherry. Fée remarks, that the varieties of this plant in -Egypt are very numerous, and that in many places, till very recently, -it was employed as an article of food. - -[2371] “Vesica.” - -[2372] The Solanum villosum of Lamarck. - -[2373] From δορὺ, a “spear.” - -[2374] “Apertius,” as suggested by Sillig, is a preferable reading to -“parcius.” - -[2375] From μάνια, “madness.” - -[2376] The Physalis somnifera of Linnæus, the somniferous nightshade. - -[2377] The Solanum melongena of Linnæus. - -[2378] The Corchorus olitorius of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[2379] Theriaca, p. 44. - -[2380] See c. 53 of this Book. - -[2381] It has not been identified. Dalechamps, without any proof, -identifies it with the Tussilago petasites of modern botany. - -[2382] See the Introduction to Vol. III. - -[2383] See end of B. iii. - -[2384] See end of B. ii. - -[2385] See end of B. ii. - -[2386] A writer on flowers and chaplets, in the time of Tiberius. -Nothing whatever beyond this seems to be known of him. - -[2387] C. Julius Atticus Vestinus, or, according to some authorities, -M. Atticus Vestinus. He was consul A.D. 65; and, though innocent, -was put to death by Nero’s order, for alleged participation in the -conspiracy of Piso. - -[2388] See end of B. xiv. - -[2389] See end of B. iii. - -[2390] See end of B. iii. - -[2391] See end of B. xiv. - -[2392] See end of B. vii. - -[2393] See end of B. xvi. - -[2394] See end of B. xx. - -[2395] See end of B. xix. - -[2396] See end of B. xii. - -[2397] See end of B. xx. - -[2398] See end of B. xx. See also B. xxv. c. 5. - -[2399] See end of B. iii. - -[2400] See end of B. ii. - -[2401] See end of B. xx. - -[2402] See end of B. ii. - -[2403] See end of B. viii. - -[2404] See end of B. xix. - -[2405] See end of B. viii. - -[2406] See end of B. vii. - -[2407] An alleged disciple of Orpheus, and probably as fabulous a -personage. Many works, now lost, passed under his name. - -[2408] One of the most celebrated of the Greek tragic writers; born -B.C. 495. Of his 127 tragedies, only seven have come down to us. - -[2409] A Pythagorean philosopher, a native of one of the cities called -Larissa. Being accused of magical practices, he was banished from -the city of Rome by the Emperor Augustus. The explanation of these -charges is, that he probably possessed a superior knowledge of natural -philosophy. See B. xxv. c. 95. B. xxviii. c. 49. B. xxxii. c. 52, and -B. xxxv. c. 50. - -[2410] A physician, a native of Athens in the fourth century B.C. He is -supposed to have belonged to the sect of the Dogmatici, and was greatly -celebrated for his classification of diseases. He wrote on diet and -drink, among other subjects. - -[2411] Probably the same writer that is mentioned at the end of B. -iv.; or, possibly, a physician of that name, who was a disciple of -Herophilus, and lived about the second century B.C. - -[2412] A distinguished Peripatetic philosopher of Eresos in Lesbos, a -disciple of Aristotle, and a contemporary of Theophrastus. - -[2413] Of this writer, nothing whatever is known, beyond the mention -made of him in c. 88 of this Book, and in B. xxii. c. 32. - -[2414] Nothing whatever is known relative to this writer. - -[2415] See end of B. vii. - -[2416] See end of B. xx. - -[2417] See end of B. xx. - -[2418] See end of B. xx. - -[2419] For Heraclides of Pontus, see end of B. iv. For Heraclides of -Tarentum, see end of B. xii. - -[2420] See end of B. xv. - -[2421] See end of B. xii. - -[2422] See end of B. xx. - -[2423] See end of B. xx. - -[2424] See end of B. xx. - -[2425] See end of B. xx. - -[2426] See end of B. xx. - -[2427] See end of B. xx. - -[2428] See end of B. xx. - -[2429] See end of B. xx. - -[2430] See end of B. vii. - -[2431] See end of B. xx. - -[2432] See end of B. xx. - -[2433] See end of B. xii. - -[2434] See end of B. xi. - -[2435] See end of B. xii. - -[2436] See end of B. xx. - -[2437] See end of B. xii. - -[2438] See end of B. xx. - -[2439] See end of B. xx. - -[2440] See end of B. vi. - -[2441] See end of B. xx. - -[2442] See end of B. xx. - -[2443] See end of B. xx. - -[2444] See end of B. xx. - -[2445] See end of B. xii. - -[2446] See end of B. xx. - -[2447] See end of B. xx. - -[2448] See end of B. xix. - -[2449] See end of B. xx. - -[2450] See end of B. xx. - -[2451] See end of B. xx. - -[2452] Fée remarks, that at the present day, in all savage nations in -which tatooing is practised, the men display more taste and care in the -operation than is shewn by the females. There is little doubt that it -is the art of tatooing the body, or in other words, first puncturing it -and then rubbing in various colours, that is here spoken of by Pliny. - -[2453] “Inscribunt.” “Writing upon,” or “tatooing,” evidently. - -[2454] Our “woad,” the Isatis tinctoria of Linnæus, which imparts a -blue colour. The root of this Celtic woad is probably “glas,” “blue,” -whence also our word “glass;” and it is not improbable that the name of -glass was given to it from the blue tints which it presented. Julius -Cæsar and Pomponius Mela translate this word “glastum,” by the Latin -“vitrum,” “glass.” - -[2455] “Conjuges nurusque.” Cæsar says that _all_ the people in Britain -were in the habit of staining the body with woad, to add to the horror -of their appearance in battle. Pomponius Mela expresses himself as -uncertain for what purpose it was done, whether it was to add to their -beauty, or for some other reasons to him unknown. - -[2456] “Granis.” What the ancients took to be a vegetable substance, is -now known to be an insect, the kermes of the Quercus coccifera. - -[2457] See B. ix. c. 63. - -[2458] “Paludamentis.” The “paludamentum” was the cloak worn by a -Roman general when in command, his principal officers, and personal -attendants. It was open in front, reached to the knees or thereabout, -and hung over the shoulders, being fastened across the chest by a -clasp. It was commonly white or purple. - -[2459] For an account of all these colours see B. ix. cc. 60-65. - -[2460] The vaccinium for instance. See B. xvi. c. 31. - -[2461] Fée thinks that the art of dyeing with alkanet and madder may be -here alluded to. - -[2462] See B. xxxv. c. 1. - -[2463] The “good,” “ingenuous,” or “liberal” arts were those which -might be practised by free men without loss of dignity. Pliny is -somewhat inconsistent here, for he makes no scruple at enlarging upon -the art of medicine, which among the Romans was properly not a liberal, -but a servile, art. - -[2464] “Surdis.” - -[2465] Festus says the “verbenæ,” or _pure_ herbs, were called -“sagmina,” because they were taken from a sacred (sacer) place. It is -more generally supposed that “sagmen” comes from “sancio,” “to render -inviolable,” the person of the bearer being looked upon as inviolable. - -[2466] “Clare.” - -[2467] Or bearer of the “verbena.” See further on this subject in B. -xxv. c. 59. - -[2468] “Corona graminea.” - -[2469] For a description of these various crowns, see B. xvi. c. 3. - -[2470] Sometimes also, weeds, or wild flowers. - -[2471] See Servius on the Æneid, B. viii. l. 128. - -[2472] No doubt, the old English custom of delivering seisin by -presenting a turf, originated in this. - -[2473] See B. vii. c. 29. - -[2474] See B. xvi. c. 5. - -[2475] In the Samnite war. He died B.C. 340. - -[2476] Titus Manlius Torquatus Imperiosus, consul A.U.C. 414. It was he -who put his own son to death for engaging the enemy against orders. - -[2477] Q. Fabius Maximus, surnamed Cunctator, for his skill in avoiding -an engagement with Hannibal, and so wearing out the Carthaginian troops. - -[2478] Q. Minutius, the Magister Equitum. - -[2479] See Livy, B. xxii. - -[2480] The primipilus was the first centurion of the first maniple of -the triarii; also called “primus centurionum.” - -[2481] “Ad tibicinem.” - -[2482] A.U.C. 652. - -[2483] The “Fortunate.” - -[2484] A.U.C. 605. - -[2485] 13th of September. - -[2486] A.U.C. 723. - -[2487] Hence we may conclude that the word “gramen” signified not only -“grass,” but any plant in general. - -[2488] By reason of the luxury and sensuality universally prevalent. - -[2489] This is said in bitter irony. - -[2490] Trusting to the good faith and research of the physician. - -[2491] “Inseruisse.” - -[2492] “Amplecti.” - -[2493] In the Twentieth Book. - -[2494] It has been thought by some that this is the Scolymus maculatus -of Linnæus; the spotted yellow thistle. But the more general opinion is -that it is the eringo, or Eryngium campestre of Linnæus. It derives its -name from the Greek ἐρεύγειν, from its asserted property of dispelling -flatulent eructations. It is possessed in reality of few medicinal -properties, and is only used occasionally, at the present day, as a -diuretic. See B. xxi. c. 56. - -[2495] See B. xxvii. c. 2. - -[2496] By the word “toxica,” Poinsinet would understand, not poisons -in general, but the venom of the toad, which was called, he says, in -the Celtic and Celto-Scythic languages, _toussac_ and _tossa_. Fée -ridicules the notion. - -[2497] Or rather, Fée says, deep blue. He identifies this with the -Eryngium cyaneum of Linnæus, the eringo, with a blue flower. - -[2498] This, as well as the next, is identical, probably, with the -Eryngium maritimum of Linnæus; our sea-holly. The species found in -Greece, in addition to the above, are the Eryngium tricuspidatum, -multifidum, and parviflorum. - -[2499] Pliny probably makes a mistake here, and reads σελίνον, -“parsley,” for σκόλυμος, a “thistle.” Dalechamps is of this opinion, -from an examination of the leaf; and Brotier adopts it. - -[2500] Or “hundred heads,” the ordinary Eryngium campestre of Linnæus. -It is still called panicaut a cent têtes, by the French. - -[2501] It is no longer used for this purpose; but Fée is of opinion -that it owes its French name of “panicaut,” from having been used in -former times as a substitute for bread—_pain_. - -[2502] It is not improbable that this plant is the same as the mandrake -of _Genesis_, c. xxx. 14; which is said to have borne some resemblance -to the human figure, and is spoken of by the commentators as male and -female. - -[2503] The root contains a small quantity of essential oil, with -stimulating properties; and this fact, Fée thinks, would, to a certain -extent, explain this story of Sappho. It is not improbable that it was -for these properties that it was valued by the rival wives of Jacob. - -[2504] White specks in the eye. - -[2505] Sprengel identifies this with the Onopordum acanthium; but Fée -thinks that if it belongs to the Onopordum at all, it is more likely to -be the Onopordum acaulton, or the O. Græcum. - -[2506] Or “sweet-root,” our liquorice; the Glycyrrhiza glabra of -Linnæus. In reality, Fée remarks, there is no resemblance whatever -between it and the Eryngium, no kind of liquorice being prickly. - -[2507] “Echinatis;” literally, “like a hedge-hog.” Pliny, it is -supposed, read here erroneously in the Greek text, (from which -Dioscorides has also borrowed) ἐοικότα ἐχίνῳ “like a hedge-hog,” for -ἐοικότα σχίνῳ “like those of the lentisk.” - -[2508] “Pilularum.” - -[2509] Or Pleiades. - -[2510] Dioscorides compares the root, with less exactness, -with that of gentian. - -[2511] The same preparation that is known to us as Spanish liquorice or -Spanish juice. - -[2512] In B. xi. c. 119. It certainly has the effect of palling the -appetite, but in many people it has the effect of creating thirst -instead of allaying it. Fée thinks that from the fecula and sugar that -it contains, it may possibly be nourishing, and he states that it is -the basis of a favourite liquor in the great cities of France. Spanish -liquorice water is used in England, but only by school-boys, as a -matter of taste, and by patients as a matter of necessity. - -[2513] The Greek for “without thirst.” - -[2514] Or “mouth medicine.” Beyond being a bechic, or cough-medicine, -it has no medicinal properties whatever. - -[2515] “Pterygiis.” The word “pterygia” has been previously used as -meaning a sort of hang-nail, or, perhaps, whitlow. - -[2516] “Scabiem.” - -[2517] Swellings of the anus more particularly. - -[2518] It has in reality no such effect. - -[2519] Probably the Fagonia Cretica and the Trapa natans of Linnæus. -See B. xxi. c. 58. The first, Fée remarks, is a native of Candia, the -ancient Crete, and a stranger to the climates of Greece and Italy. This -may account for Pliny calling it a garden plant. - -[2520] This is said. Fée remarks, in reference to the Trapa natans, the -seed of which is rich in fecula, and very nutritious. - -[2521] “Contrahat ventrem.” It would not act, Fée says, as an -astringent, but would have the effect of imparting nutriment in a very -high degree, without overloading the stomach. - -[2522] A harmless, or, perhaps, beneficial, superstition. - -[2523] The synonym of this plant is probably unknown. Dalechamps -identifies it with the Sagittaria sagittifolia, C. Bauhin with the -Centaurea calcitrapa, and Clusius, Belli, and Sprengel, with the -Poterium spinosum. None of these plants, however, are prickly and -aquatic, characteristics, according to Theophrastus, of the Stœbe: -Hist. Plant. B. iv. c. 11. Fée considers its identification next to -impossible. - -[2524] Probably the Hippophaës rhamnoides of Linnæus. This, however, -Fée says, has no milky juice, but a dry, tough, ligneous root. Sprengel -identifies it with the Euphorbia spinosa of Linnæus, on account of its -milky juice; but that plant, as Fée remarks, does not bear berries, -properly so called, and the fruit is yellow and prickly. - -[2525] See B. xxvii. c. 66. It is identified by Fée with the Carduus -stellatus or Centaurea calcitrapa of Linnæus, the common star-thistle. - -[2526] As compounds of ἵππος, a “horse.” Hardouin, however, thinks that -the names ἱπποφαὲς and ἱππόφαιστον have another origin, and that they -are compounds of φάος, “lustre,”—from the brilliancy which they were -said to impart to cloths—and ἵππος, in an augmentative sense, meaning -“great lustre.” - -[2527] See B. xxi. c. 55. Only two species of the nettle, Fée remarks, -were known to the ancients, the Urtica urens and the U. dioica; and -these have been confounded by Pliny and other writers. - -[2528] In B. xv. c. 7. The Urtica urens has no oleaginous principles, -and the oil of nettles, as Fée says, must have been a medicinal -composition, the properties of which are more than hypothetical. The -plant boiled, he remarks, can have no medicinal properties whatever, -and it is with justice excluded from the modern Materia Medica. It -is, however, still employed by some few practitioners, and the leaves -are used, in some cases, to restore the vital action, by means of -urtication. - -[2529] “Cicutæ.” - -[2530] Mercury, as already mentioned in a previous Note, is not -poisonous. - -[2531] “Testudinis.” He may, possibly, mean a turtle. - -[2532] See B. x. c. 86. - -[2533] The process of “urtication,” alluded to in Note [2528]. - -[2534] Fée considers this extremely doubtful. - -[2535] An abominable refinement (if we may use the term) in gluttony, -which would appear to have been practised among the Romans; though -Fée thinks it possible that such a practice may have been considered -advisable in the medical treatment of certain maladies. Be this as -it may, the system of using vomits has prevailed to some extent in -this country, and during the present century, too, among persons in -the fashionable world, when expected to play their part at several -entertainments in one evening. - -[2536] “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to one-third. - -[2537] De Morb. Mul. text. 47. - -[2538] See B. xviii. c. 13. - -[2539] See B. xxi. c. 55. - -[2540] See Hippocrates, Hippiatr. - -[2541] In B. xxi. c. 55. - -[2542] The Lamium maculatum of Linnæus: dead nettle, or archangel. The -same as the Leuce, mentioned in B. xxvii. c. 77. - -[2543] “Cum micâ salis.” - -[2544] The Spartium scorpius of Linnæus, or the Scorpiurus sulcata of -Linnæus: scorpion-grass, or scorpion-wort. - -[2545] Its properties are entirely inert, and it has no such virtues as -those here mentioned. As Fée remarks, we might be quite sure, however, -from the form of the seeds, that this property would be ascribed to it -in the Materia Medica of the ancients. - -[2546] Supposed to be the Salsola tragus of Linnæus, kali, or -glass-wort. - -[2547] Not the Asparagus officinalis, Fée says, but the Asparagus -acutifolius, the stem of which is somewhat prickly. - -[2548] See B. xxi. cc. 56 and 104, in which last Chapter it is called -“leucanthes.” Desfontaines suggests that it may be either the Carduus -leucographus, or the Cnicum Casabonæ. - -[2549] Literally, “many-cornered.” “Leucacantha” means “whitethorn,” -and “Leucanthes” “white-flowered.” - -[2550] Fée thinks this very improbable. - -[2551] It must not be confounded, Fée says, with the Helxine, a -tuberous root, mentioned in B. xxi. c. 56. He thinks also that Pliny -is in error in giving it the name of “Perdicium,” which may possibly -have been a synonym of the other Helxine. Fée comes to the conclusion -that the Perdicium of B. xxi. c. 62, if not the same as the Helxine -of c. 56, cannot be identified; that the Helxine of B. xxi. c. 56, is -the Acarna gummifera; and that the Helxine here mentioned is identical -with the Perdicium of this and the next Chapter, being the Parietaria -officinalis of Linnæus, parietary or wall pellitory. The confusion has -probably arisen from the similarity of the name of the ἰξίνη, the plant -mentioned in B. xxi. c. 56, and the ἑλξίνη, the Helxine of the present -Chapter. - -[2552] “Perdices.” As stated in the last Note, the name has probably -been given in error to the Helxine or pellitory. - -[2553] Or horehound. - -[2554] See B. xxi. c. 64. - -[2555] From ἕλκω, to “drag.” - -[2556] In c. 56. Properly the “Ixine.” See Note [2551] above. - -[2557] Pellitory possesses no colouring properties whatever. - -[2558] It has no medicinal virtues beyond acting, possibly, in some -degree, as a diuretic. - -[2559] The Parthenium of Celsus, mentioned by Pliny in B. xxi. 104, is -not identical with this Perdicium (though there also he gives it that -name), but is the Matricaria Parthenium of Linnæus, a different plant. -See Notes to c. 19. B. xxii - -[2560] In reference to what was said at the beginning of the preceding -Chapter. - -[2561] Or “pitcher plant.” - -[2562] See c. 16 of this Book. - -[2563] Plutarch, in his life of Pericles, tells the same story about -the slave, but does not speak of the appearance of Minerva. He relates -a story, however, of her appearance to Sylla, pointing out a spot near -the Acropolis, where the Parthenium grew. - -[2564] Or “Virgin” plant, Minerva being called “Parthenos,” the -“virgin.” - -[2565] One who “cooks entrails.” See B. xxxiv. cc. 19 and 31. - -[2566] See B. xxi. c. 56. The white is identified with the Acarna -gummifera of Linnæus, the dark or black with the Brotera corymbosa of -Linnæus. - -[2567] See B. xii. c. 33. - -[2568] Viscus. - -[2569] Olivier states (_Voyage dans l’Empire Ottoman_, i. 312) that -the women in the isles of Naxos and Scio still chew this glutinous -substance, in the same manner that mastich is used in other places. - -[2570] Fée is inclined to doubt this, and thinks that, as it is a -creeping plant, the name may have been derived from χαμαί, “on the -ground.” - -[2571] Theophrastus, Galen, and Dioscorides state to the same effect, -and Fée thinks it possible it may possess a certain degree of activity. - -[2572] Fée says that it possesses no such poisonous properties. - -[2573] Rheum, or catarrhs. - -[2574] From οὖλον φόνον, “dreadful death,” a name which, Fée observes, -it does not merit, its properties not being poisonous. - -[2575] From κυνὸς ὄζη “smell of a dog.” This is a more justifiable -appellation, as the smell of it is very disagreeable. - -[2576] The Cochlearia coronopus of Linnæus, crow’s-foot, or buck’s-horn -plantain. - -[2577] The Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus, alkanet, orcanet, or dyers’ -bugloss. - -[2578] See B. xii. c. 46. - -[2579] This plant is no longer used for medicinal purposes; but Fée -thinks that, as the leaves in all probability contain nitrate of -potash, they may have diuretic properties. - -[2580] The Anchusa Italica of Linnæus, according to Fée, false alkanet, -or wild bugloss. Though resembling the genuine plant in its external -features, it has no colouring properties. Sprengel identifies it with -the Lithospermum fruticosum of Linnæus, a plant, as Fée remarks, very -different in its appearance from the genuine alkanet. - -[2581] In erroneously giving it this name, Fée remarks that Pliny has -confounded the pseudoanchusa with the ἔχιον of the Greeks, the Echium -rubrum of Linnæus, and has attributed to it the characteristics of the -latter plant. - -[2582] Fée remarks, that all that Pliny says of the medicinal -properties of this plant does not merit the honour of a discussion. - -[2583] Fée identifies it with the Echium Creticum of Linnæus. -Desfontaines takes it to be the Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus. Fée is of -opinion that the name really given to this plant was “enchrysa,” and -not “anchusa.” - -[2584] The Lithospermum fruticosum of Linnæus; cromill, or stone-crap. - -[2585] Fée, adopting the opinion of Sibthorpe, thinks that under these -names Pliny is speaking of _several_ varieties of the Anthemis, or -camomile, and he identifies them as follows: the Leucanthemis, or white -camomile, he considers to be the same as the Anthemis Chia of Linnæus; -the Eranthemis to be the Anthemis rosea of Sibthorpe; the Melanthion -to be the Anthemis tinctoria, or dyers’ camomile of Sibthorpe: and -the Chamæmelon to be the Matricaria chamomilla of Linnæus, the common -camomile. Sprengel differs from these opinions as to the identification -of the several varieties. - -[2586] “Spring flower.” - -[2587] “Ground apple.” - -[2588] “Black flower.” - -[2589] “Malinis,” apple-colour. - -[2590] See Note [2585]. - -[2591] “Fruticis.” The camomile is still extensively used in medicine -for fomentations, and the decoction of it is highly esteemed, taken -fasting, as a tonic. - -[2592] Il. xiv. 347. - -[2593] The Melilotus officinalis of Linnæus. See B. xiii. c. 32, and -the Notes. - -[2594] White specks in the black of the eye, with a red tinge. - -[2595] Or “Mother of the Lotus;” the Nymphæa lotus of Linnæus. See B. -xiii. c. 32. “Ex loto sata” may probably mean that it springs from the -seed of the lotus, in which case, as Fée remarks, it must be identified -with the Lotus. - -[2596] B. xviii. c. 67, and B. xix. c. 58. - -[2597] This apparent marvel is owing to the necessity of light to -certain flowers for the purposes of fecundation, while those which open -at night require more moisture than light for their reproduction. - -[2598] Or “three-grained,” probably, Fée says, from the three cells in -the capsule. He identifies this plant with the Croton tinctorium of -Linnæus, the turnsole, or sun-flower. - -[2599] Fée identifies it with the Heliotropium Europæum of Linnæus, -the heliotrope, or verrucaria. The Heliotropium of Ovid and other -poets, with a violet or blue flower, is, no doubt, a different plant, -and is identified by Sprengel, Desfontaines, and Fée with the Hesperis -matronalis of Linnæus, rocket or julian, or, as we not inaptly call it, -from its pleasant smell, cherry-pie. Pliny speaks of his Heliotropium -as having a “blue flower,” cœruleum. This is probably an error on his -part, and it is supposed by commentators that he read in the Greek text -ὑποπόρφυρον, “somewhat purple,” by mistake for ὑπόπυῤῥον, “somewhat -red,” as we find it. - -[2600] As known at the present day, they grow to a much greater height -than this. - -[2601] This, Fée remarks, cannot apply to either the Heliotropium -Europæum or the Croton tinctorium. He thinks it not improbable that -Pliny may have named one plant, and given a description of another. - -[2602] The Heliotropium Europæum, Fée says, has no medicinal properties. - -[2603] Midday, namely. - -[2604] “Sic firmior.” - -[2605] The “wart plant;” from “verruca,” a “wart.” - -[2606] This notion arose probably, Fée thinks, from the clusters of its -flowers resembling the tail of a scorpion in appearance. - -[2607] Probably an inflammation of the membranes of the brain. - -[2608] At the beginning of this Chapter. - -[2609] “Scorpion’s tail.” Dioscorides gives this name to the -Helioscopium, or great Heliotropium. - -[2610] Fée is surprised that no mention is made of its colouring -properties, it being extremely rich in the colouring principle, and -having been much used in former times for dyeing purposes. - -[2611] This notion, Fée says, was long attached to the Heliotropium -Europæum, and to it, it is indebted for its present name of -“verrucaria.” - -[2612] “Cortex seminis.” - -[2613] Fée identifies it with the Asplenium trichomanes of Linnæus, -spleen-wort, or ceterach. The Adiantum of Hippocrates and other Greek -writers, he takes to be the Adiantum capillus Veneris of Linnæus, -Venus’ hair, or maiden hair. Though Pliny would seem not to have been -acquainted with the latter plant, he ascribes to the first one many of -its properties and characteristics, deriving his information, probably, -from a writer who was acquainted with both. See B. xxi. c. 60. - -[2614] From ἀ, “not,” and διαίνω, “to wet.” This is owing, Fée remarks, -to the coat of waxen enamel or varnish with which the leaves are -provided. The same is the case also with the leaf of the cabbage and -other plants. - -[2615] The Asplenium trichomanes, Fée says, would not admit of being -clipped for ornamental gardening. - -[2616] “Fine hair,” and “thick hair.” These names originated more -probably in the appearance of the plant than in any effects it may have -produced as a dye for the hair. - -[2617] On the contrary, Fée says, the root is composed of numerous -fibres. - -[2618] “Stone-breaking.” - -[2619] Fée is of opinion that they possess no such property. - -[2620] Loss of the hair. - -[2621] See B. xxi. c. 65. The Picris asplenioides of Linnæus, Fée -thinks, though Sprengel identifies it with the Helminthia echioides of -Linnæus; but the leaves of that plant are not round. - -[2622] See B. xxi. c. 67. - -[2623] See B. xxi. c. 68. - -[2624] “Plant of the heroes.” - -[2625] Mere varieties of the plant, so called with reference, probably, -to the relative energy of their properties. - -[2626] Regarded in a medicinal point of view the bulb of the asphodel -possesses some emollient properties, and nothing more. As an -application to sores and abscesses it may reduce the inflammation, and -being rich in mucilage, the pulp may form a nourishing food. All the -other statements as to its medicinal properties are, as Fée remarks, -quite fabulous. - -[2627] Theriaca, p. 39. - -[2628] In B. xxi. c. 68. - -[2629] This practice, as Fée remarks, was based on sound principles, -the acrid properties of the bulbs being removed by boiling. - -[2630] Most medicinal roots are gathered at this period, their -properties being, as Pliny says, most fully developed in the autumn. - -[2631] See B. xvi. c. 11. - -[2632] Other readings are Diocles, Socles, and Socrates. If “Sophocles” -is the correct reading, all memorials of this physician have perished, -beyond the mention made of him by Cælius Aurelianus, Chron. c. i. - -[2633] “Vitia.” - -[2634] The Atriplex halimus of Linnæus, sea orach. Belon says that it -is found in great abundance in Candia, the ancient Crete, where it is -known as “halimatia,” and the tops of the stalks are used as food. - -[2635] Hence its name, ἅλιμον, from ἅλς, the “sea,” and not, as Pliny -says, from its salt taste. - -[2636] “Mitius.” Fée says that if this word means “cultivated,” the -plant mentioned cannot be the Atriplex halimus; in which case he is -inclined to identify it with the Atriplex portulacoides of Linnæus; -the leaves and young stalks of which, preserved in vinegar, have an -agreeable taste. - -[2637] Some other plant, probably, Fée thinks. - -[2638] As to the Acanthus or thorn, in a more general sense, see B. -xxiv. c. 66, and the Notes. - -[2639] Pliny the Younger speaks of the Acanthus being used for a -similar purpose, Epist. B. v. Ep. 6. - -[2640] The Acanthus spinosus of Linnæus. - -[2641] The Acanthus mollis of Linnæus; the brankursine. - -[2642] “Lad’s love.” - -[2643] “Black-leafed.” Fée thinks it probable that this name may have -been given to the variety “niger,” of Miller, which grows in great -abundance in Sicily and Italy. - -[2644] “Bull’s side,” apparently. Fée says that the identification of -this plant is quite uncertain; the Buplevrum rigidum of Linnæus, the -Buplevrum Baldense of Willdenow, and the Ammi majus of Linnæus, having -been suggested. The first, he thinks, could never have been used as a -vegetable, and the second is only found on Mount Baldo in Carniola, -and in Croatia. Though the Ammi majus is more than a cubit in height, -and could never have been used as a vegetable, he looks upon it as -the most likely of the three. The seeds of it were formerly used as a -carminative. - -[2645] Sprengel and Desfontaines consider it to be the Buplevrum -rotundifolium: but Fée is of a contrary opinion, and thinks that it is -impossible to identify it. - -[2646] Though Hardouin attempts to defend him, it is more than -probable that it is Pliny himself who is in error here; and that he -has confounded the plant Buprestis with the insect of that name, which -belongs to the class of Cantharides, and received its name (burn-cow) -from its fatal effects when eaten by cattle. - -[2647] See B. xxx. c. 10. - -[2648] “Stag’s food.” Fée adopts the opinion of Sprengel and Sibthorpe, -that this is the Pastinaca sativa of Linnæus, the cultivated parsnip. -Desfontaines identifies it with the Sium sisarum; but, as Fée says, -that plant is but rarely found in Greece. - -[2649] See B. xx. c. 18. For the olusatrum, see B. xx. c. 46. - -[2650] The parsnip is no longer employed for its medicinal properties; -but for a long time, the seed was looked upon as a diuretic and -febrifuge. The root contains a considerable quantity of saccharine -matter. - -[2651] Sprengel identifies it with the Chærophyllum sativum of Linnæus, -the scandix cerifolium, our common chervil; but Fée considers it to -be the same as the Scandix pecten Veneris of Linnæus, the Venus’ comb -chervil. Pliny has mentioned a “scandix” also in B. xxi. c. 52, but -erroneously, Fée thinks. - -[2652] It is not used for any medicinal purposes at the present day. - -[2653] Acharn. A. ii. sc. 4: “Get some scandix from your mother, and -give it me.” The same joke also appears in the “Equites;” and A. -Gellius, B. xv. c. 20, says that Theopompus speaks of the mother of -Euripides as having been a greengrocer. - -[2654] Fée identifies it with the Anthriscus odoratus of Linnæus, the -cultivated chervil. See B. xxi. c. 52. - -[2655] See B. xxi. c. 65. - -[2656] See B. xxi. c. 52. - -[2657] This is the Caucalis grandiflora of Linnæus, Fée thinks. - -[2658] “Medicine for the heart.” All these statements as to its -medicinal properties, are quite erroneous, Fée says. - -[2659] “Pituitas.” - -[2660] On Antidotes for the stings of serpents. See end of B. xix. - -[2661] The Sium angustifolium has been named, but Fée prefers -identifying it with the Sium latifolium of Linnæus, water-parsley. - -[2662] Fée says that at the present day it is held in suspicion as an -article of food, and that it is said to produce madness in ruminating -animals. He thinks it not improbable that Pliny here attributes to it -some of the properties which in reality belong to cresses. - -[2663] See B. xxvi. c. 25. Sprengel identifies it with the Carduus -marianus of Linnæus. Fée inclines, however, to the belief that it is -the Sonchus palustris of Linnæus; the marsh sow-thistle. - -[2664] Sprengel identifies it with the Scolymus maculatus of Linnæus, -but Fée prefers the Scolymus Hispanicus of Linnæus, the Spanish thistle. - -[2665] Fée says that the Scolymus grandiflorus is still eaten in -Barbary. - -[2666] The “meadow-plant.” - -[2667] Works and Days, l. 582. - -[2668] The Sonchus oleraceus of Linnæus, the common sow-thistle. - -[2669] A poor old woman, who hospitably entertained Theseus when on his -expedition for the purpose of slaying the Marathonian bull. Theseus -instituted a sacrifice at Athens in honour of her. See Ovid, Remed. Am. -l. 747, and Callim. Fragm. 40. - -[2670] The Sonchus arvensis of Linnæus, the field sow-thistle. - -[2671] The Sonchus oleraceus asper of Linnæus, the prickly-leafed -sow-thistle. These plants are eaten as a salad in some countries. They -possess but little energy in a medicinal point of view, but they are -cooling and slightly laxative. The marvels here related by Pliny, Fée -says, are entirely fabulous. - -[2672] Sibthorpe thinks that this is the Chondrilla ramosissima of -Linnæus; but Fée identifies it with the Chondrilla juncea of Linnæus. -The Lactuca perennis has also been suggested. See B. xxi. cc. 52 and 65. - -[2673] In the Isle of Lemnos, at the present day, a milky juice is -extracted from the root of the Chondrilla juncea. - -[2674] To keep the hairs in their proper place. - -[2675] “Boleti.” - -[2676] She having been put to death by him. - -[2677] “Rimosa stria.” - -[2678] This description would apply to many of the fungi known as -toadstools at the present day. - -[2679] A true description, Fée says, of the agaric oronge, or the -laseras mushroom. - -[2680] The true origin of fungi has not been discovered till a -comparatively recent period, since the days of Linnæus even. It is now -known that they are propagated by microscopic granules which are lodged -in particular receptacles, or else by a dissolution and dispersion of -their filamentous tissues. - -[2681] “Clavus caligaris.” A nail of a caliga, or military boot. See B. -vii. c. 44, and B. ix. c. 33. - -[2682] The peasants, Fée says, who are in the habit of gathering them, -may probably be better trusted than the most learned authors that -have written on the subject. He thinks it the best plan, however, to -avoid all risks, by confining ourselves to the use of the common field -mushroom, the morel, and one or two other well-known kinds. - -[2683] A prejudice entirely without foundation, Fée remarks. - -[2684] Fée says that from this it is evident that Pliny understands -only the stalk mushrooms under the name of “boleti;” the fungi which -adhere to trees living more years, many of them, than Pliny mentions -days. - -[2685] “Ex pituita.” Fée thinks that under the name of “boleti,” Pliny -means exclusively agaries or mushrooms of the division Amanites, which -contains both the best and the most noxious kinds—the oronge for -instance, and the false oronge. - -[2686] The Agaricus campestris of Linnæus, Fée thinks, our common field -mushroom, or, possibly, the Agaricus deliciosus of Linnæus. - -[2687] The Agaricus procerus of Schœfer, probably, the tall columelle, -Fée thinks. - -[2688] A cap worn by the Flamen; or chief-priest, of a somewhat conical -shape; very similar in form to the Russian helmet of the present day. - -[2689] “Swine mushrooms.” Fée suggests that this may be the Boletus -edulis of Bulliard. - -[2690] A valued friend of the philosopher Seneca, as we learn from -Tacitus, and Seneca’s Epistles, Ep. 63. - -[2691] See Martial’s Epigrams, B. i. Ep. 21. - -[2692] In B. xvi. c. 11. In that passage, however, the pine is -mentioned, and not the beech. - -[2693] In B. xx. c. 13, _et passim_. - -[2694] Fée says that the fungi are but little used in modern medicine: -the white bolet, he says, or larch bolet, is sometimes employed as a -purgative, and some German writers have spoken in praise of the Boletus -suaveolens of Bulliard as a remedy for pulmonary phthisis. The agaric -known as amadue, or German tinder, is also employed in surgery. Fée -remarks that all that Pliny says as to the medicinal properties of -mushrooms and fungi is more or less hazardous. - -[2695] Rheums, or catarrhs. - -[2696] See B. xxxiv. c. 50. - -[2697] “Sucinis novaculis.” This may possibly mean “knives of amber;” -and it is not improbable that the use of amber may have been thought a -means of detecting the poisonous qualities of fungi. - -[2698] This, as Fée remarks, is the case. All kinds of fungi, too, it -is said, may be eaten with impunity, if first boiled in salt water. - -[2699] In reality, rain only facilitates their developement. - -[2700] In B. xix. c. 15. - -[2701] In B. xix. c. 15. - -[2702] In B. xix. c. 15. Asafœtida, Fée says, if it bears any relation -to the laser of the ancients, had till very recently the reputation -of being an emmenagogue, a hydragogue, a vermifuge, and a purgative. -Applied topically, too, it is emollient, and is used for the cure of -corns and tumours. Whatever Laser may have been, there is little doubt -that much that is here stated by Pliny is either fabulous or erroneous. - -[2703] “Cauterium.” - -[2704] What Pliny here says of Laser, Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 94, says -of the root of Silphium. - -[2705] “Dead” corns. - -[2706] Or pottage—“In sorbitione.” - -[2707] Probably to prevent it turning sour on the stomach. - -[2708] Dioscorides, however, gives this advice, B. iii. c. 94. - -[2709] In c. 56 of this Book. - -[2710] It is this, in fact, combined with its utility, that ought to -cause it to be so highly esteemed. - -[2711] In B. xi. c. 4, _et seq._ - -[2712] Bee-bread, or bee-glue. - -[2713] In B. xi. c. 6. It is a vegetable substance, Fée says, not -elaborated by the bees. It is still employed in medicine, he says, for -resolutive fumigations. - -[2714] The Babylonians employed it for the purpose of embalming. - -[2715] It is of an emollient nature, and is preferred to sugar for -sweetening liquids, in a multitude of instances. - -[2716] Fée denies this; but there is no doubt that honey has this -tendency with some persons. - -[2717] Fée says that this is not the case. - -[2718] In B. xi. c. 13. - -[2719] In B. xxi. c. 44. - -[2720] “Aqua mulsa.” See B. xiv. c. 20, where it is described as -Hydromeli, or Melicraton. - -[2721] Fée says that this must have been a wholesome beverage, but -that it would cease to be so after undergoing fermentation. In the -description of its uses there are some errors, Fée says, combined with -some rational observations. - -[2722] See B. xviii. c. 29; also c. 61 of this Book. - -[2723] This seems to be the meaning of “præparci” here, though it -generally signifies “niggardly,” or “sordid.” - -[2724] Fée combats this theory at considerable length; but there can -be little doubt that the same substance has not the same taste to all -individuals. - -[2725] Seneca makes a similar observation, De Irâ, B. iii. c. 10. - -[2726] “Animi seu potius animæ.” - -[2727] It is the oil, Fée says, and not the hydromel, that combats the -effects of the white lead, a subcarbonate of lead. - -[2728] In B. xxi. c. 105. - -[2729] Mead, or metheglin. - -[2730] This is, perhaps, the meaning of “nervis” here, but it is very -doubtful. See Note [312], in p. 77 of Vol. III. - -[2731] “Mulsum.” - -[2732] “Dulci.” Fée thinks, but erroneously, that by this word he means -“must,” or grape-juice, and combats the assertion. Honied wine, he -says, is used at the present day (in France, of course,) as a popular -cure for recent wounds and inveterate ulcers. As a beverage, it was -very highly esteemed by the ancients. See B. vii. c. 54. - -[2733] “Hospes.” It may possibly mean his “guest,” but the other is -more probable. - -[2734] “Intus mulso, foris oleo.” The people of Corsica were famous for -being long-lived, which was attributed to their extensive use of honey. - -[2735] “Regius morbus.” - -[2736] Honied wine being considered so noble a beverage, Celsus says, -that “during its cure, the patient must be kept to his chamber, and the -mind must be kept cheerful, with gaiety and pastimes, for which reason -it is called the ‘royal disease,’” B. iii. c. 24. In the text Pliny -calls it “arquatorum morbus,” the “disease of the bow-like,” if we may -be allowed the term. The origin of this term, according to Scribonius -Largus, is the word “arcus,” the rainbow, from a fancied resemblance of -the colour of the skin, when affected with jaundice, to the green tints -of the rainbow. - -[2737] In B. xiv. c. 11. - -[2738] In B. xi. c. 8, and B. xxi. c. 49. - -[2739] When it curdles on the stomach. - -[2740] In c. 49 of this Book. - -[2741] “Malagmata.” - -[2742] Fée, at some length, and with considerable justice, combats -this assertion; though at the same time he remarks that Pliny is right -in calling the attention of the medical world to the use of simple -substances. - -[2743] “Scripulatim”—“By scruples.” - -[2744] He forgets that many of them could only be produced by the -agency of an Eastern sun. - -[2745] See B. xviii. c. 20. - -[2746] See B. xiv. c. 5. - -[2747] Fée says that it can have no such effect. - -[2748] The bran of wheat, Fée says, is of a soothing nature, and that -of barley slightly astringent. - -[2749] See B. xv. c. 12, and B. xvii. c. 14. - -[2750] The only truth in this statement, Fée says, is, that wheat bran -makes a good gargle. - -[2751] See B. xviii. c. 19. - -[2752] See B. xvi. c. 80. This insect, or weevil, Fée says, is the -Calandra granaria. It strongly resembles the worm or maggot found in -nuts. It can be of no efficacy whatever for the removal of carious -teeth. - -[2753] In B. xviii. c. 20. - -[2754] See B. xviii. c. 13. - -[2755] Or multipede. For these purposes, as Fée says, it is of no use -whatever. - -[2756] It is no better, Fée says, than rye or barley-meal. - -[2757] See B. xviii. cc. 19, 29. - -[2758] In B. xviii. c. 29. - -[2759] “Trimestris.” See B. xviii. c. 12. - -[2760] Fée remarks, that this meal is still valued for its maturative -properties. - -[2761] Hair-grass, probably, or darnel. See B. xviii. c. 44. - -[2762] In B. xviii. c. 14. Injections of meal are still employed, Fée -says, for diarrhœa. - -[2763] The flour of the grain called “far,” Fée thinks. See B. xviii. -c. 10. - -[2764] This statement is probably founded upon the notion that corn has -the property of attracting liquids, even when enclosed in vessels. - -[2765] A paste of this kind, if applied to a recent wound, would have -the effect of preventing cicatrization, and giving free access to the -flow of blood. - -[2766] See B. xviii. c. 19. - -[2767] Or “flour.” See B. xiii. c. 26. - -[2768] Fée remarks, that the Greeks _were_ acquainted with alica, to -which they gave the name of χόνδρος; indeed, Galen expressly states -that it was well known in the days of Hippocrates, who says that it is -more nourishing than ptisan. Festus says that alica is so called, “quod -alit,” because it nourishes the body.—See B. xviii. c. 29. - -[2769] In c. 55 of this Book. - -[2770] See B. xviii. c. 24. - -[2771] See B. xviii. c. 25. - -[2772] “Mel frugum.” - -[2773] See B. xviii. c. 22. It is still used in medicine in Egypt, and -as a cosmetic. - -[2774] Or “bad habit.” - -[2775] In B. xv. c. 7. See also B. xxiii. c. 49. Fée thinks it not -unlikely that oil of sesame might have this effect. The people of Egypt -still look upon this grain as an antophthalmic, but, as Fée says, -without any good reason. - -[2776] “Like sesame.” - -[2777] Sprengel has identified this plant, the “smaller” Sesamoides -of Dioscorides, with the Astragalus sesameus of Linnæus, or else with -the Reseda canescens. Other naturalists have mentioned the Catananche -cærulea of Linnæus, the Passerina hirsuta of Linnæus, and the Passerina -polygalæofolia of Lapeyrouse. Fée is of opinion that it has not been -identified. - -[2778] Altogether a different plant; Sprengel identifies it with -the Reseda Mediterranea, but Fée dissents from that opinion, and is -inclined to agree with the opinion of Dalechamps, that it is the Daphne -Tartonraira of Linnæus, which is a strong purgative. - -[2779] In B. xxv c. 106. - -[2780] Fée remarks that this Chapter includes a number of gross -prejudices which it is not worth while to examine or contradict. - -[2781] “Hordeum murinum.” Anguillara, Matthioli, and Sprengel identify -it with the Lolium perenne of Linnæus; but, as Fée says, it is clear -that Pliny had in view the modern Hordeum murinum, mouse-barley. - -[2782] See B. xviii. c. 15. - -[2783] At the present day, as Fée says, oatmeal is preferred to -barley-meal. - -[2784] Being our “barley-water,” in fact. - -[2785] Our “starch” probably. See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[2786] A prejudice, Fée says, which is totally without foundation. - -[2787] Bread, as made at the present day, is but little used in -modern medicine, beyond being the basis of many kinds of poultices. A -decoction of bread with laudanum, is known in medicine, Fée says, as -the “white decoction.” - -[2788] “Unseparated from the bran.” - -[2789] Probably like the military bread, made of the coarsest meal, and -unfermented. - -[2790] See B. xviii. c. 12. - -[2791] “Saccos.” See B. xiv. c. 28. - -[2792] See B. xviii. c. 30. Bean meal is but little used in modern -medicine, but most that Pliny here says is probably well founded; with -the exception, however, of his statement as to its employment for -diseases of the chest. - -[2793] Most of the properties here ascribed to the lentil, Fée says, -are quite illusory. - -[2794] This, Fée remarks, is not the fact. - -[2795] This statement, Fée thinks, is probably conformable with truth. - -[2796] Fée remarks, that we must not confound the cholera of the -ancients with the Indian cholera, our cholera morbus. Celsus describes -the cholera with great exactness, B. iv. c. 11. - -[2797] They would be of no benefit, Fée thinks, in such a case. - -[2798] It bears no relation whatever to the lentil, not being a -leguminous plant. Fée would include under this head the Lemna minor, -the Lemna gibba, and the Lemna polyrrhiza of modern botany, all being -found together in the same stagnant water. - -[2799] Fée remarks, that Pliny is clearly speaking of two essentially -different plants under this name; the first, he thinks, may very -probably be the Ervum tetraspermum of Linnæus. - -[2800] This, Fée thinks, is the Salvia officinalis of Linnæus, our -common sage, which has no affinity whatever with the lentil. - -[2801] Sprengel thinks that he is speaking here of the Salvia triloba -of Linnæus. - -[2802] The Trygon pastinaca of Linnæus. - -[2803] “Sage,” the plant, no doubt, that he has been describing. - -[2804] See B. xviii. c. 32. Fée thinks that the wild cicer is identical -with our cultivated one, the Cicer rietinum. - -[2805] See B. xviii. cc. 26 and 32. - -[2806] Or “ram’s head” cicer; from its fancied resemblance to it: the -name is still given to the cultivated plant. - -[2807] Or “pigeon” cicer. See B. xviii. c. 32. Fée thinks it probable -that this plant may be a variety of the Ervum. - -[2808] In B. xviii. c. 38. The Ervum ervilia of Linnæus; it is no -longer employed in medicine. - -[2809] Fée says that this is the case, and that the use of it is said -to produce a marked debility. - -[2810] See B. xviii. c. 10. - -[2811] Fée remarks that it is surprising to find the ancients setting -so much value on the lupine, a plant that is bitter and almost -nauseous, difficult to boil, and bad of digestion. - -[2812] It must be the rue, Fée says, that acts as the vermifuge. - -[2813] See c. 24 of this Book. - -[2814] Lees of olive oil. - -[2815] This is not the fact. - -[2816] In B. xviii. c. 22. Racine, in his letters to Boileau, speaks of -a chorister of Notre Dame, who recovered his voice by the aid of this -plant. - -[2817] It is still used, Fée says, for coughs. - -[2818] In B. xviii. c. 22. - -[2819] Dioscorides says, horehound. The Horminum, apparently, has not -been identified. - -[2820] See B. xviii. c. 44. Darnel acts upon the brain to such an -extent as to produce symptoms like those of drunkenness; to which -property it is indebted for its French name of _ivraie_. It is no -longer used in medicine. - -[2821] Georg. i. 153; “Infelix lolium, et steriles dominantur avenæ.” - -[2822] Fée identifies this plant with the Cuscuta Europæa of Linnæus. -Sprengel takes it to be the Panicum verticillatum of Linnæus. - -[2823] The Avena sativa of Linnæus; the cultivated oat, and not the -Greek oat of B. xviii. c. 42. - -[2824] The term “locusta” has been borrowed by botanists to -characterize the fructification of gramineous plants. - -[2825] In B. xviii. c. 44. The present, Fée thinks, is a different -plant from the Cuscuta Europæa, and he identifies it with the Orobanche -caryophyllacea of Smith, or else the Orobanche ramosa of Linnæus. The -Orobanche is so called from its choking (ἄγχει) the orobus or ervum. It -is also found to be injurious to beans, trefoil, and hemp. In Italy, -the stalks are eaten as a substitute for asparagus. - -[2826] See B. viii. c. 43. - -[2827] See B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28. - -[2828] As to the beers of the ancients, see B. xiv. c. 29. Very few -particulars are known of them; but we learn from the Talmud, where -it is called _zeitham_, that zythum was an Egyptian beverage made of -barley, wild saffron, and salt, in equal parts. In the Mishna, the Jews -are enjoined not to use it during the Passover. - -[2829] “Spuma;” literally, “foam.” - -[2830] A physician who lived, probably, at the end of the second or the -beginning of the first century B.C., as he was one of the tutors of -Heraclides of Erythræ. His definition of the pulse has been preserved -by Galen, De Differ. Puls. B. iv. c. 10, and an anecdote of him is -mentioned by Sextus Empiricus. - -[2831] See end of B. ii. - -[2832] A native of Mytilene, in the island of Lesbos, the earliest of -the Æolian lyric poets. He flourished at the latter end of the seventh -century B.C. Of his Odes only a few fragments, with some Epigrams, have -come down to us. - -[2833] In contradistinction to the fruits which hang from trees. - -[2834] See B. xvii. c. 18. - -[2835] In B. xii. cc. 60 and 61. - -[2836] All this passage is found in Dioscorides, B. v. c. 1, who -probably borrowed it from the same sources as our author. - -[2837] Fée remarks, that all the statements here made as to the -medicinal properties of the vine are entirely unfounded, except that -with reference to the bark of the vine: as it contains a small quantity -of tannin, it might possibly, in certain cases, arrest hæmorrhage. - -[2838] This cannot be the bryony, Fée says, but simply a variety of the -grape vine with white fruit. See further in c. 5 of this Book. - -[2839] “Impetigines.” - -[2840] Alkaline ashes, which would differ but very little, Fée says, -from those of other vegetable productions. - -[2841] This statement as to the caustic properties of the ashes is -based upon truth. - -[2842] In B. xii. c. 60. - -[2843] Saracenus, upon Dioscorides, B. v. c. 6, thinks that Pliny, in -copying from the Greek, has made a mistake here, and that he has taken -οὖλον, the “gums,” for οὐλὴ, a “cicatrix;” the corresponding passage in -Dioscorides being οὖλα πλαδαρὰ, “flaccidity,” or “humidity of the gums.” - -[2844] In B. xii. c. 61. See also B. xiii. c. 2, B. xiv. c. 18, and -B. xv. c. 7. Œnanthe, or vine-blossom, possesses no active medicinal -properties, and the statements made here by Pliny are in all -probability unfounded. - -[2845] Not the white vine, or Bryonia alba of modern botany, but -probably some variety of the cultivated vine with white fruit. The -flower of the bryony is inodorous, and would be of no utility in the -composition of perfumes. - -[2846] “Pterygia.” - -[2847] See B. xii. c. 61. It was prepared from vine-blossoms gathered -in Africa. - -[2848] This remark is founded, in a great measure, upon fact. The skin -of the black grape contains a colouring principle in considerable -abundance, and a small proportion of tannin; that of the white grape -possesses no colouring principle, but a considerable quantity of -tannin. The white grape contains more saccharine matter than the black -one, and they are both of them of a laxative nature. - -[2849] Littré remarks, that under the name of “lethargus,” a febrile -malady is probably meant, which belongs probably to the class of -pseudo-continuous fevers. - -[2850] Fée thinks that in reality there can be little or no difference -in their effects, but that, being eaten in larger quantities at the -vintage than afterwards, it stands to reason that the result will be -different. - -[2851] The fermentation, producing a certain amount of alcohol, would -naturally produce this result. - -[2852] “Sapa:” must boiled down to one-third. - -[2853] This, as Fée remarks, is quite impossible; grapes put in -rain-water would spoil immediately, and become totally unfit to eat. - -[2854] By the transformation, namely, of the juices into alcohol. - -[2855] See B. xiv. c. 3. - -[2856] A notion quite unfounded, as Fée remarks. See B. xiv. c. 18. - -[2857] A prejudice equally destitute of foundation. - -[2858] Grape-stones have an astringent effect, and Fée states that in -modern times an oil is extracted from them of an agreeable flavour, -and applicable to many economical purposes. They are no longer used in -medicine. - -[2859] In B. xiv. c. 22. - -[2860] Hence the name “theriaca,” from θὴρ, a “wild animal,” and -ἀκέομαι, “to cure.” - -[2861] By reason, probably, of their astringent properties. - -[2862] Though no longer used medicinally, they are still considered to -be good pectorals. - -[2863] See B. xx. cc. 23 and 81. - -[2864] “Ceria;” known in modern medicine as “favus.” - -[2865] The Pastinaca opopanax of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. 57. - -[2866] Identified with the Delphinium staphis agria of Linnæus. - -[2867] “Taminian grape.” - -[2868] Or wild vine. - -[2869] The fruit is formed of three oblong capsules, containing a -triangular seed of black brown colour, about the size of a kidney bean. - -[2870] This is not the white vine or bryony, mentioned in c. 16 of this -Book, but the Tamus communis of Linnæus. - -[2871] The seeds, which are remarkably pungent and powerful in their -effects, are only used, at the present day, in medicinal preparations -for cattle. - -[2872] This is still done at the present day; to which it is indebted -for its French name _l’herbe pediculaire_, or louse-plant. - -[2873] Pliny seems again to have fallen into the error of mistaking -οὖλον, the “gums” for οὐλὴ, a “cicatrix;” the corresponding passage in -Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 156, being “defluxions of the gums.” - -[2874] They would be of no use whatever, Fée says, for such a purpose. - -[2875] As tending to carry off “pituita,” or phlegm. - -[2876] In B. xii. c. 61. - -[2877] “Ampelos agria.” Fée observes, that this Chapter is full of -errors, Pliny beginning by speaking of the wild vine, the variety -Labrusca of the Vitis vinifera of Linnæus, and then proceeding to -describe what is really the Bryonia dioica of modern botany, and -applying its characteristics to the wild vine, or labrusca. - -[2878] This is not the case with the wild vine. - -[2879] The root of the wild vine is not of a purgative nature. - -[2880] As already stated, this is not identical with the wild vine, but -is the Tamus communis of Linnæus. - -[2881] The Solanum dulcamara of modern botany has been suggested; -though there is but little resemblance between the leaves of that -variety of nightshade and those of the wild vine. - -[2882] The Bryonia alba of Linnæus; the bryony, white vine, or white -jalap. - -[2883] This description, Fée says, is pretty correct, and the account -of its properties sufficiently exact. It is a violent poison, and is no -longer used in medicine. - -[2884] It is still called by the French _navet du diable_, or devil’s -turnip. - -[2885] “Exulcerant corpus.” Our author, Fée says, may here be taxed -with some exaggeration. - -[2886] The fruit is no longer used for this purpose. - -[2887] It is a matter of extreme doubt if there is any foundation for -this statement. - -[2888] It would be productive of no good effect in such case, nor, -indeed, in most of the cases here mentioned. - -[2889] “Purgat” is the reading given by Sillig; but, judging from -the corresponding passage in Dioscorides, ὑποταράττει, “turbat,” or -“conturbat,” is the proper reading. - -[2890] “Pterygiis.” - -[2891] This is in reality not the modern bryony, or white vine, but the -Tamus communis of Linnæus, the black vine, or _taminier_ of the French, -the uva taminia, probably, of Chapter 13. - -[2892] In the last Chapter. - -[2893] The shoots of the Tamus communis are still eaten in Tuscany as -a substitute for asparagus, to which, however, they are inferior in -quality. It is there known by the name of _tamaro_. - -[2894] An absurdity, as Fée remarks, not worthy of discussion. The -same, too, as to the next assertion. - -[2895] Of course there are as many varieties of must, or grape-juice, -as there are of wines. Must is of a purgative and emollient nature, but -is no longer employed in medicine. - -[2896] See c. 30 of this Book. Of course there is little or no truth in -this assertion. - -[2897] In reality it has no such effect. - -[2898] See B. x. c. 86. - -[2899] See B. xxii. c. 36, and B. xxx. c. 10. - -[2900] In cases of poisoning by opium or hemlock, the use of it, Fée -says, would be prejudicial. - -[2901] See B. xxi. c. 105. - -[2902] “Toxica.” - -[2903] In B. xiv. cc. 8, 9, 10. It is impossible, with any degree of -accuracy, to discuss the properties of these various wines, as they no -longer exist. - -[2904] “Cognominatum” appears to be a better reading than -“cognominatus,” which Sillig has adopted; as it is much more probable -that the work received its name from the subject than that the writer -did. - -[2905] All these wines are described in B. xiv. - -[2906] “Nervis.” As to the meaning of this word, see B. xi. c. 88. - -[2907] These wines also are described in B. xiv. - -[2908] “Feritas.” - -[2909] The colour of our Port. - -[2910] “Apothecis.” - -[2911] “Cariem trahunt.” - -[2912] While the ancients thought that the cariousness or results of -old age were removed by the agency of smoke. - -[2913] See B. xiv. c. 6. - -[2914] “Saliva.” - -[2915] In the time of the Emperor Tiberius. See B. xiv. c. 28. - -[2916] Odyssey, B. iv. l. 219, _et seq._ - -[2917] “Sapientiam vino obumbrari.” - -[2918] Works and Days, l. 594. - -[2919] “Merum.” - -[2920] It is surprising, as Fée says, to find coriander enumerated -among the poisons. Mistletoe, too, and mercury are neither of them -poisons. As to hemlock, see B. xiv. c. 7. - -[2921] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 722, 791. - -[2922] See B. xi. c. 71. - -[2923] This method is still employed with race-horses. See B. xiv. c. -28. - -[2924] It is still a very prevalent notion that the growth of dogs is -stunted by giving them raw spirits. - -[2925] The wines of Surrentum and Stata were Campanian wines. - -[2926] “Volgo.” - -[2927] “Sacco.” A strainer of linen cloth. See B. xiv. c. 28, and -B. xix. c. 19. While it diminished the strength, however, it was -considered to injure the flavour. - -[2928] In that case, Fée says, they would differ but little from the -wines of the present day. See B. xiv. c. 25. - -[2929] See B. xiv. c. 24. - -[2930] See B. xiv. cc. 9, 10. - -[2931] “Sapa.” - -[2932] See B. xiv. c. 25. - -[2933] Surrentine, Alban, Falernian, &c. - -[2934] The colour of Tent and Burgundy. - -[2935] The colour of Port. - -[2936] See B. xiv. c. 25. - -[2937] See B. xiv. cc. 3, 4. - -[2938] See B. xiv. c. 4: Vol. III. p. 227. - -[2939] “Tremore nervorum;” perhaps “nervousness.” - -[2940] See B. xi. c. 71. There is little doubt that generous wine -promotes the rapid circulation of the blood. - -[2941] In B. xiv. cc. 18, 19, 20. - -[2942] In accordance with the suggestion of Sillig, we insert “sunt -quæ,” otherwise the passage is defective. - -[2943] This would be a vigorous liquor, Fée thinks, and a good tonic; -similar, in fact, to the modern antiscorbutic wines. - -[2944] Fée queries whether this was made from the fermented berries, or -from an infusion of them in wine. In the former case it would bear some -slight resemblance to our gin. - -[2945] “Apsinthites.” See B. xiv. c. 19. - -[2946] See B. xiii. c. 9. - -[2947] In B. xiv. c. 10. - -[2948] The vinegar of the present day does not appear to have any such -property. - -[2949] Celsus says the same thing, B. i. c. 3. - -[2950] “Posca,” or vinegar and water, sometimes mixed with eggs, was -the common drink of the lower classes at Rome, and of the soldiers when -on service. - -[2951] There is little doubt that it would be advantageous to employ -vinegar in such a case; the animal would be compelled to withdraw its -hold, and vomiting would be facilitated. Strong salt and water, Fée -thinks, would be still more efficacious. - -[2952] It would be of no use whatever, Fée thinks, in any of these -cases. - -[2953] An operation which, though known to the Greeks and Romans, -appears to have been completely lost sight of in the middle ages. - -[2954] Or leather bag, “utrem.” - -[2955] See B. xxx. c. 21. From Livy and Plutarch we learn that Hannibal -employed this method of splitting the rocks when making his way across -the Alps. Fée, at considerable length, disputes the credibility of this -account, and thinks it only a wonderful story invented by the Romans to -account for their defeat by Hannibal. - -[2956] See B. xix. c. 5. - -[2957] Sillig has little doubt that this passage is incomplete, and -that the end of it should be to the effect, “the result of which was, -that he was effectually cured.” A very similar story is related of -Servius Clodius, a Roman knight, in B. xxv. c. 7. - -[2958] In B. xx. c. 39. It is still employed in medicine; but the -statements here made, as Fée says, do not merit a serious discussion. - -[2959] See B. xiv. c. 21. The modern oxymel, as Fée remarks, consists -of honey dissolved in white vinegar, and bears no resemblance to the -monstrous composition here described, and which no stomach, he says, -could possibly support. - -[2960] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 723, 776. - -[2961] Fée thinks that there may be some foundation for this statement, -as vinegar acts efficaciously as a remedy to the effects of narcotic -poisons. Mistletoe, as already stated, is not a poison. - -[2962] Grape-juice boiled down to one-third. See B. xiv. c. 11. - -[2963] See c. 18 of this Book. The account here given of the medicinal -properties of sapa is altogether unfounded. - -[2964] A worm that grows in the pine-tree, the Phalæna bombyx -pityocampa of Linnæus. - -[2965] A mere absurdity, of course. See c. 18 of this Book. - -[2966] The lees of wine are charged with sub-tartarate of potash, a -quantity of colouring matter more or less, and a small proportion of -wine. They are no longer used in medicine. Under the term “fæx vini,” -Pliny includes the pulp or husks of grapes after the must has been -expressed. - -[2967] In consequence of the carbonic gas disengaged before the -fermentation is finished, asphyxia being the result. - -[2968] By the use of this term he evidently means grape husks. - -[2969] Or flower-de-luce. See B. xxi. cc. 19, 83. - -[2970] Wine-lees would only have the effect of increasing the -inflammation. - -[2971] See B. xxiv. c. 67. - -[2972] Their properties are similar to those of wine-lees, but they are -no longer used in medicine. The statements here made by our author, Fée -remarks, are entirely fabulous. - -[2973] Or horned serpent. See B. xi. c. 45. - -[2974] See B. xx. c. 71. - -[2975] This, as Fée observes, is probably the case. - -[2976] It must be remembered that red hair was greatly admired by the -Romans. - -[2977] The thicker parts of boiled grape-juice. These lees have no -affinity with those of wine or vinegar. - -[2978] They are rich in tannin and gallic acid, and Fée states that -they have been proposed as a substitute for quinine. The statements -here made by Pliny, he says, in reference to their properties, are -hypothetical. - -[2979] “Nervosis.” - -[2980] No medicinal use is now made of it, but its properties would be -very similar to those of the leaves. - -[2981] Impure metallic oxide. See B. xix. c. 4, and B. xxxiv. c. 52. -The ashes of the branches would be an impure sub-carbonate of potass, -which would act, Fée says, as a powerful irritant. - -[2982] A sort of pyroligneous acid, which would have the noxious effect -of throwing inward the eruptions. - -[2983] This juice or tear (lacrima) Fée thinks to be the same with the -Enhæmon, mentioned in B. xii. c. 38; the properties of which are quite -inactive, though Dioscorides, B. i. c. 139, speaks of it as a poison. - -[2984] Probably in consequence of the tannin and gallic acid, which it -contains in great abundance. - -[2985] Fée says that all these statements as to the medicinal -properties of olives are false. - -[2986] Or preserved olives. See B. xv. c. 4. - -[2987] B. xv. c. 8. - -[2988] Fée thinks that it would exercise quite a contrary effect. Marc -of olives is no longer used in medicine. - -[2989] It would produce no good effect in the treatment of ulcers. - -[2990] Fée remarks that it would have no such effect. - -[2991] See B. xii. c. 60. - -[2992] See B. xxii. c. 21. - -[2993] Fée thinks that it might prove useful in this case. - -[2994] Unboiled. - -[2995] See c. 35. There is no analogy, Fée says, between marc of olives -and the leaves of the wild olive. - -[2996] This is hardly a peculiarity, for he has said already that the -cultivated olive is employed with honey to arrest the flow of blood. - -[2997] The tannin which it contains in great abundance may possibly -have this effect. - -[2998] In B. xv. c. 2. - -[2999] See B. xii. c. 60. - -[3000] See B. xii. c. 60. An inferior kind of omphacium. - -[3001] “Non mordeat.” Probably in the sense of “have no pungency.” - -[3002] Or “Œnanthinum.” See B. xii. c. 61, and B. xv. c. 7. - -[3003] See c. 30 of this Book. - -[3004] Fée remarks, that a modern physician would dread to administer -such a dose, rue being a very dangerous plant in its effects. He also -remarks that it is doubtful whether Pliny is speaking throughout this -Chapter of olive oil or of oil of œnanthe; and such is the fact, though -most probably the latter is intended to be spoken of. - -[3005] “Ptisanæ succo.” - -[3006] Fée thinks that it can have no such efficacy, whether it be -olive oil or oil of œnanthe that is the subject of discussion. - -[3007] “Acapni.” See B. xi. c. 15. - -[3008] “Oleum cicinum.” See B. xv. c. 7. - -[3009] It is still used in medicine for the same purpose. - -[3010] “Præcordia;” either the diaphragm, or the parts above it, such -as the heart and chest. - -[3011] See B. ix. c. 52. - -[3012] See B. xv. c. 7. - -[3013] Fée is at a loss to know how these wicks could have been made: -most probably, however, the seeds were beaten up into a pulp for the -purpose. The oil is still used for lamps in some countries, though, as -Pliny says, in consequence of its extreme thickness, the light it gives -is not good. - -[3014] “A sole ustis.” Not _coup de soleil_, or “sun-stroke,” as Littré -renders it. Oil of almonds is still a favourite ingredient in cosmetics. - -[3015] There is no truth, Fée says, in this assertion. - -[3016] Fixed oil of laurel contains a certain proportion of volatile -oil, to which it is indebted for the excellence of its smell. It is -still used as a liniment for rheumatic pains and other affections. - -[3017] As prepared by the ancients, it has no analogous properties with -oil of laurel. Myrtle oil is no longer used in medicine. - -[3018] Such is not the case. - -[3019] The wild myrtle, or little holly. See B. xv. c. 7. The oil would -be inodorous, and not possessed, as Pliny says, of properties similar -to those of oil of myrtle. - -[3020] See B. xv. c. 7. Fée thinks that it may have possibly been -prepared from a decoction of leaves of cypress. - -[3021] See B. xiii. cc. 1. 29, and B. xv. c. 7. - -[3022] See B. xv. c. 7. Oil of walnuts is used but little in medicine -at the present day, but it is employed for numerous other purposes. - -[3023] “Granum Cnidium.” See B. xv. c. 7. - -[3024] It would only resemble castor oil in its drastic properties; the -latter is a fixed natural oil, the former an artificial one. - -[3025] See B. xv. c. 7. An oil is still extracted in Italy from the -fruit of the Pistacia lentiscus; but it is no longer used in medicine. - -[3026] From the Greek ἄκοπος, “relieving weariness.” - -[3027] Or “ben.” See B. xii c. 46, and B. xv. c. 7. Oil of ben is still -made, but it has no such effects as those mentioned by our author. - -[3028] Pliny appears to have made the same error here in compiling from -the Greek, as he has done in Chapters 4 and 13, in mistaking the Greek -word signifying “scars,” for that meaning “gums.” - -[3029] In B. xii. c. 51, and B. xv. c. 7. - -[3030] The cyprus, or henna, is but little known in Europe: but it -is employed for many purposes in the East. The leaves, which have a -powerful smell, are used for the purpose of dyeing and staining various -parts of the body. - -[3031] Pliny has most probably committed an error here in mentioning -the “strutheum,” or sparrow-quince; for the corresponding passage in -Dioscorides, B. i. c. 124, speaks of the “struthion,” the Gypsophila -struthium of Linnæus, or possibly, as Littré thinks, the Saponaria -officinalis. See B. xix. c. 18. - -[3032] This, Fée thinks, may probably be the case. - -[3033] See B. xv. c. 7. - -[3034] In B. xii. c. 54. Balm of Mecca, Fée says, possesses properties -little different from the turpentines extracted from the Coniferæ. - -[3035] “Tremulis.” - -[3036] In B. xii. c. 59. Whatever malobathrum may have been, this was -an artificial oil, no doubt. - -[3037] “Hyoscyaminum.” A fixed oil with narcotic properties, and most -probably, highly dangerous in its effects. - -[3038] From the Greek θέρμος, a lupine. - -[3039] In B. xxi. c. 75. - -[3040] A fixed oil, charged with a small proportion of essential oil. - -[3041] Fée is of opinion that applied to the body it would exterminate -vermin. - -[3042] Malignant cancer. - -[3043] In B. xxi. c. 11. - -[3044] In B. xv. c. 7. - -[3045] Similar, probably, to the narcotic oil, or _baume tranquille_ of -the French. - -[3046] See B. xv. c. 7. - -[3047] In B. xv. c. 7. - -[3048] Probably because its oleaginous properties would tend to prevent -imbibition and absorption, while its narcotic qualities would in some -degree neutralize the strength of the wine. Almonds have a somewhat -similar effect. - -[3049] “Pissinum.” See B. xv. c. 7. - -[3050] This is not the fact. - -[3051] On the contrary, they are used at the present day as a pectoral; -and many so-called pectoral sirops are prepared from them. - -[3052] See B. vi. c. 37, and B. xiii. c. 9. - -[3053] They have no properties, when burnt, to distinguish them from -the ashes of other vegetables. - -[3054] Impure metallic oxide. - -[3055] “Calliblephara.” - -[3056] See B. xii. cc. 46, 47. - -[3057] Fée is of opinion that this is not the “myrobalanum” of B. xii. -c. 46, the behen or ben nut, but the phœnicobalanus of c. 47 in that -Book; and, indeed, there can be little doubt that Pliny has committed -an error here in substituting one for the other. - -[3058] “Ciet,” “promote,” is the reading adopted by Sillig, but -“sistit” is supported by the parallel passage in Dioscorides. - -[3059] See B. xii. c. 62, and the Note, in reference to the mistake -which Pliny appears to have committed in reference to this term. - -[3060] In reality, it is quite inert. - -[3061] In consequence of the malic and tartaric acid which they contain. - -[3062] Quinces are of an astringent nature; and an astringent sirop, -Fée says, is still prepared from them. - -[3063] They are no longer used for this purpose. - -[3064] Fée observes that it has no such effect. - -[3065] B. xiii. c. 2. - -[3066] Or “sparrow-quince.” See B. xv. c. 10. - -[3067] He states this so gravely, that he would almost appear to -believe it. - -[3068] “Honey apples.” See B. xv. c. 15, where this apple is also -called the “musteum.” - -[3069] A purgative sirop of apples, causing thirst, was made by the -ancients, the receipt for which was attributed to King Sapor. - -[3070] Or “round” apples. See B. xv. c. 15. - -[3071] See B. xii. c. 7. - -[3072] See B. xi. c. 15, and B. xii. c. 7. - -[3073] As Fée says, this observation is quite unaccountable. He queries -whether a sweet fruit may not possibly be meant, the sweet lime, for -instance, the flavour of which is very sickly, and would require to be -heightened by the assistance of an acid. - -[3074] See B. xiii. c. 34; where, however, he has only distinguished -them according to their flavour, sweet, vinous, &c. - -[3075] “Without pips.” See B. xiii. c. 34. - -[3076] This and the previous precaution given, Fée considers to be mere -puerilities. - -[3077] Than that of the ordinary grape, probably. - -[3078] See B. xiii. c. 34. - -[3079] The “leather apple,” apparently. It is more probable, as -Hardouin says, that it was so called from the toughness of the rind. - -[3080] “Pterygiis.” - -[3081] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3. - -[3082] “Alumen scissum.” See B. xxxi. c. 39, and B. xxxv. c. 52. - -[3083] See B. xii. c. 15, and B. xxiv. c. 77. - -[3084] An absurd notion, without any apparent foundation. - -[3085] All vegetable productions rich in tannin are thought to possess -the property of acting as a vermifuge. - -[3086] The calyx of the blossom of the pomegranate. Its properties are -remarkably astringent. - -[3087] This would be nearly an impossibility, as the calyx is hard and -coriaceous, and of considerable size. Nothing, however, is allowed to -stand in the way of superstition. - -[3088] “Ipsa corpuscula.” The _exact_ meaning of this expression is -somewhat doubtful: Hardouin takes it to be the lower part of the -cytinus. - -[3089] In B. xiii. c. 34. - -[3090] The corolla of the flower. Dioscorides, B. i. c. 152, makes -the “balaustium” to be the blossom of the wild pomegranate, and the -“cytinus” to be that of the cultivated fruit. Theophrastus, however, -and Galen, give the same account of the cytinus as Pliny. Holland has -this quaint marginal Note on the passage: “Here is Pliny out of the -way;” not improbably in reference to the statement of Dioscorides. - -[3091] Or Quinarius. See Introduction to Vol. III. - -[3092] These statements, Fée says, are quite unfounded. - -[3093] See B. xii. c. 15, and B. xxiv. c. 77. - -[3094] Fée thinks that there is no doubt that this was really the -pomegranate, left to grow wild. Dalechamps and Fée suggest that, misled -by the resemblance of the Greek names, Pliny has here attributed to the -wild pomegranate the properties attributed to the red poppy, or corn -poppy. Hardouin, however, is not of that opinion, and thinks that the -mention of the _roots_ of the plant proves that Pliny has not committed -any error here; as in B. xx. c. 77, he has attributed the narcotic -effects of the poppy to the head only. - -[3095] This depends considerably, as Fée says, upon the kind of pear. - -[3096] See B. xv. c. 16. - -[3097] There is no truth whatever in this statement. - -[3098] They are equally inefficacious for the purpose, - -[3099] See B. xxiv. c. 1. An absurdity, upon which Fée has uselessly -expended a dozen lines of indignation. - -[3100] In reality it has no affinity with vinegar or any other acid, -and the fact that it curdles milk is no proof whatever that such is the -case. - -[3101] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[3102] Being of a caustic nature, it might have this effect, Fée -thinks. It is, however, no longer employed in medicine. He is also of -opinion that the juice of the fig-tree might be useful in making cheese. - -[3103] Here, also, the caustic nature of their juices might render them -useful. - -[3104] “Ceria:” now known in surgery as “favus.” - -[3105] This and the next statement are equally untrue. - -[3106] See B. xv. c. 19. - -[3107] “Medicatæ.” See B. xvi. c. 51. - -[3108] They produce heart-burn and flatulency. - -[3109] “Ad carnes eos transtulit.” Dalechamps takes this to mean -“showed them that the flesh was increased by eating figs.” This -Pythagoras was probably the Samian pugilist who gained a victory in Ol. -48. - -[3110] This herb is rich in mucilage, and of a soothing nature. - -[3111] “Æris flore.” - -[3112] “Pterygiis.” - -[3113] This is the case, as they are remarkably rich in alkaline salts. -The assertion, however, as to their properties, is, as Fée says, -hypothetical. - -[3114] “Thymos.” - -[3115] Metallic ashes, or dross. See B. xxxiv. c. 52. - -[3116] “Suavitatem.” Fée is justly at a loss to understand how this -could be. It is doubtful whether Pliny does not mean that by the use of -this substance meat was _kept fresh_. - -[3117] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[3118] Fée thinks that, owing to its acridity, it may possibly have -this effect. - -[3119] There is probably no foundation for this statement. - -[3120] Favus. - -[3121] Plutarch, Sympos. ii. 7, tells the same absurd story. - -[3122] To “erineon,” the Greek for wild fig. - -[3123] Supposed to be the Campanula rapunculus of Linnæus, the rampion; -though Fée expresses some doubts. Guilandin has suggested the Hieracium -Sabaudum of Linnæus, an opinion which Fée thinks not altogether -destitute of probability. - -[3124] The leaves of this tree contain a large proportion of tannin, to -which they owe their astringent properties. - -[3125] Prunes, the produce of the plum-tree, called the plum of Saint -Julien, are still used as a purgative. - -[3126] A most singular assertion, as Fée says, and one that universal -experience proves to be unfounded. - -[3127] On the contrary, it quenches thirst. - -[3128] Fée thinks that, owing to the hydro-cyanic acid which the -kernels contain, there may possibly be some foundation for this -statement of their curative effects. - -[3129] Both the root and the fruit are of an astringent nature. From -this fruit an extract is prepared, Fée says, rich in tannin, and called -in France Acacia nostras, from its resemblance to the juice of the -Egyptian Acacia. - -[3130] “Limus.” Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Evernia -prunastri of modern botany. It has been suggested, however, that Pliny -has committed an error here, and that in copying from the Greek source -he has mistaken the author’s mention of the cure of lichens by the gum -of the plum-tree, for an account of a lichen which grows on the tree. -Such, in fact, is the statement of Dioscorides in B. i. c. 174, though -he does not mention chaps and condylomata. - -[3131] In B. xiii. cc, 14, 15, where he calls it a fig-tree. He alludes -to the sycamore. - -[3132] See B. xvi. c. 72. - -[3133] This statement is entirely unfounded. - -[3134] Considering that the leaves and bark are rich in tannin and -gallic acid, it might be worth while to ascertain if there is any truth -in this assertion. - -[3135] But Horace says, Sat. B. ii. s. 4, l. 22, that mulberries are -remarkably wholesome as a dessert. - -[3136] In B. xvi. c. 41. - -[3137] “All-healing,” “mouth-medicine,” and “medicine for the trachea.” - -[3138] See B. xii. c. 60. A rob, or sirop of mulberries is prepared for -much the same purposes at the present day, but without the omphacium, -myrrh, or saffron. An “arteriace” is also mentioned in B. xx. c. 79. - -[3139] Hermolaüs Barbarus is possibly right in suggesting “cytini,” -which name has been previously mentioned in connection with the calyx -of the pomegranate. - -[3140] From the account given by Dioscorides, B. i. c. 181, this -appears to he the meaning of the passage, which is very elliptically -expressed, if, indeed, it is not imperfect. - -[3141] In a powdered state, probably, as mentioned by Dioscorides. - -[3142] The use of the word “conluebant” would almost make it appear -that he is speaking of a liquid. - -[3143] The juice (if, indeed, Pliny intends to specify it as an -ingredient) will not, as Fée remarks, combine with oil. Dioscorides -says, B. i. c. 180, that the _leaves_ are bruised and applied with oil -to burns. - -[3144] Black cherries, Fée says, bigaroons, and others, with a firm -flesh, are the most unwholesome. See B. xv. c. 30. - -[3145] This property. Fée says, is attributed by some, in modern times, -not to the flesh, or pericarpus of the cherry, but to the stalks of the -fruit. - -[3146] See B. xv. c. 22. - -[3147] See B. xv. c. 23. - -[3148] They are no longer used in medicine, Fée says, but the buds of -the pine and fir, the properties of which are analogous, are still -used, though not in cases of hæmoptysis. - -[3149] In a rancid state particularly, they would have this effect. - -[3150] Fée thinks that the mixture might be useful in these cases. - -[3151] See B. xv. c. 24. - -[3152] “Hilariorem.” At the present day it is not a decoction of the -root, but the fixed oil of the kernels, that is used as a cosmetic; for -which purpose it is used with oil of sweet almonds and wax. - -[3153] Their narcotic effect is owing to the prussic, or hydro-cyanic, -acid which they contain. - -[3154] Almonds were a favourite food with the monks in the middle ages; -not improbably because they tended to dispel the fumes of wine. Almond -milk, similar to our custard, was a standing dish at their “charities” -and anniversaries. - -[3155] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[3156] They would be of no use whatever in these cases. - -[3157] Otherwise turpentine. - -[3158] See B. xxii. c. 71. - -[3159] See Note [3154] above. Plutarch tells us that Drusus, the -brother of Tiberius, one of the greatest drinkers of his time, used -almonds for this purpose. Fée will not believe that they have any such -preventive effect. - -[3160] Almonds will kill small animals, birds, for instance. - -[3161] They are much more used in modern medicine than bitter almonds. - -[3162] There is some ground, Fée says, for this assertion. - -[3163] See B. xv. c. 24, where Pliny expresses himself at a loss as to -their identification. - -[3164] See B. xv. c. 24. - -[3165] Κάρυα, from κάρος, “heaviness,” or κάρη, the “head.” See Vol. -III. p. 316. - -[3166] A mere prejudice, no doubt. - -[3167] The rancidity of the oil which they contain, renders them -irritating to the throat and stomach. - -[3168] Fée remarks, that it is difficult to see how this could be done. - -[3169] This statement, as Fée remarks, is quite unfounded. - -[3170] This assertion is also entirely imaginary. - -[3171] “Cortex juglandium.” Fée says that by this term is meant, not -the green outer shell, husk, or pericarpus of the walnut, but the bark -of the tree. - -[3172] This asserted use of them has not been verified by modern -experience. - -[3173] The various receipts for the preparation of this Mithridate -or antidote differ very widely; and, indeed, the probability is, as -Dr. Heberden says, that Mithridates was as much a stranger to his own -antidote, as modern physicians have since been to the medicines daily -advertised under their names. Mithridates is said to have so fortified -himself against all noxious drugs and poisons, that none would produce -any effect when he attempted to destroy himself—a mere fable, no doubt. - -[3174] This, we are told by Galen, was regularly done by the Emperor -Marcus Aurelius, De Antid. B. i. c. i. - -[3175] See B. xv. c. 24. - -[3176] An emulsion of them fresh, with honey, might be useful, Fée -thinks, in such a case. - -[3177] Either of these additions would certainly neutralize the good -effects of the emulsion. The addition of raisin wine, however, is -recommended by Dioscorides. - -[3178] See B. xiii. c. 10. - -[3179] They are of no efficacy whatever for such a purpose. - -[3180] See B. xv. c. 25. They are no longer used in medicine, and, -as Fée says, it is extremely doubtful if they possess any of the -properties here attributed to them. - -[3181] They are still looked upon as very nourishing, as, indeed, is -the case with all the feculent fruits. - -[3182] See B. xv. c. 26. - -[3183] They are productive of colic and diarrhœa. - -[3184] See B. xiii. c. 16. - -[3185] See B. xv. c. 31. - -[3186] The juice of the sap would, to all appearance, produce an -acetate or oxide of iron. - -[3187] See B. xv. c. 28. - -[3188] All parts of the laurel, the berries in particular, are -impregnated with an essential oil with a powerful odour and of an -exciting nature. Upon this volatile principle, and nothing else, the -whole of its medicinal properties are based. - -[3189] This assertion, Fée says, is no better than fabulous. - -[3190] See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 723, 776. - -[3191] See the Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 719. - -[3192] “Irino.” See B. xiii. c. 2. - -[3193] This assertion, Fée says, is untrue. - -[3194] See B. xv. c. 39. - -[3195] All these statements as to the properties of the berries, Fée -says, are hypothetical and more than doubtful. - -[3196] The Laurus nobilis of modern botany. - -[3197] A statement, Fée says, that is altogether illusory. - -[3198] Of the berries, Fée thinks. - -[3199] See c. 45 of this Book; also B. xxvii. c. 13. - -[3200] Fée thinks that this oil, in conjunction with adipose -substances, might be useful for the treatment of rheumatic affections. - -[3201] The Ruscus hypophyllum of Linnæus. It is quite inodorous, Fée -says, and has no analogous properties whatever with the next-mentioned -plant. - -[3202] See B. xv. c. 39. - -[3203] In B. xv. c. 39. - -[3204] The peasantry of France, Fée says, still use as a purgative the -berries of the Daphne mezereum, and of the Daphne laureola; and in -Aragon and Catalonia, the leaves of the Thymelea are used for a similar -purpose. The employment of them, however, is not unattended with danger. - -[3205] A variety with white berries, but which variety it appears -impossible to say. - -[3206] See B. xv. c. 37. - -[3207] The leaves and berries are bitter, and rich in volatile oil. - -[3208] This is consistent with fact. - -[3209] A work of some kind, (perhaps a play, if the comic writer, -Menander, is the person alluded to) the title of which means “the Women -Dining together.” Hardouin, with justice, ridicules the notion of -Ortelius that this is the name of some place or town. - -[3210] The astringency communicated by the tannin which they contain -would probably make them useful for dysentery; if at the same time, as -Fée says, they are not too exciting, by reason of their essential oil. - -[3211] See B. xi. c. 71. - -[3212] “Succus seminis.” Sillig has “succus feminis,” apparently a -misprint—the only one that has been met with thus far in his elaborate -edition. - -[3213] It might change the colour of the hair, but for a short time -only. - -[3214] See B. xv. c. 37. - -[3215] Cerates, or adipose or oleaginous plasters. - -[3216] In reality they have no such effect. - -[3217] “Pterygia.” - -[3218] Fée says here—“Pliny terminates, by a credulity quite unworthy -of him, a Chapter, full of false or exaggerated assertions, relative to -the properties of the myrtle.” - -[3219] Or “myrtle-wine.” See B. xiv. c. 19; also B. xv. c. 35. - -[3220] “Alarum perfusiones.” - -[3221] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37: the Ruscus aculeatus of Linnæus, or little -holly of the French, belonging to the Asparagea, and not the myrtles. - -[3222] Being of the same family, of course there is a great resemblance. - -[3223] In reality they have no such lithotriptic nature, Fée says. - -[3224] A kindred plant with the one already mentioned by our author: it -is still used for making brooms in some parts of Europe. - -[3225] See end of B. xx. - -[3226] See end of B. xiv. - -[3227] See end of B. xii. - -[3228] See end of B. xx. - -[3229] See end of B. xx. - -[3230] See end of B. ii. - -[3231] See end of B. vii. - -[3232] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii; for Fabianus Sabinus, -see end of B. xviii. - -[3233] See end of B. iii. - -[3234] See end of B. ii. - -[3235] See end of B. xx. - -[3236] See end of B. ii. - -[3237] See end of B. viii. - -[3238] See end of B. xix. - -[3239] See end of B. viii. - -[3240] See end of B. vii. - -[3241] See end of B. xxi. - -[3242] See end of B. xxi. - -[3243] See end of B. xxi. - -[3244] See end of B. xxi. - -[3245] See end of B. iv. - -[3246] See end of B. xxi. - -[3247] See end of B. xxi. - -[3248] See end of B. xxi. - -[3249] See end of B. vii. - -[3250] See end of B. xx. - -[3251] See end of B. xx. - -[3252] See end of B. xx. - -[3253] See end of B. xii. - -[3254] See end of B. xv. - -[3255] See end of B. xii. - -[3256] See end of B. xx. - -[3257] See end of B. xx. - -[3258] See end of B. xx. - -[3259] See end of B. xx. - -[3260] See end of B. xx. - -[3261] See end of B. xx. - -[3262] See end of B. xx. - -[3263] See end of B. vii. - -[3264] See end of B. xx. - -[3265] See end of B. xx. - -[3266] See end of B. xii. - -[3267] See end of B. xi. - -[3268] See end of B. xii. - -[3269] See end of B. xx. - -[3270] See end of B. xii. - -[3271] See end of B. xx. - -[3272] See end of B. xx. - -[3273] See end of B. vi. - -[3274] See end of B. xx. - -[3275] See end of B. xx. - -[3276] See end of B. xx. - -[3277] See end of B. xx. - -[3278] See end of B. xii. - -[3279] See end of B. xx. - -[3280] See end of B. xx. - -[3281] See end of B. xix. - -[3282] See end of B. xx. - -[3283] See end of B. xx. - -[3284] See end of B. xx. - - END OF VOL. IV. - - J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER, WOKING, SURREY. - - -Transcriber’s Notes:— - -The spelling, hyphenation, punctuation and accentuation are as the -original, except for apparent typographical errors which have been -silently corrected. - -The footnotes for each of the six volumes have been renumbered, the -references to notes in other volumes have been changed accordingly. - -Footnote [2369] in the original incorrectly reads:— - The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxiii. c. - 108. -This has been changed to:— - The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxi. c. - 108. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Natural History of Pliny, volume 4 -(of 6), by Pliny, the Elder - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF PLINY *** - -***** This file should be named 61113-0.txt or 61113-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/1/1/61113/ - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Stephen Rowland, Tony Browne, -Brian Wilcox and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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- page-break-after: always; - } -} - -@media handheld { - .covernote {visibility: visible; display: block;} -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Natural History of Pliny, volume 4 (of -6), by Pliny, the Elder - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: The Natural History of Pliny, volume 4 (of 6) - by Pliny, the Elder - -Author: Pliny, the Elder - -Translator: John Bostock - Henry T. Riley - -Release Date: January 6, 2020 [EBook #61113] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF PLINY *** - - - - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Stephen Rowland, Tony Browne, -Brian Wilcox and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="transnote covernote"> - <p>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> -</div> - -<p id="half-title">BOHN’S CLASSICAL LIBRARY.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="largest">NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY.</span><br /> -<br /> -VOL. IV.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h1 class="chapter"> -<span class="smaller">THE</span><br /> - -<span class="larger">NATURAL HISTORY</span><br /> - -<span class="smallest">OF</span><br /> - -<span class="largest">PLINY.</span></h1> - -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">TRANSLATED,</span><br /> -<br /> -WITH COPIOUS NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS</p> - -<h2><span class="smaller">BY THE LATE</span><br /> -<br /> -JOHN BOSTOCK, M.D., F.R.S.,<br /> -<br /> -<span class="smaller">AND</span><br /> -<br /> -H. T. RILEY, <span class="smcap">Esq.</span>, B.A.,<br /> -<span class="smaller">LATE SCHOLAR OF CLARE HALL, CAMBRIDGE.</span></h2> - -<p class="center larger padt1 padb1">VOL. IV.</p> - -<p class="center">LONDON:<br /> -HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN.<br /> -<span class="small">MDCCCLVI.</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS<br /> -<br /> -<span class="smallest">OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.</span></h2></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="center"> -<table class="my100" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="toc"> -<tr> -<td class="tdc larger padt1 padb1" colspan="3">BOOK XVIII.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc padb1" colspan="3">THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GRAIN.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl small"><span class="smcap">Chap.</span></td> -<td> </td> -<td class="tdr small">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">1.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Taste of the ancients for agriculture</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_1">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">2.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">When the first wreaths of corn were used at Rome</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_2">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">3.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The jugerum of land</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_3">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">4.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">How often and on what occasions corn has sold at a remarkably -low price</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_4">7</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">5.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Illustrious men who have written upon agriculture</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_5">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">6.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Points to be observed in buying land</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_6">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">7.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The proper arrangements for a farm-house</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_7">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">8.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Maxims of the ancients on agriculture</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_8">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">9.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The different kinds of grain</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_9">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">10.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The history of the various kinds of grain</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">11.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Spelt</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_11">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">12.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wheat</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_12">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">13.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Barley: rice</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_13">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">14.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Polenta</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_14">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">15.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ptisan</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_15">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">16.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Tragum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_16"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">17.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Amylum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">18.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature of barley</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_18">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">19.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Arinca, and other kinds of grain that are grown in the East</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_19">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">20.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Winter wheat. Similago, or fine flour</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_20">32</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">21.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The fruitfulness of Africa in wheat</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_21">35</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">22.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sesame. Erysimum or irio. Horminum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_22">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">23.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The mode of grinding corn</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_23"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">24.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Millet</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_24">38</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">25.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Panic</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_25"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">26.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The various kinds of leaven</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_26"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">27.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The method of making bread: origin of the art</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_27">39</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">28.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">When bakers were first introduced at Rome</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_28">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">29.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Alica</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">41</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">30.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The leguminous plants: the bean</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_30">43</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">31.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lentils. Pease</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_31">46</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi">vi</a></span> -32.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The several kinds of chick-pease</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">33.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The kidney-bean</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_33">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">34.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The rape</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_34"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">35.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The turnip</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_35">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">36.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lupine</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_36">49</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">37.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The vetch</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_37">51</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">38.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The fitch</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_38"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">39.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Silicia</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_39"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">40.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Secale or asia</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_40">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">41.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Farrago: the cracca</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_41"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">42.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ocinum: ervilia</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_42"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">43.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lucerne</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_43">53</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">44.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The diseases of grain: the oat</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44">54</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">45.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The best remedies for the diseases of grain</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_45">57</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">46.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The crops that should be sown in the different soils</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_46">59</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">47.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The different systems of cultivation employed by various nations</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_47">60</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">48.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The various kinds of ploughs</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_48">62</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">49.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The mode of ploughing</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_49"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">50.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The methods of harrowing, stubbing, and hoeing, employed for -each description of grain. The use of the harrow</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_50">66</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">51.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Extreme fertility of soil</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_51">67</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">52.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The method of sowing more than once in the year</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_52">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">53.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The manuring of land</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_53"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">54.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">How to ascertain the quality of seed</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_54">69</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">55.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">What quantity of each kind of grain is requisite for sowing a -jugerum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_55">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">56.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The proper times for sowing</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_56">72</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">57.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Arrangement of the stars according to the terrestrial days and -nights</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_57">74</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">58.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The rising and setting of the stars</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_58">77</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">59.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The epochs of the seasons</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_59">78</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">60.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The proper time for winter sowing</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_60">79</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">61.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">When to sow the leguminous plants and the poppy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_61">81</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">62.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done in the country in each month respectively</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_62"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">63.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done at the winter solstice</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_63">82</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">64.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done between the winter solstice and the prevalence -of the west winds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_64">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">65.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done between the prevalence of the west winds and -the vernal equinox</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_65">84</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">66.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done after the vernal equinox</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_66">86</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">67.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done after the rising of the Vergiliæ: hay-making</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_67">88</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">68.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The summer solstice</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_68">92</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">69.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Causes of sterility</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_69">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">70.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remedies against these noxious influences</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_70">101</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">71.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Work to be done after the summer solstice</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_71">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">72.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The harvest</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_72">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">73.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The methods of storing corn</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_73">104</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">74.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The vintage, and the works of autumn</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_74">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">75.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The revolutions of the moon</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_75">111</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii">vii</a></span> -76.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The theory of the winds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_76">113</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">77.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The laying out of lands according to the points of the wind</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_77">114</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">78.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from the sun</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_78">117</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">79.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from the moon</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_79">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">80.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from the stars</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_80">120</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">81.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from thunder</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_81">121</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">82.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from clouds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_82"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">83.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from mists</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_83">122</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">84.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from fire kindled by man</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_84"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">85.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from water</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_85"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">86.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from tempests</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_86">123</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">87.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from aquatic animals and birds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_87"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">88.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from quadrupeds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_88">124</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">89.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from plants</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_89">125</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">90.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Prognostics derived from food</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_90"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc larger padt1 padb1" colspan="3">BOOK XIX.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">THE NATURE AND CULTIVATION OF FLAX, AND AN ACCOUNT OF VARIOUS -GARDEN PLANTS.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">1.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature of flax—marvellous facts relative thereto</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_1">129</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">2.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">How flax is sown: twenty-seven principal varieties of it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_2">131</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">3.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The mode of preparing flax</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_3">135</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">4.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Linen made of asbestos</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_4">136</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">5.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">At what period linen was first dyed</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_5">138</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">6.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">At what period coloured awnings were first employed in the -theatres</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_6"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">7.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature of spartum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_7">139</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">8.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The mode of preparing spartum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_8">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">9.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">At what period spartum was first employed</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_9">141</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">10.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The bulb eriophorus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_10"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">11.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants which spring up and grow without a root—plants which -grow, but cannot be reproduced from seed</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_11">142</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">12.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Misy; iton; and geranion</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_12">143</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">13.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Particulars connected with the truffle</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_13">144</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">14.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The pezica</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_14"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">15.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Laserpitium, laser, and maspetum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">16.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Magydaris</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_16">147</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">17.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Madder</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_17">148</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">18.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The radicula</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_18"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">19.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The pleasures of the garden</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_19">149</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">20.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The laying out of garden ground</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_20">154</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">21.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants other than grain and shrubs</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_21">155</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">22.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The natural history of twenty different kinds of plants grown in -gardens—the proper methods to be followed in sowing them -respectively</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_22"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_viii">viii</a></span> -23.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Vegetables of a cartilaginous nature—cucumbers. Pepones</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_23">156</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">24.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Gourds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_24">158</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">25.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Rape. Turnips</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_25">161</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">26.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Radishes</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_26">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">27.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Parsnips</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_27">165</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">28.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The skirret</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_28">166</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">29.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Elecampane</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_29">167</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">30.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Bulbs, squills, and arum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_30">168</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">31.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The roots, flowers, and leaves of all these plants. Garden plants -which lose their leaves</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_31">170</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">32.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Varieties of the onion</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_32">171</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">33.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The leek</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_33">173</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">34.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Garlic</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_34">174</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">35.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The number of days required for the respective plants to make -their appearance above ground</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_35">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">36.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature of the various seeds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_36">178</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">37.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants of which there is but a single kind. Plants of which there -are several kinds</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_37">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">38.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature and varieties of twenty-three garden plants. The -lettuce; its different varieties</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_38">180</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">39.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Endive</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_39">182</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">40.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Beet: four varieties of it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_40">183</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">41.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cabbages; the several varieties of them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_41">185</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">42.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild and cultivated asparagus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_42">188</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">43.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Thistles</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_43">190</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">44.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Other plants that are sown in the garden: ocimum; rocket; -and nasturtium</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_44">191</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">45.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Rue</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_45"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">46.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Parsley</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_46">192</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">47.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Mint</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_47"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">48.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Olusatrum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">193</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">49.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The caraway</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_49">194</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">50.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lovage</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">51.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Dittander</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_51">195</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">52.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Gith</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_52"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">53.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The poppy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_53">196</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">54.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Other plants which require to be sown at the autumnal equinox</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_54">197</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">55.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild thyme; sisymbrium</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_55"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">56.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four kinds of ferulaceous plants. Hemp</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_56">198</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">57.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The maladies of garden plants</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_57">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">58.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The proper remedies for these maladies. How ants are best destroyed. -The best remedies against caterpillars and flies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_58">200</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">59.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">What plants are benefitted by salt water</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_59">201</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">60.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The proper method of watering gardens</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_60"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">61.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The juices and flavours of garden herbs</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_61">202</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">62.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Piperitis, libanotis, and smyrnium</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_62">203</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc larger padt1 padb1" colspan="3">BOOK XX. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ix">ix</a></span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE GARDEN PLANTS.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">1.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Introduction</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_1">206</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">2.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild cucumber: twenty-six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_2">207</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">3.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Elaterium: twenty-seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_3">208</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">4.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The anguine or erratic cucumber: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_4">209</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">5.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cultivated cucumber: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_5">210</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">6.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Pepones: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_6">211</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">7.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The gourd: seventeen remedies. The somphus: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_7">212</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">8.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The colocynthis: ten remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_8"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">9.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Rape: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_9">213</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">10.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild rape: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_10">214</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">11.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Turnips; those known as bunion and bunias: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_11"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">12.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild radish, or armoracia: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_12">215</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">13.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cultivated radish: forty-three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_13"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">14.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The parsnip: five remedies. The hibiscum, wild mallow, or -plistolochia: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_14">218</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">15.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The staphylinos, or wild parsnip: twenty-two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_15"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">16.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Gingidion: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_16">219</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">17.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The skirret: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_17">220</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">18.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sile, or hartwort: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_18">221</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">19.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Elecampane: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_19">222</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">20.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Onions: twenty-seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_20"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">21.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cutleek: thirty-two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_21">223</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">22.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Bulbed leek: thirty-nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_22">225</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">23.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Garlic: sixty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_23"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">24.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lettuce: forty-two remedies. The goat-lettuce: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_24">228</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">25.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cæsapon: one remedy. Isatis: one remedy. The wild lettuce: -seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_25"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">26.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Hawk-weed: seventeen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_26">229</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">27.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Beet: twenty-four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_27">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">28.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Limonion, or neuroides: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_28">233</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">29.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Endive: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_29"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">30.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cichorium or chreston, otherwise called pancration or ambula: -twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_30">234</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">31.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Hedypnoïs: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_31"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">32.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Seris, three varieties of it: seven remedies borrowed from it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_32">235</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">33.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cabbage: eighty-seven remedies. Recipes mentioned by Cato</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_33"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">34.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Opinions of the Greeks relative thereto</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_34">237</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">35.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cabbage-sprouts</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_35">239</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">36.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild cabbage: thirty-seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_36">240</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">37.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lapsana: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_37">241</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">38.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The sea-cabbage: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_38"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">39.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The squill: twenty-three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_39"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">40.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Bulbs: thirty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_40">243</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_x">x</a></span> -41.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Bulbine: one remedy. Bulb emetic</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_41">244</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">42.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Garden asparagus; with the next, twenty-four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_42">245</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">43.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Corruda, libycura, or orminum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_43"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">44.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Parsley: seventeen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_44">246</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">45.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Apiastrum, or melissophyllum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_45">247</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">46.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Olusatrum or Hipposelinon: eleven remedies. Oreoselinon: -two remedies. Helioselinon: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_46">248</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">47.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Petroselinon: one remedy. Buselinon: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_47"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">48.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ocimum: thirty-five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_48">249</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">49.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Rocket: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_49">250</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">50.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Nasturtium: forty-two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_50">251</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">51.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Rue: eighty-four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_51">252</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">52.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild mint: twenty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_52">256</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">53.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Mint: forty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_53">257</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">54.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Pennyroyal: twenty-five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_54">259</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">55.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild pennyroyal: seventeen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_55">260</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">56.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Nep: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_56">261</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">57.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cummin: forty-eight remedies. Wild cummin: twenty-six -remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_57">262</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">58.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ammi: ten remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_58">263</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">59.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The capparis or caper: eighteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_59">264</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">60.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ligusticum, or lovage: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_60">265</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">61.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cunila bubula: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_61"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">62.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cunila gallinacea, or origanum: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_62">266</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">63.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cunilago: eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_63"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">64.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Soft cunila: three remedies. Libanotis: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_64"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">65.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cultivated cunila: three remedies. Mountain cunila: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_65">267</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">66.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Piperitis, or siliquastrum: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_66"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">67.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Origanum, onitis, or prasion: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_67">268</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">68.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Tragoriganum: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_68"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">69.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Three varieties of Heracleotic origanum: thirty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_69"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">70.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Dittander: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_70">270</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">71.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Gith, or melanthion: twenty-three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_71"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">72.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Anise: sixty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_72">271</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">73.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Where the best anise is found: various remedies derived from -this plant</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_73">272</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">74.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Dill: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_74">274</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">75.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sacopenium, or sagapenon: thirteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_75"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">76.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The white poppy: three remedies. The black poppy: eight remedies. -Remarks on sleep. Opium. Remarks in disfavour -of the potions known as “anodynes, febrifuges, digestives, -and cœliacs.” In what way the juices of these plants are to -be collected</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_76">275</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">77.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The poppy called rhœas: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_77">278</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">78.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild poppy called ceratitis, glaucium, or paralium: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_78"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">79.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild poppy called heraclium, or aphron: four remedies. -Diacodion</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_79"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xi">xi</a></span> -80.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The poppy called tithymalon, or paralion: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_80">279</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">81.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Porcillaca or purslain, otherwise called peplis: twenty-five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_81">280</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">82.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Coriander: twenty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_82">282</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">83.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Orage: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_83"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">84.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The mallow called malope: thirteen remedies. The mallow -called malache: one remedy. The mallow called althæa or -plistolochia: fifty-nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_84">283</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">85.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild lapathum or oxalis, otherwise called lapathum cantherinum, -or rumex: one remedy. Hydrolapathum: two remedies. -Hippolapathum: six remedies. Oxylapathum: four -remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_85">287</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">86.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cultivated lapathum: twenty-one remedies. Bulapathum: one -remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_86">288</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">87.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Mustard, the three kinds of it: forty-four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_87"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">88.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Adarca: forty-eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_88">290</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">89.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Marrubium or prasion, otherwise linostrophon, philopais, or -philochares: twenty-nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_89"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">90.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild thyme: eighteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_90">292</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">91.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sisymbrium or thymbræum: twenty-three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_91">293</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">92.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Linseed: thirty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_92">294</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">93.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Blite: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_93">295</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">94.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Meum, and meum athamanticum: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_94"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">95.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Fennel: twenty-two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_95">296</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">96.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Hippomarathron, or myrsineum: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_96"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">97.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Hemp: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_97">297</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">98.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Fennel-giant: eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_98">298</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">99.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The thistle or scolymos: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_99">299</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">100.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The composition of theriaca</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_100"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc larger padt1 padb1" colspan="3">BOOK XXI.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">AN ACCOUNT OF FLOWERS, AND THOSE USED FOR CHAPLETS MORE -PARTICULARLY.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">1.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature of flowers and gardens</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_1">304</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">2.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Garlands and chaplets</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_2"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">3.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Who invented the art of making garlands: when they first received -the name of “corollæ,” and for what reason</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_3">305</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">4.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Who was the first to give chaplets with leaves of silver and -gold. Lemnisci: who was the first to emboss them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_4">306</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">5.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The great honour in which chaplets were held by the ancients</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_5"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">6.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The severity of the ancients in reference to chaplets</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_6">307</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">7.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">A citizen decked with flowers by the Roman people</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_7">308</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">8.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plaited chaplets. Needle-work chaplets. Nard-leaf chaplets. -Silken chaplets</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"> <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_8"> <i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">9.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Authors who have written on flowers. An anecdote relative to -Queen Cleopatra and chaplets</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_9">309</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xii">xii</a></span> -10.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The rose: twelve varieties of it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_10">310</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">11.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lily: four varieties of it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_11">314</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">12.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The narcissus: three varieties of it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_12">316</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">13.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">How seed is stained to produce tinted flowers</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_13">317</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">14.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">How the several varieties of the violet are respectively produced, -grown, and cultivated. The three different colours of the -violet. The five varieties of the yellow violet</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_14"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">15.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The caltha. The scopa regia</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_15">318</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">16.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The bacchar. The combretum. Asarum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_16"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">17.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Saffron: in what places it grows best. What flowers were -known at the time of the Trojan war</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_17">319</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">18.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nature of odours</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_18">321</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">19.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The iris</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_19">324</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">20.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The saliunca</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_20">325</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">21.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The polium or teuthrion</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_21"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">22.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Fabrics which rival the colour of flowers</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_22">326</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">23.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The amaranth</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_23">327</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">24.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cyanos: the holochrysos</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_24">328</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">25.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The petilium: the bellio</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_25"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">26.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The chrysocome, or chrysitis</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_26">329</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">27.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Shrubs, the blossoms of which are used for chaplets</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_27"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">28.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Shrubs, the leaves of which are used for chaplets</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_28"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">29.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The melothron, spiræa, and origanum. The oneorum or cassia; -two varieties of it. The melissophyllum or melittæna. The -melilote, otherwise known as Campanian garland</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_29">330</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">30.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Three varieties of trefoil: the myophonum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_30"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">31.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Two varieties of thyme. Plants produced from blossoms and not -from seed</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_31">331</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">32.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Conyza</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32">332</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">33.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The flower of Jove. The hemerocalles. The helenium. The -phlox. Plants in which the branches and roots are odoriferous</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_33">333</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">34.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The abrotonum. The adonium: two varieties of it. Plants -which reproduce themselves. The leucanthemum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_34">334</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">35.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Two varieties of the amaracus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_35"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">36.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nyctegreton, or chenamyche, or nyctalops</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_36">335</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">37.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Where the melilote is found</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_37"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">38.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The succession in which flowers blossom: the spring flowers. -The violet. The chaplet anemone or phrenion. The herb -œnanthe. The melanthium. The helichrysos. The gladiolus. -The hyacinth</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38">336</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">39.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The summer flowers—the lychnis: the tiphyon. Two varieties -of the pothos. Two varieties of the orsinum. The vincapervinca -or chamædaphne—a plant which is an ever-green</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_39">337</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">40.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The duration of life in the various kinds of flowers</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_40">339</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">41.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants which should be sown among flowers for bees. The -cerintha</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"> <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_41"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">42.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The maladies of bees, and the remedies for them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_42">340</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">43.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The food of bees</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_43"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiii">xiii</a></span> -44.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Poisoned honey, and the remedies to be employed by those who have eaten it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_44">341</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">45.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Maddening honey</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_45">342</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">46.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Honey that flies will not touch</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_46">343</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">47.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Beehives, and the attention which should be paid to them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_47">344</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">48.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">That bees are sensible of hunger</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_48">345</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">49.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The method of preparing wax. The best kinds of wax. Punic wax</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_49"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">50.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants which grow spontaneously: the use made of them by -various nations, their nature, and remarkable facts connected -with them. The strawberry, the tamnus, and the butcher’s -broom. The batis, two varieties of it. The meadow parsnip. -The hop</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_50">347</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">51.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The colocasia</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_51"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">52.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cichorium. The anthalium or anticellium, or anthyllum. -The œtum. The arachidna. The aracos. The candryala. -The hypochœris. The caucalis. The anthriscum. The scandix. -The tragopogon. The parthenium or leucanthes, amaracus, -perdicium, or muralis. The trychnum or strychnum, -halicacabum, callias, dorycnion, manicon, peritton, neuras, -morio, or moly. The corchorus. The aphace. The acynopos. -The epipetron. Plants which never flower. Plants -which are always in flower</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">348</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">53.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four varieties of the cnecos</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_53">350</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">54.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants of a prickly nature: the erynge, the glycyrrhiza, the tribulus, -the anonis, the pheos or stœbe, and the hippophaes</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_54"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">55.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four varieties of the nettle. The lamium and the scorpio</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_55">351</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">56.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The carduus, the acorna, the phonos, the leucanthos, the chalceos, -the cnecos, the polyacanthos, the onopyxos, the helxine, -the scolymos, the chamæleon, the tetralix, and acanthice mastiche</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_56">353</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">57.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cactos: the pternix, pappos, and ascalias</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_57">354</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">58.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The tribulus: the anonis</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_58">355</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">59.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants classified according to their stems: the coronopus, the anchusa, -the anthemis, the phyllanthes, the crepis, and the lotus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_59"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">60.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants classified according to their leaves. Plants which never -lose their leaves: plants which blossom a little at a time: the -heliotropium and the adiantum, the remedies derived from -which will be mentioned in the following Book</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_60">356</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">61.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The various kinds of eared plants: the stanyops; the alopecuros; -the stelephurus, ortyx, or plantago; the thryallis</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_61">357</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">62.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The perdicium. The ornithogale</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_62"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">63.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants which only make their appearance at the end of a year. -Plants which begin to blossom at the top. Plants which begin -to blossom at the lower part</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_63">358</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">64.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lappa, a plant which produces within itself. The opuntia, -which throws out a root from the leaf</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_64"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">65.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The iasione. The chondrylla. The picris, which remains in -flower the whole year through</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_65"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">66.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants in which the blossom makes its appearance before the - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiv">xiv</a></span> - -stem. Plants in which the stem appears before the blossom. -Plants which blossom three times in the year</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_66">359</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">67.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cypiros. The thesion</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_67"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">68.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The asphodel, or royal spear. The anthericus or albucus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_68"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">69.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Six varieties of the rush: four remedies derived from the cypiros</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_69">361</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">70.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cyperos: fourteen remedies. The cyperis. The cypira</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_70">363</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">71.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The holoschœnus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_71">364</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">72.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ten remedies derived from the sweet-scented rush, or teuchites</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_72"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">73.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remedies derived from the flowers before mentioned: thirty-two -remedies derived from the rose</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_73"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">74.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Twenty-one remedies derived from the lily</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_74">366</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">75.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sixteen remedies derived from the narcissus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_75">367</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">76.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Seventeen remedies derived from the violet</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_76">368</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">77.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Seventeen remedies derived from the bacchar. One remedy derived -from the combretum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_77"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">78.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eight remedies derived from asarum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_78">369</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">79.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eight remedies derived from gallic nard</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_79"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">80.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four remedies derived from the plant called “phu”</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_80">370</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">81.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Twenty remedies derived from saffron</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_81"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">82.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Syrian crocomagna: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_82"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">83.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Forty-one remedies derived from the iris: two remedies derived -from the saliunca</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_83">371</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">84.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eighteen remedies derived from the polium</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_84">372</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">85.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Three remedies derived from the holochrysos. Six remedies derived -from the chrysocome</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_85">373</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">86.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Twenty-one remedies derived from the melissophyllum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_86"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">87.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Thirteen remedies derived from the melilote</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_87">374</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">88.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four remedies derived from the trefoil</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_88"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">89.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Twenty-eight remedies derived from thyme</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_89">375</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">90.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four remedies derived from the hemerocalles</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_90">376</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">91.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Five remedies derived from the helenium</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_91"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">92.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Twenty-two remedies derived from the abrotonum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_92">377</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">93.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">One remedy derived from the leucanthemum. Nine remedies -derived from the amaracus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_93">378</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">94.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ten remedies derived from the anemone or phrenion</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_94">379</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">95.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Six remedies derived from the œnanthe</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_95">380</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">96.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eleven remedies derived from the helichrysos</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_96"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">97.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eight remedies derived from the hyacinth</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_97">381</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">98.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Seven remedies derived from the lychnis</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_98"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">99.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Four remedies derived from the vincapervinca</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_99">382</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">100.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Three remedies derived from butcher’s broom</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_100"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">101.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Two remedies derived from the batis</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_101"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">102.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Two remedies derived from the colocasia</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_102"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">103.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Six remedies derived from the anthyllium or anthyllum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_103">383</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">104.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eight remedies derived from the parthenium, leucanthes, or -amaracus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"> <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_104"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">105.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Eight remedies derived from the trychnum or strychnum, halicacabum, -callias, dorycnion, manicon, neuras, morio, or moly</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_105">384</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">106.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Six remedies derived from the corchorus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_106">386</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xv">xv</a></span> -107.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Three remedies derived from the cnecos</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_107"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">108.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">One remedy derived from the pesoluta</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_108"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">109.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">An explanation of Greek terms relative to weights and measures</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_109"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc larger padt1 padb1" colspan="3">BOOK XXII.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">THE PROPERTIES OF PLANTS AND FRUITS.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">1.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The properties of plants</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_1">389</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">2.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plants used by nations for the adornment of the person</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_2"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">3.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Employment of plants for dyeing. Explanation of the terms -sagmen, verbena, and clarigatio</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_3">390</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">4.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The grass crown: how rarely it has been awarded</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_4">392</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">5.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The only persons that have been presented with this crown</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_5">393</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">6.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The only centurion that has been thus honoured</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_6">394</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">7.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remedies derived from other chaplet plants</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_7">395</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">8.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The erynge or eryngium</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_8">396</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">9.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The eryngium, called centum capita: thirty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_9">397</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">10.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The acanos: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_10">398</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">11.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The glycyrrhiza or adipsos: fifteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_11">399</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">12.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Two varieties of the tribulus: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_12">400</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">13.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The stœbe or pheos</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_13">401</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">14.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Two varieties of the hippophaes: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_14"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">15.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The nettle: sixty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_15">402</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">16.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lamium: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_16">404</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">17.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The scorpio, two kinds of it: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_17">405</a></td> -</tr> -<tr><td class="tdr padrone vertt">18.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The leucacantha, phyllos, ischias, or polygonatos: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_18"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">19.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The helxine: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_19">406</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">20.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The perdicium, parthenium, urceolaris, or astercum: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_20">407</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">21.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The chamæleon, ixias, ulophonon, or cynozolon; two varieties of -it: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_21"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">22.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The coronopus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_22">409</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">23.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The anchusa: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_23"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">24.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The pseudoanchusa, echis, or doris: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_24">410</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">25.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The onochilon, archebion, onochelis, rhexia, or enchrysa: thirty -remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_25"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">26.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The anthemis, leucanthemis, leucanthemum, chamæmelum, or melanthium; -three varieties of it: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26">411</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">27.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lotus plant: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_27">412</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">28.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lotometra: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_28"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">29.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The heliotropium, helioscopium, or verrucaria: twelve remedies. -The heliotropium, tricoccum, or scorpiuron: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_29">413</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">30.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The adiantum, callitrichos, trichomanes, polytrichos, or saxifragum; -two varieties of it: twenty-eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_30">415</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">31.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The picris: one remedy. The thesion: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_31">417</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">32.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The asphodel: fifty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_32"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">33.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The halimon: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_33">419</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xvi">xvi</a></span> -34.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The acanthus, pæderos, or melamphyllos: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_34">421</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">35.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The bupleuron: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_35"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">36.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The buprestis: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_36">422</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">37.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The elaphoboscon: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_37"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">38.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The scandix: nine remedies. The anthriscum: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_38">423</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">39.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The iasione: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_39"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">40.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The caucalis: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_40">424</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">41.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The sium: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_41"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">42.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The sillybum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"> <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_42">425</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">43.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The scolymos or limonia: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_43"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">44.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The sonchos: two varieties: fifteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_44">426</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">45.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The condrion or chondrylla: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_45">427</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">46.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Mushrooms; peculiarities of their growth</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_46">428</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">47.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Fungi; signs by which the venomous kinds may be recognized: -nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_47">429</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">48.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Silphium: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_48">431</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">49.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Laser: thirty-nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_49">432</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">50.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Propolis: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_50">434</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">51.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The various influences of different aliments upon the disposition</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_51">435</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">52.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Hydromel: eighteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_52">436</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">53.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Honied wine: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_53">437</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">54.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Melitites: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_54">438</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">55.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wax: eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_55"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">56.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remarks in disparagement of medicinal compositions</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_56">439</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">57.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remedies derived from grain. Siligo: one remedy. Wheat: one -remedy. Chaff: two remedies. Spelt: one remedy. Bran: -one remedy. Olyra or arinca: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_57">440</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">58.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The various kinds of meal: twenty-eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_58">441</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">59.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Polenta: eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_59">442</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">60.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Fine flour: five remedies. Puls: one remedy. Meal used for -pasting papyrus, one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_60"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">61.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Alica: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_61">443</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">62.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Millet: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_62">444</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">63.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Panic: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_63"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">64.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sesame: seven remedies. Sesamoides: three remedies. Anticyricum: -three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_64"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">65.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Barley: nine remedies. Mouse-barley, by the Greeks called -phœnice: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_65">445</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">66.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ptisan: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_66">446</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">67.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Amylum: eight remedies. Oats: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_67"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">68.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Bread: twenty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_68">447</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">69.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Beans: sixteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_69"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">70.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lentils: seventeen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_70">448</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">71.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The elelisphacos, sphacos, or salvia: thirteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_71">449</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">72.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The chickpea and the chicheling vetch: twenty-three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_72">450</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">73.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The fitch: twenty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_73">451</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">74.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lupines: thirty-five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_74">452</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">75.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Irio or erysimum, by the Gauls called vela: fifteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_75">453</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">76.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Horminum: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_76">454</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xvii">xvii</a></span> -77.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Darnel: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_77"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">78.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The plant miliaria: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_78">455</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">79.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Bromos: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_79"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">80.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Orobanche or cynomorion: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_80"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">81.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remedies for injuries inflicted by insects which breed among -leguminous plants</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_81"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">82.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The use made of the yeast of zythum</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_82">456</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc larger padt1 padb1" colspan="3">BOOK XXIII.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CULTIVATED TREES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">1.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Introduction</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_1">457</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">2.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The vine</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_2"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">3.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The leaves and shoots of the vine: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_3">458</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">4.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Omphacium extracted from the vine: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_4">459</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">5.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Œnanthe: twenty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_5">460</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">6.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Grapes, fresh gathered</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_6">461</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">7.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Various kinds of preserved grapes: eleven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_7"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">8.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cuttings of the vine: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_8">462</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">9.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Grape-stones: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_9"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">10.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Grape-husks: eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_10">463</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">11.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The grapes of the theriaca: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_11"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">12.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Raisins, or astaphis: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_12"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">13.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The astaphis agria, otherwise called staphis or taminia: twelve -remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_13">464</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">14.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The labrusca, or wild vine: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_14">465</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">15.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The salicastrum: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_15"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">16.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The white vine, otherwise called ampeloleuce, staphyle, melothron, -psilotrum, archezostis, cedrostis, or madon: thirty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_16">466</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">17.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The black vine, otherwise called bryonia, chironia, gynæcanthe, -or apronia: thirty-five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_17">468</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">18.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Must: fifteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_18"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">19.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Particulars relative to wine</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_19">469</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">20.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The Surrentine wines: three remedies. The Alban wines: two -remedies. The Falernian wines: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_20">470</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">21.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The Setine wines; one observation upon them. The Statan -wines; one observation upon them. The Signian wines: one -remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_21">471</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">22.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Other wines: sixty-four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_22"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">23.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sixty-one observations relative to wine</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_23">473</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">24.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">In what maladies wine should be administered; how it should be -administered, and at what times</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_24">474</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">25.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Ninety-one observations with reference to wine</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_25">477</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">26.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Artificial wines</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_26"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">27.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Vinegar: twenty-eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_27">478</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">28.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Squill vinegar: seventeen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_28">480</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xviii">xviii</a></span> -29.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oxymeli: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_29">481</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">30.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Sapa: seven remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_30"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">31.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lees of wine: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_31">482</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">32.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lees of vinegar: seventeen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_32">483</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">33.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Lees of sapa: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_33">484</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">34.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The leaves of the olive-tree: twenty-three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_34"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">35.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The blossom of the olive: four remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_35"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">36.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">White olives: four remedies. Black olives: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_36">485</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">37.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Amurca of olives: twenty-one remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_37">486</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">38.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The leaves of the wild olive: sixteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_38">487</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">39.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Omphacium: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_39">488</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">40.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of œnanthe: twenty-eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_40"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">41.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Castor oil: sixteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_41">489</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">42.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of almonds: sixteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_42">490</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">43.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of laurel: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_43"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">44.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of myrtle: twenty remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_44"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">45.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine; oil of cypros; oil of -citrus; oil of walnuts; oil of cnidium; oil of mastich; oil of -balanus; various remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_45">491</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">46.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The cyprus, and the oil extracted from it; sixteen remedies. -Gleucinum: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_46">492</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">47.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of balsamum: fifteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_47"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">48.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Malobathrum: five remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_48">493</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">49.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Oil of henbane: two remedies. Oil of lupines: one remedy. -Oil of narcissus: one remedy. Oil of radishes: five remedies. -Oil of sesame: three remedies. Oil of lilies: three remedies. -Oil of Selga: one remedy. Oil of Iguvium: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_49"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">50.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Elæomeli: two remedies. Oil of pitch: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_50">494</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">51.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The palm: nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_51"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">52.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The palm which produces the myrobalanum: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_52">495</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">53.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The palm called elate: sixteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_53"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">54.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Remedies derived from the blossoms, leaves, fruit, branches, bark, -juices, roots, wood, and ashes of various kinds of trees. Six observations -upon apples. Twenty-two observations upon quinces. -One observation upon struthea</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_54">496</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">55.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The sweet apples called melimela: six observations upon them. -Sour apples: four observations upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_55">497</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">56.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Citrons: five observations upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_56">498</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">57.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Punic apples, or pomegranates: twenty-six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_57"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">58.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The composition called stomatice: fourteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_58">499</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">59.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cytinus: eight remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_59">500</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">60.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Balaustium: twelve remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_60"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">61.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild pomegranate</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"> <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_61">501</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">62.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Pears: twelve observations upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_62">502</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">63.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Figs: one hundred and eleven observations upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_63"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">64.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild fig: forty-two observations upon it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_64">505</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">65.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The herb crineon: three remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_65">507</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">66.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Plums: four observations upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_66"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">67.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Peaches: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_67">508</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt"> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xix">xix</a></span> -68.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Wild plums; two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_68"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">69.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The lichen on plum-trees; two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_69"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">70.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Mulberries; thirty-nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_70"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">71.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The medicament called stomatice, arteriace, or panchrestos; four -remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_71">509</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">72.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Cherries: five observations upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"> <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_72">511</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">73.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Medlars: two remedies. Sorbs: two remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_73">512</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">74.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Pine-nuts: thirteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_74"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">75.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Almonds: twenty-nine remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_75"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">76.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Greek nuts: one remedy</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_76">513</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">77.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Walnuts: twenty-four remedies. The Mithridatic antidote</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_77">514</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">78.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Hazel-nuts: three observations upon them. Pistachio-nuts: -eight observations upon them. Chesnuts: five observations -upon them</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_78">515</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">79.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Carobs: five observations upon them. The cornel: one remedy. -The fruit of the arbutus</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_79">516</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">80.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The laurel: sixty-nine observations upon it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_80"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">81.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Myrtle: sixty observations upon it</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_81">519</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">82.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">Myrtidanum: thirteen remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_82">521</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr padrone vertt">83.</td> -<td class="tdl"><p class="indent">The wild myrtle, otherwise called oxymyrsine, or chamæmyrsine, -and the ruscus: six remedies</p></td> -<td class="tdr padl1 vertb"><a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_83"><i>ib.</i></a></td> -</tr></table></div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center largest">NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY.</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XVIII">BOOK XVIII.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="small">THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GRAIN.</span></h2></div> - -<h3 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_1"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 1. (1.)—TASTE OF THE ANCIENTS FOR AGRICULTURE.</span></h3> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">We</span> now pass on to the Natural History of the various grains, -of the garden plants and flowers, and indeed of all the other -productions, with the exception of the trees and shrubs, which -the Earth, in her bounteousness, affords us—a boundless field -for contemplation, if even we regard the herbs alone, when we -take into consideration the varieties of them, their numbers, -the flowers they produce, their odours, their colours, their -juices, and the numerous properties they possess—all of which -have been engendered by her with a view to either the preservation -or the gratification of the human race.</p> - -<p>On entering, however, upon this branch of my subject, it is -my wish in the first place to plead the cause of the Earth, and -to act as the advocate of her who is the common parent of all, -although in the earlier<a id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">1</a> part of this work I have already had -occasion to speak in her defence. For my subject matter, as I -proceed in the fulfilment of my task, will now lead me to consider -her in the light of being the producer of various noxious -substances as well; in consequence of which it is that we are -in the habit of charging her with our crimes, and imputing to -her a guilt that is our own. She has produced poisons, it is -true; but who is it but man that has found them out? For -the birds of the air and the beasts of the field, it is sufficient to -be on their guard against them, and to keep at a distance from -them. The elephant, we find, and the urus, know how to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2">2</a></span> -sharpen<a id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> and renovate their teeth against the trunks of trees, -and the rhinoceros against rocks; wild boars, again, point -their tusks like so many poniards by the aid of both rocks and -trees; and all animals, in fact, are aware how to prepare themselves -for the infliction of injury upon others; but still, which -is there among them all, with the exception of man, that dips -his weapons in poison? As for ourselves, we envenom the -point of the arrow,<a id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> and we contrive to add to the destructive -powers of iron itself; by the aid of poisons we taint the waters -of the stream, and we infect the various elements of Nature; -indeed, the very air even, which is the main support of life, -we turn into a medium for the destruction of life.</p> - -<p>And it is not that we are to suppose that animals are ignorant -of these means of defence, for we have already had occasion -to point out<a id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">4</a> the preparations which they make against the -attacks of the serpent, and the methods they devise for effecting -a cure when wounded by it; and yet, among them all, there -is not one that fights by the aid of the poison that belongs to -another, with the sole exception of man. Let us then candidly -confess our guilt, we who are not contented even with the -poisons as Nature has produced them; for by far the greater -portion of them, in fact, are artificially prepared by the human -hand!</p> - -<p>And then besides, is it not the fact, that there are many -men, the very existence of whom is a baneful poison, as it -were? Like that of the serpent, they dart their livid tongue, -and the venom of their disposition corrodes every object upon -which it concentrates itself. Ever vilifying and maligning, -like the ill-omened birds of the night, they disturb the repose -of that darkness which is so peculiarly their own, and break -in upon the quiet of the night even, by their moans and wailings, -the only sounds they are ever heard to emit. Like -animals of inauspicious presage, they only cross our path to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3">3</a></span> -prevent us from employing our energies or becoming useful to -our fellow-men; and the only enjoyment that is sought by -their abominable aspirations is centred in their universal hatred -of mankind.</p> - -<p>Still, however, even in this respect Nature has asserted her -majestic sway; for how much more numerous<a id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">5</a> are the good -and estimable characters which she has produced! just in the -same proportion that we find her giving birth to productions -which are at once both salutary and nutritious to man. It is in -our high esteem for men such as these, and the commendations -they bestow, that we shall be content to leave the others, like -so many brakes and brambles, to the devouring flames of their -own bad passions, and to persist in promoting the welfare of -the human race; and this, with all the more energy and perseverance, -from the circumstance that it has been our object -throughout, rather to produce a work of lasting utility than to -ensure ourselves a widely-spread renown. We have only to -speak, it is true, of the fields and of rustic operations; but -still, it is upon these that the enjoyment of life so materially -depends, and that the ancients conferred the very highest rank -in their honours and commendations.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_2"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 2. (2.)—WHEN THE FIRST WREATHS OF CORN WERE USED -AT ROME.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Romulus was the first who established the Arval<a id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">6</a> priesthood -at Rome. This order consisted of the eleven sons of Acca -Larentia, his nurse,<a id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">7</a> together with Romulus himself, who assumed -the appellation of the twelfth of the brotherhood. Upon -this priesthood he bestowed, as being the most august distinction -that he could confer upon it, a wreath of ears of corn, -tied together with a white fillet; and this, in fact, was the -first chaplet that was ever used at Rome. This dignity is only -ended with life itself, and whether in exile or in captivity, it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4">4</a></span> -always attends its owner. In those early days, two jugera of -land were considered enough for a citizen of Rome, and to none -was a larger portion than this allotted. And yet, at the present -day, men who but lately were the slaves of the Emperor Nero -have been hardly content with pleasure-gardens that occupied -the same space as this; while they must have fishponds, forsooth, -of still greater extent, and in some instances I might -add, perhaps, kitchens even as well.</p> - -<p>Numa first established the custom of offering corn to the -gods, and of propitiating them with the salted<a id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">8</a> cake; he was -the first, too, as we learn from Hemina, to parch spelt, from -the fact that, when in this state, it is more wholesome as an -aliment.<a id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">9</a> This method, however, he could only establish one -way: by making an enactment, to the effect that spelt is not -in a pure state for offering, except when parched. He it was, -too, who instituted the Fornacalia,<a id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">10</a> festivals appropriated -for the parching of corn, and others,<a id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">11</a> observed with equal -solemnity, for the erection and preservation of the “termini,” -or boundaries of the fields: for these termini, in those days, -they particularly regarded as gods; while to other divinities -they gave the names of Seia,<a id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">12</a> from “sero,” “to sow,” and of -Segesta, from the “segetes,” or “crops of standing corn,” the -statues of which goddesses we still see erected in the Circus. -A third divinity it is forbidden by the rules of our religion to -name even<a id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">13</a> beneath a roof. In former days, too, they would -not so much as taste the corn when newly cut, nor yet wine -when just made, before the priests had made a libation of the -first-fruits.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_3"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 3. (3.)—THE JUGERUM OF LAND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>That portion of land used to be known as a “jugerum,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5">5</a></span> -which was capable of being ploughed by a single “jugum,” or -yoke of oxen, in one day; an “actus”<a id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">14</a> being as much as the -oxen could plough at a single spell, fairly estimated, without -stopping. This last was one hundred and twenty feet in length; -and two in length made a jugerum. The most considerable -recompense that could be bestowed upon generals and valiant -citizens, was the utmost extent of land around which a person -could trace a furrow with the plough in a single day. The -whole population, too, used to contribute a quarter<a id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">15</a> of a sextarius -of spelt, or else half a one, per head.</p> - -<p>From agriculture the earliest surnames were derived. Thus, -for instance, the name of Pilumnus was given to him who invented -the “pilum,” or pestle of the bake-house, for pounding -corn; that of Piso was derived from “piso,” to grind corn; -and those of Fabius, Lentulus, and Cicero, from the several -varieties<a id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">16</a> of leguminous plants in the cultivation of which respectively -these individuals excelled. One individual of the -family of the Junii received the name of “Bubulcus,”<a id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">17</a> from -the skill he displayed in breeding oxen. Among the sacred -ceremonials, too, there was nothing that was held more holy -than the marriage by confarreation,<a id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">18</a> and the woman just -married used to present a cake made of spelt.<a id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">19</a> Careless cultivation -of the land was in those times an offence that came -under the cognizance of the censors; and, as we learn from -Cato,<a id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">20</a> when it was said that such and such a man was a good -agriculturist or a good husbandman, it was looked upon as the -very highest compliment that could be paid him. A man -came to be called “locuples,” or “rich,” from being “loci -plenus,” or “full of earth.” Money, too, received its name -of “pecunia,”<a id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">21</a> from “pecus,” “cattle.” At the present<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6">6</a></span> -day, even, in the registers of the censors, we find set down -under the head of “pascua,” or “pasture lands,” everything -from which the public revenues are derived, from the fact that -for a long period of time pasture lands were the only sources -of the public revenue. Fines, too, were only imposed in the -shape of paying so many sheep or so many oxen; and the benevolent -spirit of the ancient laws deserves remark, which -most considerately enjoined that the magistrate, when he indicted -a penalty, should never impose a fine of an ox before -having first condemned the same party to the payment of a -sheep.</p> - -<p>Those who celebrated the public games in honour of the ox -received the name of Bubetii.<a id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">22</a> King Servius was the first -who impressed upon our copper coin<a id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">23</a> the figures of sheep and -oxen. To depasture cattle secretly by night upon the unripe -crops on plough lands, or to cut them in that state, was made -by the Twelve Tables<a id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">24</a> a capital offence in the case of an -adult; and it was enacted that the person guilty of it should -be hanged, in order to make due reparation to the goddess -Ceres, a punishment more severe, even, than that inflicted for -murder. If, on the other hand, the offender was not an adult, -he was beaten at the discretion of the prætor; a penalty double -the amount of the damage was also exacted.</p> - -<p>The various ranks, too, and distinctions in the state had no -other origin than the pursuits of agriculture. The rural -tribes held the foremost rank, and were composed of those -who possessed lands; while those of the city, a place to which -it was looked upon as ignominious to be transferred, had the -discredit thrown upon them of being an indolent race. Hence -it was that these last were only four in number, and received -their names from the several parts of the City which they respectively -inhabited; being the Suburran, the Palatine, Colline, -and Exquiline tribes. Every ninth day<a id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">25</a> the rural tribes -used to visit the city for the purpose of marketing, and it was -for this reason that it was made illegal to hold the comitia upon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7">7</a></span> -the Nundinæ; the object being that the country people might -not be called away thereby from the transaction of their business. -In those days repose and sleep were enjoyed upon -straw. Even to glory itself, in compliment to corn, the name -was given of “adorea.”<a id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">26</a></p> - -<p>For my own part, I greatly admire<a id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">27</a> the modes of expression -employed in our ancient language: thus, for instance, -we read in the Commentaries of the Priesthood to the following -effect:—“For deriving an augury from the sacrifice of a -bitch,<a id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">28</a> a day should be set apart before the ear of corn appears -from out of the sheath,<a id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">29</a> and then again before it enters the -sheath.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_4"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 4.—HOW OFTEN AND ON WHAT OCCASIONS CORN HAS SOLD -AT A REMARKABLY LOW PRICE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The consequence was, that when the Roman manners were -such as these, the corn that Italy produced was sufficient for -its wants, and it had to be indebted to no province for its -food; and not only this, but the price of provisions was incredibly -cheap. Manius Marcius, the ædile<a id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">30</a> of the people, -was the first who gave corn to the people at the price of one -as for the modius. L. Minutius Augurinus,<a id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">31</a> the same who -detected, when eleventh tribune of the people, the projects of -Spurius Mælius, reduced the price of corn on three market -days,<a id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">32</a> to one as per modius; for which reason a statue was -erected in honour of him, by public subscription, without the -Trigeminian Gate.<a id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">33</a> T. Seius distributed corn to the people,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8">8</a></span> -in his ædileship,<a id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">34</a> at one as per modius, in remembrance of -which statues were erected in honour of him also in the Capitol -and the Palatium: on the day of his funeral he was borne to -the pile on the shoulders of the Roman people. In the year,<a id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">35</a> -too, in which the Mother of the Gods was brought to Rome, the -harvest of that summer, it is said, was more abundant than it -had been for ten years before. M. Varro informs us, that in the -year<a id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">36</a> in which L. Metellus exhibited so many elephants in -his triumphal procession, a modius of spelt was sold for one as, -which was the standard price also of a congius of wine, thirty -pounds’ weight of dried figs, ten pounds of olive oil, and -twelve pounds of flesh meat. Nor did this cheapness originate -in the wide-spread domains of individuals encroaching continually -upon their neighbours, for by a law proposed by Licinius -Stolo, the landed property of each individual was limited -to five hundred jugera; and he himself was convicted under -his own law of being the owner of more than that amount, -having as a disguise prevailed upon his son to lend him his -name. Such were the prices of commodities at a time when -the fortunes of the republic were rapidly on the increase. The -words, too, that were uttered by Manius Curius<a id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">37</a> after his -triumphs and the addition of an immense extent of territory -to the Roman sway, are well known: “The man must be -looked upon,” said he, “as a dangerous citizen, for whom -seven jugera of land are not enough;” such being the amount -of land that had been allotted to the people after the expulsion -of the kings.</p> - -<p>What, then, was the cause of a fertility so remarkable as -this? The fact, we have every reason to believe, that in -those days the lands were tilled by the hands of generals -even, the soil exulting beneath a plough-share crowned with -wreaths of laurel, and guided by a husbandman graced with -triumphs: whether it is that they tended the seed with the -same care that they had displayed in the conduct of wars, and -manifested the same diligent attention in the management of -their fields that they had done in the arrangement of the camp,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9">9</a></span> -or whether it is that under the hands of honest men everything -prospers all the better, from being attended to with a -scrupulous exactness. The honours awarded to Serranus<a id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">38</a> -found him engaged in sowing his fields, a circumstance to -which he owes his surname.<a id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">39</a> Cincinnatus was ploughing his -four jugera of land upon the Vaticanian Hill—the same that are -still known as the “Quintian Meadows,”<a id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">40</a> when the messenger -brought him the dictatorship—finding him, the tradition -says, stripped to the work, and his very face begrimed -with dust. “Put on your clothes,” said he, “that I may deliver -to you the mandates of the senate and people of Rome.” -In those days these messengers bore the name of “viator,” or -“wayfarer,” from the circumstance that their usual employment -was to fetch the senators and generals from their fields.</p> - -<p>But at the present day these same lands are tilled by slaves -whose legs are in chains, by the hands of malefactors and men -with a branded face! And yet the Earth is not deaf to our -adjurations, when we address her by the name of “parent,” -and say that she receives our homage<a id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">41</a> in being tilled by -hands such as these; as though, forsooth, we ought not to believe -that she is reluctant and indignant at being tended in -such a manner as this! Indeed, ought we to feel any surprise -were the recompense she gives us when worked by chastised -slaves,<a id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">42</a> not the same that she used to bestow upon the labours -of warriors?</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_5"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 5.—ILLUSTRIOUS MEN WHO HAVE WRITTEN UPON AGRICULTURE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Hence it was that to give precepts upon agriculture became -one of the principal occupations among men of the highest -rank, and that in foreign nations even. For among those who<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10">10</a></span> -have written on this subject we find the names of kings even, -Hiero, for instance, Attalus Philometor, and Archelaüs, as well as -of generals, Xenophon, for example, and Mago the Carthaginian. -Indeed, to this last writer did the Roman senate award such -high honours, that, after the capture of Carthage, when it -bestowed the libraries of that city upon the petty kings of -Africa, it gave orders, in his case only, that his thirty-two -Books should be translated into the Latin language, and this, -although M. Cato had already compiled his Book of Precepts; -it took every care also to entrust the execution of this task to -men who were well versed in the Carthaginian tongue, among -whom was pre-eminent D. Silanus, a member of one of the -most illustrious families of Rome. I have already indicated,<a id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">43</a> -at the commencement of this work, the numerous learned -authors and writers in verse, together with other illustrious -men, whose authority it is my intention to follow; but among -the number I may here more particularly distinguish M. Varro, -who, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years, thought it -his duty to publish a treatise upon this subject.</p> - -<p>(4.) Among the Romans the cultivation of the vine was -introduced at a comparatively recent period, and at first, as -indeed they were obliged to do, they paid their sole attention -to the culture of the fields. The various methods of cultivating -the land will now be our subject; and they shall be treated -of by us in no ordinary or superficial manner, but in the same -spirit in which we have hitherto written; enquiry shall be -made with every care first into the usages of ancient days, and -then into the discoveries of more recent times, our attention -being devoted alike to the primary causes of these operations, -and the reasons upon which they are respectively based. We -shall make mention,<a id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">44</a> too, of the various constellations, and of -the several indications which, beyond all doubt, they afford to -the earth; and the more so, from the fact that those writers -who have hitherto treated of them with any degree of exactness, -seem to have written their works for the use of any class -of men but the agriculturist.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11">11</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_6"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 6.—POINTS TO BE OBSERVED IN BUYING LAND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>First of all, then, I shall proceed in a great measure according -to the dicta of the oracles of agriculture; for there is no -branch of practical life in which we find them more numerous -or more unerring. And why should we not view in the light -of oracles those precepts which have been tested by the infallibility -of time and the truthfulness of experience?</p> - -<p>(5.) To make a beginning, then, with Cato<a id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">45</a>—“The agricultural -population,” says he, “produces the bravest men, the -most valiant soldiers,<a id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">46</a> and a class of citizens the least given of -all to evil designs.—Do not be too eager in buying a farm.—In -rural operations never be sparing of your trouble, and, above -all, when you are purchasing land.—A bad bargain is always -a ground for repentance.—Those who are about to purchase -land, should always have an eye more particularly to the water -there, the roads, and the neighbourhood.” Each of these -points is susceptible of a very extended explanation, and -replete with undoubted truths. Cato<a id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">47</a> recommends, too, that -an eye should be given to the people in the neighbourhood, to -see how they look: “For where the land is good,” says he, -“the people will look well-conditioned and healthy.”</p> - -<p>Atilius Regulus, the same who was twice consul in the -Punic War, used to say<a id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">48</a> that a person should neither buy an -unhealthy piece of land in the most fertile locality, nor yet the -very healthiest spot if in a barren country. The salubrity of -land, however, is not always to be judged of from the looks of -the inhabitants, for those who are well-seasoned are able to -withstand the effects of living in pestilent localities even. And -then, besides, there are some localities that are healthy during -certain periods of the year only; though, in reality, there is -no soil that can be looked upon as really valuable that is not -healthy all the year through. “That<a id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">49</a> is sure to be bad land -against which its owner has a continual struggle.” Cato -recommends us before everything, to see that the land which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12">12</a></span> -we are about to purchase not only excels in the advantages of -locality, as already stated, but is really good of itself. We -should see, too, he says, that there is an abundance of manual -labour in the neighbourhood, as well as a thriving town; that -there are either rivers or roads, to facilitate the carriage of the -produce; that the buildings upon the land are substantially -erected, and that the land itself bears every mark of having -been carefully tilled—a point upon which I find that many -persons are greatly mistaken, as they are apt to imagine that -the negligence of the previous owner is greatly to the purchaser’s -advantage; while the fact is, that there is nothing more -expensive than the cultivation of a neglected soil.</p> - -<p>For this reason it is that Cato<a id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">50</a> says that it is best to buy -land of a careful proprietor, and that the methods adopted by -others ought not to be hastily rejected—that it is the same -with land as with mankind—however great the proceeds, if at -the same time it is lavish and extravagant, there will be no -great profits left. Cato looks upon a vineyard as the most<a id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">51</a> -profitable investment; and he is far from wrong in that opinion, -seeing that he takes such particular care to retrench all -superfluous expenses. In the second rank he places gardens -that have a good supply of water, and with good reason, -too, supposing always that they are near a town. The ancients -gave to meadow lands the name of “parata,” or lands “always -ready.”<a id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">52</a></p> - -<p>Cato being asked, on one occasion, what was the most certain -source of profit, “Good pasture land,” was his answer; -upon which, enquiry was made what was the next best. “Pretty -good<a id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">53</a> pasture lands,” said he—the amount of all which is, that -he looked upon that as the most certain source of income -which stands in need of the smallest outlay. This, however, -will naturally vary in degree, according to the nature of the -respective localities; and the same is the case with the maxim<a id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">54</a> -to which he gives utterance, that a good agriculturist must be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13">13</a></span> -fond of selling. The same, too, with his remark, that in his -youth a landowner should begin to plant without delay, but -that he ought not to build until the land is fully brought into -cultivation, and then only a little at a time: and that the best -plan is, as the common proverb has it, “To profit by the folly -of others;”<a id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">55</a> taking due care, however, that the keeping up of -a farm-house does not entail too much expense. Still, however, -those persons are guilty of no falsehood who are in the -habit of saying that a proprietor who is well housed comes all -the oftener to his fields, and that “the master’s forehead is -of more use than his back.”<a id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">56</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_7"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 7. (6.)—THE PROPER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A FARM-HOUSE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The proper plan to be pursued is this:<a id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">57</a> the farm-house must -not be unsuitable for the farm, nor the farm for the house; and -we must be on our guard against following the examples of L. -Lucullus and Q. Scævola, who, though living in the same age, -fell into the two opposite extremes; for whereas the farm-house -of Scævola was not large enough for the produce of his farm, -the farm of Lucullus was not sufficiently large for the house he -built upon it; an error which gave occasion to the reproof of -the censors, that on his farm there was less of ground for -ploughing than of floor for sweeping. The proper arrangements -for a farm-house are not to be made without a certain -degree of skill. C. Marius, who was seven times consul, was -the last person who had one built at Misenum;<a id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">58</a> but he erected -it with such a degree of that artistic skill which he had displayed -in castrametation, that Sylla Felix<a id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">59</a> even made the -remark, that in comparison with Marius, all the others had -been no better than blind.<a id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">60</a></p> - -<p>It is generally agreed, that a farm-house ought neither to -be built near a marsh, nor with a river in front of it; for, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14">14</a></span> -Homer<a id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">61</a> has remarked, with the greatest correctness, unwholesome -vapours are always exhaled from rivers before the rising -of the sun. In hot localities, a farm-house should have a -northern aspect, but where it is cold, it should look towards -the south; where, on the other hand, the site is temperate, the -house should look due east. Although, when speaking<a id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">62</a> of -the best kinds of soil, I may seem to have sufficiently discussed -the characteristics by which it may be known, I shall take the -present opportunity of adding a few more indications, employing -the words of Cato<a id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">63</a> more particularly for the purpose. -“The dwarf-elder,” says he, “the wild plum,<a id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">64</a> the bramble -the small bulb,<a id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">65</a> trefoil, meadow grass,<a id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">66</a> the quercus, and the -wild pear and wild apple, are all of them indicative of a corn -land. The same is the case, too, where the land is black, or -of an ashy colour. All chalky soils are scorching, unless they -are very thin; the same, too, with sand, unless it is remarkably -fine. These remarks, however, are more applicable to champaign -localities than declivities.”</p> - -<p>The ancients were of opinion, that before everything, moderation -should be observed in the extent of a farm; for it was -a favourite maxim of theirs, that we ought to sow the less, and -plough the more: such too, I find, was the opinion entertained -by Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">67</a> and indeed, if we must confess the truth, it is the -wide-spread domains that have been the ruin<a id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">68</a> of Italy, and -soon will be that of the provinces as well. Six proprietors -were in possession of one half of Africa,<a id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">69</a> at the period when<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15">15</a></span> -the Emperor Nero had them put to death. With that greatness -of mind which was so peculiarly his own, and of which -he ought not to lose the credit, Cneius Pompeius would never -purchase the lands that belonged to a neighbour. Mago has -stated it as his opinion, that a person, on buying a farm, ought -at once to sell his town house;<a id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">70</a> an opinion, however, which -savours of too great rigidity, and is by no means conformable to -the public good. It is with these words, indeed, that he begins -his precepts; a good proof, at all events, that he looks upon the -personal inspection of the owner as of primary importance.</p> - -<p>The next point which requires our care is to employ a farm-steward<a id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">71</a> -of experience, and upon this, too, Cato<a id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">72</a> has given -many useful precepts. Still, however, it must suffice for -me to say that the steward ought to be a man nearly as clever -as his master, though without appearing to know it. It is the -very worst plan of all, to have land tilled by slaves let loose -from the houses of correction, as, indeed, is the case with all -work entrusted to men who live without hope. I may possibly -appear guilty of some degree of rashness in making mention of -a maxim of the ancients, which will very probably be looked -upon as quite incredible—“That nothing is so disadvantageous -as to cultivate land in the highest style of perfection.” L. -Tarius Rufus, a man who, born in the very lowest ranks of -life, by his military talents finally attained the consulship,<a id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">73</a> -and who in other respects adhered to the old-fashioned notions -of thriftiness, made away with about one hundred millions of -sesterces, which, by the liberality of the late Emperor Augustus, -he had contrived to amass, in buying up lands in Picenum, -and cultivating them in the highest style, his object being to -gain a name thereby; the consequence of which was, that his -heir renounced<a id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">74</a> the inheritance. Are we of opinion, then, -that ruin and starvation must be the necessary consequence of -such a course as this? Yes, by Hercules! and the very best -plan of all is to let moderation guide our judgment in all things. -To cultivate land well is absolutely necessary, but to cultivate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16">16</a></span> -it in the very highest style is mere extravagance, unless, indeed, -the work is done by the hands of a man’s own family, his -tenants, or those whom he is obliged to keep at any rate. But -besides this, even when the owner tills the land itself, there -are some crops which it is really not worth the while to gather, -if we only take into account the manual labour expended upon -them. The olive, too, should never be too highly<a id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">75</a> cultivated, -nor must certain soils, it is said, be too carefully tilled, those -of Sicily,<a id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">76</a> for instance; hence it is, that new comers there so -often find themselves deceived.<a id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">77</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_8"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 8.—MAXIMS OF THE ANCIENTS ON AGRICULTURE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In what way, then, can land be most profitably cultivated? -Why, in the words of our agricultural oracles, “by making -good out of bad.” But here it is only right that we should say -a word in justification of our forefathers, who in their precepts -on this subject had nothing else in view but the benefit of -mankind: for when they use the term “bad” here, they only -mean to say that which costs the smallest amount of money. -The principal object with them was in all cases to cut down -expenses to the lowest possible sum; and it was in this spirit -that they made the enactments which pronounced it criminal -for a person who had enjoyed a triumph, to be in possession, -among his other furniture, of ten pounds’ weight of silver -plate: which permitted a man, upon the death of his farm-steward, -to abandon all his victories, and return to the cultivation -of his lands—such being the men the culture of whose -farms the state used to take upon itself; and thus, while they -led our armies, did the senate act as their steward.</p> - -<p>It was in the same spirit, too, that those oracles of ours -have given utterance to these other precepts, to the effect that -he is a bad agriculturist who has to buy what his farm might -have supplied him with; that the man is a bad manager who -does in the day-time what he might have done in the night, -except, indeed, when the state of the weather does not allow<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17">17</a></span> -it; that he is a worse manager still, who does on a work-day -what he might have done on a feast-day;<a id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">78</a> but that he is the -very worst of all, who works under cover in fine weather, instead -of labouring in the fields.</p> - -<p>I cannot refrain from taking the present opportunity of -quoting one illustration afforded us by ancient times, from -which it will be found that it was the usage in those days to -bring before the people even questions connected with the -various methods employed in agriculture, and will be seen in -what way men were accustomed to speak out in their own -defence. C. Furius Chresimus, a freedman, having found himself -able, from a very small piece of land, to raise far more -abundant harvests than his neighbours could from the largest -farms, became the object of very considerable jealousy among -them, and was accordingly accused of enticing away the crops -of others by the practice of sorcery. Upon this, a day was -named by Spurius Calvinus, the curule ædile, for his appearance. -Apprehensive of being condemned, when the question -came to be put to the vote among the tribes, he had all his -implements of husbandry brought into the Forum, together -with his farm servants, robust, well-conditioned, and well-clad -people, Piso says. The iron tools were of first-rate quality, -the mattocks were stout and strong, the plough-shares ponderous -and substantial, and the oxen sleek and in prime condition. -When all this had been done, “Here, Roman citizens,” -said he, “are my implements of magic; but it is impossible -for me to exhibit to your view, or to bring into this -Forum, those midnight toils of mine, those early watchings, -those sweats, and those fatigues.” Upon this, by the unanimous -voice of the people, he was immediately acquitted. -Agriculture, in fact, depends upon the expenditure of labour -and exertion; and hence it is that the ancients were in the -habit of saying, that it is the eye of the master that does more -towards fertilizing a field than anything else.</p> - -<p>We shall give the rest of these precepts in their appropriate -places, according as we find them adapted to each variety of -cultivation; but in the meantime we must not omit some of a -general nature, which here recur to our recollection, and more<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18">18</a></span> -particularly that maxim of Cato, as profitable as it is humane: -“Always act in such a way as to secure the love of your neighbours.” -He then proceeds to state his reasons for giving this -advice, but it appears to me that no one surely can entertain -the slightest doubt upon the subject. One of the very first -recommendations that he gives is to take every care that the -farm servants are kept in good condition.<a id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">79</a> It is a maxim -universally agreed upon in agriculture, that nothing must be -done too late; and again, that everything must be done at its -proper season; while there is a third precept, which reminds -us that opportunities lost can never be regained. The malediction -uttered by Cato against rotten ground has been treated -of at some length already;<a id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">80</a> but there is another precept which -he is never tired of repeating, “Whatever can be done by the -help of the ass, will cost the least money.”</p> - -<p>Fern will be sure to die at the end of a couple of years, if -you prevent it from putting forth leaves; the most efficient method -of ensuring this is to beat the branches with a stick while -they are in bud; for then the juices that drop from it will kill -the roots.<a id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">81</a> It is said, too, that fern will not spring up again -if it is pulled up by the roots about the turn of the summer -solstice, or if the stalks are cut with the edge of a reed, or if it -is turned up with a plough-share with a reed placed<a id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">82</a> upon it. -In the same way, too, we are told that reeds may be effectually -ploughed up, if care is taken to place a stalk of fern upon the -share. A field infested with rushes should be turned up with -the spade, or, if the locality is stony, with a two-pronged -mattock: overgrown shrubs are best removed by fire. Where -ground is too moist, it is an advantageous plan to cut trenches -in it and so drain it; where the soil is cretaceous, these trenches -should he left open; and where it is loose, they should be -strengthened with a hedge to prevent them from falling in. -When these drains are made on a declivity, they should have -a layer of gutter tiles at the bottom, or else house tiles with the -face upwards: in some cases, too, they should be covered<a id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">83</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19">19</a></span> -with earth, and made to run into others of a larger size and -wider; the bottom, also, should, if possible, have a coating of -stones or of gravel. The openings, too, should be strengthened -with two stones placed on either side, and another laid upon -the top. Democritus has described a method of rooting up a -forest, by first macerating the flower of the lupine<a id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">84</a> for one day -in the juice of hemlock, and then watering the roots of the trees with it.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_9"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 9. (7.)—THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF GRAIN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As the field is now prepared, we shall proceed to speak of -the nature of the various kinds of grain; we must premise, -however, that there are two principal classes of grain, the -cereals,<a id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">85</a> comprising wheat and barley, and the legumina, such -as the bean and the chick-pea, for instance. The difference -between these two classes is too well known to require any -further description.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 10.—THE HISTORY OF THE VARIOUS KINDS OF GRAIN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The cereals are divided again into the same number of -varieties, according to the time of the year at which they -are sown. The winter grains are those which are put in -the ground about the setting of the Vergiliæ,<a id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">86</a> and there receive -their nutriment throughout the winter, for instance, -wheat,<a id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">87</a> spelt,<a id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">88</a> and barley.<a id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">89</a> The summer grains are those -which are sown in summer, before the rising of the Vergiliæ,<a id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">90</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20">20</a></span> -such as millet,<a id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">91</a> panic,<a id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">92</a> sesame,<a id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">93</a> horminum,<a id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">94</a> and irio,<a id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">95</a> in -accordance, however, with the usage of Italy only; for in -Greece and Asia all the grains are sown just after the setting of -the Vergiliæ. There are some, again, that are sown at either -season in Italy, and others at a third period, or, in other -words, in the spring. Some authors give the name of spring-grain -to millet, panic, lentils,<a id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">96</a> chick-peas,<a id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">97</a> and alica,<a id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">98</a> -while they call wheat, barley, beans, turnips, and rape, sementive -or early sowing seeds. Certain species of wheat are only -sown to make fodder for cattle, and are known by the name of -“farrago,”<a id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">99</a> or mixed grain; the same, too, with the leguminous -plants, the vetch, for instance. The lupine,<a id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">100</a> however, is -grown in common as food for both cattle and men.</p> - -<p>All the leguminous<a id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">101</a> plants, with the exception of the bean, -have a single root, hard and tough, like wood, and destitute of -numerous ramifications; the chick-pea has the deepest root of -all. Corn has numerous fibrous roots, but no ramifications. -Barley makes its appearance<a id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">102</a> above ground the seventh day -after sowing; the leguminous plants on the fourth, or at the -very latest, the seventh; the bean from the fifteenth day to -the twentieth: though in Egypt the leguminous plants appear -as early as the third day after they are sown. In barley, one -extremity of the grain throws out the root, and the other the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21">21</a></span> -blade; this last flowers, too, before the other grain. In the -cereals in general it is the thicker end of the seed that throws -out the root, the thinner end the blossom; while in the other -seeds both root and blossom issue from the same part.</p> - -<p>During the winter, corn is in the blade; but in the spring -winter corn throws out a tall stem. As for millet and panic, -they grow with a jointed and grooved<a id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">103</a> stalk, while sesame has -a stem resembling that of fennel-giant. The fruit of all these -seeds is either contained in an ear, as in wheat and barley, for -instance, and protected from the attacks of birds and small -animals by a prickly beard bristling like so many palisades; or -else it is enclosed in pods, as in the leguminous plants, or in -capsules, as in sesame and the poppy. Millet and panic can -only be said to belong to the grower and the small birds in -common, as they have nothing but a thin membrane to cover -them, without the slightest protection. Panic receives that -name from the panicule<a id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">104</a> or down that is to be seen upon it; -the head of it droops languidly, and the stalk tapers gradually -in thickness, being of almost the toughness and consistency -of wood: the head is loaded with grain closely packed, -there being a tuft upon the top, nearly a foot in length. In -millet the husks which embrace the grain bend downward with -a wavy tuft upon the edge. There are several varieties of -panic, the mammose, for instance, the ears of which are in -clusters with small edgings of down, the head of the plant -being double; it is distinguished also according to the colour, -the white, for instance, the black, the red, and the purple -even. Several kinds of bread are made from millet, but very -little from panic: there is no grain known that weighs heavier -than millet, and which swells more in baking. A modius of -millet will yield sixty pounds’ weight of bread; and three -sextarii steeped in water will make one modius of fermenty.<a id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">105</a> -A kind of millet<a id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">106</a> has been introduced from India into Italy -within the last ten years, of a swarthy colour, large grain, and a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22">22</a></span> -stalk like that of the reed. This stalk springs up to the height -of seven feet, and has tufts of a remarkable size, known by the -name of “phobæ.”<a id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">107</a> This is the most prolific of all the cereals, -for from a single grain no less than three sextarii<a id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">108</a> are produced: -it requires, however, to be sown in a humid soil.</p> - -<p>Some kinds of corn begin to form the ear at the third joint, -and others at the fourth, though at its first formation the ear -remains still concealed. Wheat, however, has four<a id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">109</a> articulations, -spelt<a id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">110</a> six, and barley eight. In the case of these last, -the ear does not begin to form before the number of joints, as -above mentioned, is complete. Within four or five days, at -the very latest, after the ear has given signs of forming, the -plant begins to flower, and in the course of as many days or a -little more, sheds its blossom: barley blossoms at the end of -seven days at the very latest. Varro says that the grains are -perfectly formed at the end of four times<a id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">111</a> nine days from their -flowering, and are ready for cutting at the ninth month.</p> - -<p>The bean, again, first appears in leaf, and then throws out -a stalk, which has no articulations<a id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">112</a> upon it. The other leguminous -plants have a tough, ligneous stalk, and some of them -throw out branches, the chick-pea, the fitch, and the lentil, -for instance. In some of the leguminous plants, the pea, for -example, the stem creeps along the ground, if care is not taken -to support it by sticks: if this precaution is omitted, the -quality is deteriorated. The bean and the lupine are the only -ones among the leguminous plants that have a single stem: in -all the others the stem throws out branches, being of a ligneous -nature, very thin, and in all cases hollow. Some of -these plants throw out the leaves from the root, others at the -top.<a id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">113</a> Wheat, barley, and the vetch, all the plants, in fact, -which produce straw, have a single leaf only at the summit: -in barley, however, this leaf is rough, while in the others it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23">23</a></span> -is smooth. * * * In the bean, again, the chick-pea, and the -pea, the leaves are numerous and divided. In corn the leaf -is similar to that of the reed, while in the bean it is round, as -also in a great proportion of the leguminous plants. In the -ervilia<a id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">114</a> and the pea the leaf is long,<a id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">115</a> in the kidney-bean -veined, and in sesame<a id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">116</a> and irio the colour of blood. The -lupine and the poppy are the only ones among these plants that -lose<a id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">117</a> their leaves.</p> - -<p>The leguminous plants remain a longer time in flower, the -fitch and the chick-pea more particularly; but the bean is in -blossom the longest of them all, for the flower remains on it -forty days; not, indeed, that each stalk retains its blossom -for all that length of time, but, as the flower goes off in -one, it comes on in another. In the bean, too, the crop is not -ripe all at once, as is the case with corn; for the pods make -their appearance at different times, at the lowest parts first, -the blossom mounting upwards by degrees.</p> - -<p>When the blossom is off in corn, the stalk gradually thickens, -and it ripens within forty days at the most. The same is the -case, too, with the bean, but the chick-pea takes a much shorter -time to ripen; indeed, it is fit for gathering within forty days -from the time that it is sown. Millet, panic, sesame, and all the -summer grains are ripe within forty days after blossoming, -with considerable variations, of course, in reference to soil and -weather. Thus, in Egypt, we find barley cut at the end of -six months, and wheat at the end of seven, from the time of -sowing. In Hellas, again, barley is cut in the seventh month, -and in Peloponnesus in the eighth; the wheat being got in at -a still later period.</p> - -<p>Those grains which grow on a stalk of straw are enclosed -in an envelope protected by a prickly beard; while in the bean -and the leguminous plants in general they are enclosed in pods -upon branches which shoot alternately from either side. The -cereals are the best able to withstand the winter, but the leguminous -plants afford the most substantial food. In wheat, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24">24</a></span> -grain has several coats, but in barley,<a id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">118</a> more particularly, it is -naked and exposed; the same, too, with arinca,<a id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">119</a> but most of -all, the oat. The stem is taller in wheat than it is in barley, -but the ear is more bearded<a id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">120</a> in the last. Wheat, barley, and -winter-wheat<a id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">121</a> are threshed out; they are cleaned, too, for -sowing just as they are prepared for the mill, there being no -necessity for parching<a id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">122</a> them. Spelt, on the other hand, millet, -and panic, cannot be cleaned without parching them; hence it -is that they are always sown raw and with the chaff on. Spelt -is preserved in the husk, too, for sowing, and, of course, is not -in such case parched by the action of fire.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_11"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 11.—SPELT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of all these grains barley is the lightest,<a id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">123</a> its weight rarely -exceeding fifteen pounds to the modius, while that of the bean -is twenty-two. Spelt is much heavier than barley, and wheat -heavier than spelt. In Egypt they make a meal<a id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">124</a> of olyra,<a id="FNanchor_125_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">125</a> -a third variety of corn that grows there. The Gauls have -also a kind of spelt peculiar to that country: they give it the -name of “brace,”<a id="FNanchor_126_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">126</a> while to us it is known as “sandala:” it -has a grain of remarkable whiteness. Another difference, -again, is the fact that it yields nearly four pounds more of -bread to the modius than any other kind of spelt. Verrius -states that for three hundred years the Romans made use of no -other meal than that of corn.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25">25</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_12"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 12.—WHEAT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are numerous kinds of wheat which have received -their names from the countries where they were first produced. -For my part, however, I can compare no kind of wheat to -that of Italy either for whiteness or weight, qualities for which -it is more particularly distinguished: indeed it is only with -the produce of the more mountainous parts of Italy that the -foreign wheats can be put in comparison. Among these the -wheat of Bœotia<a id="FNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">127</a> occupies the first rank, that of Sicily the -second, and that of Africa the third. The wheats of Thrace, -Syria, and, more recently, of Egypt, used to hold the third rank -for weight, these facts having been ascertained through the -medium of the athletes; whose powers of consumption, equal -to those of beasts of burden, have established the gradations in -weight, as already stated. Greece, too, held the Pontic<a id="FNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">128</a> wheat -in high esteem; but this has not reached Italy as yet. Of -all the varieties of grain, however, the Greeks gave the preference -to the kinds called dracontion, strangia, and Selinusium, -the chief characteristic of which is a stem of remarkable thickness: -it was this, in the opinion of the Greeks, that marked -them as the peculiar growth of a rich soil. On the other hand, -they recommended for sowing in humid soils an extremely -light and diminutive species of grain, with a remarkably thin -stalk, known to them as speudias, and standing in need of an -abundance of nutriment. Such, at all events, were the opinions -generally entertained in the reign of Alexander the Great, -at a time when Greece was at the height of her glory, and the -most powerful country in the world. Still, however, nearly -one hundred and forty-four years before the death of that -prince we find the poet Sophocles, in his Tragedy of “Triptolemus,” -praising the corn of Italy before all others. The -passage, translated word for word, is to the following effect:—</p> - -<p> -“And favour’d Italy grows white with hoary wheat.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>And it is this whiteness that is still one of the peculiar merits -of the Italian wheat; a circumstance which makes me the more -surprised to find that none of the Greek writers of a later -period have made any reference to it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26">26</a></span></p> - -<p>Of the various kinds of wheat which are imported at the -present day into Rome, the lightest in weight are those which -come from Gaul and Chersonnesus; for, upon weighing them, -it will be found that they do not yield more than twenty -pounds to the modius. The grain of Sardinia weighs half a -pound more, and that of Alexandria one-third of a pound more -than that of Sardinia; the Sicilian wheat is the same in -weight as the Alexandrian. The Bœotian wheat, again, weighs -a whole pound more than these last, and that of Africa a pound -and three quarters. In Italy beyond the Padus, the spelt, to -my knowledge, weighs twenty-five pounds to the modius, and, -in the vicinity of Clusium, six-and-twenty. We find it a -rule, universally established by Nature, that in every kind of -commissariat bread<a id="FNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">129</a> that is made, the bread exceeds the weight -of the grain by one-third; and in the same way it is generally -considered that that is the best kind of wheat, which, in -kneading, will absorb one congius of water.<a id="FNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">130</a> There are some -kinds of wheat which give, when used by themselves, an additional -weight equal to this: the Balearic wheat, for instance, -which to a modius of grain yields thirty-five pounds weight of -bread. Others, again, will only give this additional weight -by being mixed with other kinds, the Cyprian wheat and the -Alexandrian, for example; which, if used by themselves, will -yield no more than twenty pounds to the modius. The wheat -of Cyprus is swarthy, and produces a dark bread; for which -reason it is generally mixed with the white wheat of Alexandria; -the mixture yielding twenty-five pounds of bread to the -modius of grain. The wheat of Thebais, in Egypt, when -made into bread, yields twenty-six pounds to the modius. To -knead the meal with sea-water, as is mostly done in the maritime -districts, for the purpose of saving the salt, is extremely -pernicious; there is nothing, in fact, that will more readily -predispose the human body to disease. In Gaul and Spain, -where they make a drink<a id="FNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">131</a> by steeping corn in the way that -has been already described—they employ the foam<a id="FNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">132</a> which -thickens upon the surface as a leaven: hence it is that -the bread in those countries is lighter than that made elsewhere.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27">27</a></span></p> - -<p>There are some differences, also, in the stem of wheat; for -the better the kind the thicker it is. In Thrace, the stem of -the wheat is covered with several coats,<a id="FNanchor_133_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">133</a> which are rendered -absolutely necessary by the excessive cold of those regions. -It is the cold, also, that led to the discovery there of the three-month<a id="FNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">134</a> -wheat, the ground being covered with snow most -of the year. At the end mostly of three months after it has -been sown, this wheat is ready for cutting, both in Thrace and -in other parts of the world as well. This variety is well known, -too, throughout all the Alpine range, and in the northern provinces -there is no kind of wheat that is more prolific; it has -a single stem only, is by no means of large size in any part of -it, and is never sown but in a thin, light soil. There is a two-month<a id="FNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">135</a> -wheat also found in the vicinity of Ænos, in Thrace, -which ripens the fortieth day after sowing; and yet it is a -surprising fact, that there is no kind of wheat that weighs -heavier than this, while at the same time it produces no bran. -Both Sicily and Achaia grow it, in the mountainous districts -of those countries; as also Eubœa, in the vicinity of Carystus. -So greatly, then, is Columella in error,<a id="FNanchor_136_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">136</a> in supposing that -there is no distinct variety of three-month wheat even; the -fact being that these varieties have been known from the very -earliest times. The Greeks give to these wheats the name -of “setanion.” It is said that in Bactria the grains of wheat -are of such an enormous size, that a single one is as large as -our ears of corn.<a id="FNanchor_137_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">137</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_13"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 13.—BARLEY: RICE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of all the cereals the first that is sown is barley. We shall -state the appropriate time for sowing each kind when we come -to treat of the nature of each individually. In India, there is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28">28</a></span> -both a cultivated and a wild<a id="FNanchor_138_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">138</a> barley, from which they make -excellent bread, as well as alica.<a id="FNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">139</a> But the most favourite -food of all there is rice,<a id="FNanchor_140_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">140</a> from which they prepare a ptisan<a id="FNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">141</a> -similar to that made from barley in other parts of the world. -The leaves of rice are fleshy,<a id="FNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">142</a> very like those of the leek, but -broader; the stem is a cubit in height, the blossom purple, -and the root globular, like a pearl in shape.<a id="FNanchor_143_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">143</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_14"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 14.—POLENTA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Barley is one of the most ancient aliments of man, a fact -that is proved by a custom of the Athenians, mentioned by -Menander,<a id="FNanchor_144_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">144</a> as also by the name of “hordearii,”<a id="FNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">145</a> that used to -be given to gladiators. The Greeks, too, prefer barley to anything -else for making polenta.<a id="FNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">146</a> This food is made in various -ways: in Greece, the barley is first steeped in water, and then -left a night to dry. The next day they parch it, and then -grind it in the mill. Some persons parch it more highly, and -then sprinkle it again with a little water; after which they -dry it for grinding. Others shake the grain from out of the -ear while green, and, after cleaning and soaking it in water, -pound it in a mortar. They then wash the paste in baskets, -and leave it to dry in the sun; after which they pound it again, -clean it, and grind it in the mill. But whatever the mode of -preparation adopted, the proportions are always twenty pounds -of barley to three pounds of linseed,<a id="FNanchor_147_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">147</a> half a pound of coriander, -and fifteen drachmæ<a id="FNanchor_148_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">148</a> of salt: the ingredients are first parched, -and then ground in the mill.</p> - -<p>Those who want it for keeping, store it in new earthen -vessels, with fine flour and bran. In Italy, the barley is -parched without being steeped in water, and then ground to a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29">29</a></span> -fine meal, with the addition of the ingredients already mentioned, -and some millet as well. Barley bread, which was -extensively used by the ancients, has now fallen into universal -disrepute, and is mostly used as a food for cattle only.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_15"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 15.—PTISAN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>With barley, too, the food called ptisan<a id="FNanchor_149_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">149</a> is made, a most -substantial and salutary aliment, and one that is held in very -high esteem. Hippocrates, one of the most famous writers on -medical science, has devoted a whole volume to the praises of -this aliment. The ptisan of the highest quality is that which -is made at Utica; that of Egypt is prepared from a kind of -barley, the grain of which grows with two points.<a id="FNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">150</a> In Bætica -and Africa, the kind of barley from which this food is made is -that which Turranius calls the “smooth”<a id="FNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">151</a> barley: the same -author expresses an opinion, too, that olyra<a id="FNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">152</a> and rice are the -same. The method of preparing ptisan is universally known.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_16"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 16.—TRAGUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In a similar manner, too, tragum is prepared from seed<a id="FNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">153</a> -wheat, but only in Campania and Egypt.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 17.—AMYLUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Amylum is prepared from every kind of wheat, and from -winter-wheat<a id="FNanchor_154_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">154</a> as well; but the best of all is that made from -three-month wheat. The invention of it we owe to the island -of Chios, and still, at the present day, the most esteemed kind -comes from there; it derives its name from its being made -without the help of the mill.<a id="FNanchor_155_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">155</a> Next to the amylum made -with three-month wheat, is that which is prepared from the -lighter kinds of wheat. In making it, the grain is soaked in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30">30</a></span> -fresh water, placed in wooden vessels; care being taken to keep -it covered with the liquid, which is changed no less than five -times in the course of the day. If it can be changed at night -as well, it is all the better for it, the object being to let it -imbibe the water gradually and equally. When it is quite -soft, but before it turns sour, it is passed through linen cloth, -or else wicker-work, after which it is poured out upon a tile -covered with leaven, and left to harden in the sun. Next to -the amylum of Chios, that of Crete is the most esteemed, and -next to that the Ægyptian. The tests of its goodness are its -being light and smooth: it should be used, too, while it is -fresh. Cato,<a id="FNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">156</a> among our writers, has made mention of it.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_18"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 18.—THE NATURE OF BARLEY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Barley-meal, too, is employed for medicinal purposes; and -it is a curious fact, that for beasts of burden they make a paste -of it, which is first hardened by the action of fire, and then -ground. It is then made up into balls, which are introduced -with the hand into the paunch, the result of which is, that the -vigour and muscular strength of the animal is considerably -increased. In some kinds of barley, the ears have two rows -of grains,<a id="FNanchor_157_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">157</a> and in others more; in some cases, as many as six.<a id="FNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">158</a> -The grain itself, too, presents certain differences, being long -and thin, or else short or round, white, black,<a id="FNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">159</a> or, in some -instances, of a purple colour. This last kind is employed for -making polenta: the white is ill adapted for standing the severity -of the weather. Barley is the softest of all the grains: -it can only be sown in a dry, loose soil,<a id="FNanchor_160_160"></a><a href="#Footnote_160_160" class="fnanchor">160</a> but fertile withal. -The chaff of barley ranks among the very best; indeed, for -litter there is none that can be compared with it. Of all grain, -barley is the least exposed to accidents, as it is gathered before -the time that mildew begins to attack wheat; for which reason -it is that the provident agriculturist sows only as much wheat<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31">31</a></span> -as may be required for food. The saying is, that “barley is -sown in a money-bag,” because it so soon returns a profit. -The most prolific kind of all is that which is got in at Carthage,<a id="FNanchor_161_161"></a><a href="#Footnote_161_161" class="fnanchor">161</a> -in Spain, in the month of April. It is in the same -month that it is sown in Celtiberia, and yet it yields two harvests -in the same year. All kinds of barley are cut sooner than -other grain, and immediately after they are ripe; for the straw -is extremely brittle, and the grain is enclosed in a husk of remarkable -thinness. It is said, too, that a better polenta<a id="FNanchor_162_162"></a><a href="#Footnote_162_162" class="fnanchor">162</a> is -made from it, if it is gathered before it is perfectly ripe.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_19"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 19. (8.)—ARINCA, AND OTHER KINDS OF GRAIN THAT -ARE GROWN IN THE EAST.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The several kinds of corn are not everywhere the same; and -even where they are the same, they do not always bear a similar -name. The kinds most universally grown are spelt, by the -ancients known as “adorea,” winter wheat,<a id="FNanchor_163_163"></a><a href="#Footnote_163_163" class="fnanchor">163</a> and wheat;<a id="FNanchor_164_164"></a><a href="#Footnote_164_164" class="fnanchor">164</a> all -these being common to many countries. Arinca was originally -peculiar to Gaul, though now it is widely diffused over Italy -as well. Egypt, too, Syria, Cilicia, Asia, and Greece, have their -own peculiar kinds, known by the names of zea,<a id="FNanchor_165_165"></a><a href="#Footnote_165_165" class="fnanchor">165</a> olyra, and -tiphe.<a id="FNanchor_166_166"></a><a href="#Footnote_166_166" class="fnanchor">166</a> In Egypt, they make a fine flour from wheat of their -own growth, but it is by no means equal to that of Italy. -Those countries which employ zea, have no spelt. Zea, however, -is to be found in Italy, and in Campania more particularly, -where it is known by the name of “seed.”<a id="FNanchor_167_167"></a><a href="#Footnote_167_167" class="fnanchor">167</a> The grain that -bears this name enjoys a very considerable celebrity, as we -shall have occasion to state<a id="FNanchor_168_168"></a><a href="#Footnote_168_168" class="fnanchor">168</a> on another occasion; and it is in -honour of this that Homer<a id="FNanchor_169_169"></a><a href="#Footnote_169_169" class="fnanchor">169</a> uses the expression, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ζείδωρος -ἄρουρα</span>, and not, as some suppose, from the fact of the earth -giving life.<a id="FNanchor_170_170"></a><a href="#Footnote_170_170" class="fnanchor">170</a> Amylum is made, too, from this grain, but of a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32">32</a></span> -coarser<a id="FNanchor_171_171"></a><a href="#Footnote_171_171" class="fnanchor">171</a> quality than the kind already mentioned;<a id="FNanchor_172_172"></a><a href="#Footnote_172_172" class="fnanchor">172</a> this, -however, is the only difference that is perceptible.</p> - -<p>The most hardy kind, however, of all the grains is spelt, and -the best to stand the severity of the weather; it will grow in -the very coldest places, as also in localities that are but half -tilled, or soils that are extremely hot, and destitute of water. -This was the earliest food of the ancient inhabitants of Latium; -a strong proof of which is the distributions of adorea that -were made in those times, as already stated.<a id="FNanchor_173_173"></a><a href="#Footnote_173_173" class="fnanchor">173</a> It is evident, -too, that the Romans subsisted for a long time upon pottage,<a id="FNanchor_174_174"></a><a href="#Footnote_174_174" class="fnanchor">174</a> -and not bread; for we find that from its name of “puls,” certain -kinds of food are known, even at the present day, as “pulmentaria.”<a id="FNanchor_175_175"></a><a href="#Footnote_175_175" class="fnanchor">175</a> -Ennius, too, the most ancient of our poets, in -describing the famine in a siege, relates how that the parents -snatched away the messes of pottage<a id="FNanchor_176_176"></a><a href="#Footnote_176_176" class="fnanchor">176</a> from their weeping -children. At the present day, even, the sacrifices in conformity -with the ancient rites, as well as those offered upon birthdays, -are made with parched pottage.<a id="FNanchor_177_177"></a><a href="#Footnote_177_177" class="fnanchor">177</a> This food appears to have -been as much unknown in those days in Greece as polenta was -in Italy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_20"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 20.—WINTER WHEAT. SIMILAGO, OR FINE FLOUR.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is no grain that displays a greater avidity than wheat, -and none that absorbs a greater quantity of nutriment. With -all propriety I may justly call winter wheat<a id="FNanchor_178_178"></a><a href="#Footnote_178_178" class="fnanchor">178</a> the very choicest -of all the varieties of wheat. It is white, destitute of all -flavour,<a id="FNanchor_179_179"></a><a href="#Footnote_179_179" class="fnanchor">179</a> and not oppressive<a id="FNanchor_180_180"></a><a href="#Footnote_180_180" class="fnanchor">180</a> to the stomach. It suits moist<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33">33</a></span> -localities particularly well, such as we find in Italy and Gallia -Comata; but beyond the Alps it is found to maintain its character -only in the territory of the Allobroges and that of the -Memini; for in the other parts of those countries it degenerates -at the end of two years into common wheat.<a id="FNanchor_181_181"></a><a href="#Footnote_181_181" class="fnanchor">181</a> The only -method of preventing this is to take care and sow the heaviest -grains only.</p> - -<p>(9.) Winter wheat furnishes bread of the very finest quality -and the most esteemed delicacies of the bakers. The best -bread that is known in Italy is made from a mixture of Campanian -winter wheat with that of Pisæ. The Campanian kind -is of a redder colour, while the latter is white; when mixed -with chalk,<a id="FNanchor_182_182"></a><a href="#Footnote_182_182" class="fnanchor">182</a> it is increased in weight. The proper proportion -for the yield of Campanian wheat to the modius of grain is -four sextarii of what is known as bolted flour;<a id="FNanchor_183_183"></a><a href="#Footnote_183_183" class="fnanchor">183</a> but when it -is used in the rough and has not been bolted, then the yield -should be five sextarii of flour. In addition to this, in either -case there should be half a modius of white meal, with four -sextarii of coarse meal, known as “seconds,” and the same -quantity of bran.<a id="FNanchor_184_184"></a><a href="#Footnote_184_184" class="fnanchor">184</a> The Pisan wheat produces five sextarii of -fine flour to the modius; in other respects it yields the same -as that of Campania. The wheat of Clusium and Arretium -gives another sextarius of fine flour, but the yield is similar to -that of the kinds already mentioned in all other respects. -If, however, as much of it as possible is converted into fine -wheat meal, the modius will yield sixteen pounds weight of -white bread, and three of seconds, with half a modius of bran. -These differences, however, depend very materially upon the -grinding; for when the grain is ground quite dry it produces -more meal, but when sprinkled with salt water<a id="FNanchor_185_185"></a><a href="#Footnote_185_185" class="fnanchor">185</a> a whiter -flour, though at the same time a greater quantity of bran. It -is very evident that “farina,” the name we give to meal, is -derived from “far.” A modius of meal made from Gallic winter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34">34</a></span> -wheat, yields twenty-two pounds of bread; while that of Italy, -if made into bread baked in tins,<a id="FNanchor_186_186"></a><a href="#Footnote_186_186" class="fnanchor">186</a> will yield two or three -pounds more. When the bread is baked in the oven,<a id="FNanchor_187_187"></a><a href="#Footnote_187_187" class="fnanchor">187</a> two -pounds must be added in weight in either case.</p> - -<p>(10.) Wheat yields a fine flour<a id="FNanchor_188_188"></a><a href="#Footnote_188_188" class="fnanchor">188</a> of the very highest quality. -In African wheat the modius ought to yield half a modius of -fine flour and five sextarii of pollen, that being the name -given to fine wheat meal, in the same way that that of winter -wheat is generally known as “flos,” or the “flower.” This -fine meal is extensively used in copper works and paper manufactories. -In addition to the above, the modius should yield -four sextarii of coarse meal, and the same quantity of bran. -The finest wheaten flour will yield one hundred<a id="FNanchor_189_189"></a><a href="#Footnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">189</a> and twenty-two -pounds of bread, and the fine meal of winter wheat one -hundred<a href="#Footnote_189_189" class="fnanchor">189</a> and seventeen, to the modius of grain. When the -prices of grain are moderate, meal sells at forty asses the modius, -bolted wheaten flour at eight asses more, and bolted -flour of winter wheat, at sixteen asses more. There is another -distinction again in fine wheaten flour, which originated formerly -in the days of L. Paulus. There were three classes of -wheat; the first of which would appear to have yielded seventeen -pounds of bread, the second eighteen, and the third nineteen -pounds and a third: to these were added two pounds and -a half of seconds,<a id="FNanchor_190_190"></a><a href="#Footnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">190</a> and the same quantity of brown<a href="#Footnote_190_190" class="fnanchor">190</a> bread, -with six sextarii of bran.<a id="FNanchor_191_191"></a><a href="#Footnote_191_191" class="fnanchor">191</a></p> - -<p>Winter wheat never ripens all at once, and yet there is none -of the cereals that can so ill brook any delay; it being of so -delicate a nature, that the ears directly they are ripe will begin -to shed their grain. So long, however, as it is in stalk, it is -exposed to fewer risks than other kinds of wheat, from the fact<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35">35</a></span> -of its always having the ear upright, and not retaining the -dew, which is a prolific cause of mildew.</p> - -<p>From arinca<a id="FNanchor_192_192"></a><a href="#Footnote_192_192" class="fnanchor">192</a> a bread of remarkable sweetness is made. -The grains in this variety lie closer than they do in spelt; the -ear, too, is larger and more weighty. It is rarely the case -that a modius of this grain does not weigh full sixteen pounds. -In Greece they find great difficulty in threshing it; and hence -it is that we find Homer<a id="FNanchor_193_193"></a><a href="#Footnote_193_193" class="fnanchor">193</a> saying that it is given to beasts of -burden, this being the same as the grain that he calls “olyra.” -In Egypt it is threshed without any difficulty, and is remarkably -prolific. Spelt has no beard, and the same is the case -with winter wheat, except<a id="FNanchor_194_194"></a><a href="#Footnote_194_194" class="fnanchor">194</a> that known as the Laconian -variety. To the kinds already mentioned we have to add -bromos,<a id="FNanchor_195_195"></a><a href="#Footnote_195_195" class="fnanchor">195</a> the winter wheat just excepted, and tragos,<a id="FNanchor_196_196"></a><a href="#Footnote_196_196" class="fnanchor">196</a> all of -them exotics introduced from the East, and very similar to -rice. Tiphe<a id="FNanchor_197_197"></a><a href="#Footnote_197_197" class="fnanchor">197</a> also belongs to the same class, from which in -our part of the world a cleaned grain resembling rice is prepared. -Among the Greeks, too, there is the grain known -as zea; and it is said that this, as well as tiphe, when cleaned -from the husk and sown, will degenerate<a id="FNanchor_198_198"></a><a href="#Footnote_198_198" class="fnanchor">198</a> and assume the -form of wheat; not immediately, but in the course of three -years.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_21"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 21.—THE FRUITFULNESS OF AFRICA IN WHEAT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is no grain more prolific than wheat, Nature having -bestowed upon it this quality, as being the substance which she -destined for the principal nutriment of man. A modius of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36">36</a></span> -wheat, if the soil is favourable, as at Byzacium,<a id="FNanchor_199_199"></a><a href="#Footnote_199_199" class="fnanchor">199</a> a champaign -district of Africa, will yield as much as one hundred and fifty<a id="FNanchor_200_200"></a><a href="#Footnote_200_200" class="fnanchor">200</a> -modii of grain. The procurator of the late Emperor Augustus -sent him from that place—a fact almost beyond belief—little -short of four hundred shoots all springing from a single grain; -and we have still in existence his letters on the subject. In -a similar manner, too, the procurator of Nero sent him three -hundred and sixty stalks all issuing from a single grain.<a id="FNanchor_201_201"></a><a href="#Footnote_201_201" class="fnanchor">201</a> The -plains of Leontium in Sicily, and other places in that island, -as well as the whole of Bætica, and Egypt more particularly, -yield produce a hundred-fold. The most prolific kinds of -wheat are the ramose wheat,<a id="FNanchor_202_202"></a><a href="#Footnote_202_202" class="fnanchor">202</a> and that known as the “hundred-grain”<a id="FNanchor_203_203"></a><a href="#Footnote_203_203" class="fnanchor">203</a> -wheat. Before now, as many as one hundred -beans, too, have been found on a single stalk.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_22"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 22.—SESAME. ERYSIMUM, OR IRIO. HORMINUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have spoken<a id="FNanchor_204_204"></a><a href="#Footnote_204_204" class="fnanchor">204</a> of sesame, millet, and panic as belonging -to the summer grains. Sesame<a id="FNanchor_205_205"></a><a href="#Footnote_205_205" class="fnanchor">205</a> comes from India, where they -extract an oil from it; the colour of its grain is white. -Similar in appearance to this is the erysimum of Asia and -Greece, and indeed it would be identical with it were it not -that the grain is better filled.<a id="FNanchor_206_206"></a><a href="#Footnote_206_206" class="fnanchor">206</a> It is the same grain that is -known among us as “irio;” and strictly speaking, ought rather -to be classed among the medicaments than the cereals. Of the -same nature, too, is the plant called “horminum”<a id="FNanchor_207_207"></a><a href="#Footnote_207_207" class="fnanchor">207</a> by the -Greeks, though resembling cummin<a id="FNanchor_208_208"></a><a href="#Footnote_208_208" class="fnanchor">208</a> in appearance; it is sown -at the same time as sesame: no animal will eat either this or -irio while green.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_23"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 23.—THE MODE OF GRINDING CORN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>All the grains are not easily broken. In Etruria they first<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37">37</a></span> -parch the spelt in the ear, and then pound it with a pestle -shod with iron at the end. In this instrument the iron is -notched<a id="FNanchor_209_209"></a><a href="#Footnote_209_209" class="fnanchor">209</a> at the bottom, sharp ridges running out like the -edge of a knife, and concentrating in the form of a star; so -that if care is not taken to hold the pestle perpendicularly -while pounding, the grains will only be splintered and the iron -teeth broken. Throughout the greater part of Italy, however, -they employ a pestle that is only rough<a id="FNanchor_210_210"></a><a href="#Footnote_210_210" class="fnanchor">210</a> at the end, and -wheels turned by water, by means of which the corn is gradually -ground. I shall here set forth the opinions given by -Mago as to the best method of pounding corn. He says that -the wheat should be steeped first of all in water, and then -cleaned from the husk; after which it should be dried in the -sun, and then pounded with the pestle; the same plan, he -says, should be adopted in the preparation of barley. In the -latter case, however, twenty sextarii of grain require only two -sextarii of water. When lentils are used, they should be first -parched, and then lightly pounded with the bran; or else, -adopting another method, a piece of unbaked brick and half a -modius of sand<a id="FNanchor_211_211"></a><a href="#Footnote_211_211" class="fnanchor">211</a> should be added to every twenty sextarii of -lentils.</p> - -<p>Ervilia should be treated in the same way as lentils. Sesame -should be first steeped in warm water, and then laid out to -dry, after which it should be rubbed out briskly, and then -thrown into cold water, so that the chaff may be disengaged -by floating to the surface. After this is done, the grain should -again be spread out in the sun, upon linen cloths, to dry. Care, -however, should be taken to lose no time in doing this, as it is -apt to turn musty, and assume a dull, livid colour. The grains, -too, which are just cleaned from the husk, require various -methods of pounding. When the beard is ground by itself, -without the grain, the result is known as “acus,”<a id="FNanchor_212_212"></a><a href="#Footnote_212_212" class="fnanchor">212</a> but it is -only used by goldsmiths.<a id="FNanchor_213_213"></a><a href="#Footnote_213_213" class="fnanchor">213</a> If, on the other hand, it is beaten<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38">38</a></span> -out on the threshing-floor, together with the straw, the chaff -has the name of “palea,” * * * * and in most parts of -the world is employed as fodder for beasts of burden. The -residue of millet, panic, and sesame, is known to us as -“apluda;” but in other countries it is called by various other -names.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_24"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 24.—MILLET.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Campania is particularly prolific in millet, and a fine white -porridge is made from it: it makes a bread, too, of remarkable -sweetness. The nations of Sarmatia<a id="FNanchor_214_214"></a><a href="#Footnote_214_214" class="fnanchor">214</a> live principally on this -porridge, and even the raw meal, with the sole addition of -mares’ milk, or else blood<a id="FNanchor_215_215"></a><a href="#Footnote_215_215" class="fnanchor">215</a> extracted from the thigh of the -horse. The Æthiopians know of no other grain but millet and -barley.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_25"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 25.—PANIC.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The people of Gaul, and of Aquitania<a id="FNanchor_216_216"></a><a href="#Footnote_216_216" class="fnanchor">216</a> more particularly, -make use of panic; the same is the case, too, in Italy beyond -the Padus, with the addition, however, of the bean, without -which they prepare none of their food. There is no aliment -held in higher esteem than panic by the nations of Pontus. -The other summer grains thrive better in well-watered soils -than in rainy localities; but water is by no means beneficial -to millet or panic when they are coming into blade. It is recommended -not to sow them among vines or fruit-trees, as it -is generally thought that these crops impoverish the soil.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_26"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 26. (11)—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF LEAVEN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Millet is more particularly employed for making leaven; and -if kneaded with must,<a id="FNanchor_217_217"></a><a href="#Footnote_217_217" class="fnanchor">217</a> it will keep a whole year. The same -is done, too, with the fine wheat-bran of the best quality; it -is kneaded with white must three days old, and then dried in -the sun, after which it is made into small cakes. When required -for making bread, these cakes are first soaked in water,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39">39</a></span> -and then boiled with the finest spelt flour, after which the whole -is mixed up with the meal; and it is generally thought that -this is the best method of making bread. The Greeks have -established a rule that for a modius of meal eight ounces of -leaven is enough.</p> - -<p>These kinds of leaven, however, can only be made at the -time of vintage, but there is another leaven which may be prepared -with barley and water, at any time it may happen to be -required. It is first made up into cakes of two pounds in -weight, and these are then baked upon a hot hearth, or else in -an earthen dish upon hot ashes and charcoal, being left till -they turn of a reddish brown. When this is done, the cakes -are shut close in vessels, until they turn quite sour: when -wanted for leaven, they are steeped in water first. When -barley bread used to be made, it was leavened with the meal -of the fitch,<a id="FNanchor_218_218"></a><a href="#Footnote_218_218" class="fnanchor">218</a> or else the chicheling vetch,<a id="FNanchor_219_219"></a><a href="#Footnote_219_219" class="fnanchor">219</a> the proportion -being, two pounds of leaven to two modii and a half of barley -meal. At the present day, however, the leaven is prepared -from the meal that is used for making the bread. For this -purpose, some of the meal is kneaded before adding the salt, -and is then boiled to the consistency of porridge, and left till -it begins to turn sour. In most cases, however, they do not -warm it at all, but only make use of a little of the dough that -has been kept from the day before. It is very evident that the -principle which causes the dough to rise is of an acid nature, -and it is equally evident that those persons who are dieted -upon fermented bread are stronger<a id="FNanchor_220_220"></a><a href="#Footnote_220_220" class="fnanchor">220</a> in body. Among the -ancients, too, it was generally thought that the heavier wheat -is, the more wholesome it is.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_27"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 27.—THE METHOD OF MAKING BREAD: ORIGIN OF THE ART.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It seems to me quite unnecessary to enter into an account -of the various kinds of bread that are made. Some kinds, we -find, receive their names from the dishes with which they are -eaten, the oyster-bread,<a id="FNanchor_221_221"></a><a href="#Footnote_221_221" class="fnanchor">221</a> for instance: others, again, from -their peculiar delicacy, the artolaganus,<a id="FNanchor_222_222"></a><a href="#Footnote_222_222" class="fnanchor">222</a> or cake-bread, for -example; and others from the expedition with which they are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40">40</a></span> -prepared, such as the “speusticus,”<a id="FNanchor_223_223"></a><a href="#Footnote_223_223" class="fnanchor">223</a> or “hurry-bread.” Other -varieties receive their names from the peculiar method of -baking them, such as oven-bread,<a id="FNanchor_224_224"></a><a href="#Footnote_224_224" class="fnanchor">224</a> tin-bread,<a id="FNanchor_225_225"></a><a href="#Footnote_225_225" class="fnanchor">225</a> and mould-bread.<a id="FNanchor_226_226"></a><a href="#Footnote_226_226" class="fnanchor">226</a> -It is not so very long since that we had a bread introduced -from Parthia, known as water-bread,<a id="FNanchor_227_227"></a><a href="#Footnote_227_227" class="fnanchor">227</a> from a method -in kneading it, of drawing out the dough by the aid of water, -a process which renders it remarkably light, and full of holes, -like a sponge: some call this Parthian bread. The excellence -of the finest kinds of bread depends principally on the goodness -of the wheat, and the fineness of the bolter. Some persons -knead the dough with eggs or milk, and butter even has been -employed for the purpose by nations that have had leisure to -cultivate the arts of peace, and to give their attention to the -art of making pastry. Picenum still maintains its ancient -reputation for making the bread which it was the first to invent, -alica<a id="FNanchor_228_228"></a><a href="#Footnote_228_228" class="fnanchor">228</a> being the grain employed. The flour is kept in -soak for nine days, and is kneaded on the tenth with raisin -juice, in the shape of long rolls; after which it is baked in an -oven in earthen pots, till they break. This bread, however, is -never eaten till it has been well<a id="FNanchor_229_229"></a><a href="#Footnote_229_229" class="fnanchor">229</a> soaked, which is mostly done -in milk mixed with honey.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_28"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 28.—WHEN BAKERS WERE FIRST INTRODUCED AT ROME.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There were no bakers at Rome until<a id="FNanchor_230_230"></a><a href="#Footnote_230_230" class="fnanchor">230</a> the war with King -Perseus, more than five hundred and eighty years after the -building of the City. The ancient Romans used to make their -own bread, it being an occupation which belonged to the women, -as we see the case in many nations even at the present -day. Plautus speaks of the artopta, or bread-tin, in his -Comedy of the Aulularia,<a id="FNanchor_231_231"></a><a href="#Footnote_231_231" class="fnanchor">231</a> though there has been considerable -discussion for that very reason among the learned, whether or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41">41</a></span> -not that line really belongs to him. We have the fact, too, -well ascertained, in the opinion of Ateius Capito, that the -cooks in those days were in the habit of making the bread for -persons of affluence, while the name of “pistor”<a id="FNanchor_232_232"></a><a href="#Footnote_232_232" class="fnanchor">232</a> was only -given to the person who pounded, or “pisebat,” the spelt. In -those times, they had no cooks in the number of their slaves, -but used to hire them for the occasion from the market. The -Gauls were the first to employ the bolter that is made of -horse-hair; while the people of Spain make their sieves and -meal-dressers of flax,<a id="FNanchor_233_233"></a><a href="#Footnote_233_233" class="fnanchor">233</a> and the Egyptians of papyrus and -rushes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 29.—ALICA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But among the very first things of all, we ought to speak of -the method employed in preparing alica,<a id="FNanchor_234_234"></a><a href="#Footnote_234_234" class="fnanchor">234</a> a most delightful -and most wholesome food, and which incontestably confers -upon Italy the highest rank among the countries that produce -the cereals. This delicacy is prepared, no doubt, in Egypt -as well, but of a very inferior quality, and not worth our notice. -In Italy, however, it is prepared in numerous places, -the territories of Verona and Pisæ, for example; but that of -Campania is the most highly esteemed. There, at the foot of -mountains capped with clouds, runs a plain, not less in all than -forty miles in extent. The land here—to give a description -first of the nature of the soil—is dusty on the surface, but -spongy below, and as porous as pumice. The inconveniences -that generally arise from the close vicinity of mountains are -here converted into so many advantages: for the soil, acting -on it as a sort of filter, absorbs the water of the abundant -rains that fall; the consequence of which is, that the water not -being left to soak or form mud on the surface, the cultivation -is greatly facilitated thereby. This land does not return, by -the aid of any springs, the moisture it has thus absorbed, but -thoroughly digests it, by warming it in its bosom, in a heated -oven as it were. The ground is kept cropped the whole year -through, once with panic, and twice with spelt; and yet in the -spring, when the soil is allowed to have a moment’s repose,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42">42</a></span> -it will produce roses more odoriferous by far than the cultivated -rose: for the earth here is never tired of producing, a circumstance -in which originated the common saying, that Campania -produces more unguents<a id="FNanchor_235_235"></a><a href="#Footnote_235_235" class="fnanchor">235</a> than other countries do oil.</p> - -<p>In the same degree, however, that the Campanian soil excels -that of all other countries, so does that part of it which is -known to us as Laboriæ,<a id="FNanchor_236_236"></a><a href="#Footnote_236_236" class="fnanchor">236</a> and to the Greeks as Phlegræum, -surpass all the rest. This district is bounded on two sides by -the consular high road, which leads from Puteoli to Capua on -the one side, and from Cumæ on the other.</p> - -<p>Alica is prepared from the grain called zea, which we have -already mentioned<a id="FNanchor_237_237"></a><a href="#Footnote_237_237" class="fnanchor">237</a> as being known to us as “seed” wheat. -The grain is cleansed in a wooden mortar, for fear lest stone, -from its hardness, should have the effect of grating it. The -motive power for raising the pestle, as is generally known, is -supplied by slaves working in chains, the end of it being enclosed -in a case of iron. After the husks have been removed -by this process, the pure grain is broken to pieces, the same -implements being employed. In this way, there are three -different kinds of alica made, the finest, the seconds, and the -coarse, which last is known as “aphærema.”<a id="FNanchor_238_238"></a><a href="#Footnote_238_238" class="fnanchor">238</a> Still, however, -these various kinds have none of them that whiteness as yet -for which they are so distinguished, though even now they are -preferable to the Alexandrian alica. With this view—a most -singular fact—chalk<a id="FNanchor_239_239"></a><a href="#Footnote_239_239" class="fnanchor">239</a> is mixed with the meal, which, upon -becoming well incorporated with it, adds very materially to -both the whiteness and the shortness<a id="FNanchor_240_240"></a><a href="#Footnote_240_240" class="fnanchor">240</a> of the mixture. This -chalk is found between Puteoli and Neapolis, upon a hill called -Leucogæum;<a id="FNanchor_241_241"></a><a href="#Footnote_241_241" class="fnanchor">241</a> and there is still in existence a decree of the -late Emperor Augustus, (who established a colony at Capua), -which orders a sum of twenty thousand sesterces to be paid -annually from his exchequer to the people of Neapolis, for the -lease of this hill. His motive for paying this rent, he stated, -was the fact that the people of Campania had alleged that it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43">43</a></span> -was impossible to make their alica without the help of this -mineral. In the same hill, sulphur is found as well, and the -springs of Araxus issue from its declivities, the waters of which -are particularly efficacious for strengthening the sight, healing -wounds, and preventing the teeth from becoming loose.</p> - -<p>A spurious kind of alica is made, more particularly of a degenerate -kind of zea grown in Africa; the ears of it are larger -and blacker than those of the genuine kind, and the straw is -short. This grain is pounded with sand, and even then it is -with the greatest difficulty that the outer coats are removed; -when stripped, the grain fills one half only of the original -measure. Gypsum, in the proportion of one fourth, is then -sprinkled<a id="FNanchor_242_242"></a><a href="#Footnote_242_242" class="fnanchor">242</a> over it, and after the mixture has been well incorporated, -it is bolted through a meal-sieve. The portion that -remains behind, after this is done, is known as “excepticia,”<a id="FNanchor_243_243"></a><a href="#Footnote_243_243" class="fnanchor">243</a> -and consists of the coarser parts; while that which has passed -through is submitted to a second process, with a finer sieve; -and that which then refuses to pass has the name of “secundaria.”<a id="FNanchor_244_244"></a><a href="#Footnote_244_244" class="fnanchor">244</a> -That, again, which, in a similar manner, is submitted -to a third sifting, with a sieve of the greatest fineness, which -will only admit of sand passing through it, is known as “cribraria,”<a id="FNanchor_245_245"></a><a href="#Footnote_245_245" class="fnanchor">245</a> -when it remains on the top of the sieve.</p> - -<p>There is another method, again, that is employed every -where for adulterating it. They pick out the whitest and -largest grains of wheat, and parboil them in earthen pots; these -are then dried in the sun till they have regained their original -size, after which they are lightly sprinkled with water, and -then ground in a mill. A better granæum<a id="FNanchor_246_246"></a><a href="#Footnote_246_246" class="fnanchor">246</a> is made from zea -than from wheat, although it is nothing else, in fact, but a -spurious alica: it is whitened by the addition of boiled milk, -in place of chalk.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_30"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 30. (12.)—THE LEGUMINOUS PLANTS: THE BEAN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We now come to the history of the leguminous plants, -among which the place of honour must be awarded to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44">44</a></span> -bean;<a id="FNanchor_247_247"></a><a href="#Footnote_247_247" class="fnanchor">247</a> indeed, some attempts have even been made to use it -for bread. Bean meal is known as “lomentum;” and, as is -the case with the meal of all leguminous plants, it adds considerably, -when mixed with flour, to the weight of the bread. -Beans are on sale at the present day for numerous purposes, -and are employed for feeding cattle, and man more particularly. -They are mixed, also, among most nations, with -wheat,<a id="FNanchor_248_248"></a><a href="#Footnote_248_248" class="fnanchor">248</a> and panic more particularly, either whole or lightly -broken. In our ancient ceremonials, too, bean pottage<a id="FNanchor_249_249"></a><a href="#Footnote_249_249" class="fnanchor">249</a> occupies -its place in the religious services of the gods. Beans are -mostly eaten together with other food, but it is generally -thought that they dull the senses, and cause sleepless nights -attended with dreams. Hence it is that the bean has been -condemned<a id="FNanchor_250_250"></a><a href="#Footnote_250_250" class="fnanchor">250</a> by Pythagoras; though, according to some, the -reason for this denunciation was the belief which he entertained -that the souls of the dead are enclosed in the bean: it -is for this reason, too, that beans are used in the funereal banquets -of the Parentalia.<a id="FNanchor_251_251"></a><a href="#Footnote_251_251" class="fnanchor">251</a> According to Varro, it is for a -similar cause that the Flamen abstains from eating beans: in -addition to which, on the blossom of the bean, there are certain -letters of ill omen to be found.</p> - -<p>There are some peculiar religious usages connected with the -bean. It is the custom to bring home from the harvest a bean -by way of auspice, which, from that circumstance, has the -name of “referiva.”<a id="FNanchor_252_252"></a><a href="#Footnote_252_252" class="fnanchor">252</a> In sales by public auction, too, it is -thought lucky to include a bean in the lot for sale. It is a -fact, too, that the bean is the only one among all the grains -that fills out at the increase of the moon,<a id="FNanchor_253_253"></a><a href="#Footnote_253_253" class="fnanchor">253</a> however much it -may have been eaten away: it can never be thoroughly boiled -in sea-water, or indeed any other water that is salt.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45">45</a></span></p> - -<p>The bean is the first leguminous plant that is sown; that -being done before the setting of the Vergiliæ, in order that it -may pass the winter in the ground. Virgil<a id="FNanchor_254_254"></a><a href="#Footnote_254_254" class="fnanchor">254</a> recommends that -it should be sown in spring, according to the usage of the parts -of Italy near the Padus: but most people prefer the bean that -has been sown early to that of only three months’ growth; -for, in the former case, the pods as well as the stalk afford a -most agreeable fodder for cattle. When in blossom more particularly, -the bean requires water; but after the blossom has -passed off, it stands in need of but very little. It fertilizes<a id="FNanchor_255_255"></a><a href="#Footnote_255_255" class="fnanchor">255</a> -the ground in which it has been sown as well as any manure; -hence it is that in the neighbourhood of Thessaly and Macedonia, -as soon as it begins to blossom, they turn up<a id="FNanchor_256_256"></a><a href="#Footnote_256_256" class="fnanchor">256</a> the -ground.</p> - -<p>The bean, too, grows wild in most countries, as in those -islands of the Northern Ocean, for instance, which for that -reason have been called by us the “Fabariæ.”<a id="FNanchor_257_257"></a><a href="#Footnote_257_257" class="fnanchor">257</a> In Mauritania, -also, it is found in a wild state in various parts, but so remarkably -hard that it will never become soft by boiling.</p> - -<p>In Egypt there is a kind of bean<a id="FNanchor_258_258"></a><a href="#Footnote_258_258" class="fnanchor">258</a> which grows upon a -thorny stalk; for which reason the crocodiles avoid it, being -apprehensive of danger to their eyes. This stalk is four -cubits in length, and its thickness, at the very most, that of -the finger: were it not for the absence of articulations in it, -it would resemble a soft reed in appearance. The head is -similar to that of the poppy, being of a rose colour: the beans -enclosed in this head are not above thirty in number; the -leaves are large, and the fruit is bitter and odoriferous. The -root, however, is highly esteemed by the natives as a food, -whether eaten raw or well boiled; it bears a strong resemblance -to that of the reed. This plant grows also in Syria -and Cilicia, and upon the banks of Lake Torone in Chalcidice.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46">46</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_31"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 31.—LENTILS. PEASE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the leguminous plants the lentil is sown in the -month of November, and the pea,<a id="FNanchor_259_259"></a><a href="#Footnote_259_259" class="fnanchor">259</a> among the Greeks. The -lentil thrives best in a soil that is rather thin than rich, and -mostly stands in need of dry weather. There are two kinds -of lentil grown in Egypt; one of which is rounder and blacker -than the other, which has a peculiar shape of its own. The -name of this plant has been applied to various uses, and -among others has given origin to our word “lenticula.”<a id="FNanchor_260_260"></a><a href="#Footnote_260_260" class="fnanchor">260</a> I -find it stated in some authors that a lentil diet is productive of -evenness of temper. The pea requires to be sown in a warm, -sunny spot, and is ill able to endure cold; hence in Italy and -the more rigorous climates, it is sown in the spring only, a light, -loose soil being chosen for the purpose.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 32.—THE SEVERAL KINDS OF CHICK-PEASE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The chick-pea<a id="FNanchor_261_261"></a><a href="#Footnote_261_261" class="fnanchor">261</a> is naturally salt,<a id="FNanchor_262_262"></a><a href="#Footnote_262_262" class="fnanchor">262</a> for which reason it is apt -to scorch the ground, and should only be sown after it has -been steeped a day in water. This plant presents considerable -differences in reference to size, colour,<a id="FNanchor_263_263"></a><a href="#Footnote_263_263" class="fnanchor">263</a> form, and taste. -One variety resembles in shape a ram’s head, from which circumstance -it has received the name of “arietinum;” there -are both the white and the black arietinum. There is also the -columbine chick-pea, by some known as the “pea of Venus;” -it is white, round, and smooth, being smaller than the arietinum, -and is employed in the observances of the night festivals -or vigils. The chicheling vetch,<a id="FNanchor_264_264"></a><a href="#Footnote_264_264" class="fnanchor">264</a> too, is a diminutive kind of -chick-pea, unequal and angular, like<a id="FNanchor_265_265"></a><a href="#Footnote_265_265" class="fnanchor">265</a> the pea. The chick-pea -that is the sweetest in flavour is the one that bears the -closest resemblance to the fitch; the pod in the black and the -red kinds is more firmly closed than in the white ones.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47">47</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_33"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 33.—THE KIDNEY-BEAN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The pod of the chick-pea is rounded, while in other leguminous -plants it is long and broad, like the seed which it -contains; in the pea, again, it is of a cylindrical form. In -the case of the kidney-bean<a id="FNanchor_266_266"></a><a href="#Footnote_266_266" class="fnanchor">266</a> it is usual to eat the pod together -with the seed. This last may be sown in all kinds of soils -indifferently, between the ides of October<a id="FNanchor_267_267"></a><a href="#Footnote_267_267" class="fnanchor">267</a> and the calends of -November.<a id="FNanchor_268_268"></a><a href="#Footnote_268_268" class="fnanchor">268</a> As soon as ever the leguminous plants begin to -ripen, they ought to be plucked, for the pods will very soon -open and the seed fall out, in which case it is very difficult to -find: the same is the case, too, with the lupine. But before -we pass on to the lupine, it will be as well to make some mention -of the rape.<a id="FNanchor_269_269"></a><a href="#Footnote_269_269" class="fnanchor">269</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_34"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 34. (13.)—THE RAPE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Latin writers have only treated of this plant in a cursory -manner, while those of Greece have considered it a little -more attentively; though even they have ranked it among the -garden plants. If, however, a methodical arrangement is to -be strictly observed, it should be spoken of immediately after -corn, or the bean, at all events; for next to these two productions, -there is no plant that is of more extensive use. For, in -the first place, all animals will feed upon it as it grows; and -it is far from being the least nutritious plant in the fields for -various kinds of birds, when boiled in water more particularly. -Cattle, too, are remarkably fond of the leaves of rape; and -the stalks and leaves, when in season, are no less esteemed -as a food for man than the sprouts of the cabbage;<a href="#Footnote_269_269" class="fnanchor">269</a> these, -too, when turned yellow and left to die in the barn, are even -more highly esteemed than<a id="FNanchor_270_270"></a><a href="#Footnote_270_270" class="fnanchor">270</a> when green. As to the rape -itself, it will keep all the better if left in its mould, after which -it should be dried in the open air till the next crop is nearly -ripe, as a resource in case of scarcity. Next to those of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48">48</a></span> -grape and corn, this is the most profitable harvest of all for the -countries that lie beyond the Padus. The rape is by no means -difficult to please in soil, for it will grow almost anywhere, -indeed where nothing else can be sown. It readily derives -nutriment from fogs and hoar-frosts, and grows to a marvelous -size; I have seen them weighing upwards of forty pounds.<a id="FNanchor_271_271"></a><a href="#Footnote_271_271" class="fnanchor">271</a> -It is prepared for table among us in several ways, and is made -to keep till the next crop, its fermentation<a id="FNanchor_272_272"></a><a href="#Footnote_272_272" class="fnanchor">272</a> being prevented by -preserving it in mustard. It is also tinted with no less than -six colours in addition to its own, and with purple even; indeed, -that which is used by us as food ought to be of no other -colour.<a id="FNanchor_273_273"></a><a href="#Footnote_273_273" class="fnanchor">273</a></p> - -<p>The Greeks have distinguished two principal species of rape, -the male and the female,<a id="FNanchor_274_274"></a><a href="#Footnote_274_274" class="fnanchor">274</a> and have discovered a method of obtaining -them both from the same seed; for when it is sown thick, -or in a hard, cloggy soil, the produce will be male. The smaller -the seed the better it is in quality. There are three kinds of -rape in all; the first is broad and flat, the second of a spherical -shape, and the third, to which the name of “wild” rape<a id="FNanchor_275_275"></a><a href="#Footnote_275_275" class="fnanchor">275</a> -has been given, throws out a long root, similar in appearance -to a radish, with an angular, rough leaf, and an acrid juice, -which, if extracted about harvest, and mixed with a woman’s -milk, is good for cleansing the eyes and improving defective -sight. The colder the weather the sweeter they are, and the -larger, it is generally thought; heat makes them run to leaf. -The finest rape of all is that grown in the district of Nursia: -it is valued at as much as one sesterce<a id="FNanchor_276_276"></a><a href="#Footnote_276_276" class="fnanchor">276</a> per pound, and, in -times of scarcity, two even. That of the next best quality is -produced on Mount Algidus.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_35"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 35.—THE TURNIP.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The turnip<a id="FNanchor_277_277"></a><a href="#Footnote_277_277" class="fnanchor">277</a> of Amiternum, which is pretty nearly of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49">49</a></span> -same nature as the rape, thrives equally well in a cold soil. -It is sown just before the calends of March,<a id="FNanchor_278_278"></a><a href="#Footnote_278_278" class="fnanchor">278</a> four sextarii of -seed to the jugerum. The more careful growers recommend -that the ground should be turned up five times before putting -in the turnip, and four for rape, care being taken, in both -cases, to manure it well. Rape, they say, will thrive all the -better, if it is sown together with some chaff. They will -have it, too, that the sower ought to be stripped, and that he -should offer up a prayer while sowing, and say: “I sow this -for myself and for my neighbours.” The proper time for sowing -both kinds is the period that intervenes between the festivals<a id="FNanchor_279_279"></a><a href="#Footnote_279_279" class="fnanchor">279</a> -of the two divinities, Neptune and Vulcan. It is said, -too—and it is the result of very careful observation—that -these plants will thrive wonderfully well, if they are sown as -many days after the festival of Neptune as the moon was old -when the first snow fell the previous winter. They are sown -in spring as well, in warm and humid localities.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_36"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 36. (14.)—THE LUPINE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The lupine is the next among the leguminous plants that -is in extensive use, as it serves for food for man in common -with the hoofed quadrupeds. To prevent it from springing -out of the pod<a id="FNanchor_280_280"></a><a href="#Footnote_280_280" class="fnanchor">280</a> while being gathered, and so lost, the best -plan is to gather it immediately after a shower. Of all the -seeds that are sown, there is not one of a more marvellous nature -than this, or more favoured by the earth. First of all, -it turns every day with the sun,<a id="FNanchor_281_281"></a><a href="#Footnote_281_281" class="fnanchor">281</a> and shows the hour to the -husbandman, even though the weather should happen to be -cloudy and overcast. It blossoms, too, no less than three -times, and so attached is it to the earth, that it does not require -to be covered with the soil; indeed, this is the only seed -that does not require the earth to be turned up for sowing it. -It thrives more particularly on a sandy, dry, and even gravelly -soil; and requires no further care to be taken in its cultivation. -To such a degree is it attached to the earth, that even<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50">50</a></span> -though left upon a soil thickly covered with brambles, it will -throw out a root amid the leaves and brakes, and so contrive -to reach the ground. We have already stated<a id="FNanchor_282_282"></a><a href="#Footnote_282_282" class="fnanchor">282</a> that the -soil of a field or vineyard is enriched by the growth of a -crop of lupines; indeed, so far is it from standing in need of -manure, that the lupines will act upon it as well as the very -best. It is the only seed that requires no outlay at all, so -much so, in fact, that there is no necessity to carry it even to the -spot where it is sown; for it may be sown the moment it is -brought from the threshing-floor:<a id="FNanchor_283_283"></a><a href="#Footnote_283_283" class="fnanchor">283</a> and from the fact that it -falls from the pod of its own accord, it stands in need of no -one to scatter it.</p> - -<p>This is<a id="FNanchor_284_284"></a><a href="#Footnote_284_284" class="fnanchor">284</a> the very first grain sown and the last that is gathered, -both operations generally taking place in the month of September; -indeed, if this is not done before winter sets in, it is -liable to receive injury from the cold. And then, besides, it -may even be left with impunity to lie upon the ground, in case -showers should not immediately ensue and cover it in, it being -quite safe from the attacks of all animals, on account of its -bitter taste: still, however, it is mostly covered up in a slight -furrow. Among the thicker soils, it is attached to a red earth -more particularly. In order to enrich<a id="FNanchor_285_285"></a><a href="#Footnote_285_285" class="fnanchor">285</a> this earth, it should be -turned up just after the third blossom; but where the soil is -sandy, after the second. Chalky and slimy soils are the only -ones that it has an aversion to; indeed, it will never come to -anything when sown in them. Soaked in warm water, it is -used as a food, too, for man. One modius is a sufficient meal -for an ox, and it is found to impart considerable vigour to -cattle; placed, too, upon the abdomen<a id="FNanchor_286_286"></a><a href="#Footnote_286_286" class="fnanchor">286</a> of children, it acts as -a remedy in certain cases. It is an excellent plan to season -the lupine by smoking it; for when it is kept in a moist state, -maggots are apt to attack the germ, and render it useless for -reproduction. If cattle have eaten it off while in leaf, as a -matter of necessity it should be ploughed in as soon as possible.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51">51</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_37"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 37. (15.)—THE VETCH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The vetch,<a id="FNanchor_287_287"></a><a href="#Footnote_287_287" class="fnanchor">287</a> too, enriches the soil, and its cultivation entails -no labour on the agriculturist. It is sown after the -ground has been but once turned up, and requires neither hoeing -nor manuring; nothing at all, indeed, except harrowing. -There are three periods for sowing it; the first is about the -setting of Arcturus, when it is intended for feeding cattle -in the month of December, while in the blade; this crop, too, -is the best of all for seed, for, although grazed upon, it will -bear just as well. The second crop is sown in the month of -January, and the last in March; this last being the best crop -for fodder. Of all the seeds this is the one that thrives best -in a dry soil; still, however, it manifests no repugnance to -a shaded locality. This grain, if gathered when quite ripe, -produces a chaff superior to that of any other. If sown near -vines supported by trees, the vetch will draw away the juices -from the vines, and make them languid.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_38"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 38.—THE FITCH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The cultivation of the fitch,<a id="FNanchor_288_288"></a><a href="#Footnote_288_288" class="fnanchor">288</a> too, is attended with no difficulty. -It requires weeding, however, more than the vetch. -Like it, the fitch has certain medicinal<a id="FNanchor_289_289"></a><a href="#Footnote_289_289" class="fnanchor">289</a> properties; for we -find the fact still kept in remembrance by some letters of his, -that the late Emperor Augustus was cured by its agency. Five -modii will sow as much ground as a yoke of oxen can plough -in a day. If sown in the month of March,<a id="FNanchor_290_290"></a><a href="#Footnote_290_290" class="fnanchor">290</a> it is injurious, -they say, to oxen: and when sown in autumn, it is apt to produce -head-ache. If, however, it is put in the ground at the -beginning of spring, it will be productive of no bad results.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_39"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 39. (16.)—SILICIA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Silicia,<a id="FNanchor_291_291"></a><a href="#Footnote_291_291" class="fnanchor">291</a> or, in other words, fenugreek, is sown after a light -ploughing<a id="FNanchor_292_292"></a><a href="#Footnote_292_292" class="fnanchor">292</a> merely, the furrows being no more than some four<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52">52</a></span> -fingers in depth; the less the pains that are bestowed upon it -the better it will thrive—a singular fact that there should be -anything that profits from neglect. The kinds, however, that -are known as “secale” and “farrago” require harrowing only.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_40"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 40.—SECALE OR ASIA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The people of Taurinum, at the foot of the Alps, give to -secale<a id="FNanchor_293_293"></a><a href="#Footnote_293_293" class="fnanchor">293</a> the name of “asia;” it is a very inferior<a id="FNanchor_294_294"></a><a href="#Footnote_294_294" class="fnanchor">294</a> grain, and -is only employed to avert positive famine. It is prolific, but -has a straw of remarkable thinness; it is also black and -sombre-looking, but weighs extremely heavy. Spelt is mixed -with this grain to modify its bitterness,<a id="FNanchor_295_295"></a><a href="#Footnote_295_295" class="fnanchor">295</a> and even then it is -very disagreeable to the stomach. It will grow upon any soil, -and yields a hundred-fold; it is employed also as a manure -for enriching the land.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_41"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 41.—FARRAGO: THE CRACCA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Farrago, a mixture made of the refuse of “far,” or spelt, is -sown very thick, the vetch being sometimes mingled with it; -in Africa, this mixture is sometimes made with barley. All -these mixtures, however, are only intended for cattle, and the -same is the case with the cracca,<a id="FNanchor_296_296"></a><a href="#Footnote_296_296" class="fnanchor">296</a> a degenerate kind of leguminous -plant. Pigeons, it is said, are so remarkably fond of -this grain, that they will never leave the place where it has -been given to them.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_42"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 42.—OCINUM: ERVILIA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the ancients there was a sort of fodder, to which -Cato<a id="FNanchor_297_297"></a><a href="#Footnote_297_297" class="fnanchor">297</a> gives the name of “ocinum;” it was employed by them -to stop scouring in oxen. This was a mixture of various kinds -of fodder, cut green before the frosts came on. Mamilius Sura, -however, explains the term differently, and says that ten modii -of beans, two of vetches, and the same quantity of ervilia,<a id="FNanchor_298_298"></a><a href="#Footnote_298_298" class="fnanchor">298</a> -were mixed and sown in autumn on a jugerum of land. He<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53">53</a></span> -states, also, that it is a still better plan to mix some Greek oats<a id="FNanchor_299_299"></a><a href="#Footnote_299_299" class="fnanchor">299</a> -with it, the grain of which never falls to the ground; this mixture, -according to him, was ocinum, and was usually sown as a -food for oxen. Varro<a id="FNanchor_300_300"></a><a href="#Footnote_300_300" class="fnanchor">300</a> informs us that it received its name -on account of the celerity with which it springs up, from the -Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὠκέως</span>, “quickly.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_43"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 43.—LUCERNE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Lucerne<a id="FNanchor_301_301"></a><a href="#Footnote_301_301" class="fnanchor">301</a> is by nature an exotic to Greece even, it having -been first introduced into that country from Media,<a id="FNanchor_302_302"></a><a href="#Footnote_302_302" class="fnanchor">302</a> at the time -of the Persian wars with King Darius; still it deserves to be -mentioned among the very first of these productions. So superior -are its qualities, that a single sowing will last more -than thirty<a id="FNanchor_303_303"></a><a href="#Footnote_303_303" class="fnanchor">303</a> years. It resembles trefoil in appearance, but the -stalk and leaves are articulated. The longer it grows in the -stalk, the narrower is the leaf. Amphilochus has devoted a -whole book to this subject and the cytisus.<a id="FNanchor_304_304"></a><a href="#Footnote_304_304" class="fnanchor">304</a> The ground in -which it is sown, being first cleaned and cleared of stones, is -turned up in the autumn, after which it is ploughed and harrowed. -It is then harrowed a second and a third time, at intervals -of five days; after which manure is laid upon it. This -seed requires either a soil that is dry, but full of nutriment, or -else a well-watered one. After the ground has been thus prepared, -the seed is put in in the month of May;<a id="FNanchor_305_305"></a><a href="#Footnote_305_305" class="fnanchor">305</a> for if sown -earlier, it is in danger from the frosts. It is necessary to sow -the seed very thick, so that all the ground may be occupied, -and no room left for weeds to shoot up in the intervals; a -result which may be secured by sowing twenty modii to the -jugerum. The seed must be stirred at once with the rake, to -prevent the sun from scorching it, and it should be covered -over with earth as speedily as possible. If the soil is naturally -damp or weedy, the lucerne will be overpowered, and the spot<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54">54</a></span> -degenerate into an ordinary pasture; it is necessary, therefore, -directly the crop is an inch in height, to disengage it from -all weeds, by hand, in preference to the weeding-hook.</p> - -<p>It is cut when it is just beginning to flower, and this is repeated -as often as it throws out new blossoms; which happens -mostly six<a id="FNanchor_306_306"></a><a href="#Footnote_306_306" class="fnanchor">306</a> times in the year, and four at the very least. -Care should be taken to prevent it from running to seed, as it -is much more valuable as fodder, up to the third year. It -should be hoed in the spring, and cleared of all other plants; -and in the third year the surface should be well worked with -the weeding-hook. By adopting this method, the weeds will -be effectually destroyed, though without detriment to the lucerne, -in consequence of the depth of its roots. If the weeds -should happen to get ahead of it, the only remedy is to turn it -up repeatedly with the plough, until the roots of the weeds are -thoroughly destroyed. This fodder should never be given to -cattle to satiety, otherwise it may be necessary to let blood; it -is best, too, when used while green. When dry, it becomes -tough and ligneous, and falls away at last into a thin, useless -dust. As to the cytisus, which also occupies the very foremost -rank among the fodders, we have already spoken<a id="FNanchor_307_307"></a><a href="#Footnote_307_307" class="fnanchor">307</a> of it at sufficient -length when describing the shrubs. It remains for us -now to complete our account of all the cereals, and we shall -here devote a portion of it to the diseases to which they are -subject.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 44. (17.)—THE DISEASES OF GRAIN: THE OAT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The foremost feature of disease in wheat is the oat.<a id="FNanchor_308_308"></a><a href="#Footnote_308_308" class="fnanchor">308</a> Barley, -too, will degenerate into the oat; so much so, in fact, that the -oat has become an equivalent for corn; for the people of Germany -are in the habit of sowing it, and make their porridge of -nothing else. This degeneracy is owing more particularly to -humidity of soil and climate; and a second cause is a weakness in -the seed, the result of its being retained too long in the ground -before it makes its appearance above it. The same, too, will<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55">55</a></span> -be the consequence, if the seed is decayed when put in the -ground. This may be known, however, the moment it makes -its appearance, from which it is quite evident that the defect -lies in the root. There is another form of disease, too, which -closely resembles the oat, and which supervenes when the -grain, already developed to its full size, but not ripe, is struck -by a noxious blast, before it has acquired its proper body and -strength; in this case, the seed pines away in the ear, by a -kind of abortion, as it were, and totally disappears.</p> - -<p>The wind is injurious to wheat and barley, at three<a id="FNanchor_309_309"></a><a href="#Footnote_309_309" class="fnanchor">309</a> periods -of the year in particular: when they are in blossom, directly -the blossom has passed off, and just as the seed is beginning to -ripen. In this last case, the grain wastes away, while in the -two former ones it is prevented from being developed. Gleams -of sunshine, every now and then, from the midst of clouds, -are injurious to corn. Maggots, too, breed<a id="FNanchor_310_310"></a><a href="#Footnote_310_310" class="fnanchor">310</a> in the roots, when -the rains that follow the seed-time are succeeded by a sudden -heat, which encloses the humidity in the ground. Maggots -make their appearance,<a id="FNanchor_311_311"></a><a href="#Footnote_311_311" class="fnanchor">311</a> also, in the grain, when the ear ferments -through heat succeeding a fall of rain. There is a small -beetle, too, known by the name of “cantharis,”<a id="FNanchor_312_312"></a><a href="#Footnote_312_312" class="fnanchor">312</a> which eats -away the blade. All these insects die, however, as soon as -their nutriment fails them. Oil,<a id="FNanchor_313_313"></a><a href="#Footnote_313_313" class="fnanchor">313</a> pitch, and grease are prejudicial -to grain, and care should be taken not to let them come -in contact with the seed that is sown. Rain is only beneficial -to grain while in the blade; it is injurious to wheat and barley -while they are in blossom, but is not detrimental to the leguminous -plants, with the exception of the chick-pea. When -grain is beginning to ripen, rain is injurious, and to barley in -particular. There is a white grass<a id="FNanchor_314_314"></a><a href="#Footnote_314_314" class="fnanchor">314</a> that grows in the fields, -very similar to panic in appearance, but fatal to cattle. As to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56">56</a></span> -darnel,<a id="FNanchor_315_315"></a><a href="#Footnote_315_315" class="fnanchor">315</a> the tribulus,<a id="FNanchor_316_316"></a><a href="#Footnote_316_316" class="fnanchor">316</a> the thistle,<a id="FNanchor_317_317"></a><a href="#Footnote_317_317" class="fnanchor">317</a> and the burdock,<a id="FNanchor_318_318"></a><a href="#Footnote_318_318" class="fnanchor">318</a> I can -consider them, no more than the bramble, among the maladies -that attack the cereals, but rather as so many pests inflicted on -the earth. Mildew,<a id="FNanchor_319_319"></a><a href="#Footnote_319_319" class="fnanchor">319</a> a malady resulting from the inclemency -of the weather, and equally attacking the vine<a id="FNanchor_320_320"></a><a href="#Footnote_320_320" class="fnanchor">320</a> and corn, is -in no degree less injurious. It attacks corn most frequently in -localities which are exposed to dews, and in vallies which have -not a thorough draught for the wind; windy and elevated -spots, on the other hand, are totally exempt from it. Another -evil, again, in corn, is over-luxuriance, when it falls to the -ground beneath the weight<a id="FNanchor_321_321"></a><a href="#Footnote_321_321" class="fnanchor">321</a> of the grain. One evil, however, -to which all crops in common, the chick-pea even, are exposed, -is the attacks of the caterpillar, when the rain, by washing -away the natural saltness of the vegetation, makes it<a id="FNanchor_322_322"></a><a href="#Footnote_322_322" class="fnanchor">322</a> all the -more tempting for its sweetness.</p> - -<p>There is a certain plant,<a id="FNanchor_323_323"></a><a href="#Footnote_323_323" class="fnanchor">323</a> too, which kills the chick-pea and -the fitch, by twining around them; the name of it is “orobanche.” -In a similar manner, also, wheat is attacked by -darnel,<a id="FNanchor_324_324"></a><a href="#Footnote_324_324" class="fnanchor">324</a> barley by a long-stalked plant, called “ægilops,”<a id="FNanchor_325_325"></a><a href="#Footnote_325_325" class="fnanchor">325</a> and -the lentil by an axe-leafed grass, to which, from the resemblance<a id="FNanchor_326_326"></a><a href="#Footnote_326_326" class="fnanchor">326</a> -of the leaf, the Greeks have given the name of “pelecinon.” -All these plants, too, kill the others by entwining -around them. In the neighbourhood of Philippi, there is a -plant known as ateramon,<a id="FNanchor_327_327"></a><a href="#Footnote_327_327" class="fnanchor">327</a> which grows in a rich soil, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57">57</a></span> -kills the bean, after it has been exposed, while wet, to the -blasts of a certain wind: when it grows in a thin, light soil, -this plant is called “teramon.” The seed of darnel is extremely -minute, and is enclosed in a prickly husk. If introduced -into bread, it will speedily produce vertigo; and it is -said that in Asia and Greece, the bath-keepers, when they want -to disperse a crowd of people, throw this seed upon burning -coals. The phalangium, a diminutive insect of the spider -genus,<a id="FNanchor_328_328"></a><a href="#Footnote_328_328" class="fnanchor">328</a> breeds in the fitch, if the winter happens to be wet. -Slugs, too, breed in the vetch, and sometimes a tiny snail makes -its way out of the ground, and eats it away in a most singular -manner.</p> - -<p>These are pretty nearly all the maladies to which grain is -subject.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_45"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 45.—THE BEST REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF GRAIN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The best remedy for these maladies, so long as grain is in -the blade, is the weeding-hook, and, at the moment of sowing, -ashes.<a id="FNanchor_329_329"></a><a href="#Footnote_329_329" class="fnanchor">329</a> As to those diseases which develope themselves in the -seed and about the root, with due care precautions may be effectually -employed against them. It is generally supposed that -if seed has been first steeped in wine,<a id="FNanchor_330_330"></a><a href="#Footnote_330_330" class="fnanchor">330</a> it will be less exposed -to disease. Virgil<a id="FNanchor_331_331"></a><a href="#Footnote_331_331" class="fnanchor">331</a> recommends that beans should be drenched -with nitre and amurca of olives; and he says that if this is -done, they will be all the larger. Some persons, again, are of -opinion, that they will grow of increased size, if the seed is -steeped for three days before it is sown in a solution of urine -and water. If the ground, too, is hoed three times, a modius -of beans in the pod, they say, will yield not less than a modius<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58">58</a></span> -of shelled<a id="FNanchor_332_332"></a><a href="#Footnote_332_332" class="fnanchor">332</a> beans. Other seeds, again, it is said, will be -exempt from the attacks of maggots, if bruised cypress<a id="FNanchor_333_333"></a><a href="#Footnote_333_333" class="fnanchor">333</a> leaves -are mixed with them, or if they are sown just at the moon’s -conjunction. Many persons, for the more effectual protection -of millet, recommend that a bramble-frog should be carried at -night round the field before the hoeing is done, and then buried -in an earthen vessel in the middle of it. If this is done, they -say, neither sparrows nor worms will attack the crop. The -frog, however, must be disinterred before the millet is cut; for -if this is neglected, the produce will be bitter. It is pretended, -too, that all seeds which have been touched by the shoulders -of a mole are remarkably productive.</p> - -<p>Democritus recommends that all seeds before they are sown -should be steeped in the juice of the herb known as “aizoüm,”<a id="FNanchor_334_334"></a><a href="#Footnote_334_334" class="fnanchor">334</a> -which grows on tiles or shingles, and is known to us by the -Latin name of “sedum” or “digitellum.”<a id="FNanchor_335_335"></a><a href="#Footnote_335_335" class="fnanchor">335</a> If blight prevails, -or if worms are found adhering to the roots, it is a very -common remedy to sprinkle the plants with pure amurca of -olives without salt, and then to hoe the ground. If, however, -the crop should be beginning to joint, it should be stubbed at -once, for fear lest the weeds should gain the upper hand. I -know for certain<a id="FNanchor_336_336"></a><a href="#Footnote_336_336" class="fnanchor">336</a> that flights of starlings and sparrows, those -pests to millet and panic, are effectually driven away by means -of a certain herb, the name of which is unknown to me, being -buried at the four corners of the field: it is a wonderful thing -to relate, but in such case not a single bird will enter it. Mice -are kept away by the ashes of a weasel or a cat being steeped -in water and then thrown upon the seed, or else by using the -water in which the body of a weasel or a cat has been boiled. -The odour, however, of these animals makes itself perceived -in the bread even; for which reason it is generally thought a -better plan to steep the seed in ox-gall.<a id="FNanchor_337_337"></a><a href="#Footnote_337_337" class="fnanchor">337</a> As for mildew, -that greatest curse of all to corn, if branches of laurel are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59">59</a></span> -fixed in the ground, it will pass away from the field into the -leaves of the laurel. Over-luxuriance in corn is repressed by -the teeth of cattle,<a id="FNanchor_338_338"></a><a href="#Footnote_338_338" class="fnanchor">338</a> but only while it is in the blade; in which -case, if depastured upon ever so often, no injury to it when -in the ear will be the result. If the ear, too, is once cut off, -the grain, it is well known, will assume a larger<a id="FNanchor_339_339"></a><a href="#Footnote_339_339" class="fnanchor">339</a> form, but -will be hollow within and worthless, and if sown, will come -to nothing.</p> - -<p>At Babylon, however, they cut the blade twice, and then -let the cattle pasture on it a third time, for otherwise it would -run to nothing but leaf. Even then, however, so fertile is the -soil, that it yields fifty, and, indeed, with care, as much as a -hundred, fold. Nor is the cultivation of it attended with any -difficulty, the only object being to let the ground be under -water as long as possible, in order that the extreme richness -and exuberance of the soil may be modified. The Euphrates, -however, and the Tigris do not deposit a slime, in the same -way that the Nilus does in Egypt, nor does the soil produce -vegetation spontaneously; but still, so great is the fertility, -that, although the seed is only trodden in with the foot, a crop -springs up spontaneously the following year. So great a difference -in soils as this, reminds me that I ought to take this -opportunity of specifying those which are the best adapted -for the various kinds of grain.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_46"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 46.—THE CROPS THAT SHOULD BE SOWN IN THE DIFFERENT -SOILS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>This, then, is the opinion expressed by Cato<a id="FNanchor_340_340"></a><a href="#Footnote_340_340" class="fnanchor">340</a> on the subject: -“In a dense and fertile soil wheat should be sown: but if the -locality is subject to fogs, rape, radishes, millet, and panic. -Where the land<a id="FNanchor_341_341"></a><a href="#Footnote_341_341" class="fnanchor">341</a> is cold and moist, sowing should be commenced -earlier; but where it is hot, at a later period. In a -red, black, or gravelly soil, provided it is not watery, lupines -should be sown; but in chalk, red earth, or a watery soil, -spelt.<a id="FNanchor_342_342"></a><a href="#Footnote_342_342" class="fnanchor">342</a> Where a locality is dry, free from weeds, and not -overshadowed, wheat should be put in; and where the soil is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60">60</a></span> -strong and powerful, beans. Vetches should be grown in a -soil as free from water and weeds as possible; while wheat -and winter wheat are best adapted to an open, elevated locality, -fully exposed to the warmth of the sun. The lentil -thrives best in a meagre, red earth, free from weeds. Barley is -equally suited for fallow land and for a soil that is not intended -to be fallow, and three-month wheat, for a soil upon which a -crop of ordinary wheat would never ripen, but strong enough -to bear.”</p> - -<p>The following, too, is sound advice:<a id="FNanchor_343_343"></a><a href="#Footnote_343_343" class="fnanchor">343</a> Those plants should -be sown in a thin soil which do not stand in need of much -nutriment, the cytisus, for instance, and such of the leguminous -plants, with the exception of the chick-pea, as are taken up -by the roots and not cut. From this mode of gathering them—“legere”—the -legumina derive their name. Where it is a -rich earth, those plants should be grown which require a -greater proportion of nutriment, coleworts for instance, wheat, -winter-wheat, and flax. The result, then, will be, that a -light soil will be given to barley—the root of that grain standing -in need of less nutriment—while a more dense, though -easily-worked soil, will be assigned to wheat. In humid localities -spelt should be sown in preference to wheat; but where -the soil is of moderate temperature, either wheat or barley -may be grown. Declivities produce a stronger growth of -wheat, but in smaller quantities. Spelt and winter-wheat -adopt a moist, cretaceous soil in preference to any other.</p> - -<p>(18.) The only occasion on which there ever was a prodigy -connected with grain, at least that I am aware of, was in the -consulship of P. Ælius and Cneius Cornelius, the year<a id="FNanchor_344_344"></a><a href="#Footnote_344_344" class="fnanchor">344</a> in -which Hannibal was vanquished: on that occasion, we find -it stated, corn was seen growing upon trees.<a id="FNanchor_345_345"></a><a href="#Footnote_345_345" class="fnanchor">345</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_47"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 47.—THE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF CULTIVATION EMPLOYED -BY VARIOUS NATIONS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As we have now spoken at sufficient length of the several -varieties of grain and soil, we shall proceed to treat of the -methods adopted in tilling the ground, taking care, in the very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61">61</a></span> -first place, to make mention of the peculiar facilities enjoyed -by Egypt in this respect. In that country, performing the -duties of the husbandman, the Nile begins to overflow, as -already stated,<a id="FNanchor_346_346"></a><a href="#Footnote_346_346" class="fnanchor">346</a> immediately after the summer solstice or the -new moon, gradually at first, but afterwards with increased -impetuosity, as long as the sun remains in the sign of Leo. -When the sun has passed into Virgo, the impetuosity of the -overflow begins to slacken, and when he has entered Libra the -river subsides. Should it not have exceeded twelve cubits in -its overflow, famine is the sure result; and this is equally the -case if it should chance to exceed sixteen; for the higher it -has risen, the more slowly it subsides, and, of course, the seed-time -is impeded in proportion. It was formerly a very general -belief that immediately upon the subsiding of the waters the -Egyptians were in the habit of driving herds of swine over -the ground, for the purpose of treading the seed into the moist -soil—and it is my own impression that this was done in ancient -times. At the present day even, the operation is not attended -with much greater labour. It is well known, however, that -the seed is first laid upon the slime that has been left by the -river on its subsidence, and then ploughed in; this being done -at the beginning of November. After this is done, a few persons -are employed in stubbing, an operation known there as -“botanismos.” The rest of the labourers, however, have no -occasion to visit the land again till a little before the calends -of April,<a id="FNanchor_347_347"></a><a href="#Footnote_347_347" class="fnanchor">347</a> and then it is with the reaping-hook. The harvest -is completed in the month of May. The stem is never so -much as a cubit in length, as there is a stratum of sand beneath -the slime, from which last alone the grain receives its -support. The best wheat of all is that of the region of -Thebais, Egypt<a id="FNanchor_348_348"></a><a href="#Footnote_348_348" class="fnanchor">348</a> being of a marshy character.</p> - -<p>The method adopted at Seleucia in Babylonia is very similar -to this, but the fertility there is still greater, owing to the -overflow of the Euphrates and Tigris,<a id="FNanchor_349_349"></a><a href="#Footnote_349_349" class="fnanchor">349</a> the degree of irrigation -being artificially modified in those parts. In Syria, too, -the furrows are made extremely light, while in many parts of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62">62</a></span> -Italy, again, it takes as many as eight oxen to pant and blow -at a single plough. All the operations of agriculture, but this -in particular, should he regulated by the oracular precept—“Remember -that every locality has its own tendencies.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_48"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 48.—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF PLOUGHS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Ploughs are of various kinds. The coulter<a id="FNanchor_350_350"></a><a href="#Footnote_350_350" class="fnanchor">350</a> is the iron part -that cuts up the dense earth before it is broken into pieces, and -traces beforehand by its incisions the future furrows, which the -share, reversed,<a id="FNanchor_351_351"></a><a href="#Footnote_351_351" class="fnanchor">351</a> is to open out with its teeth. Another kind—the -common plough-share—is nothing more than a lever, furnished -with a pointed beak; while another variety, which is only -used in light, easy soils, does not present an edge projecting from -the share-beam throughout, but only a small point at the extremity. -In a fourth kind again, this point is larger and formed -with a cutting edge; by the agency of which implement, it -both cleaves the ground, and, with the sharp edges at the sides, -cuts up the weeds by the roots. There has been invented, at a -comparatively recent period, in that part of Gaul<a id="FNanchor_352_352"></a><a href="#Footnote_352_352" class="fnanchor">352</a> known as -Rhætia, a plough with the addition of two small wheels, and -known by the name of “plaumorati.”<a id="FNanchor_353_353"></a><a href="#Footnote_353_353" class="fnanchor">353</a> The extremity of the -share in this has the form of a spade: it is only used, however, -for sowing in cultivated lands, and upon soils which are nearly -fallow. The broader the plough-share, the better it is for -turning up the clods of earth. Immediately after ploughing, -the seed is put into the ground, and then harrows<a id="FNanchor_354_354"></a><a href="#Footnote_354_354" class="fnanchor">354</a> with long -teeth are drawn over it. Lands which have been sown in this -way require no hoeing, but two or three pairs of oxen are employed -in ploughing. It is a fair estimate to consider that a -single yoke of oxen can work forty jugera of land in the year, -where the soil is light, and thirty where it is stubborn.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_49"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 49. (19.)—THE MODE OF PLOUGHING.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In ploughing, the most rigid attention should be paid to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63">63</a></span> -oracular precepts given by Cato<a id="FNanchor_355_355"></a><a href="#Footnote_355_355" class="fnanchor">355</a> on the subject. “What is -the essence of good tillage? Good ploughing. What is the -second point? Ploughing again. What is the third point? -Manuring. Take care not to make crooked furrows. Be -careful to plough at the proper time.” In warm localities it -is necessary to open the ground immediately after the winter -solstice, but where it is cold, directly after the vernal equinox: -this, too, should be done sooner in dry districts than in wet ones, -in a dense soil than a loose one, in a rich land than a meagre -one. In countries where the summers are hot and oppressive, -the soil cretaceous or thin, it is the best plan to plough between -the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox. Where, on -the other hand, the heat is moderate, with frequent falls of rain, -and the soil rich and full of vegetation, the ploughing should -be done during the prevalence of the heat. A deep, heavy -soil, again, should be ploughed in winter; but one that is very -thin and dry, only just before putting in the seed.</p> - -<p>Tillage, too, has its own particular rules<a id="FNanchor_356_356"></a><a href="#Footnote_356_356" class="fnanchor">356</a>—Never touch the -ground while it is wet and cloggy; plough with all your might; -loosen the ground before you begin to plough. This method -has its advantages, for by turning up the clods the roots of the -weeds are killed. Some persons recommend that in every case -the ground should be turned up immediately after the vernal -equinox. Land that has been ploughed once in spring, from -that circumstance has the name of “vervactum.”<a id="FNanchor_357_357"></a><a href="#Footnote_357_357" class="fnanchor">357</a> This, too, -is equally necessary in the case of fallow land, by which term -is meant land that is sown only in alternate years. The oxen -employed in ploughing should be harnessed as tightly as possible, -to make them plough with their heads up; attention -paid to this point will prevent them from galling the neck. If -it is among trees and vines that you are ploughing, the oxen -should be muzzled, to prevent them from eating off the tender -buds. There should be a small bill-hook, too, projecting from -the plough-tail, for the purpose of cutting up the roots; this -plan being preferable to that of turning them up with the share, -and so straining the oxen. When ploughing, finish the furrow -at one spell, and never stop to take breath in the middle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64">64</a></span></p> - -<p>It is a fair day’s work to plough one jugerum, for the first -time, nine inches in depth; and the second time, one jugerum -and a half—that is to say, if it is an easy soil. If this, however, -is not the case, it will take a day to turn up half a jugerum -for the first time, and a whole jugerum the second; for -Nature has set limits to the powers of animals even. The -furrows should be made, in every case, first in a straight line, -and then others should be drawn, crossing them obliquely.<a id="FNanchor_358_358"></a><a href="#Footnote_358_358" class="fnanchor">358</a> -Upon a hill-side the furrows are drawn transversely<a id="FNanchor_359_359"></a><a href="#Footnote_359_359" class="fnanchor">359</a> only, -the point of the share inclining upwards at one moment and -downwards<a id="FNanchor_360_360"></a><a href="#Footnote_360_360" class="fnanchor">360</a> at another. Man, too, is so well fitted for labour, -that he is able to supply the place of the ox even; at all events, -it is without the aid of that animal that the mountain tribes -plough, having only the hoe to help them.<a id="FNanchor_361_361"></a><a href="#Footnote_361_361" class="fnanchor">361</a></p> - -<p>The ploughman, unless he stoops to his work, is sure to prevaricate,<a id="FNanchor_362_362"></a><a href="#Footnote_362_362" class="fnanchor">362</a> -a word which has been transferred to the Forum, as -a censure upon those who transgress—at any rate, let those be -on their guard against it, where it was first employed. The -share should be cleaned every now and then with a stick pointed -with a scraper. The ridges that are left between every two -furrows, should not be left in a rough state, nor should large -clods be left protruding from the ground. A field is badly -ploughed that stands in need of harrowing after the seed is in; -but the work has been properly done, when it is impossible to -say in which direction the share has gone. It is a good plan, -too, to leave a channel every now and then, if the nature of the -spot requires it, by making furrows of a larger size, to draw off -the water into the drains.</p> - -<p>(20.) After the furrows have been gone over again transversely, -the clods are broken, where there is a necessity for it, with -either the harrow or the rake;<a id="FNanchor_363_363"></a><a href="#Footnote_363_363" class="fnanchor">363</a> and this operation is repeated<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65">65</a></span> -after the seed has been put in. This last harrowing is done, -where the usage of the locality will allow of it, with either a -toothed harrow, or else a plank attached to the plough. This operation -of covering in the seed is called “lirare,” from which is -derived the word “deliratio.”<a id="FNanchor_364_364"></a><a href="#Footnote_364_364" class="fnanchor">364</a> Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_365_365"></a><a href="#Footnote_365_365" class="fnanchor">365</a> it is generally thought, -intends to recommend sowing after <i>four</i> ploughings, in the -passage where he says that land will bear the best crop, which -has twice felt the sun and twice the cold. Where the soil is -dense, as in most parts of Italy, it is a still better plan to go -over the ground five times before sowing; in Etruria, they give -the land as many as nine ploughings first. The bean, however, -and the vetch may be sown with no risk, without turning up -the land at all; which, of course, is so much labour saved.</p> - -<p>We must not here omit to mention still one other method of -ploughing, which the devastations of warfare have suggested -in Italy that lies beyond the Padus. The Salassi,<a id="FNanchor_366_366"></a><a href="#Footnote_366_366" class="fnanchor">366</a> when -ravaging the territories which lay at the foot of the Alps, made -an attempt to lay waste the crops of panic and millet that were -just appearing above the ground. Finding, however, that -Nature resisted all their endeavours, they passed the plough -over the ground, the result of which was that the crops were -more abundant than ever; and this it was that first taught us -the method of ploughing in, expressed by the word “artrare,” -otherwise “aratrare,” in my opinion the original form. This -is done either just as the stem begins to develope itself, or else -when it has put forth as many as two or three leaves. Nor -must we withhold from the reader a more recent method, which -was discovered the year but one before this,<a id="FNanchor_367_367"></a><a href="#Footnote_367_367" class="fnanchor">367</a> in the territory -of the Treviri. The crops having been nipped by the extreme -severity of the winter, the people sowed the land over again -in the month of March, and had a most abundant harvest.</p> - -<p>We shall now proceed to a description of the peculiar methods -employed in cultivating each description of grain.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66">66</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_50"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 50. (21.)—THE METHODS OF HARROWING, STUBBING, AND -HOEING, EMPLOYED FOR EACH DESCRIPTION OF GRAIN. THE -USE OF THE HARROW.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For winter wheat, spelt, wheat, zea,<a id="FNanchor_368_368"></a><a href="#Footnote_368_368" class="fnanchor">368</a> and barley, harrow, -hoe and stub upon the days which will be mentioned<a id="FNanchor_369_369"></a><a href="#Footnote_369_369" class="fnanchor">369</a> in the -sequel. A single hand per jugerum will be quite enough for -any one of these kinds of grain. The operation of hoeing -loosens the ground in spring when it has been hardened and -saddened by the rigours of the winter, and admits the early -sun to the interior. In hoeing, every care must be taken not -to go beneath the roots of the corn; in the case of wheat, zea, -and barley, it is best to give a couple of hoeings. Stubbing,<a id="FNanchor_370_370"></a><a href="#Footnote_370_370" class="fnanchor">370</a> -when the crop is just beginning to joint, cleanses it of all -noxious weeds, disengages the roots of the corn, and liberates -the growing blade from the clods. Among the leguminous -plants, the chick-pea requires the same treatment that spelt -does. The bean requires no stubbing, being quite able of itself -to overpower all weeds; the lupine, too, is harrowed only. -Millet and panic are both harrowed and hoed; but this operation -is never repeated, and they do not require stubbing. -Fenugreek and the kidney-bean require harrowing only.</p> - -<p>There are some kinds of ground, the extreme fertility of -which obliges the grower to comb down the crops while in the -blade—this is done with a sort of harrow<a id="FNanchor_371_371"></a><a href="#Footnote_371_371" class="fnanchor">371</a> armed with pointed -iron teeth—and even then he is obliged to depasture cattle upon -them. When, however, the blade has been thus eaten down, -it stands in need of hoeing to restore it to its former vigour.</p> - -<p>But in Bactria, and at Cyrenæ in Africa, all this trouble has -been rendered quite unnecessary by the indulgent benignity of -the climate, and after the seed is in, the owner has no occasion -to return to the field till the time has come for getting in the -harvest. In those parts the natural dryness of the soil prevents -noxious weeds from springing up, and, aided by the night dews -alone, the soil supplies its nutriment to the grain. Virgil<a id="FNanchor_372_372"></a><a href="#Footnote_372_372" class="fnanchor">372</a> -recommends that the ground should be left to enjoy repose every -other year; and this, no doubt, if the extent of the farm will -admit of it, is the most advantageous plan. If, however, circumstances<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67">67</a></span> -will not allow of it, spelt should be sown upon the -ground that has been first cropped with lupines, vetches, or -beans; for all these have a tendency to make the soil more -fertile. We ought to remark here more particularly, that here -and there certain plants are sown for the benefit of others, -although, as already stated in the preceding Book,<a id="FNanchor_373_373"></a><a href="#Footnote_373_373" class="fnanchor">373</a> not to -repeat the same thing over again, they are of little value themselves. -But it is the nature of each soil that is of the greatest -importance.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_51"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 51. (22.)—EXTREME FERTILITY OF SOIL.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a city of Africa, situate in the midst of the sands -as you journey towards the Syrtes and Great Leptis, Tacape<a id="FNanchor_374_374"></a><a href="#Footnote_374_374" class="fnanchor">374</a> -by name. The soil there, which is always well-watered, enjoys -a degree of fertility quite marvellous. Through this -spot, which extends about three miles each way, a spring of -water flows—in great abundance it is true—but still, it is only -at certain hours that its waters are distributed among the inhabitants. -Here, beneath a palm of enormous size, grows the -olive, beneath the olive the fig, beneath the fig, again, the pomegranate, -beneath the pomegranate the vine, and beneath the -vine we find sown, first wheat, then the leguminous plants, and -after them garden herbs—all in the same year, and all growing -beneath another’s shade. Four cubits square of this same -ground—the cubit<a id="FNanchor_375_375"></a><a href="#Footnote_375_375" class="fnanchor">375</a> being measured with the fingers contracted -and not extended—sell at the rate of four denarii.<a id="FNanchor_376_376"></a><a href="#Footnote_376_376" class="fnanchor">376</a> But what -is more surprising than all, is the fact that here the vine bears -twice, and that there are two vintages in the year. Indeed, -if the fertility of the soil were not distributed in this way -among a multitude of productions, each crop would perish from -its own exuberance: as it is, there is no part of the year that -there is not some crop or other being gathered in; and yet, it -is a well-known fact, that the people do nothing at all to promote -this fruitfulness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68">68</a></span></p> - -<p>There are very considerable differences, too, in the nature of -water, as employed for the purposes of irrigation. In the -province of Gallia Narbonensis there is a famous fountain, -Orge by name; within it there grow plants which are sought -for with such eagerness by the cattle, that they will plunge -over head into the water to get at them; it is a well ascertained<a id="FNanchor_377_377"></a><a href="#Footnote_377_377" class="fnanchor">377</a> -fact, however, that these plants, though growing in the water, -receive their nutriment only from the rains that fall. It is -as well then that every one should be fully acquainted with the -nature, not only of the soil, but of the water too.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_52"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 52. (23.)—THE METHOD OF SOWING MORE THAN ONCE -IN THE YEAR.</span></h3></div> - -<p>If the soil is of that nature which we have already<a id="FNanchor_378_378"></a><a href="#Footnote_378_378" class="fnanchor">378</a> spoken -of as “tender,”<a id="FNanchor_379_379"></a><a href="#Footnote_379_379" class="fnanchor">379</a> after a crop of barley has been grown upon -it, millet may be sown, and after the millet has been got in, -rape. In succession to these, again, barley may be put in, or -else wheat, as in Campania; and it will be quite enough, in -such case, to plough the ground when the seed is sown. There -is another rotation again—when the ground has been cropped -with spelt,<a id="FNanchor_380_380"></a><a href="#Footnote_380_380" class="fnanchor">380</a> it should lie fallow the four winter months; after -which, spring beans should be put in, to keep it occupied till -the time comes for cropping it with winter beans. Where the -soil is too rich, it may lie fallow one year, care being taken after -sowing it with corn to crop it with the leguminous plants the -third year.<a id="FNanchor_381_381"></a><a href="#Footnote_381_381" class="fnanchor">381</a> Where, on the other hand, it is too thin, the land -should lie fallow up to the third year even. Some persons recommend -that corn should never be sown except in land which -has lain fallow the year before.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_53"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 53.—THE MANURING OF LAND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The proper method of manuring is here a very important -subject for consideration—we have already treated of it at -some length in the preceding Book.<a id="FNanchor_382_382"></a><a href="#Footnote_382_382" class="fnanchor">382</a> The only point that is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69">69</a></span> -universally agreed upon is, that we must never sow without -first manuring the ground; although in this respect even there -are certain rules to be observed. Millet, panic, rape, and turnips -should never be sown in any but a manured soil. If, on -the other hand, the land is not manured, sow wheat there in -preference to barley. The same, too, with fallow lands; -though in these it is generally recommended that beans should -be sown. It should be remembered, however, that wherever -beans are sown, the land should have been manured at as recent -a period as possible. If it is intended to crop ground in -autumn, care must be taken to plough in manure in the month -of September, just after rain has fallen. In the same way, -too, if it is intended to sow in spring, the manure should be -spread in the winter. It is the rule to give eighteen cart-loads -of manure to each jugerum, and to spread it well before -ploughing it in,<a id="FNanchor_383_383"></a><a href="#Footnote_383_383" class="fnanchor">383</a> or sowing the seed.<a id="FNanchor_384_384"></a><a href="#Footnote_384_384" class="fnanchor">384</a> If this manuring, -however, is omitted, it will be requisite to spread the land -with aviary dust just before hoeing is commenced. To clear -up any doubts with reference to this point, I would here observe -that the fair price for a cart-load of manure is one -denarius; where, too, sheep furnish one cart-load, the larger -cattle should furnish ten:<a id="FNanchor_385_385"></a><a href="#Footnote_385_385" class="fnanchor">385</a> unless this result is obtained, it -is a clear proof that the husbandman has littered his cattle -badly.</p> - -<p>There are some persons who are of opinion that the best -method of manuring land is to pen sheep there, with nets -erected to prevent them from straying. If land is not manured, -it will get chilled; but if, on the other hand, it is over-manured, -it becomes burnt up: it is a much better plan, too, -to manure little and often than in excess. The warmer the -soil is by nature, the less manure it requires.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_54"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 54. (24.)—HOW TO ASCERTAIN THE QUALITY OF SEED. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The best seed of all is that which is of the last year’s growth. -That which is two years old is inferior, and three the worst of all—beyond<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70">70</a></span> -that, it is unproductive.<a id="FNanchor_386_386"></a><a href="#Footnote_386_386" class="fnanchor">386</a> The same definite rule -which applies to one kind of seed is applicable to them all: -the seed which falls to the bottom<a id="FNanchor_387_387"></a><a href="#Footnote_387_387" class="fnanchor">387</a> on the threshing-floor, -should be reserved for sowing, for being the most weighty it -is the best in quality: there is no better method, in fact, of -ascertaining its quality. The grains of those ears which have -intervals between the seed should be rejected. The best grain -is that which has a reddish hue,<a id="FNanchor_388_388"></a><a href="#Footnote_388_388" class="fnanchor">388</a> and which, when broken -between the teeth, presents the same<a id="FNanchor_389_389"></a><a href="#Footnote_389_389" class="fnanchor">389</a> colour; that which has -more white within is of inferior quality. It is a well-known -fact that some lands require more seed than others, from which -circumstance first arose a superstition that exists among the -peasantry; it is their belief that when the ground demands the -seed with greater avidity than usual, it is famished, and devours -the grain. It is consistent with reason to put in the seed -where the soil is humid sooner than elsewhere, to prevent the -grain from rotting in the rain: on dry spots it should be sown -later, and just before the fall of a shower, so that it may not -have to lie long without germinating and so come to nothing. -When the seed is put in early it should be sown thick, as it is -a considerable time before it germinates; but when it is put -in later, it should be sown thinly, to prevent it from being suffocated. -There is a certain degree of skill, too, required in -scattering the seed evenly; to ensure this, the hand must keep -time<a id="FNanchor_390_390"></a><a href="#Footnote_390_390" class="fnanchor">390</a> with the step, moving always with the right foot. -There are certain persons, also, who have a secret method<a id="FNanchor_391_391"></a><a href="#Footnote_391_391" class="fnanchor">391</a> of -their own, having been born<a id="FNanchor_392_392"></a><a href="#Footnote_392_392" class="fnanchor">392</a> with a happy hand which imparts -fruitfulness to the grain. Care should be taken not to -sow seed in a warm locality which has been grown in a cold<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71">71</a></span> -one, nor should the produce of an early soil be sown in a late -one. Those who give advice to the contrary have quite misapplied -their pains.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_55"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 55.—WHAT QUANTITY OF EACH KIND OF GRAIN IS REQUISITE -FOR SOWING A JUGERUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p><a id="FNanchor_393_393"></a><a href="#Footnote_393_393" class="fnanchor">393</a> -In a soil of middling quality, the proper proportion of seed -is five modii of wheat or winter-wheat to the jugerum, ten of -spelt or of seed-wheat—that being the name which we have -mentioned<a id="FNanchor_394_394"></a><a href="#Footnote_394_394" class="fnanchor">394</a> as being given to one kind of wheat—six of -barley, one-fifth more of beans than of wheat, twelve of -vetches, three of chick-pease, chicheling vetches, and pease, -ten of lupines, three of lentils—(these last, however, it is said, -must be sown with dry manure)—six of fitches, six of fenugreek, -four of kidney-beans, twenty of hay grass,<a id="FNanchor_395_395"></a><a href="#Footnote_395_395" class="fnanchor">395</a> and four -sextarii of millet and panic. Where the soil is rich, the proportion -must be greater, where it is thin, less.<a id="FNanchor_396_396"></a><a href="#Footnote_396_396" class="fnanchor">396</a></p> - -<p>There is another distinction, too, to be made; where the -soil is dense, cretaceous, or moist, there should be six modii of -wheat or winter-wheat to the jugerum, but where the land is -loose, dry, and prolific, four will be enough. A meagre soil, -too, if the crop is not very thinly sown, will produce a diminutive, -empty ear. Rich lands give a number of stalks to each -grain, and yield a thick crop from only a light sowing. The -result, then, is, that from four to six modii must be sown, -according to the nature of the soil; though there are some -who make it a rule that five modii is the proper proportion for -sowing, neither more nor less, whether it is a densely-planted -locality, a declivity, or a thin, meagre soil. To this subject -bears reference an oracular precept which never can be too -carefully observed<a id="FNanchor_397_397"></a><a href="#Footnote_397_397" class="fnanchor">397</a>—“Don’t rob the harvest.”<a id="FNanchor_398_398"></a><a href="#Footnote_398_398" class="fnanchor">398</a> Attius, in his -Praxidicus,<a id="FNanchor_399_399"></a><a href="#Footnote_399_399" class="fnanchor">399</a> has added that the proper time for sowing is,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72">72</a></span> -when the moon is in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, and Aquarius. -Zoroaster says it should be done when the sun has passed twelve -degrees of Scorpio, and the moon is in Taurus.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_56"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 56.—THE PROPER TIMES FOR SOWING.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We now come to a subject which has been hitherto deferred -by us, and which requires our most careful attention—the -proper times for sowing. This is a question that depends in -a very great degree upon the stars; and I shall therefore make -it my first care to set forth all the opinions that have been -written in reference to the subject. Hesiod, the first writer -who has given any precepts upon agriculture, speaks of one -period only for sowing—the setting of the Vergiliæ: but then -he wrote in Bœotia, a country of Hellas, where, as we have -already stated,<a id="FNanchor_400_400"></a><a href="#Footnote_400_400" class="fnanchor">400</a> they are still in the habit of sowing at that -period.</p> - -<p>It is generally agreed by the most correct writers, that with -the earth, as with the birds and quadrupeds, there are certain -impulses for reproduction; and the epoch for this is fixed by -the Greeks at the time when the earth is warm and moist. -Virgil<a id="FNanchor_401_401"></a><a href="#Footnote_401_401" class="fnanchor">401</a> says that wheat and spelt should be sown at the setting -of the Vergiliæ, barley between the autumnal equinox and -the winter solstice, and vetches,<a id="FNanchor_402_402"></a><a href="#Footnote_402_402" class="fnanchor">402</a> kidney-beans, and lentils at -the setting of Boötes:<a id="FNanchor_403_403"></a><a href="#Footnote_403_403" class="fnanchor">403</a> it is of great importance, therefore, -to ascertain the exact days of the rising and setting of these -constellations, as well as of the others. There are some, again, -who recommend the sowing to be done before the setting of -the Vergiliæ, but only in a dry soil, and in those provinces -where the weather is hot; for the seed, they say,<a id="FNanchor_404_404"></a><a href="#Footnote_404_404" class="fnanchor">404</a> if put in the -ground will keep, there being no moisture to spoil it, and -within a single day after the next fall of rain, will make its -appearance above ground. Others, again, are of opinion that -sowing should begin about seven days after the setting of the -Vergiliæ, a period which is mostly followed by rain. Some -think that cold soils should be sown immediately after the -autumnal equinox, and a warm soil later, so that the blade -may not put forth too luxuriantly before winter.</p> - -<p>It is universally agreed, however, that the sowing should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73">73</a></span> -not be done about the period of the winter solstice; for this -very good reason—the winter seeds, if put in before the -winter solstice, will make their appearance above ground on -the seventh day, whereas, if they are sown just after it, they -will hardly appear by the fortieth. There are some, however, -who begin very early, and have a saying to justify their doing -so, to the effect that if seed sown too early often disappoints, -seed put in too late always does so. On the other hand, again, -there are some who maintain that it is better to sow in -spring than in a bad autumn; and they say that if they find -themselves obliged to sow in spring, they would choose the -period that intervenes between the prevalence of the west -winds<a id="FNanchor_405_405"></a><a href="#Footnote_405_405" class="fnanchor">405</a> and the vernal equinox. Some persons, however, take -no notice of the celestial phenomena, and only regulate their -movements by the months. In spring they put in flax, the -oat, and the poppy, up to the feast of the Quinquatria,<a id="FNanchor_406_406"></a><a href="#Footnote_406_406" class="fnanchor">406</a> as we -find done at the present day by the people of Italy beyond the -Padus. There, too, they sow beans and winter-wheat in the -month of November, and spelt at the end of September, up -to the ides of October:<a id="FNanchor_407_407"></a><a href="#Footnote_407_407" class="fnanchor">407</a> others, however, sow this last after -the ides of October, as late as the calends of November.<a id="FNanchor_408_408"></a><a href="#Footnote_408_408" class="fnanchor">408</a></p> - -<p>The persons who do this take no notice, consequently, of the -phenomena of Nature, while others, again, lay too much stress -upon them, and hence, by these refined subtleties and distinctions, -only add to their blindness; for here are ignorant -rustics, not only dealing with a branch of learning, but that -branch astronomy! It must still, however, be admitted that -the observation of the heavens plays a very important part in -the operations of agriculture; and Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_409_409"></a><a href="#Footnote_409_409" class="fnanchor">409</a> we find, gives it as -his advice, that before any thing else, we should learn the -theory of the winds, and the revolutions of the stars; for, as he -says, the agriculturist, no less than the mariner, should regulate -his movements thereby. It is an arduous attempt, and -almost beyond all hope of success, to make an endeavour to introduce -the divine science of the heavens to the uninformed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74">74</a></span> -mind of the rustic; still, however, with a view to such vast -practical results as must be derived from this kind of knowledge, -I shall make the attempt. There are some astronomical -difficulties, however, which have been experienced by the -learned even, that ought to be first submitted for consideration, -in order that the mind may feel some encouragement on abandoning -the study of the heavens, and may be acquainted with -facts at least, even though it is still unable to see into futurity.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_57"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 57. (25.)—ARRANGEMENT OF THE STARS ACCORDING TO THE -TERRESTRIAL DAYS AND NIGHTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In the first place, it is almost an utter impossibility to calculate -with a fair degree of accuracy the days of the year and -the movements of the sun. To the three hundred and sixty-five -days there are still to be added the intercalary days, the -result of the additional quarters of a day and night: hence it -is, that it is found impossible to ascertain with exactness the -proper periods for the appearance of the stars. To this we -must add, too, a certain degree of uncertainty connected with -these matters, that is universally admitted; thus, for instance, -bad and wintry weather will often precede, by several days, -the proper period for the advent of that season, a state of things -known to the Greeks as <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">προχειμάζειν</span>;<a id="FNanchor_410_410"></a><a href="#Footnote_410_410" class="fnanchor">410</a> while at another time, -it will last longer than usual, a state of circumstances known as -<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐπιχειμάζειν</span>.<a id="FNanchor_411_411"></a><a href="#Footnote_411_411" class="fnanchor">411</a> The effects, too, of the changes that take place -in the seasons will sometimes be felt later, and at other times -earlier, upon their reaching the face of the earth; and we not -unfrequently hear the remark made, upon the return of fine -weather, that the action of such and such a constellation is -now completed.<a id="FNanchor_412_412"></a><a href="#Footnote_412_412" class="fnanchor">412</a> And then, again, as all these phænomena depend -upon certain stars, arranged and regulated in the vault of -heaven, we find intervening, in accordance with the movements; -of certain stars, hailstorms and showers, themselves productive -of no slight results, as we have already observed,<a id="FNanchor_413_413"></a><a href="#Footnote_413_413" class="fnanchor">413</a> and apt to -interfere with the anticipated regular recurrence of the seasons. -Nor are we to suppose that these disappointments fall upon the -human race only, for other animated beings, as well as ourselves,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75">75</a></span> -are deceived in regard to them, although endowed with even a -greater degree of sagacity upon these points than we are, from -the fact of their very existence depending so materially upon -them. Hence it is, that we sometimes see the summer birds -killed by too late or too early cold, and the winter birds by -heat coming out of the usual season. It is for this reason, -that Virgil<a id="FNanchor_414_414"></a><a href="#Footnote_414_414" class="fnanchor">414</a> has recommended us to study the courses of the -planets, and has particularly warned us to watch the passage -of the cold star Saturn.</p> - -<p>There are some who look upon the appearance of the butterfly -as the surest sign of spring, because of the extreme delicacy -of that insect. In this present year,<a id="FNanchor_415_415"></a><a href="#Footnote_415_415" class="fnanchor">415</a> however, in which I -am penning these lines, it has been remarked that the flights -of butterflies have been killed three several times, by as many -returns of the cold; while the foreign birds, which brought -us by the sixth of the calends of February<a id="FNanchor_416_416"></a><a href="#Footnote_416_416" class="fnanchor">416</a> every indication -of an early spring, after that had to struggle against a winter -of the greatest severity. In treating of these matters, we have -to meet a twofold difficulty: first of all, we have to ascertain -whether or not the celestial phænomena are regulated by -certain laws, and then we have to seek how to reconcile those -laws with apparent facts. We must, however, be more particularly -careful to take into account the convexity of the earth, -and the differences of situation in the localities upon the face -of the globe; for hence it is, that the same constellation shows -itself to different nations at different times, the result being, -that its influence is by no means perceptible everywhere at the -same moment. This difficulty has been considerably enhanced, -too, by various authors, who, after making their observations -in different localities, and indeed, in some instances, in the same -locality, have yet given us varying or contradictory results.</p> - -<p>There have been three great schools of astronomy, the Chaldæan, -the Ægyptian, and the Grecian. To these has been -added a fourth school, which was established by the Dictator -Cæsar among ourselves, and to which was entrusted the duty -of regulating the year in conformity with the sun’s revolution,<a id="FNanchor_417_417"></a><a href="#Footnote_417_417" class="fnanchor">417</a> -under the auspices of Sosigenes, an astronomer of considerable -learning and skill. His theory, too, upon the discovery of certain -errors, has since been corrected, no intercalations having<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76">76</a></span> -been made for twelve<a id="FNanchor_418_418"></a><a href="#Footnote_418_418" class="fnanchor">418</a> successive years, upon its being found -that the year which before had anticipated the constellations, -was now beginning to fall behind them. Even Sosigenes himself, -too, though more correct than his predecessors, has not -hesitated to show, by his continual corrections in the three -several treatises which he composed, that he still entertained -great doubts on the subject. The writers, too, whose names are -inserted at the beginning of this work,<a id="FNanchor_419_419"></a><a href="#Footnote_419_419" class="fnanchor">419</a> have sufficiently revealed -the fact of these discrepancies, the opinions of one being -rarely found to agree with those of another. This, however, -is less surprising in the case of those whose plea is the difference -of the localities in which they wrote. But with reference to -those who, though living in the same country, have still arrived -at different results, we shall here mention one remarkable -instance of discrepancy. Hesiod—for under his name, also, -we have a treatise extant on the Science of the Stars<a id="FNanchor_420_420"></a><a href="#Footnote_420_420" class="fnanchor">420</a>—has -stated that the morning setting of the Vergiliæ takes place at -the moment of the autumnal equinox; whereas Thales, we -find, makes it the twenty-fifth day after the equinox, Anaximander -the twenty-ninth, and Euctemon the forty-eighth.</p> - -<p>As for ourselves, we shall follow the calculations made by -Julius Cæsar,<a id="FNanchor_421_421"></a><a href="#Footnote_421_421" class="fnanchor">421</a> which bear reference more particularly to Italy; -though at the same time, we shall set forth the dicta of various -other writers, bearing in mind that we are treating not of an -individual country, but of Nature considered in her totality. -In doing this, however, we shall name, not the writers themselves, -for that would be too lengthy a task, but the countries -in reference to which they speak. The reader must bear in -mind, then, that for the sake of saving space, under the head -of Attica, we include the islands of the Cyclades as well; under -that of Macedonia, Magnesia and Thracia; under that of Egypt,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77">77</a></span> -Phœnice, Cyprus, and Cilicia; under that of Bœotia, Locris, -Phocis, and the adjoining countries; under that of Hellespont, -Chersonesus, and the contiguous parts as far as Mount Athos; -under that of Ionia, Asia<a id="FNanchor_422_422"></a><a href="#Footnote_422_422" class="fnanchor">422</a> and the islands of Asia; under that -of Peloponnesus, Achaia, and the regions lying to the west of -it. Chaldæa, when mentioned, will signify Assyria and Babylonia, -as well.</p> - -<p>My silence as to Africa,<a id="FNanchor_423_423"></a><a href="#Footnote_423_423" class="fnanchor">423</a> Spain, and the provinces of Gaul, -will occasion no surprise, from the fact that no one has published -any observations made upon the stars in those countries. -Still, however, there will be no difficulty in calculating them, -even for these regions as well, on reference being made to the -parallels which have been set forth in the Sixth Book.<a id="FNanchor_424_424"></a><a href="#Footnote_424_424" class="fnanchor">424</a> By -adopting this course, an accurate acquaintance may be made -with the astronomical relations, not only of individual nations, -but of cities even as well. By taking the circular parallels -which we have there appended to the several portions of the -earth respectively, and applying them to the countries in question, -that are similarly situate, it will be found that the rising -of the heavenly bodies will be the same for all parts within -those parallels, where the shadows projected are of equal length. -It is also deserving of remark, that the seasons have their -periodical recurrences, without any marked difference, every -four years, in consequence of the influence<a id="FNanchor_425_425"></a><a href="#Footnote_425_425" class="fnanchor">425</a> of the sun, and that -the characteristics of the seasons are developed in excess every -eighth year, at the revolution of every hundredth moon.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_58"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 58.—THE RISING AND SETTING OF THE STARS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The whole of this system is based upon the observation of -three branches of the heavenly phænomena, the rising of the -constellations, their setting, and the regular recurrence of the -seasons. These risings and settings may be observed in two -different ways:—The stars are either concealed, and cease to -be seen at the rising of the sun, or else present themselves to -our view at his setting—this last being more generally known -by the name of “emersion” than of “rising,” while their disappearance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78">78</a></span> -is rather an “occultation” than a “setting.”—Considered, -again, in another point of view, when upon certain -days they begin to appear or disappear, at the setting -or the rising of the sun, as the case may be, these are called -their morning or their evening settings or risings, according -as each of these phænomena takes place at day-break or twilight. -It requires an interval of three quarters of an hour at least before -the rising of the sun or after his setting, for the stars to -be visible to us. In addition to this, there are certain stars -which rise and set twice.<a id="FNanchor_426_426"></a><a href="#Footnote_426_426" class="fnanchor">426</a> All that we here state bears reference, -it must be remembered, to the fixed stars only.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_59"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 59.—THE EPOCHS OF THE SEASONS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The year is divided into four periods or seasons, the recurrence -of which is indicated by the increase or diminution of the -daylight. Immediately after the winter solstice the days begin -to increase, and by the time of the vernal equinox, or in other -words, in ninety days and three hours, the day is equal in -length to the night. After this, for ninety-four days and -twelve hours, the days continue to increase, and the nights to -diminish in proportion, up to the summer solstice; and from -that point the days, though gradually decreasing, are still in -excess of the nights for ninety-two days, twelve hours, until the -autumnal equinox. At this period the days are of equal -length with the nights, and after it they continue to decrease -inversely to the nights until the winter solstice, a period -of eighty-eight days and three hours. In all these calculations, -it must be remembered, equinoctial<a id="FNanchor_427_427"></a><a href="#Footnote_427_427" class="fnanchor">427</a> hours are spoken -of, and not those measured arbitrarily in reference to the -length of any one day in particular. All these seasons, too, -commence at the eighth degree of the signs of the Zodiac. -The winter solstice begins at the eighth degree of Capricorn, -the eighth<a id="FNanchor_428_428"></a><a href="#Footnote_428_428" class="fnanchor">428</a> day before the calends of January, in general;<a id="FNanchor_429_429"></a><a href="#Footnote_429_429" class="fnanchor">429</a> the -vernal equinox at the eighth degree of Aries; the summer -solstice, at the eighth degree of Cancer; and the autumnal -equinox at the eighth degree of Libra: and it is rarely that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79">79</a></span> -these days do not respectively give some indication of a change -in the weather.</p> - -<p>These four seasons again, are subdivided, each of them, into -two equal parts. Thus, for instance, between the summer -solstice and the autumnal equinox, the setting of the Lyre,<a id="FNanchor_430_430"></a><a href="#Footnote_430_430" class="fnanchor">430</a> -on the forty-sixth day, indicates the beginning of autumn; between -the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice, the morning -setting of the Vergiliæ, on the forty-fourth day, denotes -the beginning of winter; between the winter solstice and the -vernal equinox, the prevalence of the west winds on the forty-fifth -day, denotes the commencement of spring; and between -the vernal equinox and the summer solstice, the morning rising -of the Vergiliæ, on the forty-eighth day, announces the commencement -of summer. We shall here make seed-time, or in -other words, the morning setting of the Vergiliæ, our starting-point;<a id="FNanchor_431_431"></a><a href="#Footnote_431_431" class="fnanchor">431</a> -and shall not interrupt the thread of our explanation -by making any mention of the minor constellations, as such a -course would only augment the difficulties that already exist. -It is much about this period that the stormy constellation of -Orion departs, after traversing a large portion of the heavens.<a id="FNanchor_432_432"></a><a href="#Footnote_432_432" class="fnanchor">432</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_60"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 60.—THE PROPER TIME FOR WINTER SOWING.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Most persons anticipate the proper time for sowing, and begin -to put in the corn immediately after the eleventh day of -the autumnal equinox, at the rising of the Crown, when we -may reckon, almost to a certainty, upon several days of rainy -weather in succession. Xenophon<a id="FNanchor_433_433"></a><a href="#Footnote_433_433" class="fnanchor">433</a> is of opinion, that sowing -should not be commenced until the Deity has given us the -signal for it, a term by which Cicero understands the rains that -prevail in November. The true method to be adopted, however, -is not to sow until the leaves begin to fall. Some persons -are of opinion that this takes place at the setting of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80">80</a></span> -Vergiliæ, or the third day before the ides of November, as -already stated,<a id="FNanchor_434_434"></a><a href="#Footnote_434_434" class="fnanchor">434</a> and they carefully observe it, for it is a constellation -very easily remarked in the heavens, and warns us -to resume our winter clothes.<a id="FNanchor_435_435"></a><a href="#Footnote_435_435" class="fnanchor">435</a> Hence it is, that immediately -on its setting, the approach of winter is expected, and care is -taken by those who are on their guard against the exorbitant -charges of the shop-keepers, to provide themselves with an -appropriate dress. If the Vergiliæ set with cloudy weather, -it forebodes a rainy winter, and the prices of cloaks<a id="FNanchor_436_436"></a><a href="#Footnote_436_436" class="fnanchor">436</a> immediately -rise; but if, on the other hand, the weather is clear at -that period, a sharp winter is to be expected, and then the -price of garments of other descriptions is sure to go up. But -as to the husbandman, unacquainted as he is with the phænomena -of the heavens, his brambles are to him in place of -constellations, and if he looks at the ground he sees it covered -with their leaves. This fall of the leaves, earlier in one place -and later in another, is a sure criterion of the temperature of -the weather; for there is a great affinity between the effects -produced by the weather in this respect, and the nature of the -soil and climate. There is this peculiar advantage, too, in the -careful observation of these effects, that they are sure to be -perceptible throughout the whole earth, while at the same time -they have certain features which are peculiar to each individual -locality.—A person may perhaps be surprised at this, who does -not bear in mind that the herb pennyroyal,<a id="FNanchor_437_437"></a><a href="#Footnote_437_437" class="fnanchor">437</a> which is hung up -in our larders, always blossoms on the day of the winter solstice; -so firmly resolved is Nature that nothing shall remain -concealed from us, and in that spirit has given us the fall of -the leaf as the signal for sowing.</p> - -<p>Such is the true method of interpreting all these phænomena, -granted to us by Nature as a manifestation of her will. It -is in this way that she warns us to prepare the ground, makes -us a promise of a manure, as it were, in the fall of the leaves, -announces to us that the earth and the productions thereof are -thus protected by her against the cold, and warns us to hasten -the operations of agriculture.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81">81</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_61"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 61.—WHEN TO SOW THE LEGUMINOUS PLANTS AND THE -POPPY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Varro<a id="FNanchor_438_438"></a><a href="#Footnote_438_438" class="fnanchor">438</a> has given no other sign but this<a id="FNanchor_439_439"></a><a href="#Footnote_439_439" class="fnanchor">439</a> for our guidance -in sowing the bean. Some persons are of opinion that it should -be sown at full moon, the lentil between the twenty-fifth and -thirtieth day of the moon, and the vetch on the same days of -the moon; and they assure us that if this is done they will be -exempt from the attacks of slugs. Some say, however, that -if wanted for fodder, they may be sown at these periods, but -if for seed, in the spring. There is another sign, more evident -still, supplied us by the marvellous foresight of Nature, with -reference to which we will give the words employed by Cicero<a id="FNanchor_440_440"></a><a href="#Footnote_440_440" class="fnanchor">440</a> -himself:</p> - -<p> -“The lentisk, ever green and ever bent<br /> -Beneath its fruits, affords a threefold crop:<br /> -Thrice teeming, thrice it warns us when to plough.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>One of the periods here alluded to, is the same that is now -under consideration, being the appropriate time also for sowing -flax and the poppy.<a id="FNanchor_441_441"></a><a href="#Footnote_441_441" class="fnanchor">441</a> With reference to this last, Cato gives the -following advice: “Burn, upon land where corn has been grown, -the twigs and branches which are of no use to you, and when -that is done, sow the poppy there.” The wild poppy, which -is of an utility that is quite marvellous, is boiled in honey as a -remedy for diseases in the throat,<a id="FNanchor_442_442"></a><a href="#Footnote_442_442" class="fnanchor">442</a> while the cultivated kind is -a powerful narcotic. Thus much in reference to winter sowing.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_62"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 62.—WORK TO BE DONE IN THE COUNTRY IN EACH -MONTH RESPECTIVELY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>And now, in order to complete what we may call in some -measure an abridgment of the operations of agriculture, it is as -well to add that it will be a good plan at the same period to -manure the roots of trees, and to mould up the vines—a single -hand being sufficient for one jugerum. Where, too, the nature -of the locality will allow it, the vines, and the trees upon which -they are trained, should be lopped, and the soil turned up with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82">82</a></span> -the mattock for seed plots; trenches, too, should be opened out, -and the water drained from off the fields, and the presses<a id="FNanchor_443_443"></a><a href="#Footnote_443_443" class="fnanchor">443</a> -should be well washed and put away. Never put eggs beneath -the hen between the calends of November<a id="FNanchor_444_444"></a><a href="#Footnote_444_444" class="fnanchor">444</a> and the winter -solstice:<a id="FNanchor_445_445"></a><a href="#Footnote_445_445" class="fnanchor">445</a> during all the summer and up to the calends of November, -you may put thirteen under the hen; but the number -must be smaller in winter, not less than nine, however. -Democritus is of opinion, that the winter will turn out of the -same character<a id="FNanchor_446_446"></a><a href="#Footnote_446_446" class="fnanchor">446</a> as the weather on the day of the winter solstice -and the three succeeding days; the same too with the -summer and the weather at the summer solstice. About the -winter solstice, for about twice seven days mostly, while the -halcyon<a id="FNanchor_447_447"></a><a href="#Footnote_447_447" class="fnanchor">447</a> is sitting, the winds are lulled, and the weather -serene;<a id="FNanchor_448_448"></a><a href="#Footnote_448_448" class="fnanchor">448</a> but in this case, as in all others, the influence of the -stars must only be judged of by the result, and we must not -expect the changes of the weather, as if out upon their recognizances,<a id="FNanchor_449_449"></a><a href="#Footnote_449_449" class="fnanchor">449</a> -to make their appearance exactly on certain predetermined -days.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_63"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 63.—WORK TO BE DONE AT THE WINTER SOLSTICE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Be careful never to touch the vine at the winter solstice. -Hyginus recommends us to strain and even rack-off wine at -the seventh day after the winter solstice, provided the moon is -seven days old. About this period, also, the cherry-tree, he -says, should be planted. Acorns, too, should now be put in -soak for the oxen, a modius for each pair. If given in larger -quantities, this food will prove injurious to their health; and -whenever it is given, if they are fed with it for less than thirty -days in succession, an attack of scab in the spring, it is said, -will be sure to make you repent.</p> - -<p>This, too, is the period that we have already assigned<a id="FNanchor_450_450"></a><a href="#Footnote_450_450" class="fnanchor">450</a> for -cutting timber—other kinds of work, again, may be found for -the hours of the night, which are then so greatly prolonged. -There are baskets, hurdles, and panniers to be woven, and wood<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83">83</a></span> -to be cut for torches: squared stays<a id="FNanchor_451_451"></a><a href="#Footnote_451_451" class="fnanchor">451</a> for the vine may be prepared, -too, thirty in the day time, and if rounded,<a id="FNanchor_452_452"></a><a href="#Footnote_452_452" class="fnanchor">452</a> as many as -sixty. In the long hours of the evening, too, some five squared -stays, or ten rounded ones may be got ready, and the same -number while the day is breaking.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_64"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 64.—WORK TO BE DONE BETWEEN THE WINTER SOLSTICE -AND THE PREVALENCE OF THE WEST WINDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Between the winter solstice and the period when the west -winds begin to prevail, the following, according to Cæsar, are the -more important signs afforded by the constellations: the Dog -sets in the morning, upon the third<a id="FNanchor_453_453"></a><a href="#Footnote_453_453" class="fnanchor">453</a> day before the calends of -January; a day on the evening of which the Eagle sets to the -people of Attica and the adjoining countries. On the day before<a id="FNanchor_454_454"></a><a href="#Footnote_454_454" class="fnanchor">454</a> -the nones of January, according to Cæsar’s computation, -the Dolphin rises in the morning, and on the next day, the -Lyre, upon the evening of which the Arrow sets to the people -of Egypt. Upon the sixth<a id="FNanchor_455_455"></a><a href="#Footnote_455_455" class="fnanchor">455</a> day before the ides of January, -the Dolphin sets in the evening, and Italy has many days -of continuous cold; the same is the case also when the sun -enters Aquarius, about the sixteenth<a id="FNanchor_456_456"></a><a href="#Footnote_456_456" class="fnanchor">456</a> day before the calends of -February. On the eighth<a id="FNanchor_457_457"></a><a href="#Footnote_457_457" class="fnanchor">457</a> before the calends of February, the -star which Tubero calls the Royal Star<a id="FNanchor_458_458"></a><a href="#Footnote_458_458" class="fnanchor">458</a> sets in the morning in -the breast of Leo, and in the evening of the day before<a id="FNanchor_459_459"></a><a href="#Footnote_459_459" class="fnanchor">459</a> the -nones of February, the Lyre sets.</p> - -<p>During the latter days of this period, whenever the nature -of the weather will allow of it, the ground should be turned -up with a double mattock, for planting the rose and the vine—sixty -men to a jugerum. Ditches, too, should be cleaned -out, or new ones made; and the time of day-break may be usefully -employed in sharpening iron tools, fitting on handles, repairing -such dolia<a id="FNanchor_460_460"></a><a href="#Footnote_460_460" class="fnanchor">460</a> as may have been broken, and rubbing up -and cleaning their staves.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84">84</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_65"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 65.—WORK TO BE DONE BETWEEN THE PREVALENCE OF -THE WEST WINDS AND THE VERNAL EQUINOX.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Between the prevalence of the west winds and the vernal -equinox, the fourteenth day before<a id="FNanchor_461_461"></a><a href="#Footnote_461_461" class="fnanchor">461</a> the calends of March, according -to Cæsar, announces three days of changeable weather; -the same is the case, too, with the eighth<a id="FNanchor_462_462"></a><a href="#Footnote_462_462" class="fnanchor">462</a> before the calends -of March, at the first appearance of the swallow, Arcturus -rising on the evening of the next day. Cæsar has observed, -that the same takes place on the third<a id="FNanchor_463_463"></a><a href="#Footnote_463_463" class="fnanchor">463</a> before the nones of -March, at the rising of Cancer; and most authorities say the same -with reference to the emersion of the Vintager.<a id="FNanchor_464_464"></a><a href="#Footnote_464_464" class="fnanchor">464</a> On the eighth<a id="FNanchor_465_465"></a><a href="#Footnote_465_465" class="fnanchor">465</a> -before the ides of March, the northern limb of Pisces<a id="FNanchor_466_466"></a><a href="#Footnote_466_466" class="fnanchor">466</a> rises, -and on the next day Orion, at which period also, in Attica, the -Kite is first seen. Cæsar has noted, too, the setting of Scorpio -on the ides of March,<a id="FNanchor_467_467"></a><a href="#Footnote_467_467" class="fnanchor">467</a> a day that was so fatal to him; and on -the fifteenth<a id="FNanchor_468_468"></a><a href="#Footnote_468_468" class="fnanchor">468</a> before the calends of April, the Kite appears in -Italy. On the twelfth<a id="FNanchor_469_469"></a><a href="#Footnote_469_469" class="fnanchor">469</a> before the calends of April, the Horse -sets in the morning.</p> - -<p>This interval of time is a period of extreme activity for the -agriculturist, and affords him a great number of occupations, -in reference to which, however, he is extremely liable to be deceived. -He is summoned to the commencement of these -labours, not upon the day on which the west winds ought to -begin, but upon the day on which they really do begin, to blow. -This moment then must be looked for with the most careful -attention, as it is a signal which the Deity has vouchsafed us -in this month, attended with no doubts or equivocations, if -only looked for with scrupulous care. We have already stated -in the Second Book,<a id="FNanchor_470_470"></a><a href="#Footnote_470_470" class="fnanchor">470</a> the quarter in which this wind blows, -and the exact point from which it comes, and before long we -shall have occasion to speak of it again still more in detail.</p> - -<p>In the mean time, however, setting out from the day, whatever<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85">85</a></span> -it may happen to be, on which the west winds begin to -prevail (for it is not always on the seventh before the ides of -February<a id="FNanchor_471_471"></a><a href="#Footnote_471_471" class="fnanchor">471</a> that they do begin), whether, in fact, they begin -to blow before the usual time, as is the case with an early -spring, or whether after, which generally happens when the -winter is prolonged—there are subjects innumerable to engage -the attention of the agriculturist, and those, of course, should -be the first attended to, which will admit of no delay. Three -month wheat must now be sown, the vine pruned in the way -we have already<a id="FNanchor_472_472"></a><a href="#Footnote_472_472" class="fnanchor">472</a> described, the olive carefully attended to, -fruit-trees put in and grafted, vineyards cleaned and hoed, -seedlings laid out, and replaced in the nursery by others, the -reed, the willow, and the broom planted and lopped, and the -elm, the poplar, and the plane planted in manner already mentioned. -At this period, also, the crops of corn ought to be -weeded,<a id="FNanchor_473_473"></a><a href="#Footnote_473_473" class="fnanchor">473</a> and the winter kinds, spelt more particularly, well -hoed. In doing this, there is a certain rule to be observed, the -proper moment being when four blades have made their appearance, -and with the bean this should never be done until three -leaves have appeared above ground; even then, however, it is a -better plan to clean them only with a slight hoeing, in preference -to digging up the ground—but in no case should they ever be -touched the first fifteen days of their blossom. Barley must -never be hoed except when it is quite dry: take care, too, to -have all the pruning done by the vernal equinox. Four men -will be sufficient for pruning a jugerum of vineyard, and each -hand will be able to train fifteen vines to their trees.<a id="FNanchor_474_474"></a><a href="#Footnote_474_474" class="fnanchor">474</a></p> - -<p>At this period, too, attention should be paid to the gardens -and rose-beds, subjects which will be separately treated of in -succeeding Books; due care should be given to ornamental -gardening as well. It is now, too, the very best time for -making ditches. The ground should now be opened for future -purposes, as we find recommended by Virgil<a id="FNanchor_475_475"></a><a href="#Footnote_475_475" class="fnanchor">475</a> in particular, -in order that the sun may thoroughly warm the clods. It is a -piece of even more sound advice, which recommends us to -plough no lands in the middle of spring but those of middling -quality; for if this is done with a rich soil, weeds will be -sure to spring up in the furrows immediately; and if, on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86">86</a></span> -other hand, it is a thin, meagre land, as soon as the heat comes -on, it will be dried up, and so lose all the moisture which -should be reserved to nourish the seed when sown. It is a much -better plan, beyond a doubt, to plough such soils as these in -autumn.</p> - -<p>Cato<a id="FNanchor_476_476"></a><a href="#Footnote_476_476" class="fnanchor">476</a> lays down the following rules for the operations of -spring. “Ditches,” he says, “should be dug in the seed-plots, -vines should be grafted, and the elm, the fig, the olive, -and other fruit-trees planted in dense and humid soils. Such -meadows<a id="FNanchor_477_477"></a><a href="#Footnote_477_477" class="fnanchor">477</a> as are not irrigated, must be manured in a dry -moon, protected from the western blasts, and carefully cleaned: -noxious weeds must be rooted up, fig-trees cleared, new seed-plots -made, and the old ones dressed: all this should be done -before you begin to hoe the vineyard. When the pear is in -blossom, too, you should begin to plough, where it is a meagre -gravelly soil. When you have done all this, you may plough -the more heavy, watery soils, doing this the last of all.”</p> - -<p>The proper time for ploughing, then,<a id="FNanchor_478_478"></a><a href="#Footnote_478_478" class="fnanchor">478</a> is denoted by these -two signs, the earliest fruit of the lentisk<a id="FNanchor_479_479"></a><a href="#Footnote_479_479" class="fnanchor">479</a> making its appearance, -and the blossoming of the pear. There is a third sign -however, as well, the flowering of the squill among the bulbous,<a id="FNanchor_480_480"></a><a href="#Footnote_480_480" class="fnanchor">480</a> -and of the narcissus among the garland, plants. For -both the squill and the narcissus, as well as the lentisk, flower -three times, denoting by their first flowering the first period -for ploughing, by the second flowering the second, and by the -third flowering the last; in this way it is that one thing affords -hints for another. There is one precaution, too, that is by no -means the least important among them all, not to let ivy touch -the bean while in blossom; for at this period the ivy is noxious<a id="FNanchor_481_481"></a><a href="#Footnote_481_481" class="fnanchor">481</a> -to it, and most baneful in its effects. Some plants, again -afford certain signs which bear reference more particularly to -themselves, the fig for instance; when a few leaves only are -found shooting from the summit, like a cup in shape, then it is -more particularly that the fig-tree should be planted.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_66"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 66.—WORK TO BE DONE AFTER THE VERNAL EQUINOX.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The vernal equinox appears to end on the eighth<a id="FNanchor_482_482"></a><a href="#Footnote_482_482" class="fnanchor">482</a> day before<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87">87</a></span> -the calends of April. Between the equinox and the -morning rising of the Vergiliæ, the calends<a id="FNanchor_483_483"></a><a href="#Footnote_483_483" class="fnanchor">483</a> of April announce, -according to Cæsar, [stormy weather].<a id="FNanchor_484_484"></a><a href="#Footnote_484_484" class="fnanchor">484</a> Upon the third<a id="FNanchor_485_485"></a><a href="#Footnote_485_485" class="fnanchor">485</a> -before the nones of April, the Vergiliæ set in the evening -in Attica, and the day after in Bœotia, but according to Cæsar -and the Chaldæans, upon the nones.<a id="FNanchor_486_486"></a><a href="#Footnote_486_486" class="fnanchor">486</a> In Egypt, at this time, -Orion and his Sword begin to set. According to Cæsar, the -setting of Libra on the sixth before<a id="FNanchor_487_487"></a><a href="#Footnote_487_487" class="fnanchor">487</a> the ides of April announces -rain. On the fourteenth before<a id="FNanchor_488_488"></a><a href="#Footnote_488_488" class="fnanchor">488</a> the calends of May, -the Suculæ set to the people of Egypt in the evening, a stormy -constellation, and significant of tempests both by land and sea. -This constellation sets on the sixteenth<a id="FNanchor_489_489"></a><a href="#Footnote_489_489" class="fnanchor">489</a> in Attica, and on the -fifteenth, according to Cæsar, announcing four days of bad -weather in succession: in Assyria it sets upon the twelfth<a id="FNanchor_490_490"></a><a href="#Footnote_490_490" class="fnanchor">490</a> -before the calends of May. This constellation has ordinarily the -name of Parilicium, from the circumstance that the eleventh<a id="FNanchor_491_491"></a><a href="#Footnote_491_491" class="fnanchor">491</a> -before the calends of May is observed as the natal day of the -City of Rome; upon this day, too, fine weather generally returns, -and gives us a clear sky for our observations. The -Greeks call the Suculæ by the name of “Hyades,”<a id="FNanchor_492_492"></a><a href="#Footnote_492_492" class="fnanchor">492</a> in consequence -of the rain and clouds which they bring with them; -while our people, misled by the resemblance of the Greek name -to another word<a id="FNanchor_493_493"></a><a href="#Footnote_493_493" class="fnanchor">493</a> of theirs, meaning a “pig,” have imagined -that the constellation receives its name from that word, and -have consequently given it, in their ignorance, the name of -“Suculæ,” or the “Little Pigs.”</p> - -<p>In the calculations made by Cæsar, the eighth<a id="FNanchor_494_494"></a><a href="#Footnote_494_494" class="fnanchor">494</a> before the -calends of May is a day remarked, and on the seventh<a id="FNanchor_495_495"></a><a href="#Footnote_495_495" class="fnanchor">495</a> before -the calends, the constellation of the Kids rises in Egypt. On -the sixth before<a id="FNanchor_496_496"></a><a href="#Footnote_496_496" class="fnanchor">496</a> the calends, the Dog sets in the evening in -Bœotia and Attica, and the Lyre rises in the morning. On -the fifth<a id="FNanchor_497_497"></a><a href="#Footnote_497_497" class="fnanchor">497</a> before the calends of May, Orion has wholly set<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88">88</a></span> -to the people of Assyria, and on the fourth<a id="FNanchor_498_498"></a><a href="#Footnote_498_498" class="fnanchor">498</a> before the calends -the Dog. On the sixth before<a id="FNanchor_499_499"></a><a href="#Footnote_499_499" class="fnanchor">499</a> the nones of May, the Suculæ -rise in the morning, according to the calculation of Cæsar, and -on the eighth before<a id="FNanchor_500_500"></a><a href="#Footnote_500_500" class="fnanchor">500</a> the ides, the She-goat, which announces -rain. In Egypt the Dog sets in the evening of the same day. -Such are pretty nearly the movements of the constellations up -to the sixth before<a id="FNanchor_501_501"></a><a href="#Footnote_501_501" class="fnanchor">501</a> the ides of May, the period of the rising -of the Vergiliæ.</p> - -<p>In this interval of time, during the first fifteen days, the -agriculturist must make haste and do all the work for which -he has not been able to find time before the vernal equinox; -and he should bear in mind that those who are late in pruning -their vines are exposed to jibes and taunts, in imitation of the -note of the bird of passage known to us as the cuckoo.<a id="FNanchor_502_502"></a><a href="#Footnote_502_502" class="fnanchor">502</a> For it -is looked upon as a disgrace, and one that subjects him to well-merited -censure, for that bird, upon its arrival, to find him -only then pruning his vines. Hence it is, too, that we find -those cutting jokes,<a id="FNanchor_503_503"></a><a href="#Footnote_503_503" class="fnanchor">503</a> of which our peasantry are the object, at -the beginning of spring. Still, however, all such jokes are to -be looked upon as most abominable, from the ill omens<a id="FNanchor_504_504"></a><a href="#Footnote_504_504" class="fnanchor">504</a> they -convey.</p> - -<p>In this way, then, we see that, in agricultural operations, -the most trifling things are construed as so many hints supplied -us by Nature. The latter part of this period is the proper -time for sowing panic and millet; the precise moment, however, -is just after the barley has ripened. In the case of the -very same land, too, there is one sign that points in common -both to the ripening of the barley and the sowing of panic and -millet—the appearance of the glow-worm, shining in the fields -at night. “Cicindelæ”<a id="FNanchor_505_505"></a><a href="#Footnote_505_505" class="fnanchor">505</a> is the name given by the country -people to these flying stars, while the Greeks call them “lampyrides,”—another -manifestation of the incredible bounteousness -of Nature.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_67"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 67. (27.)—WORK TO BE DONE AFTER THE RISING OF THE -VERGILIÆ: HAY-MAKING.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Nature had already formed the Vergiliæ, a noble group of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89">89</a></span> -stars, in the heavens; but not content with these, she has -made others as well for the face of the earth, crying aloud, as -it were:<a id="FNanchor_506_506"></a><a href="#Footnote_506_506" class="fnanchor">506</a> “Why contemplate the heavens, husbandman? -Why, rustic, look up at the stars? Do not the nights already -afford you a sleep too brief for your fatigues? Behold now! I -scatter stars amid the grass for your service, and I reveal them -to you in the evening, as you return from your work; and -that you may not disregard them, I call your attention to this -marvel. Do you not see how the wings of this insect cover -a body bright and shining like fire, and how that body gives -out light in the hours of the night even? I have given you -plants to point out to you the hours, and, that you may not -have to turn your eyes from the earth, even to view the sun, -the heliotropium and the lupine have been made by me to move -with his movements. Why then still look upwards, and scan -the face of heaven? Behold, here before your very feet are -your Vergiliæ; upon a certain day do they make their appearance, -and for a certain time do they stay. Equally certain, -too, it is that of that constellation they are the offspring. -Whoever, then, shall put in his summer seeds before they have -made their appearance, will infallibly find himself in the -wrong.”</p> - -<p>It is in this interval, too, that the little bee comes forth, and -announces that the bean is about to blossom; for it is the bean -in flower that summons it forth. We will here give another -sign, which tells us when the cold is gone; as soon as ever -you see the mulberry<a id="FNanchor_507_507"></a><a href="#Footnote_507_507" class="fnanchor">507</a> in bud, you have no occasion to fear any -injury from the rigour of the weather.</p> - -<p>It is the time, now, to put in cuttings of the olive, to clear -away between the olive-trees, and, in the earlier days of the -equinox, to irrigate the meadows. As soon, however, as the -grass puts forth a stem, you must shut off the water from the -fields.<a id="FNanchor_508_508"></a><a href="#Footnote_508_508" class="fnanchor">508</a> You must now lop the leafy branches of the vine, it -being the rule that this should be done as soon as the branches -have attained four fingers in length; one labourer will be sufficient -for a jugerum. The crops of corn, too, should be hoed -over again, an operation which lasts twenty days. It is generally -thought, however, that it is injurious to both vine and -corn to begin hoeing directly after the equinox. This is the -proper time, too, for washing sheep.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90">90</a></span></p> - -<p>After the rising of the Vergiliæ the more remarkable signs -are, according to Cæsar, the morning rising of Arcturus, which -takes place on the following day;<a id="FNanchor_509_509"></a><a href="#Footnote_509_509" class="fnanchor">509</a> and the rising of the Lyre -on the third<a id="FNanchor_510_510"></a><a href="#Footnote_510_510" class="fnanchor">510</a> before the ides of May. The She-goat sets in -the evening of the twelfth before<a id="FNanchor_511_511"></a><a href="#Footnote_511_511" class="fnanchor">511</a> the calends of June, and -in Attica the Dog. On the eleventh<a id="FNanchor_512_512"></a><a href="#Footnote_512_512" class="fnanchor">512</a> before the calends of -June, according to Cæsar, Orion’s Sword begins to appear; and, -according to the same writer, on the fourth<a id="FNanchor_513_513"></a><a href="#Footnote_513_513" class="fnanchor">513</a> before the nones -of June the Eagle rises in the evening, and in Assyria as well. -On the seventh<a id="FNanchor_514_514"></a><a href="#Footnote_514_514" class="fnanchor">514</a> before the ides of June Arcturus sets in the -morning to the people of Italy, and on the fourth<a id="FNanchor_515_515"></a><a href="#Footnote_515_515" class="fnanchor">515</a> before the -ides the Dolphin rises in the evening. On the seventeenth<a id="FNanchor_516_516"></a><a href="#Footnote_516_516" class="fnanchor">516</a> -before the calends of July Orion’s Sword rises in Italy, and, -four days later, in Egypt. On the eleventh<a id="FNanchor_517_517"></a><a href="#Footnote_517_517" class="fnanchor">517</a> before the calends -of July, according to Cæsar’s reckoning, Orion’s Sword begins -to set; and the eighth<a id="FNanchor_518_518"></a><a href="#Footnote_518_518" class="fnanchor">518</a> before the calends of July, the longest -day in the year, with the shortest night, brings us to the summer -solstice.</p> - -<p>In this interval of time the vine should be cleared of its -superfluous branches, and care taken to give an old vine one -turning up at the roots, a young tree two. Sheep, too, are -sheared at this period, lupines turned up for manuring the -land, the ground dug, vetches cut for fodder, and beans gathered -in and threshed.</p> - -<p>(28.) About the calends of June<a id="FNanchor_519_519"></a><a href="#Footnote_519_519" class="fnanchor">519</a> the meadows are mown; -the cultivation of which, the one which is the easiest of all, -and requires the smallest outlay, leads me to enter into some -further details relative to it. Meadow lands should be selected -in a rich, or else a moist or well-watered, soil, and care should -be taken to drain the rain-water upon them from the high-road. -The best method of ensuring a good crop of grass, is -first to plough the land, and then to harrow it: but, before -passing the harrow over it, the ground should be sprinkled -with such seed as may have fallen from the hay in the hay-lofts -and mangers. The land should not be watered, however, -the first year,<a id="FNanchor_520_520"></a><a href="#Footnote_520_520" class="fnanchor">520</a> nor should cattle be put to graze upon it before<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91">91</a></span> -the second hay-harvest, for fear lest the blade should be torn -up by the roots, or be trodden down and stunted in its growth. -Meadow land will grow old in time, and it requires to be renovated -every now and then, by sowing upon it a crop of beans, -or else rape or millet, after which it should be sown the next -year with corn, and then left for hay the third. Care, too, -should be taken, every time the grass is cut, to pass the sickle -over the ground, and so cut the aftermath which the mowers -have left behind; for it is a very bad plan to leave any of the -grass and let it shed its seed there. The best crop for meadow -land is trefoil,<a id="FNanchor_521_521"></a><a href="#Footnote_521_521" class="fnanchor">521</a> and the next best is grass;<a id="FNanchor_522_522"></a><a href="#Footnote_522_522" class="fnanchor">522</a> nummulus<a id="FNanchor_523_523"></a><a href="#Footnote_523_523" class="fnanchor">523</a> is -the very worst of all, as it bears a pod which is particularly -injurious; equisætis,<a id="FNanchor_524_524"></a><a href="#Footnote_524_524" class="fnanchor">524</a> too, which derives its name from its -resemblance to horse-hair, is of a noxious character. The proper -time for mowing grass is when the ear begins to shed its -blossom and to grow strong: care must be taken to cut it -before it becomes dry and parched. “Don’t mow your hay -too late,” says Cato;<a id="FNanchor_525_525"></a><a href="#Footnote_525_525" class="fnanchor">525</a> “but cut it before the seed is ripe.” -Some persons turn the water upon it the day before mowing, -where it is practicable to do so. It is the best plan to cut hay -in the night while the dews are falling.<a id="FNanchor_526_526"></a><a href="#Footnote_526_526" class="fnanchor">526</a> In some parts of -Italy the mowing is not done till after harvest.</p> - -<p>This operation, too, was a very expensive one in ancient -times. In those days the only whetstones<a id="FNanchor_527_527"></a><a href="#Footnote_527_527" class="fnanchor">527</a> known were -those of Crete and other places beyond sea, and they only used -oil to sharpen the scythe with. For this purpose the mower -moved along, with a horn, to hold the oil, fastened to his -thigh. Italy has since furnished us with whetstones which are -used with water, and give an edge to the iron quite equal to -that imparted by the file; these water-whetstones, however, -turn green very quickly. Of the scythe<a id="FNanchor_528_528"></a><a href="#Footnote_528_528" class="fnanchor">528</a> there are two varieties;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92">92</a></span> -the Italian,<a id="FNanchor_529_529"></a><a href="#Footnote_529_529" class="fnanchor">529</a> which is considerably shorter than the -other, and can be handled among underwood even; and the -Gallic, which makes quicker work<a id="FNanchor_530_530"></a><a href="#Footnote_530_530" class="fnanchor">530</a> of it, when employed on -extensive domains, for there they cut the grass in the middle -only, and pass over the shorter blades. The Italian mowers -cut with one hand only. It is a fair day’s work for one man -to cut a jugerum of grass, and for another to bind twelve hundred -sheaves of four pounds each. When the grass is cut it -should be turned towards the sun, and must never be stacked -until it is quite dry. If this last precaution is not carefully -taken, a kind of vapour will be seen arising from the rick in -the morning, and as soon as the sun is up it will ignite to a -certainty, and so be consumed. When the grass has been cut, -the meadow must be irrigated again, for the purpose of ensuring -a crop in the autumn, known to us as the “cordum,” or -aftermath. At Interamna in Umbria the grass is cut four -times<a id="FNanchor_531_531"></a><a href="#Footnote_531_531" class="fnanchor">531</a> a-year, and this although the meadows there are not -irrigated,—in most places, three. After all this has been done, -too, the pasturage of the land is found no less lucrative than -the hay it has produced. This, however, is a matter of consideration -for those more particularly who rear large herds of -cattle, and every one whose occupation it is to breed beasts of -burden, will have his own opinions upon the subject: it is -found, however, the most lucrative of all by those whose business -it is to train chariot-horses.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_68"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 68.—THE SUMMER SOLSTICE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already stated<a id="FNanchor_532_532"></a><a href="#Footnote_532_532" class="fnanchor">532</a> that the summer solstice arrives at -the eighth degree of Cancer, and upon the eighth day before<a id="FNanchor_533_533"></a><a href="#Footnote_533_533" class="fnanchor">533</a> -the calends of July: this is an important crisis in the year, -and of great interest to the whole earth. Up to this period -from the time of the winter solstice the days have gone on -increasing, and the sun has continued for six months making -his ascension towards the north; having now surmounted the -heights of the heavens, at this point he reaches the goal, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93">93</a></span> -after doing so, commences his return towards the south; the -consequence of which is, that for the next six months he -increases the nights and subtracts from the length of the days. -From this period, then, it is the proper time to gather in and -store away the various crops in succession, and so make all -due preparations for the rigour and severity of the winter.</p> - -<p>It was only to be expected that Nature should point out to -us the moment of this change by certain signs of an indubitable -character; and she has accordingly placed them beneath -the very hands of the agriculturist, bidding the leaves turn -round<a id="FNanchor_534_534"></a><a href="#Footnote_534_534" class="fnanchor">534</a> upon that day, and so denote that the luminary has now -run its course. And it is not the leaves of trees only that are -wild and far remote that do this, nor have those persons who -are on the look-out for these signs to go into devious forests -and mountain tracts to seek them. Nor yet, on the other -hand, are they to be seen in the leaves of trees only that are -grown in the vicinity of cities or reared by the hand of the -ornamental gardener, although in them they are to be seen -as well. Nature upon this occasion turns the leaf of the -olive which meets us at every step; she turns the leaf of -the linden, sought by us, as it is, for a thousand purposes; -she turns the leaf of the white poplar, too, wedded to the vine -that grows upon its trunk. And still, for her, all this is not -enough. “You have the elm,” she says, “reared for the support -of the vine, and the leaf of that I will make to turn as -well. The leaves of this tree you have to gather for fodder, the -leaves of the vine you prune away. Only look upon them, -and there you behold the solstice;<a id="FNanchor_535_535"></a><a href="#Footnote_535_535" class="fnanchor">535</a> they are now pointing -towards a quarter of the heavens the reverse of that towards -which they looked the day before. The twigs of the withy, -that most lowly of trees, you employ for tying things without -number. You are a head taller than it—I will make its -leaves to turn round as well. Why complain, then, that you -are but a rustic peasant? It shall be no fault of mine if -you do not understand the heavens and become acquainted -with the movements of the celestial bodies. I will give -another sign, too, that shall address itself to your ear—only -listen for the cooing of the ring-doves; and beware of supposing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94">94</a></span> -that the summer solstice is past, until you see the -wood-pigeon sitting on her eggs.”</p> - -<p>Between the summer solstice and the setting of the Lyre, on -the sixth day before the calends of July,<a id="FNanchor_536_536"></a><a href="#Footnote_536_536" class="fnanchor">536</a> according to Cæsar’s -reckoning, Orion rises, and upon the fourth<a id="FNanchor_537_537"></a><a href="#Footnote_537_537" class="fnanchor">537</a> before the nones -of July, his Belt rises to the people of Assyria. Upon the -morning of the same day, also, the scorching constellation of -Procyon rises. This last constellation has no name with the -Romans, unless, indeed, we would consider it as identical with -Canicula,<a id="FNanchor_538_538"></a><a href="#Footnote_538_538" class="fnanchor">538</a> or Lesser Dog, which we find depicted among -the stars; this last is productive of excessive heat, as we shall -shortly have further occasion to state. On the fourth<a id="FNanchor_539_539"></a><a href="#Footnote_539_539" class="fnanchor">539</a> before -the nones of July, the Crown sets in the morning to the people -of Chaldæa, and in Attica, the whole of Orion has risen by -that day. On the day before<a id="FNanchor_540_540"></a><a href="#Footnote_540_540" class="fnanchor">540</a> the ides of July, the rising of -Orion ends to the Egyptians also; on the sixteenth<a id="FNanchor_541_541"></a><a href="#Footnote_541_541" class="fnanchor">541</a> before -the calends of August, Procyon rises to the people of Assyria, -and, the day but one after, of nearly all other countries as well, -indicating a crisis that is universally known among all nations, -and which by us is called the rising of the Dog-star; the sun -at this period entering the first degree of Leo. The Dog-star -rises on the twenty-third day after the summer solstice; the -influence of it is felt by both ocean, and earth, and even by many -of the animals as well, as stated by us elsewhere on the appropriate -occasions.<a id="FNanchor_542_542"></a><a href="#Footnote_542_542" class="fnanchor">542</a> No less veneration, in fact, is paid to this -star, than to those that are consecrated to certain gods; it -kindles the flames of the sun, and is one great source of the -heats of summer.</p> - -<p>On the thirteenth<a id="FNanchor_543_543"></a><a href="#Footnote_543_543" class="fnanchor">543</a> day before the calends of August, the -Eagle sets in the morning to the people of Egypt, and the -breezes that are the precursors of the Etesian winds, begin to -blow; these, according to Cæsar, are first perceived in Italy, -on the tenth before<a id="FNanchor_544_544"></a><a href="#Footnote_544_544" class="fnanchor">544</a> the calends of August. The Eagle sets -in the morning of that day to the people of Attica, and on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95">95</a></span> -third before<a id="FNanchor_545_545"></a><a href="#Footnote_545_545" class="fnanchor">545</a> the calends of August, the Royal Star in the -breast of Leo rises in the morning, according to Cæsar. On -the eighth before<a id="FNanchor_546_546"></a><a href="#Footnote_546_546" class="fnanchor">546</a> the ides of August, one half of Arcturus -has ceased to be visible, and on the third before<a id="FNanchor_547_547"></a><a href="#Footnote_547_547" class="fnanchor">547</a> the ides the -Lyre, by its setting, opens the autumn,—according to Cæsar at -least; though a more exact calculation has since shown, that -this takes place on the sixth day before<a id="FNanchor_548_548"></a><a href="#Footnote_548_548" class="fnanchor">548</a> the ides of that month.</p> - -<p>The time that intervenes between these periods is one that -is of primary importance in the cultivation of the vine; as -the constellation of which we have spoken, under the name of -Canicula, has now to decide upon the fate of the grape. It is -at this period that the grapes are said to be charred,<a id="FNanchor_549_549"></a><a href="#Footnote_549_549" class="fnanchor">549</a> a blight -falling upon them which burns them away, as though red-hot -coals had been applied to them. There is no hail that can be -compared with this destructive malady, nor yet any of those -tempests, which have been productive of such scarcity and -dearth. For the evil effects of these, at the very utmost, are -only felt in isolated districts, while the coal blight,<a id="FNanchor_550_550"></a><a href="#Footnote_550_550" class="fnanchor">550</a> on the other -hand, extends over whole countries, far and wide. Still, however, -the remedy would not be very difficult, were it not that -men would much rather calumniate Nature, than help themselves. -It is said that Democritus,<a id="FNanchor_551_551"></a><a href="#Footnote_551_551" class="fnanchor">551</a> who was the first to comprehend -and demonstrate that close affinity which exists between -the heavens and the earth, finding his laborious researches -upon that subject slighted by the more opulent of his -fellow-citizens, and presaging the high price of oil, which was -about to result upon the rising of the Vergiliæ, (as we have -already mentioned,<a id="FNanchor_552_552"></a><a href="#Footnote_552_552" class="fnanchor">552</a> and shall have to explain more fully hereafter), -bought up all the oil in the country, which was then at -a very low figure, from the universal expectation of a fine crop -of olives; a proceeding which greatly surprised all who knew -that a life of poverty and learned repose was so entirely the -object of his aspirations. When, however, his motives had -been fully justified by the result, and vast riches had flowed in -upon him apace, he returned all his profits to the disappointed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96">96</a></span> -proprietors, whose avarice had now taught them to repent, -thinking it quite sufficient to have thus proved how easy it -was for him to acquire riches whenever he pleased. At a -more recent period, again, Sextius,<a id="FNanchor_553_553"></a><a href="#Footnote_553_553" class="fnanchor">553</a> a Roman philosopher residing -at Athens, made a similar application of his knowledge. -Such, then, is the utility of science, the instruction provided -by which it shall be my aim, as clearly and as perspicuously -as possible, to apply to the various occupations of a country -life.</p> - -<p>Most writers have said that it is the dew, scorched by a -burning sun, that is the cause of mildew<a id="FNanchor_554_554"></a><a href="#Footnote_554_554" class="fnanchor">554</a> in corn, and of coal blight -in the vine; this, however, seems to me in a great -measure incorrect, and it is my opinion that all blights result -entirely from cold, and that the sun is productive of no injurious -effects whatever. This, in fact, will be quite evident, if only a -little attention is paid to the subject; for we find that the blight -makes its appearance at first in the night time only, and before -the sun has shone with any vigour. The natural inference is, -that it depends entirely upon the moon, and more particularly -as such a calamity as this is never known to happen except at the -moon’s conjunction, or else at the full moon, periods at which -the influence of that heavenly body is at its greatest height. -For at both of these periods, as already<a id="FNanchor_555_555"></a><a href="#Footnote_555_555" class="fnanchor">555</a> stated by us more -than once, the moon is in reality at the full; though during -her conjunction she throws back to the heavens all the light -which she has received from the sun. The difference in the -effects produced by the moon at these two periods is very great, -though at the same time equally apparent; for at the conjunction, -that body is extremely hot in summer, but cold in winter; -while, on the other hand, at the full moon, the nights are -cold in summer, but warm in winter. The reason of this, -although Fabianus and the Greek writers adopt another method -of explaining it, is quite evident. During the moon’s -conjunction in summer, she must of necessity move along with -the sun in an orbit nearer to the earth, and so become warmed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97">97</a></span> -by the heat which she receives by reason of her closer vicinity -to the sun. In winter, again, at the time of the conjunction, -she is farther off from us, the sun being also removed to a -greater distance. On the other hand, again, when the moon -is at the full in summer, she is more remote from the earth, -and in opposition with the sun; while, in winter, she approaches -nearer to us at that period, by adopting the same -orbit as at her conjunction in summer. Naturally humid herself, -as often as from her position she is cold, she congeals to -an unlimited extent the dews which fall at that period of the -year.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_69"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 69.—CAUSES OF STERILITY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But we ought always to bear in mind, more particularly, -that there are two varieties of evils that are inflicted upon the -earth by the heavens. The first of these, known by us under -the name of “tempests,” comprehends hail-storms, hurricanes -and other calamities of a similar nature; when these take place -at the full moon, they come upon us with additional intensity. -These tempests take their rise in certain noxious constellations, -as already stated by us on several occasions, Arcturus, for instance, -Orion, and the Kids.</p> - -<p>The other evils that are thus inflicted upon us, supervene with -a bright, clear sky, and amid the silence of the night, no one -being sensible of them until we have perceived their effects. -These dispensations are universal and of a totally different -character from those previously mentioned, and have various -names given to them, sometimes mildew, sometimes blast, and -sometimes coal blight; but in all cases sterility is the infallible -result. It is of these last that we have now to speak, entering -into details which have not hitherto been treated of by any -writer; and first of all we will explain the causes of them.</p> - -<p>(29.) Independently of the moon, there are two principal -causes of these calamities, which emanate more particularly -from two quarters of the heavens of but limited extent. On -the one hand, the Vergiliæ exercise an especial influence on our -harvests, as it is with their rising that the summer begins, and -with their setting, the winter; thus embracing, in the space of -six months, the harvest, the vintage, and the ripening of all the -vegetable productions. In addition to this, there is a circular -tract in the heavens, quite visible to the human eye even, known<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98">98</a></span> -as the Milky Way. It is the emanations from this, flowing as -it were from the breast, that supply their milky<a id="FNanchor_556_556"></a><a href="#Footnote_556_556" class="fnanchor">556</a> nutriment to -all branches of the vegetable world. Two constellations more -particularly mark this circular tract, the Eagle in the north, -and Canicula in the south; of this last, we have already made -mention<a id="FNanchor_557_557"></a><a href="#Footnote_557_557" class="fnanchor">557</a> in its appropriate place. This circle traverses also -Sagittarius and Gemini, and passing through the centre of the -sun, cuts the equinoctial line below, the constellation of the -Eagle making its appearance at the point of intersection on -the one side, and Canicula on the other. Hence it is that the -influences of both these constellations develope themselves -upon all cultivated lands; it being at these points only that the -centre of the sun is brought to correspond with that of the -earth. If, then, at the moments of the rising and the setting -of these constellations, the air, soft and pure, transmits these -genial and milky emanations to the earth, the crops will thrive -and ripen apace; but if, on the other hand, the moon, as already<a id="FNanchor_558_558"></a><a href="#Footnote_558_558" class="fnanchor">558</a> -mentioned, sheds her chilling dews, the bitterness thereof -infuses itself into these milky secretions, and so kills the -vegetation in its birth. The measure of the injury so inflicted -on the earth depends, in each climate, upon the combination of -the one or other of these causes; and hence it is that it is not -felt in equal intensity throughout the whole earth, nor even precisely -at the same moment of time. We have already<a id="FNanchor_559_559"></a><a href="#Footnote_559_559" class="fnanchor">559</a> said -that the Eagle rises in Italy on the thirteenth day<a id="FNanchor_560_560"></a><a href="#Footnote_560_560" class="fnanchor">560</a> before the -calends of January, and the ordinary course of Nature does -not permit us before that period to reckon with any degree of -certainty upon the fruits of the earth; for if the moon should -happen to be in conjunction at that time, it will be a necessary -consequence, that all the winter fruits, as well as the early -ones, will receive injury more or less.</p> - -<p>The life led by the ancients was rude and illiterate; still, -as will be readily seen, the observations they made were not -less remarkable for ingenuity than are the theories of the present -day. With them there were three set periods for gathering -in the produce of the earth, and it was in honour of these -periods that they instituted the festive days, known as the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99">99</a></span> -Robigalia,<a id="FNanchor_561_561"></a><a href="#Footnote_561_561" class="fnanchor">561</a> the Floralia, and the Vinalia. The Robigalia were -established by Numa in the fortieth year of his reign, and are -still celebrated on the seventh day before the calends of May, -as it is at this period that mildew<a id="FNanchor_562_562"></a><a href="#Footnote_562_562" class="fnanchor">562</a> mostly makes its first attacks -upon the growing corn. Varro fixes this crisis at the -moment at which the sun enters the tenth degree of Taurus, -in accordance with the notions that prevailed in his day: but -the real cause is the fact, that thirty-one<a id="FNanchor_563_563"></a><a href="#Footnote_563_563" class="fnanchor">563</a> days after the vernal -equinox, according to the observations of various nations, the -Dog-star sets between the seventh and fourth before the calends -of May, a constellation baneful in itself, and to appease -which a young dog should first be sacrificed.<a id="FNanchor_564_564"></a><a href="#Footnote_564_564" class="fnanchor">564</a> The same people -also, in the year of the City 513, instituted the Floralia, a -festival held upon the fourth before<a id="FNanchor_565_565"></a><a href="#Footnote_565_565" class="fnanchor">565</a> the calends of May, in -accordance with the oracular injunctions of the Sibyl, to secure -a favourable season for the blossoms and flowers. Varro fixes -this day as the time at which the sun enters the fourteenth -degree of Taurus. If there should happen to be a full moon -during the four days at this period, injury to the corn and all -the plants that are in blossom, will be the necessary result. -The First Vinalia, which in ancient times were established on -the ninth before<a id="FNanchor_566_566"></a><a href="#Footnote_566_566" class="fnanchor">566</a> the calends of May, for the purpose of tasting<a id="FNanchor_567_567"></a><a href="#Footnote_567_567" class="fnanchor">567</a> -the wines, have no signification whatever in reference to -the fruits of the earth, any more than the festivals already -mentioned have in reference to the vine and the olive; the -germination of these last not commencing, in fact, till the -rising of the Vergiliæ, on the Sixth day before<a id="FNanchor_568_568"></a><a href="#Footnote_568_568" class="fnanchor">568</a> the ides of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100">100</a></span> -May, as already mentioned on previous occasions.<a id="FNanchor_569_569"></a><a href="#Footnote_569_569" class="fnanchor">569</a> This, again, -is another period of four days, which should never be blemished -by dews, as the chilling constellation of Arcturus, which sets -on the following day, will be sure to nip the vegetation; still -less ought there to be a full moon at this period.</p> - -<p>On the fourth before<a id="FNanchor_570_570"></a><a href="#Footnote_570_570" class="fnanchor">570</a> the nones of June, the Eagle rises -again in the evening, a critical day for the olives and vines in -blossom, if there should happen to be a full moon. For my -part, I am of opinion that the eighth<a id="FNanchor_571_571"></a><a href="#Footnote_571_571" class="fnanchor">571</a> before the calends of -July, the day of the summer solstice, must be a critical day, for -a similar reason; and that the rising of the Dog-star, twenty-three -days after the summer solstice, must be so too, in case -the moon is then in conjunction; for the excessive heat is productive -of injurious effects, and the grape becomes prematurely -ripened, shrivelled, and tough. Again, if there is a full moon -on the fourth before<a id="FNanchor_572_572"></a><a href="#Footnote_572_572" class="fnanchor">572</a> the nones of July, when Canicula rises -to the people of Egypt, or at least on the sixteenth before<a id="FNanchor_573_573"></a><a href="#Footnote_573_573" class="fnanchor">573</a> -the calends of August, when it rises in Italy, it is productive -of injurious results. The same is the case, too, from -the thirteenth day before<a id="FNanchor_574_574"></a><a href="#Footnote_574_574" class="fnanchor">574</a> the calends of August, when the -Eagle sets, to the tenth before<a id="FNanchor_575_575"></a><a href="#Footnote_575_575" class="fnanchor">575</a> the calends of that month. -The Second Vinalia, which are celebrated on the fourteenth<a id="FNanchor_576_576"></a><a href="#Footnote_576_576" class="fnanchor">576</a> -before the calends of September, bear no reference to these influences. -Varro fixes them at the period at which the Lyre -begins its morning setting, and says that this indicates the beginning -of autumn, the day having been set apart for the purpose -of propitiating the weather: at the present day, however, -it is observed that the Lyre sets on the sixth before<a id="FNanchor_577_577"></a><a href="#Footnote_577_577" class="fnanchor">577</a> the ides -of August.</p> - -<p>Within these periods there are exerted the sterilizing influences -of the heavens, though I am far from denying that -they may be considerably modified by the nature of the locality, -according as it is cold or hot. Still, however, it is sufficient for -me to have demonstrated the theory; the modifications of its results -depending, in a great degree, upon attentive observation. -It is beyond all question too, that either one of these two causes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101">101</a></span> -will be always productive of its own peculiar effects, the full -moon, I mean, or else the moon’s conjunction. And here it -suggests itself how greatly we ought to admire the bounteous -provisions made for us by Nature; for, in the first place, these -calamitous results cannot by any possibility befall us every year, -in consequence of the fixed revolutions of the stars; nor indeed, -when they do happen, beyond a few nights in the year, and it -may be easily known beforehand which nights those are likely -to be. In order, too, that we might not have to apprehend these -injuries to vegetation in all the months, Nature has so ordained -that the times of the moon’s conjunction in summer, and of the -full moon in winter, with the exception of two days only at -those respective periods, are well ascertained, and that there is -no danger to be apprehended on any but the nights of summer, -and those nights the shortest of all; in the day-time, on the -other hand, there is nothing to fear. And then, besides, these -phænomena may be so easily understood, that the ant even, -that most diminutive of insects, takes its rest during the moon’s -conjunction, but toils on, and that during the night as well, when -the moon is at the full; the bird, too, called the “parra”<a id="FNanchor_578_578"></a><a href="#Footnote_578_578" class="fnanchor">578</a> -disappears upon the day on which Sirius rises, and never reappears -until that star has set; while the witwall,<a id="FNanchor_579_579"></a><a href="#Footnote_579_579" class="fnanchor">579</a> on the -other hand, makes its appearance on the day of the summer -solstice. The moon, however, is productive of no noxious -effects at either of these periods, except when the nights are -clear, and every movement of the air is lulled; for so long as -clouds prevail, or the wind is blowing, the night dews never -fall. And then, besides, there are certain remedies to counteract -these noxious influences.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_70"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 70.—REMEDIES AGAINST THESE NOXIOUS INFLUENCES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>When you have reason to fear these influences, make bonfires -in the fields and vineyards of cuttings or heaps of chaff, or -else of the weeds that have been rooted up; the smoke<a id="FNanchor_580_580"></a><a href="#Footnote_580_580" class="fnanchor">580</a> will -act as a good preservative. The smoke, too, of burning chaff -will be an effectual protection against the effects of fogs, when -likely to be injurious. Some persons recommend that three<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102">102</a></span> -crabs should be burnt<a id="FNanchor_581_581"></a><a href="#Footnote_581_581" class="fnanchor">581</a> alive among the trees on which the -vines are trained, to prevent these from being attacked by coal -blight; while others say that the flesh of the silurus<a id="FNanchor_582_582"></a><a href="#Footnote_582_582" class="fnanchor">582</a> should -be burnt in a slow fire, in such a way that the smoke may be -dispersed by the wind throughout the vineyard.</p> - -<p>Varro informs us, that if at the setting of the Lyre, which -is the beginning of autumn, a painted grape<a id="FNanchor_583_583"></a><a href="#Footnote_583_583" class="fnanchor">583</a> is consecrated in -the midst of the vineyard, the bad weather will not be productive -of such disastrous results as it otherwise would. Archibius<a id="FNanchor_584_584"></a><a href="#Footnote_584_584" class="fnanchor">584</a> -has stated, in a letter to Antiochus, king of Syria, that -if a bramble-frog<a id="FNanchor_585_585"></a><a href="#Footnote_585_585" class="fnanchor">585</a> is buried in a new earthen vessel, in the -middle of a corn-field, there will be no storms to cause injury.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_71"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 71.—WORK TO BE DONE AFTER THE SUMMER SOLSTICE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The following are the rural occupations for this interval -of time—the ground must have another turning up, and the -trees must be cleared about the roots and moulded up, where -the heat of the locality requires it. Those plants, however, -which are in bud must not be spaded at the roots, except where -the soil is particularly rich. The seed-plots, too, must be well -cleared with the hoe, the barley-harvest got in, and the -threshing-floor prepared for the harvest with chalk, as Cato<a id="FNanchor_586_586"></a><a href="#Footnote_586_586" class="fnanchor">586</a> -tells us, slackened with amurca of olives; Virgil<a id="FNanchor_587_587"></a><a href="#Footnote_587_587" class="fnanchor">587</a> makes mention -of a method still more laborious even. In general, however, -it is considered sufficient to make it perfectly level, and -then to cover it with a solution of cow-dung<a id="FNanchor_588_588"></a><a href="#Footnote_588_588" class="fnanchor">588</a> and water; this -being thought sufficient to prevent the dust from rising.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103">103</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_72"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 72. (30.)—THE HARVEST.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The mode of getting in the harvest varies considerably. In -the vast domains of the provinces of Gaul a large hollow -frame,<a id="FNanchor_589_589"></a><a href="#Footnote_589_589" class="fnanchor">589</a> armed with teeth and supported on two wheels, is -driven through the standing corn, the beasts being yoked<a id="FNanchor_590_590"></a><a href="#Footnote_590_590" class="fnanchor">590</a> -behind it; the result being, that the ears are torn off and -fall within the frame. In other countries the stalks are cut -with the sickle in the middle, and the ears are separated by -the aid of paddle-forks.<a id="FNanchor_591_591"></a><a href="#Footnote_591_591" class="fnanchor">591</a> In some places, again, the corn is -torn up by the roots; and it is asserted by those who adopt -this plan, that it is as good as a light turning up for the ground, -whereas, in reality, they deprive it of its juices.<a id="FNanchor_592_592"></a><a href="#Footnote_592_592" class="fnanchor">592</a> There are -differences in other respects also: in places where they thatch -their houses with straw, they keep the longest haulms for that -purpose; and where hay is scarce, they employ the straw for -litter. The straw of panic is never used for thatching, and -that of millet is mostly burnt; barley-straw, however, is -always preserved, as being the most agreeable of all as a food -for oxen. In the Gallic provinces panic and millet are gathered, -ear by ear, with the aid of a comb carried in the hand.</p> - -<p>In some places the corn is beaten out by machines<a id="FNanchor_593_593"></a><a href="#Footnote_593_593" class="fnanchor">593</a> upon -the threshing-floor, in others by the feet of mares, and in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104">104</a></span> -others with flails. The later wheat is cut, the more prolific<a id="FNanchor_594_594"></a><a href="#Footnote_594_594" class="fnanchor">594</a> -it is; but if it is got in early, the grain is finer and stronger. -The best rule is to cut it before the grain hardens, and just -as it is changing colour:<a id="FNanchor_595_595"></a><a href="#Footnote_595_595" class="fnanchor">595</a> though the oracles on husbandry -say that it is better to begin the harvest two days too soon -than two days too late. Winter and other wheat must be -treated exactly the same way both on the threshing-floor and -in the granary. Spelt, as it is difficult to be threshed, should -be stored with the chaff on, being only disengaged of the straw -and the beard.</p> - -<p>Many countries make use of chaff<a id="FNanchor_596_596"></a><a href="#Footnote_596_596" class="fnanchor">596</a> for hay; the smoother -and thinner it is, and the more nearly resembling dust, the -better; hence it is that the chaff<a id="FNanchor_597_597"></a><a href="#Footnote_597_597" class="fnanchor">597</a> of millet is considered the -best, that of barley being the next best, and that of wheat the -worst of all, except for beasts that are hard worked. In stony -places they break the haulms, when dry, with staves, for the -cattle to lie upon: if there is a deficiency of chaff, the straw -as well is ground for food. The following is the method employed -in preparing it: it is cut early and sprinkled with bay -salt,<a id="FNanchor_598_598"></a><a href="#Footnote_598_598" class="fnanchor">598</a> after which it is dried and rolled up in trusses, and given -to the oxen as wanted, instead of hay. Some persons set fire -to the stubble in the fields, a plan that has been greatly extolled -by Virgil:<a id="FNanchor_599_599"></a><a href="#Footnote_599_599" class="fnanchor">599</a> the chief merit of it is that the seed of the -weeds is effectually destroyed. The diversity of the methods -employed in harvesting mainly depends upon the extent of the -crops and the price of labour.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_73"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 73.—THE METHODS OF STORING CORN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Connected with this branch of our subject is the method of -storing corn. Some persons recommend that granaries should -be built for the purpose at considerable expense, the walls<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105">105</a></span> -being made of brick, and not less than three<a id="FNanchor_600_600"></a><a href="#Footnote_600_600" class="fnanchor">600</a> feet thick; the -corn, they say, should be let in from above, the air being -carefully excluded, and no windows allowed. Others, again, -say that the granary should have an aspect in no direction but -the north-east or north, and that the walls should be built -without lime, that substance being extremely injurious<a id="FNanchor_601_601"></a><a href="#Footnote_601_601" class="fnanchor">601</a> to -corn; as to what we find recommended in reference to amurca -of olives, we have already mentioned it on a former<a id="FNanchor_602_602"></a><a href="#Footnote_602_602" class="fnanchor">602</a> occasion. -In some places they build their granaries of wood, and upon -pillars,<a id="FNanchor_603_603"></a><a href="#Footnote_603_603" class="fnanchor">603</a> thinking it the best plan to leave access for the air on -every side, and from below even. Some persons think, however, -that the grain diminishes in bulk if laid on a floor above -the level of the ground, and that it is liable to ferment beneath -a roof of tiles. Many persons say, too, that the grain should -never be stirred up to air<a id="FNanchor_604_604"></a><a href="#Footnote_604_604" class="fnanchor">604</a> it, as the weevil is never known to -penetrate beyond four fingers in depth; consequently, beyond -that depth there is no danger. According to Columella,<a id="FNanchor_605_605"></a><a href="#Footnote_605_605" class="fnanchor">605</a> the -west wind is beneficial to grain, a thing that surprises me, as -that wind is generally a very parching<a id="FNanchor_606_606"></a><a href="#Footnote_606_606" class="fnanchor">606</a> one. Some persons -recommend that, before housing the corn, a bramble-frog -should be hung up by one of the hind legs at the threshold of -the granary. To me it appears that the most important precaution -of all is to house the grain at the proper time; for if -it is unripe when cut, and not sufficiently firm, or if it is got -in in a heated state, it follows of necessity that noxious insects -will breed in it.</p> - -<p>There are several causes which contribute to the preservation -of grain; the outer<a id="FNanchor_607_607"></a><a href="#Footnote_607_607" class="fnanchor">607</a> coats in some kinds are more numerous, -as in millet, for instance; the juices are of an oleaginous -nature,<a id="FNanchor_608_608"></a><a href="#Footnote_608_608" class="fnanchor">608</a> and so supply ample moisture, as in sesame, -for example; while in other kinds, again, they are naturally<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106">106</a></span> -bitter,<a id="FNanchor_609_609"></a><a href="#Footnote_609_609" class="fnanchor">609</a> as in the lupine and the chicheling vetch. It is in -wheat more particularly that insects breed, as it is apt to heat -from the density of its juices, and the grain is covered with a -thick bran. In barley the chaff is thinner, and the same is the -case with all the leguminous seeds: it is for this reason that they -do not ordinarily breed insects. The bean, however, is covered -with a coat of a thicker substance; and hence it is that it ferments. -Some persons sprinkle wheat, in order to make it -keep the longer, with amurca<a id="FNanchor_610_610"></a><a href="#Footnote_610_610" class="fnanchor">610</a> of olives, a quadrantal to a -thousand modii: others, again, with powdered Chalcidian or -Carian chalk, or with worm-wood.<a id="FNanchor_611_611"></a><a href="#Footnote_611_611" class="fnanchor">611</a> There is a certain earth -found at Olynthus, and at Cerinthus, in Eubœa, which prevents -grain from spoiling. If garnered in the ear, grain is -hardly ever found to suffer any injury.</p> - -<p>The best plan, however, of preserving grain, is to lay it up -in trenches, called “siri,” as they do in Cappadocia, Thracia, -Spain, and at * * * in Africa. Particular care is taken to -dig these trenches in a dry soil, and a layer of chaff is then -placed at the bottom; the grain, too, is always stored in the -ear. In this case, if no air is allowed to penetrate to the corn, -we may rest assured that no noxious insects will ever breed -in it. Varro<a id="FNanchor_612_612"></a><a href="#Footnote_612_612" class="fnanchor">612</a> says, that wheat, if thus stored, will keep as -long as fifty years, and millet a hundred; and he assures us -that beans and other leguminous grain, if put away in oil jars -with a covering of ashes, will keep for a great length of time. -He makes a statement, also, to the effect that some beans were -preserved in a cavern in Ambracia from the time of King -Pyrrhus until the Piratical War of Pompeius Magnus, a period -of about two hundred and twenty years.</p> - -<p>The chick-pea is the only grain in which no insect will -breed while in the granary. Some persons place upon the -heaps of the leguminous grains pitchers full of vinegar and -coated with pitch, a stratum of ashes being laid beneath; and -they fancy that if this is done, no injury will happen. Some, -again, store them in vessels which have held salted provisions, -with a coating of plaster on the top, while other persons are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107">107</a></span> -in the habit of sprinkling lentils with vinegar scented with -laser,<a id="FNanchor_613_613"></a><a href="#Footnote_613_613" class="fnanchor">613</a> and, when dry, giving them a covering of oil. But -the most effectual method of all is to get in everything -that you would preserve from injury at the time of the -moon’s conjunction; and hence it is of the greatest importance -to know, when getting in the harvest, whether it is -for garnering or whether for immediate sale. If cut during the -increase of the moon, grain will increase in size.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_74"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 74. (31.)—THE VINTAGE, AND THE WORKS OF AUTUMN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In accordance with the ordinary divisions of the year, we -now come to autumn, a period which extends from the setting -of the Lyre to the autumnal equinox, and from that to the -setting of the Vergiliæ and the beginning of winter. In these -intervals, the more important periods are marked by the rising -of the Horse to the people of Attica, in the evening of the day -before<a id="FNanchor_614_614"></a><a href="#Footnote_614_614" class="fnanchor">614</a> the ides of August; upon which day also the Dolphin -sets in Egypt, and, according to Cæsar, in Italy. On the -eleventh<a id="FNanchor_615_615"></a><a href="#Footnote_615_615" class="fnanchor">615</a> before the calends of September, the star called the -Vintager begins to rise in the morning, according to Cæsar’s -reckoning, and to the people of Assyria: it announces the -ripening of the vintage, a sure sign of which is the change of -colour in the grape. On the fifth<a id="FNanchor_616_616"></a><a href="#Footnote_616_616" class="fnanchor">616</a> before the calends of September, -the Arrow sets in Assyria, and the Etesian winds cease -to blow: on the nones<a id="FNanchor_617_617"></a><a href="#Footnote_617_617" class="fnanchor">617</a> of September, the Vintager rises in -Egypt, and in the morning of that day, Arcturus rises to the -people of Attica: on the same morning, too, the Arrow sets. -In the fifth before<a id="FNanchor_618_618"></a><a href="#Footnote_618_618" class="fnanchor">618</a> the ides of September, according to Cæsar, -the She-Goat rises in the evening; and one half of Arcturus -becomes visible on the day before<a id="FNanchor_619_619"></a><a href="#Footnote_619_619" class="fnanchor">619</a> the ides of September, being -portentous<a id="FNanchor_620_620"></a><a href="#Footnote_620_620" class="fnanchor">620</a> of boisterous weather for five days, both by land -and sea.</p> - -<p>The theory relative to the effects produced by Arcturus, is -stated in the following terms: if showers prevail, it is said, at -the setting of the Dolphin, they will not cease so long as -Arcturus is visible. The departure of the swallows may be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108">108</a></span> -looked upon as the sign of the rising of Arcturus; for if overtaken -by it, they are sure to perish.</p> - -<p>On the sixteenth day before<a id="FNanchor_621_621"></a><a href="#Footnote_621_621" class="fnanchor">621</a> the calends of October, the -Ear of Corn, which Virgo holds, rises to the people of Egypt in -the morning, and by this day the Etesian winds have quite -ceased to blow. According to Cæsar, this constellation rises on -the fourteenth<a id="FNanchor_622_622"></a><a href="#Footnote_622_622" class="fnanchor">622</a> before the calends, and it affords its prognostics -to the Assyrians on the thirteenth. On the eleventh before<a id="FNanchor_623_623"></a><a href="#Footnote_623_623" class="fnanchor">623</a> -the calends of October, the point of junction<a id="FNanchor_624_624"></a><a href="#Footnote_624_624" class="fnanchor">624</a> in Pisces disappears, -and upon the eighth<a id="FNanchor_625_625"></a><a href="#Footnote_625_625" class="fnanchor">625</a> is the autumnal equinox. It is -a remarkable fact, and rarely the case, that Philippus, Callippus, -Dositheus, Parmeniscus, Conon,<a id="FNanchor_626_626"></a><a href="#Footnote_626_626" class="fnanchor">626</a> Criton, Democritus, and -Eudoxus, all agree that the She-Goat rises in the morning of -the fourth before<a id="FNanchor_627_627"></a><a href="#Footnote_627_627" class="fnanchor">627</a> the calends of October, and on the third<a id="FNanchor_628_628"></a><a href="#Footnote_628_628" class="fnanchor">628</a> -the Kids. On the sixth day before<a id="FNanchor_629_629"></a><a href="#Footnote_629_629" class="fnanchor">629</a> the nones of October, the -Crown rises in the morning to the people of Attica, and upon -the morning of the fifth,<a id="FNanchor_630_630"></a><a href="#Footnote_630_630" class="fnanchor">630</a> the Charioteer sets. On the fourth -before<a id="FNanchor_631_631"></a><a href="#Footnote_631_631" class="fnanchor">631</a> the nones of October, the Crown, according to Cæsar’s -reckoning, begins to rise, and on the evening of the day after -is the setting of the constellation of the Kids. On the eighth -before<a id="FNanchor_632_632"></a><a href="#Footnote_632_632" class="fnanchor">632</a> the ides of October, according to Cæsar, the bright -star rises that shines in the Crown, and on the evening of the -sixth before<a id="FNanchor_633_633"></a><a href="#Footnote_633_633" class="fnanchor">633</a> the ides the Vergiliæ, rise. Upon the ides<a id="FNanchor_634_634"></a><a href="#Footnote_634_634" class="fnanchor">634</a> of -October, the Crown has wholly risen. On the seventeenth before<a id="FNanchor_635_635"></a><a href="#Footnote_635_635" class="fnanchor">635</a> -the calends of November, the Suculæ rise in the evening, -and on the day before the calends, according to Cæsar’s reckoning, -Arcturus sets, and the Suculæ<a id="FNanchor_636_636"></a><a href="#Footnote_636_636" class="fnanchor">636</a> rise with the sun. In the -evening of the fourth day before<a id="FNanchor_637_637"></a><a href="#Footnote_637_637" class="fnanchor">637</a> the nones of November, -Arcturus sets. On the fifth before<a id="FNanchor_638_638"></a><a href="#Footnote_638_638" class="fnanchor">638</a> the ides of November, -Orion’s Sword begins to set; and on the third<a id="FNanchor_639_639"></a><a href="#Footnote_639_639" class="fnanchor">639</a> before the -ides the Vergiliæ set.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109">109</a></span></p> - -<p>In this interval of time, the rural operations consist in sowing -rape and turnips, upon the days which have been mentioned on -a previous occasion.<a id="FNanchor_640_640"></a><a href="#Footnote_640_640" class="fnanchor">640</a> The people in the country are of opinion, -that it is not a good plan to sow rape after the departure of the -stork; but for my own part, I am of opinion that it should -be sown after the Vulcanalia, and the early kind at the same -time as panic. After the setting of the Lyre, vetches should -be sown, kidney-beans and hay-grass: it is generally recommended -that this should be done while the moon is in conjunction. -This, too, is the proper time for gathering in the -leaves: it is fair work for one woodman, to fill four baskets<a id="FNanchor_641_641"></a><a href="#Footnote_641_641" class="fnanchor">641</a> -in the day. If the leaves are gathered while the moon is on -the wane, they will not decay; they ought not to be dry, -however, when gathered.</p> - -<p>The ancients were of opinion, that the vintage is never ripe -before the equinox; but at the present day I find that it is -gathered in before that period; it will be as well, therefore, -to give the signs and indications by which the proper moment -may be exactly ascertained. The rules for getting in the vintage -are to the following effect: Never gather the grape in a -heated state,<a id="FNanchor_642_642"></a><a href="#Footnote_642_642" class="fnanchor">642</a> or in other words, when the weather is dry, and -before the rains have fallen; nor ought it to be gathered when -covered with dew,—or in other words, when dews have fallen -during the night,—nor yet before the dews have been dispelled -by the sun. Commence the vintage when the bearing-shoots -begin to recline upon the stem, or when, after a grape is removed -from the bunch, the space left empty is not filled up; -this being a sure proof that the berry has ceased to increase in -size. It is of the greatest consequence to the grape, that it -should be gathered while the moon is on the increase. Each -pressing should fill twenty culei,<a id="FNanchor_643_643"></a><a href="#Footnote_643_643" class="fnanchor">643</a> that being the fair proportion. -To fill twenty culei and vats<a id="FNanchor_644_644"></a><a href="#Footnote_644_644" class="fnanchor">644</a> from twenty jugera of -vineyard, a single press will be enough. In pressing the grape, -some persons use a single press-board, but it is a better plan<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110">110</a></span> -to employ two, however large the single ones may be. It is the -length of them that is of the greatest consequence, and not the -thickness: if wide, however, they press the fruit all the better. -The ancients used to screw down the press-boards with ropes -and leather thongs, worked by levers. Within the last hundred -years the Greek press has been invented, with thick spiral -grooves running down the<a id="FNanchor_645_645"></a><a href="#Footnote_645_645" class="fnanchor">645</a> stem. To this stem there are -spokes attached, which project like the rays of a star, and by -means of which the stem is made to lift a box filled with stones—a -method that is very highly approved of. It is only within -the last two-and-twenty years, that a plan has been discovered -of employing smaller press-boards, and a less unwieldy press: -to effect this, the height has been reduced, and the stem of the -screw placed in the middle, the whole pressure being concentrated -upon broad planks<a id="FNanchor_646_646"></a><a href="#Footnote_646_646" class="fnanchor">646</a> placed over the grapes, which are -covered also with heavy weights above.</p> - -<p>This is the proper time for gathering fruit; the best moment -for doing so is when it has begun to fall through ripeness, -and not from the effects of the weather. This is the season, -too, for extracting the lees of wine, and for boiling defrutum:<a id="FNanchor_647_647"></a><a href="#Footnote_647_647" class="fnanchor">647</a> -this last must be done on a night when there is no moon, or if -it is a full moon, in the day-time. At other times of the year, -it must be done either before the moon has risen, or after it -has set. The grapes employed for this purpose should never -be gathered from a young vine, nor yet from a tree that is -grown in a marshy spot, nor should any grapes be used but -those that are perfectly ripe: the liquor, too, should never be -skimmed with anything but a leaf,<a id="FNanchor_648_648"></a><a href="#Footnote_648_648" class="fnanchor">648</a> for if the vessel should -happen to be touched with wood, the liquor, it is generally -thought, will have a burnt and smoky flavour.</p> - -<p>The proper time for the vintage is between the equinox and -the setting of the Vergiliæ, a period of forty-four days. It is -a saying among the growers, that to pitch wine-vessels after -that day, in consequence of the coldness of the weather, is only -so much time lost. Still, however, I have seen, before now -persons getting in the vintage on the calends of January<a id="FNanchor_649_649"></a><a href="#Footnote_649_649" class="fnanchor">649</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111">111</a></span> -even, in consequence of the want of wine-vessels, and putting -the must into receivers,<a id="FNanchor_650_650"></a><a href="#Footnote_650_650" class="fnanchor">650</a> or else pouring the old wine out of -its vessels, to make room for new liquor of a very doubtful -quality. This, however, happens not so often in consequence -of an over-abundant crop, as through carelessness, or else the -avarice which leads people to wait for a rise in prices. The -method that is adopted by the most economical managers, is -to use the produce supplied by each year,<a id="FNanchor_651_651"></a><a href="#Footnote_651_651" class="fnanchor">651</a> and this, too, is -found in the end the most lucrative mode of proceeding. As -for the other details relative to wines, they have been discussed -at sufficient length already;<a id="FNanchor_652_652"></a><a href="#Footnote_652_652" class="fnanchor">652</a> and it has been stated on a previous -occasion,<a id="FNanchor_653_653"></a><a href="#Footnote_653_653" class="fnanchor">653</a> that as soon as the vintage is got in, the olives -should at once be gathered, with other particulars relative -to the olive after the setting of the Vergiliæ.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_75"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 75. (32.)—THE REVOLUTIONS OF THE MOON.</span></h3></div> - -<p>I shall now proceed to add some necessary information relative -to the moon, the winds, and certain signs and prognostics, -in order that I may complete the observations I have to -make with reference to the sidereal system. Virgil<a id="FNanchor_654_654"></a><a href="#Footnote_654_654" class="fnanchor">654</a> has even -gone so far, in imitation of Democritus, as to assign certain -operations to certain days<a id="FNanchor_655_655"></a><a href="#Footnote_655_655" class="fnanchor">655</a> of the moon; but my sole object -shall be, as, indeed, it has been throughout this work, to consult -that utility which is based upon a knowledge and appreciation -of general principles.</p> - -<p>All vegetable productions are cut, gathered, and housed to -more advantage while the moon is on the wane than while it -is on the increase. Manure must never be touched except -when the moon is on the wane; and land must be manured -more particularly while the moon is in conjunction, or else at -the first quarter. Take care to geld your boars, bulls, rams, -and kids, while the moon is on the wane. Put eggs under the -hen at a new moon. Make your ditches in the night-time, -when the moon is at full. Cover up the roots of trees, while -the moon is at full. Where the soil is humid, put in seed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112">112</a></span> -at the moon’s conjunction, and during the four days about -that period. It is generally recommended, too, to give an airing -to corn and the leguminous grains, and to garner them, towards -the end of the moon; to make seed-plots when the moon -is above the horizon; and to tread out the grape, to fell timber, -and to do many other things that have been mentioned -in their respective places, when the moon is below it.</p> - -<p>The observation of the moon, in general, as already observed -in the Second Book,<a id="FNanchor_656_656"></a><a href="#Footnote_656_656" class="fnanchor">656</a> is not so very easy, but what I -am about here to state even rustics will be able to comprehend: -so long as the moon is seen in the west, and during the earlier -hours of the night, she will be on the increase, and one half -of her disk will be perceived; but when the moon is seen to -rise at sunset and opposite to the sun, so that they are both -perceptible at the same moment, she will be at full. Again, -as often as the moon rises in the east, and does not give her -light in the earlier hours of the night, but shows herself -during a portion of the day, she will be on the wane, and one -half of her only will again be perceptible: when the moon has -ceased to be visible, she is in conjunction, a period known to -us as “interlunium.”<a id="FNanchor_657_657"></a><a href="#Footnote_657_657" class="fnanchor">657</a> During the conjunction, the moon will -be above the horizon the same time as the sun, for the whole -of the first day; on the second, she will advance upon the -night ten-twelfths of an hour and one-fourth of a twelfth;<a id="FNanchor_658_658"></a><a href="#Footnote_658_658" class="fnanchor">658</a> -on the third day, the same as on the second, and * * * so on -in succession up to the fifteenth day, the same proportional parts -of an hour being added each day. On the fifteenth day she will -be above the horizon all night, and below it all day. On the -sixteenth, she will remain below the horizon ten-twelfths of -an hour, and one-fourth of a twelfth, at the first hour of the -night, and so on in the same proportion day after day, up to -the period of her conjunction; and thus, the same time which, -by remaining under the horizon, she withdraws from the first -part of the night, she will add to the end of the night by -remaining above the horizon. Her revolutions, too, will -occupy thirty days one month, and twenty-nine the next, and -so on alternately. Such is the theory of the revolutions of -the moon.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113">113</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_76"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 76. (33.)—THE THEORY OF THE WINDS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The theory of the winds<a id="FNanchor_659_659"></a><a href="#Footnote_659_659" class="fnanchor">659</a> is of a somewhat more intricate -nature. After observing the quarter in which the sun rises -on any given day, at the sixth<a id="FNanchor_660_660"></a><a href="#Footnote_660_660" class="fnanchor">660</a> hour of the day take your -position in such a manner as to have the point of the sun’s -rising on your left; you will then have the south directly -facing you, and the north at your back: a line drawn through -a field in this direction<a id="FNanchor_661_661"></a><a href="#Footnote_661_661" class="fnanchor">661</a> is called the “cardinal”<a id="FNanchor_662_662"></a><a href="#Footnote_662_662" class="fnanchor">662</a> line. The -observer must then turn round, so as to look upon his shadow, -for it will be behind him. Having thus changed his position, -so as to bring the point of the sun’s rising on that day to the -right, and that of his setting to the left, it will be the sixth -hour of the day, at the moment when the shadow straight -before him is the shortest. Through the middle of this -shadow, taken lengthwise, a furrow must be traced in the -ground with a hoe, or else a line drawn with ashes, some -twenty feet in length, say; in the middle of this line, or, in -other words, at the tenth foot in it, a small circle must then -be described: to this circle we may give the name of the -“umbilicus,” or “navel.” That point in the line which lies -on the side of the head of the shadow will be the point from -which the north wind blows. You who are engaged in pruning -trees, be it your care that the incisions made in the wood -do not face this point; nor should the vine-trees<a id="FNanchor_663_663"></a><a href="#Footnote_663_663" class="fnanchor">663</a> or the vines -have this aspect, except in the climates of Africa,<a id="FNanchor_664_664"></a><a href="#Footnote_664_664" class="fnanchor">664</a> Cyrenæ, or -Egypt. When the wind blows, too, from this point, you must -never plough, nor, in fact, attempt any other of the operations -of which we shall have to make mention.<a id="FNanchor_665_665"></a><a href="#Footnote_665_665" class="fnanchor">665</a></p> - -<p>That part of the line which lies between the umbilicus and -the feet of the shadow will look towards the south, and indicate -the point from which the south wind<a id="FNanchor_666_666"></a><a href="#Footnote_666_666" class="fnanchor">666</a> blows, to which, -as already mentioned,<a id="FNanchor_667_667"></a><a href="#Footnote_667_667" class="fnanchor">667</a> the Greeks have given the name of -Notus. When the wind comes from this quarter, you, husbandman, -must never fell wood or touch the vine. In Italy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114">114</a></span> -this wind is either humid or else of a burning heat, and in -Africa it is accompanied with intense heat<a id="FNanchor_668_668"></a><a href="#Footnote_668_668" class="fnanchor">668</a> and fine clear -weather. In Italy the bearing branches should be trained to -face this quarter, but the incisions made in the trees or vines -when pruned must never face it. Let those be on their guard -against this wind upon the four<a id="FNanchor_669_669"></a><a href="#Footnote_669_669" class="fnanchor">669</a> days at the rising of the -Vergiliæ, who are engaged in planting the olive, as well as -those who are employed in the operations of grafting or inoculating.</p> - -<p>It will be as well, too, here to give some advice, in reference -to the climate of Italy, as to certain precautions to be observed -at certain hours of the day. You, woodman, must never lop -the branches in the middle of the day; and you, shepherd, -when you see midday approaching in summer, and the shadow -gradually decreasing, drive your flocks from out of the sun -into some well-shaded spot. When you lead the flocks to pasture -in summer, let them face the west before midday,<a id="FNanchor_670_670"></a><a href="#Footnote_670_670" class="fnanchor">670</a> and -after that time, the east: if this precaution is not adopted, -calamitous results will ensue; the same, too, if the flocks are -led in winter or spring to pastures covered with dew. Nor -must you let them feed with their faces to the north, as already -mentioned;<a id="FNanchor_671_671"></a><a href="#Footnote_671_671" class="fnanchor">671</a> for the wind will either close their eyes or else -make them bleared, and they will die of looseness. If you wish -to have females,<a id="FNanchor_672_672"></a><a href="#Footnote_672_672" class="fnanchor">672</a> you should let the dams have their faces towards -the north while being covered.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_77"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 77. (34.)—THE LAYING OUT OF LANDS ACCORDING TO THE -POINTS OF THE WIND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already stated<a id="FNanchor_673_673"></a><a href="#Footnote_673_673" class="fnanchor">673</a> that the umbilicus should be described -in the middle of the line. Let another line be drawn -transversely through the middle of it, and it will be found to -run from due east to due west; a trench cut through the land -in accordance with this line is known by the name of “decumanus.” -Two other lines must then be traced obliquely -across them in the form of the letter X, in such a way as to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115">115</a></span> -run exactly from right and left of the northern point to left -and right of the southern one. All these lines must pass -through the centre of the umbilicus, and all must be of corresponding -length, and at equal distances. This method should -always be adopted in laying out land; or if it should be found -necessary to employ it frequently, a plan<a id="FNanchor_674_674"></a><a href="#Footnote_674_674" class="fnanchor">674</a> of it may be made -in wood, sticks of equal length being fixed upon the surface -of a small tambour,<a id="FNanchor_675_675"></a><a href="#Footnote_675_675" class="fnanchor">675</a> but perfectly round. In the method -which I am here explaining, it is necessary to point out one -precaution that must always be observed by those who are -unacquainted with the subject. The point that must be verified -first of all is the south, as that is always the same; but -the sun, it must be remembered, rises every day at a point in -the heavens different to that of his rising on the day before, -so that the east must never be taken as the basis for tracing -the lines.</p> - -<p>Having now ascertained the various points of the heavens, -the extremity of the line that is nearest to the north, but lying -to the east of it, will indicate the solstitial rising, or, in other -words, the rising of the sun on the longest day, as also the -point from which the wind Aquilo<a id="FNanchor_676_676"></a><a href="#Footnote_676_676" class="fnanchor">676</a> blows, known to the Greeks -by the name of Boreas. You should plant all trees and vines -facing this point, but take care never to plough, or sow corn, -or plant in seed plots, while this wind is blowing, for it has the -effect of drying up and blasting the roots of the trees while -being transplanted. Be taught in time—one thing is good for -grown trees, another for them while they are but young. Nor -have I forgotten the fact, that it is at this point of the heavens -that the Greeks place the wind, to which they give the name -of Cæcias; Aristotle, a man of most extensive learning, who -has assigned to Cæcias this position, explains that it is in consequence -of the convexity of the earth, that Aquilo blows in -an opposite direction to the wind called Africus.</p> - -<p>The agriculturist, however, has nothing to fear from Aquilo, -in respect to the operations before mentioned, all the year -through; for this wind is softened by the sun in the middle of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116">116</a></span> -the summer, and, changing its name, is known by that of Etesias.<a id="FNanchor_677_677"></a><a href="#Footnote_677_677" class="fnanchor">677</a> -When you feel the cold, then, be on your guard; for, -whatever the noxious effects that are attributed to Aquilo, the -more sensibly will they be felt when the wind blows from due -north. In Asia, Greece, Spain, the coasts of Italy, Campania, -and Apulia, the trees that support the vines, as well as the -vines themselves, should have an aspect towards the north-east. -If you wish to have male produce, let the flock feed in such -a way, that this wind may have the opportunity of fecundating -the male, whose office it is to fecundate the females. The -wind Africus, known to the Greeks by the name of Libs, blows -from the south-west, the opposite point to Aquilo; when -animals, after coupling, turn their heads towards this quarter,<a id="FNanchor_678_678"></a><a href="#Footnote_678_678" class="fnanchor">678</a> -you may be sure that female produce has been conceived.</p> - -<p>The third<a id="FNanchor_679_679"></a><a href="#Footnote_679_679" class="fnanchor">679</a> line from the north, which we have drawn transversely -through the shadow, and called by the name of “decumanus,” -will point due east, and from this quarter the wind -Subsolanus blows, by the Greeks called Apeliotes. It is to -this point that, in healthy localities, farm-houses and vineyards -are made to look. This wind is accompanied with soft, gentle -showers; Favonius, however, the wind that blows from due -west, the opposite quarter to it, is of a drier nature; by the -Greeks it is known as Zephyrus. Cato has recommended that -olive-yards should look due west. It is this wind that begins -the spring, and opens the earth; it is moderately cool, but -healthy. As soon as it begins to prevail, it indicates that the -time has arrived for pruning the vine, weeding the corn, planting -trees, grafting fruit-trees, and trimming the olive; for its -breezes are productive of the most nutritious effects.</p> - -<p>The fourth<a id="FNanchor_680_680"></a><a href="#Footnote_680_680" class="fnanchor">680</a> line from the north, and the one that lies nearest -the south on the eastern side, will indicate the point of the -sun’s rising at the winter solstice, and the wind Volturnus, -known by the name of Eurus to the Greeks. This wind is -warm and dry, and beehives and vineyards, in the climates of -Italy and the Gallic provinces, should face this quarter. -Directly opposite to Volturnus, the wind Corus blows; it indicates -the point of the sun’s setting at the summer solstice,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117">117</a></span> -and lies on the western side next to the north. By the Greeks -it is called Argestes, and is one of the very coldest of the winds, -which, in fact, is the case with all the winds that blow from the -north; this wind, too, brings hailstorms with it, for which -reason it is necessary to be on our guard against it no less than -the north. If Volturnus begins to blow from a clear quarter -of the heavens, it will not last till night; but if it is Subsolanus, -it will prevail for the greater part of the night. Whatever -the wind that may happen to be blowing, if it is accompanied -by heat, it will be sure to last for several days. The -earth announces the approach of Aquilo, by drying on a sudden, -while on the approach of Auster, the surface becomes moist without any apparent cause.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_78"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 78. (35.)—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THE SUN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Having now explained the theory of the winds, it seems to -me the best plan, in order to avoid any repetition, to pass on to -the other signs and prognostics that are indicative of a change -of weather. I find, too, that this is a kind of knowledge that -greatly interested Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_681_681"></a><a href="#Footnote_681_681" class="fnanchor">681</a> for he mentions the fact, that during -the harvest even, he has often seen the winds engage in a -combat that was absolutely ruinous to the improvident agriculturist. -There is a tradition, too, to the effect that Democritus, -already mentioned, when his brother Damasus was getting -in his harvest in extremely hot weather, entreated him to -leave the rest of the crop, and house with all haste that which -had been cut; and it was only within a very few hours that -his prediction was verified by a most violent storm. On the -other hand, it is particularly recommended never to plant reeds -except when rain is impending, and only to sow corn just before -a shower; we shall therefore briefly touch upon the prognostics -of this description, making enquiry more particularly -into those among them that have been found the most useful.</p> - -<p>In the first place, then, we will consider those prognostics -of the weather which are derived from the sun.<a id="FNanchor_682_682"></a><a href="#Footnote_682_682" class="fnanchor">682</a> If the sun is -bright at its rising, and not burning hot, it is indicative of fine<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118">118</a></span> -weather, but if pale, it announces wintry weather accompanied -with hail. If the sun is bright and clear when it sets, and -if it rises with a similar appearance, the more assured of fine -weather may we feel ourselves. If it is hidden in clouds at -its rising, it is indicative of rain, and of wind, when the clouds -are of a reddish colour just before sunrise; if black clouds are -intermingled with the red ones, they betoken rain as well. -When the sun’s rays at its rising or setting appear to unite, -rainy weather may be looked for. When the clouds are red at -sunset, they give promise<a id="FNanchor_683_683"></a><a href="#Footnote_683_683" class="fnanchor">683</a> of a fine day on the morrow; but -if, at the sun’s rising, the clouds are dispersed in various quarters, -some to the south, and some to the north-east, even though -the heavens in the vicinity of the sun may be bright, they are -significant of rain and wind. If at the sun’s rising or setting, -its rays appear contracted, they announce the approach of -a shower. If it rains at sunset, or if the sun’s rays attract the -clouds towards them, it is portentous of stormy weather on the -following day. When the sun, at its rising, does not emit -vivid rays, although there are no clouds surrounding it, rain -may be expected. If before sunrise the clouds collect into -dense masses, they are portentous of a violent storm; but if -they are repelled from the east and travel westward, they indicate -fine weather. When clouds are seen surrounding the -face of the sun, the less the light they leave, the more violent -the tempest will be: but if they form a double circle round -the sun, the storm will be a dreadful one. If this takes place -at sunrise or sunset, and the clouds assume a red hue, the approach -of a most violent storm is announced: and if the clouds -hang over the face of the sun without surrounding it, they -presage wind from the quarter from which they are drifting, -and rain as well, if they come from the south.</p> - -<p>If, at its rising, the sun is surrounded with a circle, wind -may be looked for in the quarter in which the circle breaks; -but if it disappears equally throughout, it is indicative of fine -weather. If the sun at its rising throws out its rays afar -through the clouds, and the middle of its disk is clear, there -will be rain; and if its rays are seen before it rises, both rain -and wind as well. If a white circle is seen round the sun at -its setting, there will be a slight storm in the night; but if there<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119">119</a></span> -is a mist around it, the storm will be more violent. If the sun -is pale at sunset, there will be wind, and if there is a dark -circle round it, high winds will arise in the quarter in which the circle breaks.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_79"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 79.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THE MOON.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The prognostics derived from the moon, assert their right to -occupy our notice in the second place. In Egypt, attention is -paid, more particularly, to the fourth day of the moon. If, -when the moon rises, she shines with a pure bright light, it is -generally supposed that we shall have fine weather; but if she -is red, there will be wind, and if of a swarthy<a id="FNanchor_684_684"></a><a href="#Footnote_684_684" class="fnanchor">684</a> hue, rain. If -upon the fifth day of the moon her horns are obtuse, they are -always indicative of rain, but if sharp and erect, of wind, and -this on the fourth day of the moon more particularly. If her -northern horn is pointed and erect, it portends wind; and if it -is the lower horn that presents this appearance, the wind will -be from the south; if both of them are erect, there will be -high winds in the night. If upon the fourth day of the moon -she is surrounded by a red circle, it is portentous of wind and -rain.</p> - -<p>In Varro we find it stated to the following effect:—“If, at -the fourth day of the moon, her horns are erect, there will be -great storms at sea, unless, indeed, she has a circlet<a id="FNanchor_685_685"></a><a href="#Footnote_685_685" class="fnanchor">685</a> around her, -and that circlet unblemished; for by that sign we are informed -that there will be no stormy weather before full moon. If, at -the full moon, one half of her disk is clear, it is indicative of -fine weather, but if it is red, of wind, and if black, of rain. If -a darkness comes over the face of the moon, covered with clouds, -in whatever quarter it breaks, from that quarter wind may be -expected. If a twofold circle surrounds the moon, the storm -will be more violent, and even more so still, if there are three -circles, or if they are black, broken, and disjointed. If the new -moon at her rising has the upper horn obscured, there will be a -prevalence of rainy weather, when she is on the wane; but if -it is the lower horn that is obscured, there will be rain before -full moon; if, again, the moon is darkened in the middle of her -disk, there will be rain when she is at full. If the moon, when -full, has a circle round her, it indicates wind from the quarter -in the circle which is the brightest; but if at her rising the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120">120</a></span> -horns are obtuse, they are portentous of a frightful tempest. -If, when the west wind prevails, the moon does not make her -appearance before her fourth day, there will be a prevalence -of stormy weather throughout the month. If on the sixteenth -day the moon has a bright, flaming appearance, it is a presage -of violent tempests.”</p> - -<p>There are eight different epochs of the moon, or periods at -which she makes certain angles of incidence with the sun, and -most persons only notice the prognostics derived from the -moon, according to the places which they occupy between these -angles. The periods of these angles are the third day, the -seventh, the eleventh, the fifteenth, the nineteenth, the twenty-third, -the twenty-seventh, and that of the conjunction.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_80"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 80.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THE STARS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In the third rank must be placed the prognostics derived -from the stars. These bodies are sometimes to be seen shooting -to and fro;<a id="FNanchor_686_686"></a><a href="#Footnote_686_686" class="fnanchor">686</a> when this happens, winds immediately ensue, -in that part of the heavens in which the presage has been -afforded. When the heavens are equally bright throughout -their whole expanse, at the periods previously mentioned,<a id="FNanchor_687_687"></a><a href="#Footnote_687_687" class="fnanchor">687</a> the -ensuing autumn will be fine and cool. If the spring and summer -have passed not without some rain, the autumn will be -fine and settled,<a id="FNanchor_688_688"></a><a href="#Footnote_688_688" class="fnanchor">688</a> and there will be but little wind: when the -autumn is fine, it makes a windy winter. When the brightness -of the stars is suddenly obscured, though without<a id="FNanchor_689_689"></a><a href="#Footnote_689_689" class="fnanchor">689</a> clouds -or fog, violent tempests may be expected. If numerous stars -are seen to shoot,<a id="FNanchor_690_690"></a><a href="#Footnote_690_690" class="fnanchor">690</a> leaving a white track behind them, they -presage wind from that quarter.<a id="FNanchor_691_691"></a><a href="#Footnote_691_691" class="fnanchor">691</a> If they follow in quick succession -from the same quarter, the wind will blow steadily, -but if from various quarters of the heavens, the wind will shift -in sudden gusts and squalls. If circles are seen to surround -any of the planets, there will be rain.<a id="FNanchor_692_692"></a><a href="#Footnote_692_692" class="fnanchor">692</a> In the constellation<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121">121</a></span> -of Cancer, there are two small stars to be seen, known as the -Aselli,<a id="FNanchor_693_693"></a><a href="#Footnote_693_693" class="fnanchor">693</a> the small space that lies between them being occupied -by a cloudy appearance, which is known as the Manger;<a id="FNanchor_694_694"></a><a href="#Footnote_694_694" class="fnanchor">694</a> when -this cloud is not visible in a clear sky, it is a presage of a -violent storm. If a fog conceals from our view the one of these -stars which lies to the north-east, there will be high winds from -the south; but if it is the star which lies to the south that is so -obscured, then the wind will be from the north-east. The -rainbow, when double, indicates the approach<a id="FNanchor_695_695"></a><a href="#Footnote_695_695" class="fnanchor">695</a> of rain; but -if seen after rain, it gives promise, though by no means a certain -one, of fine weather. Circular clouds around some of the -stars are indicative of rain.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_81"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 81.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM THUNDER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>When, in summer, there is more thunder than lightning, -wind may be expected from that quarter; but if, on the other -hand, there is not so much thunder as lightning, there will be -a fall of rain. When it lightens in a clear sky, there will be -rain, and if there is thunder as well, stormy weather; but if -it lightens from all four quarters of the heavens, there will -be a dreadful tempest. When it lightens from the north-east -only, it portends rain on the following day; but when from -the north, wind may be expected from that quarter. When it -lightens on a clear night from the south, the west, or the -north-west, there will be wind and rain from those quarters. -Thunder<a id="FNanchor_696_696"></a><a href="#Footnote_696_696" class="fnanchor">696</a> in the morning is indicative of wind, and at midday -of rain.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_82"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 82.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM CLOUDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>When clouds are seen moving in a clear sky, wind may be -expected in the quarter from which they proceed; but if they -accumulate in one spot, as they approach the sun they will -disperse. If the clouds are dispersed by a north-east wind, it -is a presage of high winds, but if by a wind from the south, of -rain. If at sunset the clouds cover the heavens on either side -of the sun, they are indicative of tempest; if they are black -and lowering in the east, they threaten rain in the night, but -if in the west, on the following day. If the clouds spread in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122">122</a></span> -large numbers from the east, like fleeces of wool in appearance, -they indicate a continuance of rain for the next three days. -When the clouds settle on the summits of the mountains,<a id="FNanchor_697_697"></a><a href="#Footnote_697_697" class="fnanchor">697</a> there -will be stormy weather; but if the clouds clear away, it will -be fine. When the clouds are white and lowering, a hailstorm, -generally known as a “white”<a id="FNanchor_698_698"></a><a href="#Footnote_698_698" class="fnanchor">698</a> tempest, is close at -hand. An isolated cloud, however small,<a id="FNanchor_699_699"></a><a href="#Footnote_699_699" class="fnanchor">699</a> though seen in a -clear sky, announces wind and storm.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_83"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 83.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM MISTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Mists descending from the summits of mountains, or from the -heavens, or settling in the vallies,<a id="FNanchor_700_700"></a><a href="#Footnote_700_700" class="fnanchor">700</a> give promise of fine weather.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_84"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 84.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM FIRE KINDLED BY MAN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next to these are the prognostics that are derived from fire -kindled upon the earth.<a id="FNanchor_701_701"></a><a href="#Footnote_701_701" class="fnanchor">701</a> If the flames are pallid, and emit a -murmuring noise, they are considered to presage stormy -weather; and fungi upon the burning wick of the lamp are a -sign of rain.<a id="FNanchor_702_702"></a><a href="#Footnote_702_702" class="fnanchor">702</a> If the flame is spiral and flickering, it is an indication -of wind, and the same is the case when the lamp goes -out of itself, or is lighted with difficulty. So, too, if the snuff -hangs down, and sparks gather upon it, or if the burning coals -adhere<a id="FNanchor_703_703"></a><a href="#Footnote_703_703" class="fnanchor">703</a> to vessels taken from off the fire, or if the fire, when -covered up, sends out hot embers or emits sparks, or if the cinders -gather into a mass upon the hearth, or the coals burn -bright and glowing.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_85"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 85.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM WATER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are certain prognostics, too, that may be derived from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123">123</a></span> -water. If, when the sea is calm, the water ripples in the harbour, -with a hollow, murmuring noise, it is a sign of wind, -and if in winter, of rain as well. If the coasts and shores re-echo -while the sea is calm, a violent tempest may be expected; -and the same when the sea, though calm, is heard to roar, or -throws up foam and bubbling spray. If sea pulmones<a id="FNanchor_704_704"></a><a href="#Footnote_704_704" class="fnanchor">704</a> are -to be seen floating on the surface, they are portentous of stormy -weather for many days to come. Very frequently, too, the sea -is seen to swell in silence, and more so than when ruffled by an -ordinary breeze; this is an indication that the winds are at -work within its bosom already.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_86"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 86.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM TEMPESTS THEMSELVES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The reverberations, too, of the mountains, and the roaring -of the forests, are indicative of certain phænomena; and the -same is the case when the leaves are seen to quiver,<a id="FNanchor_705_705"></a><a href="#Footnote_705_705" class="fnanchor">705</a> without -a breath of wind, the downy filaments of the poplar or thorn -to float in the air, and feathers to skim along the surface of -the water.<a id="FNanchor_706_706"></a><a href="#Footnote_706_706" class="fnanchor">706</a> In champaign countries, the storm gives notice of -its approach by that peculiar muttering<a id="FNanchor_707_707"></a><a href="#Footnote_707_707" class="fnanchor">707</a> which precedes it; -while the murmuring that is heard in the heavens affords us no -doubtful presage of what is to come.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_87"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 87.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM AQUATIC ANIMALS, -AND BIRDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The animals, too, afford us certain presages; dolphins, for -instance, sporting in a calm sea, announce wind in the quarter -from which they make their appearance.<a id="FNanchor_708_708"></a><a href="#Footnote_708_708" class="fnanchor">708</a> When they throw -up the water in a billowy sea, they announce the approach of -a calm. The loligo,<a id="FNanchor_709_709"></a><a href="#Footnote_709_709" class="fnanchor">709</a> springing out of the water, shell-fish -adhering to various objects, sea-urchins fastening by their -stickles upon the sand, or else burrowing in it, are so many -indications<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124">124</a></span> -of stormy weather: the same, too, when frogs<a id="FNanchor_710_710"></a><a href="#Footnote_710_710" class="fnanchor">710</a> croak -more than usual, or coots<a id="FNanchor_711_711"></a><a href="#Footnote_711_711" class="fnanchor">711</a> make a chattering in the morning. -Divers, too, and ducks, when they clean their feathers with -the bill, announce high winds; which is the case also when the -aquatic birds unite in flocks, cranes make for the interior, and -divers<a id="FNanchor_712_712"></a><a href="#Footnote_712_712" class="fnanchor">712</a> and sea-mews forsake the sea or the creeks. Cranes -when they fly aloft in silence announce fine weather, and so -does the owlet,<a id="FNanchor_713_713"></a><a href="#Footnote_713_713" class="fnanchor">713</a> when it screeches during a shower; but if it -is heard in fine weather, it presages a storm. Ravens, too, -when they croak with a sort of gurgling noise and shake their -feathers, give warning of the approach of wind, if their -note is continuous: but if, on the other hand, it is smothered, -and only heard at broken intervals, we may expect rain, accompanied -with high winds. Jackdaws, when they return -late from feeding, give notice of stormy weather, and the same -with the white birds,<a id="FNanchor_714_714"></a><a href="#Footnote_714_714" class="fnanchor">714</a> when they unite in flocks, and the -land birds, when they descend with cries to the water and -besprinkle themselves, the crow more particularly. The -swallow,<a id="FNanchor_715_715"></a><a href="#Footnote_715_715" class="fnanchor">715</a> too, when it skims along the surface of the water -so near as to ripple it every now and then with its wings, and -the birds that dwell in the trees, when they hide themselves -in their nests, afford similar indications; geese, too, when -they set up a continuous gabbling,<a id="FNanchor_716_716"></a><a href="#Footnote_716_716" class="fnanchor">716</a> at an unusual time, and -the heron,<a id="FNanchor_717_717"></a><a href="#Footnote_717_717" class="fnanchor">717</a> when it stands moping in the middle of the sands.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_88"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 88.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM QUADRUPEDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Nor, indeed, is it surprising that the aquatic birds, or any -birds, in fact, should have a perception of the impending<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125">125</a></span> -changes of the atmosphere. Sheep, however, when they skip -and frisk with their clumsy gambols,<a id="FNanchor_718_718"></a><a href="#Footnote_718_718" class="fnanchor">718</a> afford us similar prognostics; -oxen, when they snuff upwards towards the sky, and -lick<a id="FNanchor_719_719"></a><a href="#Footnote_719_719" class="fnanchor">719</a> themselves against the hair; unclean swine, when they -tear to pieces the trusses of hay that are put for other animals;<a id="FNanchor_720_720"></a><a href="#Footnote_720_720" class="fnanchor">720</a> -bees, when, contrary to their natural habits of industry, -they keep close within the hive; ants, when they hurry -to and fro, or are seen carrying forth their eggs; and earthworms,<a id="FNanchor_721_721"></a><a href="#Footnote_721_721" class="fnanchor">721</a> -emerging from their holes—all these indicate approaching -changes in the weather.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_89"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 89.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM PLANTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is a well-known fact, that trefoil bristles up, and its leaves -stand erect, upon the approach of a tempest.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_90"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 90.—PROGNOSTICS DERIVED FROM FOOD.</span></h3></div> - -<p>At our repasts, too, and upon our tables, when we see the -vessels sweat in which the viands are served, and leave marks -upon the side-board,<a id="FNanchor_722_722"></a><a href="#Footnote_722_722" class="fnanchor">722</a> it is an indication that a dreadful storm -is impending.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><span class="smcap">Summary.</span>—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, -two thousand and sixty.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><span class="smcap">Roman authors quoted.</span>—Massurius Sabinus,<a id="FNanchor_723_723"></a><a href="#Footnote_723_723" class="fnanchor">723</a> Cassius Hemina,<a id="FNanchor_724_724"></a><a href="#Footnote_724_724" class="fnanchor">724</a> -Verrius Flaccus,<a id="FNanchor_725_725"></a><a href="#Footnote_725_725" class="fnanchor">725</a> L. Piso,<a id="FNanchor_726_726"></a><a href="#Footnote_726_726" class="fnanchor">726</a> Cornelius Celsus,<a id="FNanchor_727_727"></a><a href="#Footnote_727_727" class="fnanchor">727</a> Turranius -Gracilis,<a id="FNanchor_728_728"></a><a href="#Footnote_728_728" class="fnanchor">728</a> D. Silanus,<a id="FNanchor_729_729"></a><a href="#Footnote_729_729" class="fnanchor">729</a> M. Varro,<a id="FNanchor_730_730"></a><a href="#Footnote_730_730" class="fnanchor">730</a> Cato the Censor,<a id="FNanchor_731_731"></a><a href="#Footnote_731_731" class="fnanchor">731</a> -Scrofa,<a id="FNanchor_732_732"></a><a href="#Footnote_732_732" class="fnanchor">732</a> the Sasernæ,<a id="FNanchor_733_733"></a><a href="#Footnote_733_733" class="fnanchor">733</a> father and son, Domitius Calvinus,<a id="FNanchor_734_734"></a><a href="#Footnote_734_734" class="fnanchor">734</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126">126</a></span> -Hyginus,<a id="FNanchor_735_735"></a><a href="#Footnote_735_735" class="fnanchor">735</a> Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_736_736"></a><a href="#Footnote_736_736" class="fnanchor">736</a> Trogus,<a id="FNanchor_737_737"></a><a href="#Footnote_737_737" class="fnanchor">737</a> Ovid,<a id="FNanchor_738_738"></a><a href="#Footnote_738_738" class="fnanchor">738</a> Græcinus,<a id="FNanchor_739_739"></a><a href="#Footnote_739_739" class="fnanchor">739</a> Columella,<a id="FNanchor_740_740"></a><a href="#Footnote_740_740" class="fnanchor">740</a> -Tubero,<a id="FNanchor_741_741"></a><a href="#Footnote_741_741" class="fnanchor">741</a> L. Tarutius,<a id="FNanchor_742_742"></a><a href="#Footnote_742_742" class="fnanchor">742</a> who wrote in Greek on the Stars, -Cæsar<a id="FNanchor_743_743"></a><a href="#Footnote_743_743" class="fnanchor">743</a> the Dictator, who wrote upon the Stars, Sergius -Paulus,<a id="FNanchor_744_744"></a><a href="#Footnote_744_744" class="fnanchor">744</a> Sabinus Fabianus,<a id="FNanchor_745_745"></a><a href="#Footnote_745_745" class="fnanchor">745</a> M. Cicero,<a id="FNanchor_746_746"></a><a href="#Footnote_746_746" class="fnanchor">746</a> Calpurnius Bassus,<a id="FNanchor_747_747"></a><a href="#Footnote_747_747" class="fnanchor">747</a> -Ateius Capito,<a id="FNanchor_748_748"></a><a href="#Footnote_748_748" class="fnanchor">748</a> Mamilius Sura,<a id="FNanchor_749_749"></a><a href="#Footnote_749_749" class="fnanchor">749</a> Attius,<a id="FNanchor_750_750"></a><a href="#Footnote_750_750" class="fnanchor">750</a> who wrote the -Praxidica.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><span class="smcap">Foreign authors quoted.</span>—Hesiod,<a id="FNanchor_751_751"></a><a href="#Footnote_751_751" class="fnanchor">751</a> Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_752_752"></a><a href="#Footnote_752_752" class="fnanchor">752</a> Aristotle,<a id="FNanchor_753_753"></a><a href="#Footnote_753_753" class="fnanchor">753</a> -Democritus,<a id="FNanchor_754_754"></a><a href="#Footnote_754_754" class="fnanchor">754</a> King Hiero,<a id="FNanchor_755_755"></a><a href="#Footnote_755_755" class="fnanchor">755</a> King Attalus Philometor,<a id="FNanchor_756_756"></a><a href="#Footnote_756_756" class="fnanchor">756</a> -King Archelaüs,<a id="FNanchor_757_757"></a><a href="#Footnote_757_757" class="fnanchor">757</a> Archytas,<a id="FNanchor_758_758"></a><a href="#Footnote_758_758" class="fnanchor">758</a> Xenophon,<a id="FNanchor_759_759"></a><a href="#Footnote_759_759" class="fnanchor">759</a> Amphilochus<a id="FNanchor_760_760"></a><a href="#Footnote_760_760" class="fnanchor">760</a> of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127">127</a></span> -Athens, Anaxipolis<a id="FNanchor_761_761"></a><a href="#Footnote_761_761" class="fnanchor">761</a> of Thasos, Aristophanes<a id="FNanchor_762_762"></a><a href="#Footnote_762_762" class="fnanchor">762</a> of Miletus, -Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_763_763"></a><a href="#Footnote_763_763" class="fnanchor">763</a> of Lemnos, Antigonus<a id="FNanchor_764_764"></a><a href="#Footnote_764_764" class="fnanchor">764</a> of Cymæ, Agathocles<a id="FNanchor_765_765"></a><a href="#Footnote_765_765" class="fnanchor">765</a> of -Chios, Apollonius<a id="FNanchor_766_766"></a><a href="#Footnote_766_766" class="fnanchor">766</a> of Pergamus, Aristander<a id="FNanchor_767_767"></a><a href="#Footnote_767_767" class="fnanchor">767</a> of Athens, Bacchius<a id="FNanchor_768_768"></a><a href="#Footnote_768_768" class="fnanchor">768</a> -of Miletus, Bion<a id="FNanchor_769_769"></a><a href="#Footnote_769_769" class="fnanchor">769</a> of Soli, Chæreas<a id="FNanchor_770_770"></a><a href="#Footnote_770_770" class="fnanchor">770</a> of Athens, Chæristus<a id="FNanchor_771_771"></a><a href="#Footnote_771_771" class="fnanchor">771</a> -of Athens, Diodorus<a id="FNanchor_772_772"></a><a href="#Footnote_772_772" class="fnanchor">772</a> of Priene, Dion<a id="FNanchor_773_773"></a><a href="#Footnote_773_773" class="fnanchor">773</a> of Colophon, -Epigenes<a id="FNanchor_774_774"></a><a href="#Footnote_774_774" class="fnanchor">774</a> of Rhodes, Euagon<a id="FNanchor_775_775"></a><a href="#Footnote_775_775" class="fnanchor">775</a> of Thasos, Euphronius<a id="FNanchor_776_776"></a><a href="#Footnote_776_776" class="fnanchor">776</a> of -Athens, Androtiou<a id="FNanchor_777_777"></a><a href="#Footnote_777_777" class="fnanchor">777</a> who wrote on Agriculture, Æschrion<a id="FNanchor_778_778"></a><a href="#Footnote_778_778" class="fnanchor">778</a> -who wrote on Agriculture, Lysimachus<a id="FNanchor_779_779"></a><a href="#Footnote_779_779" class="fnanchor">779</a> who wrote on Agriculture, -Dionysius<a id="FNanchor_780_780"></a><a href="#Footnote_780_780" class="fnanchor">780</a> who translated Mago, Diophanes<a id="FNanchor_781_781"></a><a href="#Footnote_781_781" class="fnanchor">781</a> who -made an Epitome from Dionysius, Thales,<a id="FNanchor_782_782"></a><a href="#Footnote_782_782" class="fnanchor">782</a> Eudoxus,<a id="FNanchor_783_783"></a><a href="#Footnote_783_783" class="fnanchor">783</a> Philippus,<a id="FNanchor_784_784"></a><a href="#Footnote_784_784" class="fnanchor">784</a> -Calippus,<a id="FNanchor_785_785"></a><a href="#Footnote_785_785" class="fnanchor">785</a> Dositheus,<a id="FNanchor_786_786"></a><a href="#Footnote_786_786" class="fnanchor">786</a> Parmeniscus,<a id="FNanchor_787_787"></a><a href="#Footnote_787_787" class="fnanchor">787</a> Meton,<a id="FNanchor_788_788"></a><a href="#Footnote_788_788" class="fnanchor">788</a> Criton,<a id="FNanchor_789_789"></a><a href="#Footnote_789_789" class="fnanchor">789</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128">128</a></span> -Œnopides,<a id="FNanchor_790_790"></a><a href="#Footnote_790_790" class="fnanchor">790</a> Zenon,<a id="FNanchor_791_791"></a><a href="#Footnote_791_791" class="fnanchor">791</a> Euctemon,<a id="FNanchor_792_792"></a><a href="#Footnote_792_792" class="fnanchor">792</a> Harpalus,<a id="FNanchor_793_793"></a><a href="#Footnote_793_793" class="fnanchor">793</a> Hecatæus,<a id="FNanchor_794_794"></a><a href="#Footnote_794_794" class="fnanchor">794</a> -Anaximander,<a id="FNanchor_795_795"></a><a href="#Footnote_795_795" class="fnanchor">795</a> Sosigenes,<a id="FNanchor_796_796"></a><a href="#Footnote_796_796" class="fnanchor">796</a> Hipparchus,<a id="FNanchor_797_797"></a><a href="#Footnote_797_797" class="fnanchor">797</a> Aratus,<a id="FNanchor_798_798"></a><a href="#Footnote_798_798" class="fnanchor">798</a> Zoroaster,<a id="FNanchor_799_799"></a><a href="#Footnote_799_799" class="fnanchor">799</a> -Archibius.<a id="FNanchor_800_800"></a><a href="#Footnote_800_800" class="fnanchor">800</a></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129">129</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="BOOK_XIX">BOOK XIX.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="small">THE NATURE AND CULTIVATION OF FLAX, AND AN -ACCOUNT OF VARIOUS GARDEN PLANTS.</span></h2></div> - -<h3 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_1"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 1.—THE NATURE OF FLAX—MARVELLOUS FACTS RELATIVE -THERETO.</span></h3> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">We</span> have now imparted a knowledge<a id="FNanchor_801_801"></a><a href="#Footnote_801_801" class="fnanchor">801</a> of the constellations -and of the seasons, in a method unattended with difficulty for -the most ignorant even, and free from every doubt; indeed, -to those who understand these matters aright, the face of the -earth contributes in no less a degree to a due appreciation of -the celestial phænomena, than does the science of astronomy -to our improvement in the arts of agriculture.</p> - -<p>Many writers have made it their next care to treat of horticulture; -but, for my own part, it does not appear to me altogether -advisable to pass on immediately to that subject, and, -indeed, I am rather surprised to find that some among the -learned, who have either sought the pleasures of knowledge in -these pursuits, or have grounded their celebrity upon them, -have omitted so many particulars in reference thereto; for no -mention do we find in their writings of numerous vegetable -productions, both wild as well as cultivated, many of which -are found, in ordinary life, to be of higher value and of more -extended use to man than the cereals even.</p> - -<p>To commence, then, with a production which is of an utility -that is universally recognized, and is employed not only -upon dry land but upon the seas as well, we will turn our attention -to flax,<a id="FNanchor_802_802"></a><a href="#Footnote_802_802" class="fnanchor">802</a> a plant which is reproduced from seed, but -which can neither be classed among the cereals nor yet among -the garden plants. What department is there to be found of -active life in which flax is not employed? and in what production -of the earth are there greater marvels<a id="FNanchor_803_803"></a><a href="#Footnote_803_803" class="fnanchor">803</a> revealed to us<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130">130</a></span> -than in this? To think that here is a plant which brings -Egypt in close proximity to Italy!—so much so, in fact, that -Galerius<a id="FNanchor_804_804"></a><a href="#Footnote_804_804" class="fnanchor">804</a> and Balbillus,<a id="FNanchor_805_805"></a><a href="#Footnote_805_805" class="fnanchor">805</a> both of them prefects of Egypt, made -the passage to Alexandria from the Straits of Sicily, the one -in six days, the other in five! It was only this very last summer, -that Valerius Marianus, a senator of prætorian rank, -reached Alexandria from Puteoli in eight days, and that, too, -with a very moderate breeze all the time! To think that -here is a plant which brings Gades, situate near the Pillars of -Hercules, within six days of Ostia, Nearer Spain within three, -the province of Gallia Narbonensis within two, and Africa -within one!—this last passage having been made by C. Flavius, -when legatus of Vibius Crispus, the proconsul, and that, -too, with but little or no wind to favour his passage!</p> - -<p>What audacity in man! What criminal perverseness! thus -to sow a thing in the ground for the purpose of catching the -winds and the tempests, it being not enough for him, forsooth, -to be borne upon the waves alone! Nay, still more than this, -sails even that are bigger than the very ships themselves will -not suffice for him, and although it takes a whole tree to -make a mast to carry the cross-yards, above those cross-yards -sails upon sails must still be added, with others swelling at the -prow and at the stern as well—so many devices, in fact, to -challenge death! Only to think, in fine, that that which -moves to and fro, as it were, the various countries of the earth, -should spring from a seed so minute, and make its appearance -in a stem so fine, so little elevated above the surface of the -earth! And then, besides, it is not in all its native strength -that it is employed for the purposes of a tissue; no, it must -first be rent asunder, and then tawed and beaten, till it is -reduced to the softness of wool; indeed, it is only by such -violence done to its nature, and prompted by the extreme -audacity of man, and<a id="FNanchor_806_806"></a><a href="#Footnote_806_806" class="fnanchor">806</a> * * * that it is rendered subservient -to his purposes. The inventor of this art has been<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131">131</a></span> -already mentioned by us on a more appropriate occasion;<a id="FNanchor_807_807"></a><a href="#Footnote_807_807" class="fnanchor">807</a> not -satisfied that his fellow-men should perish upon land, but -anxious that they should meet their end with no sepulchral -rites to await them, there are no execrations<a id="FNanchor_808_808"></a><a href="#Footnote_808_808" class="fnanchor">808</a> to be found that -can equal his demerits!</p> - -<p>It is only in the preceding Book<a id="FNanchor_809_809"></a><a href="#Footnote_809_809" class="fnanchor">809</a> that I was warning the -agriculturist, as he values the grain that is to form our daily -sustenance, to be on his guard against the storm and the tempest; -and yet, here we have man sowing with his own hand, -man racking his invention how best to gather, an object the -only aspirations of which upon the deep are the winds of -heaven! And then, too, as if to let us understand all the better -how highly favoured is this instrument of our punishment, -there is no vegetable production that grows with greater facility;<a id="FNanchor_810_810"></a><a href="#Footnote_810_810" class="fnanchor">810</a> -and, to prove to us that it is in despite of Nature herself -that it exists, it has the property of scorching<a id="FNanchor_811_811"></a><a href="#Footnote_811_811" class="fnanchor">811</a> the ground -where it is grown, and of deteriorating the quality of the very -soil itself.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_2"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 2. (1.)—HOW FLAX IS SOWN: TWENTY-SEVEN PRINCIPAL -VARIETIES OF IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Flax is mostly sown in sandy<a id="FNanchor_812_812"></a><a href="#Footnote_812_812" class="fnanchor">812</a> soils, and after a single -ploughing only. There is no plant that grows more rapidly<a id="FNanchor_813_813"></a><a href="#Footnote_813_813" class="fnanchor">813</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132">132</a></span> -than this; sown in spring,<a id="FNanchor_814_814"></a><a href="#Footnote_814_814" class="fnanchor">814</a> it is pulled up in summer, and is, -for this reason as well, productive of considerable injury to the -soil.<a id="FNanchor_815_815"></a><a href="#Footnote_815_815" class="fnanchor">815</a> There may be some, however, who would forgive -Egypt for growing it, as it is by its aid that she imports the -merchandize of Arabia and India; but why should the Gallic -provinces base any of their reputation upon this product?<a id="FNanchor_816_816"></a><a href="#Footnote_816_816" class="fnanchor">816</a> Is -it not enough, forsooth, for them to be separated by mountains -from the sea, and to have, upon the side on which they are -bounded by the Ocean, that void and empty space, as it is -called?<a id="FNanchor_817_817"></a><a href="#Footnote_817_817" class="fnanchor">817</a> The Cadurci,<a id="FNanchor_818_818"></a><a href="#Footnote_818_818" class="fnanchor">818</a> the Caleti, the Ruteni,<a id="FNanchor_819_819"></a><a href="#Footnote_819_819" class="fnanchor">819</a> the Bituriges,<a id="FNanchor_820_820"></a><a href="#Footnote_820_820" class="fnanchor">820</a> -and the Morini,<a id="FNanchor_821_821"></a><a href="#Footnote_821_821" class="fnanchor">821</a> those remotest of all mankind, as it is -supposed, the whole of the Gallic provinces, in fact, are in the -habit of weaving sail-cloth; and at the present day our enemies -even, who dwell beyond the Rhenus, have learned to do the -same; indeed, there is no tissue that is more beautiful in the -eyes of their females than linen. I am here reminded of the -fact, that we find it stated by M. Varro, that it is a custom -peculiar to the family of the Serrani<a id="FNanchor_822_822"></a><a href="#Footnote_822_822" class="fnanchor">822</a> for the women never to -wear garments of linen. In Germany it is in caves<a id="FNanchor_823_823"></a><a href="#Footnote_823_823" class="fnanchor">823</a> deep under-ground -that the linen-weavers ply their work; and the same -is the case, too, in the Alian territory, in Italy, between the -rivers Padus and Ticinus, the linen of which holds the third -rank among the kinds manufactured in Europe, that of Sætabis<a id="FNanchor_824_824"></a><a href="#Footnote_824_824" class="fnanchor">824</a> -claiming the first, and those of Retovium<a id="FNanchor_825_825"></a><a href="#Footnote_825_825" class="fnanchor">825</a> and of Faventia,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133">133</a></span> -in the vicinity of Alia, on the Æmilian Way, the second, -place in general estimation. The linens of Faventia are preferred -for whiteness to those of Alia, which are always un-bleached: -those of Retovium are remarkable for their extreme -fineness, combined with substance, and are quite equal in -whiteness to the linens of Faventia; but they have none of -that fine downy nap<a id="FNanchor_826_826"></a><a href="#Footnote_826_826" class="fnanchor">826</a> upon them, which is so highly esteemed -by some persons, though equally disliked by others. A thread -is made, too, from their flax, of considerable strength, smoother -and more even, almost, than the spider’s web; when tested -with the teeth, it emits a sharp, clear twang; hence it is, that -it sells at double the price of the other kinds.</p> - -<p>But it is the province of Nearer Spain that produces a linen -of the greatest lustre, an advantage which it owes to the waters -of a stream which washes the city of Tarraco<a id="FNanchor_827_827"></a><a href="#Footnote_827_827" class="fnanchor">827</a> there. The fineness, -too, of this linen is quite marvellous, and here it is that -the first manufactories of cambric<a id="FNanchor_828_828"></a><a href="#Footnote_828_828" class="fnanchor">828</a> were established. From -the same province, too, of Spain, the flax of Zoëla<a id="FNanchor_829_829"></a><a href="#Footnote_829_829" class="fnanchor">829</a> has of late -years been introduced into Italy, and has been found extremely -serviceable for the manufacture of hunting-nets. Zoëla is a -city of Callæcia, in the vicinity of the Ocean. The flax, too, -of Cumæ, in Campania, has its own peculiar merits in the -manufacture of nets for fishing and fowling; it is employed, -also, for making hunting-nets. For it is from flax, in fact, -that we prepare various textures, destined to be no less insidious -to the brute creation than they are to ourselves. It is -with toils made from the flax of Cumæ that wild boars are -taken, the meshes being proof against their bristles,<a id="FNanchor_830_830"></a><a href="#Footnote_830_830" class="fnanchor">830</a> equally -with the edge of the knife: before now, too, we have seen some -of these toils of a fineness so remarkable<a id="FNanchor_831_831"></a><a href="#Footnote_831_831" class="fnanchor">831</a> as to allow of being<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134">134</a></span> -passed through a man’s ring, running ropes and all, a single -individual being able to carry an amount of nets sufficient to -environ a whole forest—a thing which we know to have been -done not long ago by Julius Lupus, who died prefect of Egypt. -This, however, is nothing very surprising, but it really is quite -wonderful that each of the cords was composed of no less -than one hundred and fifty threads. Those, no doubt, will be -astonished at this, who are not aware that there is preserved -in the Temple of Minerva, at Lindus, in the Isle of Rhodes, -the cuirass of a former king of Egypt, Amasis by name, each -thread employed in the texture of which is composed of three -hundred and sixty-five other threads. Mucianus, who was -three times consul, informs us that he saw this curiosity very -recently, though there was but little then remaining of it, in -consequence of the injury it had experienced at the hands of -various persons who had tried to verify the fact. Italy, too, -holds the flax of the Peligni in high esteem, though it is only -employed by fullers; there is no kind known that is whiter -than this, or which bears a closer resemblance to wool. That -grown by the Cadurci<a id="FNanchor_832_832"></a><a href="#Footnote_832_832" class="fnanchor">832</a> is held in high estimation for making -mattresses;<a id="FNanchor_833_833"></a><a href="#Footnote_833_833" class="fnanchor">833</a> which, as well as flock,<a id="FNanchor_834_834"></a><a href="#Footnote_834_834" class="fnanchor">834</a> are an invention for which -we are indebted to the Gauls: the ancient usage of Italy is -still kept in remembrance in the word “stramentum,”<a id="FNanchor_835_835"></a><a href="#Footnote_835_835" class="fnanchor">835</a> the -name given by us to beds stuffed with straw.</p> - -<p>The flax of Egypt, though the least strong<a id="FNanchor_836_836"></a><a href="#Footnote_836_836" class="fnanchor">836</a> of all as a tissue, -is that from which the greatest profits are derived. There are -four varieties of it, the Tanitic, the Pelusiac, the Butic, and -the Tentyritic—so called from the various districts in which -they are respectively grown. The upper part of Egypt, in -the vicinity of Arabia, produces a shrub, known by some as -“gossypium,”<a id="FNanchor_837_837"></a><a href="#Footnote_837_837" class="fnanchor">837</a> but by most persons as “xylon;” hence the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135">135</a></span> -name of “xylina,” given to the tissues that are manufactured -from it. The shrub is small, and bears a fruit, similar in -appearance to a nut with a beard, and containing in the inside -a silky substance, the down of which is spun into threads. -There is no tissue known, that is superior to those made from -this thread, either for whiteness, softness, or dressing: the -most esteemed vestments worn by the priests of Egypt are -made of it. There is a fourth kind of tissue, known by the -name of “othoninum,” which is made from a kind of marsh-reed,<a id="FNanchor_838_838"></a><a href="#Footnote_838_838" class="fnanchor">838</a> -the panicule only being employed for the purpose. In -Asia, again, there is a thread made from broom,<a id="FNanchor_839_839"></a><a href="#Footnote_839_839" class="fnanchor">839</a> which is -employed in the construction of fishing-nets, being found to -be remarkably durable; for the purpose of preparing it, the -shrub is steeped in water for ten days. The Æthiopians, also, -and the people of India, prepare a kind of thread from a fruit -which resembles our apple, and the Arabians, as already<a id="FNanchor_840_840"></a><a href="#Footnote_840_840" class="fnanchor">840</a> mentioned, -from gourds that grow upon trees.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_3"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 3.—THE MODE OF PREPARING FLAX.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In our part of the world the ripeness of flax is usually -ascertained by two signs, the swelling of the seed, and its -assuming a yellowish tint. It is then pulled up by the roots, -made up into small sheaves that will just fill the hand, and -hung to dry in the sun. It is suspended with the roots -upwards the first day, and then for the five following days the -heads of the sheaves are placed, reclining one against the other, -in such a way that the seed which drops out may fall into the -middle. Linseed is employed for various medicinal<a id="FNanchor_841_841"></a><a href="#Footnote_841_841" class="fnanchor">841</a> purposes, -and it is used by the country-people of Italy beyond the Padus -in a certain kind of food, which is remarkable for its sweetness:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136">136</a></span> -for this long time past, however, it has only been in general -use for sacrifices offered to the divinities. After the wheat -harvest is over, the stalks of flax are plunged in water that -has been warmed in the sun, and are then submitted to pressure -with a weight; for there is nothing known that is more -light and buoyant than this. When the outer coat is loosened, -it is a sign that the stalks have been sufficiently steeped; after -which<a id="FNanchor_842_842"></a><a href="#Footnote_842_842" class="fnanchor">842</a> they are again turned with the heads downwards, and -left to dry as before in the sun: when thoroughly dried, they -are beaten with a tow-mallet on a stone.</p> - -<p>The part that lies nearest to the outer coat is known by the -name of “stuppa;” it is a flax of inferior quality, and is -mostly employed for making the wicks of lamps. This, however, -requires to be combed out with iron hatchels, until the -whole of the outer skin is removed. The inner part presents -numerous varieties of flax, esteemed respectively in proportion -to their whiteness and their softness. Spinning flax is -held to be an honourable<a id="FNanchor_843_843"></a><a href="#Footnote_843_843" class="fnanchor">843</a> employment for men even: the -husks, or outer coats, are employed for heating furnaces and -ovens. There is a certain amount of skill required in hatchelling -flax and dressing it: it is a fair proportion for fifty pounds -in the sheaf to yield fifteen pounds of flax combed out. When -spun into thread, it is rendered additionally supple by being -soaked in water and then beaten out upon a stone; and after -it is woven into a tissue, it is again beaten with heavy maces: -indeed, the more roughly it is treated the better it is.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_4"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 4.—LINEN MADE OF ASBESTOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There has been invented also a kind of linen which is incombustible -by flame. It is generally known as “live”<a id="FNanchor_844_844"></a><a href="#Footnote_844_844" class="fnanchor">844</a> linen, -and I have seen, before now, napkins<a id="FNanchor_845_845"></a><a href="#Footnote_845_845" class="fnanchor">845</a> that were made of it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137">137</a></span> -thrown into a blazing fire, in the room where the guests were -at table, and after the stains were burnt out, come forth from -the flames whiter and cleaner than they could possibly have -been rendered by the aid of water. It is from this material -that the corpse-cloths of monarchs are made, to ensure the -separation of the ashes of the body from those of the pile. -This substance grows<a id="FNanchor_846_846"></a><a href="#Footnote_846_846" class="fnanchor">846</a> in the deserts of India,<a id="FNanchor_847_847"></a><a href="#Footnote_847_847" class="fnanchor">847</a> scorched by -the burning rays of the sun: here, where no rain is ever -known to fall, and amid multitudes of deadly serpents, it becomes -habituated to resist the action of fire. Rarely to be -found, it presents considerable difficulties in weaving it into a -tissue, in consequence of its shortness; its colour is naturally -red, and it only becomes white through the agency of fire. -By those who find it, it is sold at prices equal to those given -for the finest pearls; by the Greeks it is called “asbestinon,”<a id="FNanchor_848_848"></a><a href="#Footnote_848_848" class="fnanchor">848</a> -a name which indicates its peculiar properties. Anaxilaüs<a id="FNanchor_849_849"></a><a href="#Footnote_849_849" class="fnanchor">849</a> -makes a statement to the effect that if a tree is surrounded -with linen made of this substance, the noise of the blows -given by the axe will be deadened thereby, and that the tree may -be cut down without their being heard. For these qualities it -is that this linen occupies the very highest rank among all the -kinds that are known.</p> - -<p>The next rank is accorded to the tissue known as “byssus,”<a id="FNanchor_850_850"></a><a href="#Footnote_850_850" class="fnanchor">850</a> -an article which is held in the very highest estimation by -females, and is produced in the vicinity of Elis, in Achaia.<a id="FNanchor_851_851"></a><a href="#Footnote_851_851" class="fnanchor">851</a> I -find it stated by some writers that a scruple of this sold formerly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138">138</a></span> -at four denarii, the same rate, in fact, as gold. The -downy nap of linen, and more particularly that taken from -the sails of sea-going ships, is very extensively employed for -medicinal purposes, and the ashes of it have the same virtues -as spodium.<a id="FNanchor_852_852"></a><a href="#Footnote_852_852" class="fnanchor">852</a> Among the poppies, too,<a id="FNanchor_853_853"></a><a href="#Footnote_853_853" class="fnanchor">853</a> there is a variety which -imparts a remarkable degree of whiteness to fabrics made of -linen.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_5"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 5.—AT WHAT PERIOD LINEN WAS FIRST DYED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Attempts, too, have even been made to dye linen, and to -make it assume the frivolous colours<a id="FNanchor_854_854"></a><a href="#Footnote_854_854" class="fnanchor">854</a> of our cloths. This was -first done in the fleet of Alexander the Great, while sailing -upon the river Indus; for, upon one occasion, during a battle -that was being fought, his generals and captains distinguished -their vessels by the various tints of their sails, and astounded -the people on the shores by giving their many colours to the -breeze, as it impelled them on. It was with sails of purple, -too, that Cleopatra accompanied M. Antonius to the battle of -Actium, and it was by their aid that she took to flight: such -being the distinguishing mark of the royal ship.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_6"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 6.—AT WHAT PERIOD COLOURED AWNINGS WERE FIRST -EMPLOYED IN THE THEATRES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In more recent<a id="FNanchor_855_855"></a><a href="#Footnote_855_855" class="fnanchor">855</a> times linens alone have been employed -for the purpose of affording shade in our theatres; Q. Catulus -having been the first who applied them to this use, on -the occasion of the dedication by him of the Capitol. At a -later period, Lentulus Spinther, it is said, was the first to -spread awnings of fine linen<a id="FNanchor_856_856"></a><a href="#Footnote_856_856" class="fnanchor">856</a> over the theatre, at the celebration -of the Games in honour of Apollo. After this, Cæsar,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139">139</a></span> -when Dictator, covered with a linen awning the whole of the -Roman Forum, as well as the Sacred Way, from his own house -as far as the ascent to the Capitol, a sight, it is said, more wonderful -even than the show of gladiators which he then exhibited. -At a still later period, and upon the occasion of no -public games, Marcellus, the son of Octavia, sister of Augustus, -during his ædileship, and in the eleventh consulship of his -uncle, on the * * * day before the calends of August, covered -in the Forum with awnings, his object being to consult the -health of those assembled there for the purposes of litigation—a -vast change, indeed, from the manners prevalent in the -days of Cato the Censor, who expressed a wish that the -Forum was paved with nothing else but sharp pointed stones.</p> - -<p>Awnings have been lately extended, too, by the aid of ropes, -over the amphitheatres of the Emperor Nero, dyed azure, like -the heavens, and bespangled all over with stars. Those which -are employed by us to cover the inner court<a id="FNanchor_857_857"></a><a href="#Footnote_857_857" class="fnanchor">857</a> of our houses -are generally red: one reason for employing them is to protect -the moss that grows there from the rays<a id="FNanchor_858_858"></a><a href="#Footnote_858_858" class="fnanchor">858</a> of the sun. In -other respects, white fabrics of linen have always held the -ascendancy in public estimation. Linen, too, was highly -valued as early as the Trojan war; for why else should it not -have figured as much in battles as it did in shipwrecks? Thus -Homer,<a id="FNanchor_859_859"></a><a href="#Footnote_859_859" class="fnanchor">859</a> we find, bears witness that there were but few among -the warriors of those days who fought with cuirasses<a id="FNanchor_860_860"></a><a href="#Footnote_860_860" class="fnanchor">860</a> on -made of linen; while, as for the rigging of the ships, of -which that writer speaks, it is generally supposed by the more -learned among the commentators, that it was made of this material; -for the word “sparta,”<a id="FNanchor_861_861"></a><a href="#Footnote_861_861" class="fnanchor">861</a> which he employs, means -nothing more than the produce of a seed.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_7"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 7. (2.)—THE NATURE OF SPARTUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For the fact is that spartum<a id="FNanchor_862_862"></a><a href="#Footnote_862_862" class="fnanchor">862</a> did not begin to be employed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140">140</a></span> -till many ages after the time of Homer; indeed, not before the -first war that the Carthaginians waged in Spain. This, too, -is a plant that grows spontaneously,<a id="FNanchor_863_863"></a><a href="#Footnote_863_863" class="fnanchor">863</a> and is incapable of being -reproduced by sowing, it being a species of rush, peculiar to a -dry, arid soil, a morbid production confined to a single country -only; for in reality it is a curse to the soil, as there is nothing -whatever that can be sown or grown in its vicinity. There is -a kind of spartum grown in Africa,<a id="FNanchor_864_864"></a><a href="#Footnote_864_864" class="fnanchor">864</a> of a stunted nature, and -quite useless for all practical purposes. It is found in one -portion of the province of Carthage<a id="FNanchor_865_865"></a><a href="#Footnote_865_865" class="fnanchor">865</a> in Nearer Spain, though -not in every part of that; but wherever it is produced, the -mountains, even, are covered all over with it.</p> - -<p>This material is employed by the country-people there for -making<a id="FNanchor_866_866"></a><a href="#Footnote_866_866" class="fnanchor">866</a> their beds; with it they kindle their fires also, and -prepare their torches; shoes<a id="FNanchor_867_867"></a><a href="#Footnote_867_867" class="fnanchor">867</a> also, and garments for the shepherds, -are made of it. As a food for animals, it is highly injurious,<a id="FNanchor_868_868"></a><a href="#Footnote_868_868" class="fnanchor">868</a> -with the sole exception of the tender tops of the -shoots. When wanted for other uses, it is pulled up by the -roots, with considerable labour; the legs of the persons so employed -being protected by boots, and their hands with gloves, -the plant being twisted round levers of bone or holm-oak, to -get it up with the greater facility. At the present day it is -gathered in the winter, even; but this work is done with the -least difficulty between the ides of May<a id="FNanchor_869_869"></a><a href="#Footnote_869_869" class="fnanchor">869</a> and those of June, -that being the period at which it is perfectly ripe.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_8"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 8.—THE MODE OF PREPARING SPARTUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>When taken up it is made into sheaves, and laid in heaps -for a couple of days, while it retains its life and freshness; on -the third day the sheaves are opened out and spread in the sun<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141">141</a></span> -to dry, after which it is again made up into sheaves, and placed -under cover. It is then put to soak in sea-water, this being the -best of all for the purpose, though fresh water will do in case -sea-water cannot be procured: this done, it is again dried in -the sun, and then moistened afresh. If it is wanted for immediate -use, it is put in a tub and steeped in warm water, after -which it is placed in an upright position to dry: this being -universally admitted to be the most expeditious method of preparing -it. To make it ready for use, it requires to be beaten -out. Articles made of it are proof, more particularly, against -the action of fresh or sea-water; but on dry land, ropes of hemp -are generally preferred. Indeed, we find that spartum receives -nutriment even from being under water, by way of compensation, -as it were, for the thirst it has had to endure upon its -native soil.</p> - -<p>By nature it is peculiarly well adapted for repairing, and -however old the material may be, it unites very well with new. -The person, indeed, who is desirous duly to appreciate this -marvellous plant, has only to consider the numerous uses to -which, in all parts of the world, it is applied: from it are -made, the rigging of ships, various appliances of mechanism -employed in building, and numerous other articles which supply -the wants of daily life. To suffice for all these requirements, -we find it growing solely on a tract of ground which lies upon -the sea-line of the province of New Carthage, somewhat less -than thirty miles in breadth by one hundred in length. The -expense precludes its being transported to any very considerable -distance.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_9"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 9.—AT WHAT PERIOD SPARTUM WAS FIRST EMPLOYED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Greeks used formerly to employ the rush for making -ropes; so, at least, we are led to believe, from the name<a id="FNanchor_870_870"></a><a href="#Footnote_870_870" class="fnanchor">870</a> given -by them to that plant; and at a later period they made them, -it is very clear, from the leaves of the palm, and the inner -bark of the linden-tree. It seems to me very probable, too, -that it was from them that the Carthaginians borrowed the -first hint for applying spartum to a similar purpose.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_10"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 10.—THE BULB ERIOPHORUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Theophrastus<a id="FNanchor_871_871"></a><a href="#Footnote_871_871" class="fnanchor">871</a> informs us, that there is a kind of bulb, which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142">142</a></span> -grows on the banks of rivers, and which encloses between the -outer coat and the portion that is eaten a sort of woolly substance, -of which felt socks, and other articles of dress, are made; -but, in the copies, those at least which have fallen in my way, -there is no mention made of the country in which it grows, or -of any details in connection with it, beyond the fact that -the name given to it is “eriophoron.”<a id="FNanchor_872_872"></a><a href="#Footnote_872_872" class="fnanchor">872</a> As to spartum, -he makes no<a id="FNanchor_873_873"></a><a href="#Footnote_873_873" class="fnanchor">873</a> mention of it whatever, although he has given -the history, with the greatest exactness, of all the known -plants, three hundred and ninety years before our time—a fact -to which I have already<a id="FNanchor_874_874"></a><a href="#Footnote_874_874" class="fnanchor">874</a> alluded on other occasions: from -this it would appear that spartum has come into use since his -day.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_11"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 11.—PLANTS WHICH SPRING UP AND GROW WITHOUT A -ROOT—PLANTS WHICH GROW, BUT CANNOT BE REPRODUCED FROM -SEED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As we have here made a beginning of treating of the marvels -of Nature, we shall proceed to examine them in detail; and -among them the very greatest of all, beyond a doubt, is the -fact that any plant should spring up and grow without a root. -Such, for instance, is the vegetable production known as the -truffle;<a id="FNanchor_875_875"></a><a href="#Footnote_875_875" class="fnanchor">875</a> surrounded on every side by earth, it is connected -with it by no fibres, not so much as a single thread even, while -the spot in which it grows, presents neither protuberance nor -cleft to the view. It is found, in fact, in no way adhering to -the earth, but enclosed within an outer coat; so much so, indeed, -that though we cannot exactly pronounce it to be composed -of earth, we must conclude that it is nothing else but a -callous<a id="FNanchor_876_876"></a><a href="#Footnote_876_876" class="fnanchor">876</a> concretion of the earth.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143">143</a></span></p> - -<p>Truffles generally grow in dry, sandy soils, and spots that -are thickly covered with shrubs; in size they are often larger -than a quince, and are found to weigh as much<a id="FNanchor_877_877"></a><a href="#Footnote_877_877" class="fnanchor">877</a> as a pound. -There are two kinds of them, the one full of sand, and consequently -injurious to the teeth, the other free from sand and -all impurities. They are distinguished also by their colour, -which is red or black, and white within; those of Africa<a id="FNanchor_878_878"></a><a href="#Footnote_878_878" class="fnanchor">878</a> -are the most esteemed. Whether the truffle grows gradually, -or whether this blemish of the earth—for it can be looked upon -as nothing else—at once assumes the globular form and magnitude -which it presents when found; whether, too, it is possessed -of vitality or not, are all of them questions, which, in -my opinion, are not easy to be solved. It decays and rots in -a manner precisely similar to wood.</p> - -<p>It is known to me as a fact, that the following circumstance -happened to Lartius Licinius, a person of prætorian rank, while -minister of justice,<a id="FNanchor_879_879"></a><a href="#Footnote_879_879" class="fnanchor">879</a> a few years ago, at Carthage in Spain; -upon biting a truffle, he found a denarius inside, which all but -broke his fore teeth—an evident proof that the truffle is nothing -else but an agglomeration of elementary earth. At all -events, it is quite certain that the truffle belongs to those -vegetable productions which spring up spontaneously, and are -incapable of being reproduced from seed.<a id="FNanchor_880_880"></a><a href="#Footnote_880_880" class="fnanchor">880</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_12"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 12. (3.)—MISY; ITON; AND GERANION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of a similar nature, too, is the vegetable production known -in the province of Cyrenaica by the name of “misy,”<a id="FNanchor_881_881"></a><a href="#Footnote_881_881" class="fnanchor">881</a> remarkable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144">144</a></span> -for the sweetness of its smell and taste, but more -fleshy than the truffle: the same, too, as to the iton<a id="FNanchor_882_882"></a><a href="#Footnote_882_882" class="fnanchor">882</a> of the -Thracians, and the geranion of the Greeks.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_13"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 13.—PARTICULARS CONNECTED WITH THE TRUFFLE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The following peculiarities we find mentioned with reference -to the truffle. When there have been showers in autumn, and -frequent thunder-storms, truffles are produced, thunder<a id="FNanchor_883_883"></a><a href="#Footnote_883_883" class="fnanchor">883</a> contributing -more particularly to their developement; they do -not, however, last beyond a year, and are considered the most -delicate eating when gathered in spring. In some places the -formation of them is attributed to water; as at Mytilene,<a id="FNanchor_884_884"></a><a href="#Footnote_884_884" class="fnanchor">884</a> for -instance, where they are never to be found, it is said, unless -the rivers overflow, and bring down the seed from Tiara, that -being the name of a place at which they are produced in the -greatest abundance. The finest truffles of Asia are those found -in the neighbourhood of Lampsacus and Alopeconnesus; the -best in Greece are those of the vicinity of Elis.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_14"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 14.—THE PEZICA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Belonging to the mushroom genus, also, there is a species, -known to the Greeks by the name of “pezica,”<a id="FNanchor_885_885"></a><a href="#Footnote_885_885" class="fnanchor">885</a> which grows -without either root or stalk.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 15.—LASERPITIUM, LASER, AND MASPETUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next to these, laserpitium<a id="FNanchor_886_886"></a><a href="#Footnote_886_886" class="fnanchor">886</a> claims our notice, a very remarkable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145">145</a></span> -plant, known to the Greeks by the name of “silphion,” -and originally a native of the province of Cyrenaica. -The juice of this plant is called “laser,” and it is greatly in -vogue for medicinal as well as other purposes, being sold at -the same rate as silver. For these many years past, however, -it has not been found in Cyrenaica,<a id="FNanchor_887_887"></a><a href="#Footnote_887_887" class="fnanchor">887</a> as the farmers of the -revenue who hold the lands there on lease, have a notion that -it is more profitable to depasture flocks of sheep upon them. -Within the memory of the present generation, a single stalk<a id="FNanchor_888_888"></a><a href="#Footnote_888_888" class="fnanchor">888</a> -is all that has ever been found there, and that was sent as a -curiosity to the Emperor Nero. If it so happen that one of -the flock, while grazing, meets with a growing shoot<a id="FNanchor_889_889"></a><a href="#Footnote_889_889" class="fnanchor">889</a> of it, the -fact is easily ascertained by the following signs; the sheep, after -eating of it, immediately falls asleep, while the goat is seized -with a fit of sneezing.<a id="FNanchor_890_890"></a><a href="#Footnote_890_890" class="fnanchor">890</a> For this long time past, there has -been no other laser imported into this country, but that produced -in either Persis, Media, or Armenia, where it grows in -considerable abundance, though much inferior<a id="FNanchor_891_891"></a><a href="#Footnote_891_891" class="fnanchor">891</a> to that of Cyrenaica; -and even then it is extensively adulterated with gum, -sacopenium,<a id="FNanchor_892_892"></a><a href="#Footnote_892_892" class="fnanchor">892</a> or pounded beans. I ought the less then to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146">146</a></span> -omit the facts, that in the consulship<a id="FNanchor_893_893"></a><a href="#Footnote_893_893" class="fnanchor">893</a> of C. Valerius and M. -Herennius, there was brought to Rome, from Cyrenæ, for the -public service, thirty pounds’ weight of laserpitium, and that -the Dictator Cæsar, at the beginning of the Civil War, took -from out of the public treasury, besides gold and silver, no -less than fifteen hundred pounds of laserpitium.</p> - -<p>We find it stated by the most trustworthy among the Greek -writers,<a id="FNanchor_894_894"></a><a href="#Footnote_894_894" class="fnanchor">894</a> that this plant first made its appearance in the vicinity -of the gardens of the Hesperides and the Greater Syrtis, immediately -after the earth had been soaked on a sudden by a -shower as black as pitch. This took place seven years before -the foundation of the city of Cyrenæ, and in the year of Rome -143. The virtues of this remarkable fall of rain extended, -it is said, over no less than four thousand stadia of the African -territory; and upon this soil laserpitium began universally to -grow, a plant that is in general wild and stubborn, and which, -if attempted to be cultivated, will leave the spot where it has -been sown quite desolate and barren. The roots of it are -numerous and thick, the stalk being like that of fennel-giant, -and of similar thickness. The leaves of this plant were known -as “maspetum,” and bore a considerable resemblance to parsley; -the seeds of it were foliaceous, and the plant shed its leaves -every year. They used to feed the cattle there upon it; at -first it purged them, but afterwards they would grow fat, the -flesh being improved in flavour in a most surprising degree. -After the fall of the leaf, the people themselves were in the -habit of eating<a id="FNanchor_895_895"></a><a href="#Footnote_895_895" class="fnanchor">895</a> the stalk, either roasted or boiled: from the -drastic effects of this diet the body was purged for the first -forty days, all vicious humours being effectually removed.<a id="FNanchor_896_896"></a><a href="#Footnote_896_896" class="fnanchor">896</a></p> - -<p>The juices of this plant were collected two different ways, -either from the root or from the stalk; in consequence of which -these two varieties of the juice were known by the distinguishing -names of “rhizias” and “caulias,”<a id="FNanchor_897_897"></a><a href="#Footnote_897_897" class="fnanchor">897</a> the last being of inferior -quality to the other, and very apt to turn putrid. Upon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147">147</a></span> -the root there was a black bark, which was extensively employed -for the purposes of adulteration. The juice of the -plant was received in vessels, and mixed there with a layer of -bran; after which, from time to time it was shaken, till it had -reached a proper state of maturity; indeed, if this precaution -was neglected, it was apt to turn putrid. The signs that it -had come to maturity were its colour, its dryness, and the absorption -of all humidity.</p> - -<p>There are some authors, however, who state that the root of -laserpitium was more than a cubit in length, and that it presented -a tuberosity above the surface of the earth. An incision, -they say, was made in this tuberosity, from which a juice would -flow, like milk in appearance; above the tuberosity grew a -stalk, to which they give the name of “magydaris;”<a id="FNanchor_898_898"></a><a href="#Footnote_898_898" class="fnanchor">898</a> the -leaves that grew upon this stalk were of the colour of gold, and, -falling at the rising of the Dog-star, when the south winds -begin to prevail, they acted as seed for the purposes of reproduction. -It was from these leaves, too, they say, that laserpitium<a id="FNanchor_899_899"></a><a href="#Footnote_899_899" class="fnanchor">899</a> -was produced, the root and the stalk attaining their -full growth in the space of one year. The same writers also -state, that it was the practice to turn up the ground about the -plant, and that it had no such effect as purging the cattle that -were fed upon it; though one result of using it as food was, -that such cattle as were ailing were either cured of their distempers, -or else died immediately upon eating of it, a thing, -however, that but rarely happened. The first description, -however, is found to agree more nearly with the silphium -that comes from Persis.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_16"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 16.—MAGYDARIS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another<a id="FNanchor_900_900"></a><a href="#Footnote_900_900" class="fnanchor">900</a> variety of this plant, known as “magydaris,”<a id="FNanchor_901_901"></a><a href="#Footnote_901_901" class="fnanchor">901</a> -of a more delicate nature, less active in its effects, and -destitute of juice. It grows in the countries adjacent to Syria,<a id="FNanchor_902_902"></a><a href="#Footnote_902_902" class="fnanchor">902</a> -but is not to be found in the regions of Cyrenaica. There<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148">148</a></span> -grows also upon Mount Parnassus,<a id="FNanchor_903_903"></a><a href="#Footnote_903_903" class="fnanchor">903</a> in great abundance, a plant -to which some persons give the name of “laserpitium:” by -means of all these varieties, adulterations are effected of a production -that is held in the highest esteem for its salutary -qualities and its general usefulness. The chief proofs of its -genuineness consist in its colour, which ought to be slightly -red without, and when broken quite white and transparent -within; the drops of it, too, should melt very rapidly on the -application of spittle. It is extensively employed for medicinal -purposes.<a id="FNanchor_904_904"></a><a href="#Footnote_904_904" class="fnanchor">904</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_17"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 17.—MADDER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>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,<a id="FNanchor_905_905"></a><a href="#Footnote_905_905" class="fnanchor">905</a> 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.<a id="FNanchor_906_906"></a><a href="#Footnote_906_906" class="fnanchor">906</a> It grows spontaneously, but is -capable of reproduction by sowing, much after the same manner -as the fitch. The stem,<a id="FNanchor_907_907"></a><a href="#Footnote_907_907" class="fnanchor">907</a> 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.<a id="FNanchor_908_908"></a><a href="#Footnote_908_908" class="fnanchor">908</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_18"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 18.—THE RADICULA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The plant known to us by the name of “radicula,”<a id="FNanchor_909_909"></a><a href="#Footnote_909_909" class="fnanchor">909</a> is the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149">149</a></span> -second of these productions. It furnishes a juice that is extensively -employed in washing wool, and it is quite wonderful -how greatly it contributes to the whiteness and softness of -wool. It may be produced anywhere by cultivation, but that -which grows spontaneously in Asia and Syria,<a id="FNanchor_910_910"></a><a href="#Footnote_910_910" class="fnanchor">910</a> upon rugged, -rocky sites, is more highly esteemed. That, however, which -is found beyond the Euphrates has the highest repute of all. -The stalk of it is ferulaceous<a id="FNanchor_911_911"></a><a href="#Footnote_911_911" class="fnanchor">911</a> and thin, and is sought by the -inhabitants of those countries as an article of food. It is employed -also for making unguents, being boiled up with the -other ingredients, whatever they may happen to be. In leaf -it strongly resembles the olive. The Greeks have given it the -name of “struthion.” It blossoms in summer, and is agreeable -to the sight, but entirely destitute of smell. It is somewhat -thorny, and has a stalk covered with down. It has an extremely -diminutive seed, and a large root, which is cut up and -employed for the purposes already mentioned.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_19"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 19. (4.)—THE PLEASURES OF THE GARDEN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Having made mention of these productions, it now remains -for us to return to the cultivation of the garden,<a id="FNanchor_912_912"></a><a href="#Footnote_912_912" class="fnanchor">912</a> a subject -recommended by its own intrinsic merits to our notice: for we -find that in remote antiquity, even, there was nothing looked -upon with a greater degree of admiration than the gardens of -the Hesperides,<a id="FNanchor_913_913"></a><a href="#Footnote_913_913" class="fnanchor">913</a> those of the kings Adonis<a id="FNanchor_914_914"></a><a href="#Footnote_914_914" class="fnanchor">914</a> and Alcinoüs,<a id="FNanchor_915_915"></a><a href="#Footnote_915_915" class="fnanchor">915</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150">150</a></span> -and the Hanging Gardens, whether they were the work of -Semiramis, or whether of Cyrus, king of Assyria, a subject of -which we shall have to speak in another work.<a id="FNanchor_916_916"></a><a href="#Footnote_916_916" class="fnanchor">916</a> The kings of -Rome cultivated their gardens with their own hands; indeed, -it was from his garden that Tarquinius Superbus<a id="FNanchor_917_917"></a><a href="#Footnote_917_917" class="fnanchor">917</a> sent to his -son that cruel and sanguinary message of his. In our laws of -the Twelve Tables, we find the word “villa,” or “farm,” -nowhere mentioned; it is the word “hortus” that is always -used with that signification, while the term “heredium” we -find employed for “garden.”</p> - -<p>There are certain religious impressions, too, that have been -attached to this species of property,<a id="FNanchor_918_918"></a><a href="#Footnote_918_918" class="fnanchor">918</a> and we find that it is in -the garden and the Forum only that statues of satyrs are consecrated, -as a protection against the evil effects<a id="FNanchor_919_919"></a><a href="#Footnote_919_919" class="fnanchor">919</a> of spells and -sorcery; although in Plautus, we find the gardens spoken -of as being under the tutelage of Venus. At the present day, -under the general name of gardens,<a id="FNanchor_920_920"></a><a href="#Footnote_920_920" class="fnanchor">920</a> we have pleasure-grounds -situate in the very heart of the City, as well as extensive fields -and villas.</p> - -<p>Epicurus, that connoisseur<a id="FNanchor_921_921"></a><a href="#Footnote_921_921" class="fnanchor">921</a> in the enjoyments of a life of -ease, was the first to lay out a garden at Athens;<a id="FNanchor_922_922"></a><a href="#Footnote_922_922" class="fnanchor">922</a> up to his -time it had never been thought of, to dwell in the country in -the middle of the town. At Rome, on the other hand, the -garden<a id="FNanchor_923_923"></a><a href="#Footnote_923_923" class="fnanchor">923</a> constituted of itself the poor man’s field, and it was -from the garden that the lower classes procured their daily -food—an aliment how guiltlessly obtained! But still, it is a -great deal better, no doubt,<a id="FNanchor_924_924"></a><a href="#Footnote_924_924" class="fnanchor">924</a> to dive into the abysses of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151">151</a></span> -deep, and to seek each kind of oyster at the risk and peril of -shipwreck, to go searching for birds beyond the river Phasis<a id="FNanchor_925_925"></a><a href="#Footnote_925_925" class="fnanchor">925</a> -even, which, protected as they are by the terrors invented by -fable,<a id="FNanchor_926_926"></a><a href="#Footnote_926_926" class="fnanchor">926</a> are only rendered all the more precious thereby—to go -searching for others, again, in Numidia,<a id="FNanchor_927_927"></a><a href="#Footnote_927_927" class="fnanchor">927</a> and the very sepulchres -of Æthiopia,<a id="FNanchor_928_928"></a><a href="#Footnote_928_928" class="fnanchor">928</a> or else to be battling with wild beasts, -and to get eaten one’s self while trying to take a prey which -another person is to eat! And yet, by Hercules! how little do -the productions of the garden cost us in comparison with these! -How more than sufficient for every wish and for every want!—were -it not, indeed, that here, as in every thing else, turn which -way we will, we find the same grounds for our wrath and indignation. -We really might be content to allow of fruits being -grown of the most exquisite quality, remarkable, some of -them for their flavour, some for their size, some, again, for the -monstrosities of their growth, morsels all of them forbidden to -the poor!<a id="FNanchor_929_929"></a><a href="#Footnote_929_929" class="fnanchor">929</a> We might allow of wines being kept till they are -mellowed with age, or enfeebled by being passed through<a id="FNanchor_930_930"></a><a href="#Footnote_930_930" class="fnanchor">930</a> -cloth strainers, of men, too, however prolonged their lives, -never drinking any but a wine that is still older than themselves! -We might allow of luxury devising how best to extract -the very aroma, as it were, and marrow<a id="FNanchor_931_931"></a><a href="#Footnote_931_931" class="fnanchor">931</a> only from grain; -of people, too, living upon nothing but the choicest productions -of the confectioner, and upon pastes fashioned in fantastic -shapes: of one kind of bread being prepared for the rich, and -another for the multitude; of the yearly produce of the field -being classified in a descending scale, till it reaches the humble -means of the very lowest classes—but do we not find that -these refined distinctions have been extended to the very -herbs even, and that riches have contrived to establish points -of dissimilarity in articles of food which ordinarily sell for -a single copper coin?<a id="FNanchor_932_932"></a><a href="#Footnote_932_932" class="fnanchor">932</a></p> - -<p>In this department even, humble as it is, we are still destined<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152">152</a></span> -to find certain productions that are denied to the community -at large, and the very cabbages pampered to such an -enormous extent that the poor man’s table is not large enough -to hold them. Asparagus, by Nature, was intended to grow -wild,<a id="FNanchor_933_933"></a><a href="#Footnote_933_933" class="fnanchor">933</a> so that each might gather it where he pleased—but, -lo and behold! we find it in the highest state of cultivation, -and Ravenna produces heads that weigh as much as three -pounds<a id="FNanchor_934_934"></a><a href="#Footnote_934_934" class="fnanchor">934</a> even! Alas for the monstrous excess of gluttony! -It would be surprising indeed, for the beasts of the field to be -forbidden the thistle for food, and yet it is a thing forbidden<a id="FNanchor_935_935"></a><a href="#Footnote_935_935" class="fnanchor">935</a> -to the lower classes of the community! These refined distinctions, -too, are extended to the very water even, and, thanks -to the mighty influence of money, there are lines of demarcation -drawn in the very elements themselves. Some persons -are for drinking ice, others for quaffing snow, and thus is the -curse of the mountain steep turned into an appetizing stimulus -for the palate!<a id="FNanchor_936_936"></a><a href="#Footnote_936_936" class="fnanchor">936</a> Cold is carefully treasured up for the -summer heats, and man’s invention is racked how best to keep -snow freezing in months that are not its own. Some again -there are who first boil the water,<a id="FNanchor_937_937"></a><a href="#Footnote_937_937" class="fnanchor">937</a> and then bring it to the -temperature of winter—indeed, there is nothing that pleases -man in the fashion in which Nature originally made it.</p> - -<p>And is it the fact, then, that any herb of the garden is -reared only for the rich man’s table? It is so—but still let -no one of the angered populace think of a fresh secession to -Mount Sacer or Mount Aventine; for to a certainty, in the long -run, all-powerful money will bring them back to just the -same position as they were in when it wrought the severance. -For, by Hercules!<a id="FNanchor_938_938"></a><a href="#Footnote_938_938" class="fnanchor">938</a> there was not an impost levied at Rome<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153">153</a></span> -more grievous than the market-dues, an impost that aroused -the indignation of the populace, who repeatedly appealed with -loud clamours to all the chief men of the state to be relieved from -it. At last they were relieved from this heavy tax upon their -wares; and then it was found that there was no tax more -lucrative, more readily collected, or less obnoxious to the caprices -of chance, than the impost that was levied in exchange -for it, in the shape of a property-tax, extended to the poorest -classes: for now the very soil itself is their surety that paid -the tax will be, their means are patent to the light of day, and -the superficial extent of their possessions, whatever the weather -may chance to be, always remains the same.</p> - -<p>Cato,<a id="FNanchor_939_939"></a><a href="#Footnote_939_939" class="fnanchor">939</a> we find, speaks in high praise of garden cabbages:—indeed, -it was according to their respective methods of garden -cultivation that the agriculturists of early times were appreciated, -and it was immediately concluded that it was a sign of a -woman being a bad and careless manager of her family, when -the kitchen-garden—for this was looked upon as the woman’s -department more particularly—was negligently cultivated; as -in such case her only resource was, of course, the shambles or -the herb-market. But cabbages were not held in such high -esteem in those days as now: indeed, all dishes were held in -disrepute which required something else to help them down, -the great object being to economize oil as much as possible; -and as to the flesh-market, so much as a wish even to taste its -wares was visited with censure and reproach. The chief thing -that made them so fond of the garden was the fact that its -produce needs no fire and ensures economy in fuel, and that it -offers resources which are always ready and at hand. These -articles of food, which from their peculiar nature we call -“vinegar-diets,”<a id="FNanchor_940_940"></a><a href="#Footnote_940_940" class="fnanchor">940</a> were found to be easy of digestion, by no -means apt to blunt and overload the senses, and to create but little -craving for bread as an accompaniment. A portion of them which -is still used by us for seasonings, attests that our forefathers used<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154">154</a></span> -only to look at home for their resources, and that no Indian -peppers were in request with them, or any of those other condiments -which we are in the habit of seeking beyond the seas. -In former times the lower classes of Rome, with their mimic -gardens in their windows, day after day presented the reflex -of the country to the eye, when as yet the multitudes of atrocious -burglaries, almost innumerable, had not compelled us to -shut out all such sights with bars to the passers by.</p> - -<p>Let the garden, then, have its due meed of honour, and let -not things, because they are common, enjoy for that the less -share of our consideration—and the more so, as we find that -from it men of the very highest rank have been content to -borrow their surnames even; thus in the Valerian family, -for instance, the Lactucini have not thought themselves -disgraced by taking their name from the lettuce. Perhaps, -too, our labours and research may contribute some slight recommendation -to this our subject; although, with Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_941_941"></a><a href="#Footnote_941_941" class="fnanchor">941</a> we -are ready to admit how difficult it is, by language however -elevated, to ennoble a subject that is so humble in itself.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_20"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 20.—THE LAYING OUT OF GARDEN GROUND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is no doubt that the proper plan is, to have the gardens -adjoining the country-house; and they should be watered, -more particularly, by a river running in front of it, if possible; -or else with water drawn from a well by the aid of a wheel -or of pumps, or by swipes.<a id="FNanchor_942_942"></a><a href="#Footnote_942_942" class="fnanchor">942</a> The ground should be opened -just as the west winds are beginning to prevail; fourteen -days after which it should be got ready for autumn, and then -before the winter solstice it should have another turning up. -It will require eight men to dig a jugerum, manure being -mixed with the earth to a depth of three feet: the ground, -too, should be divided into plots or beds with raised and -rounded edges, each of which should have a path dug round it, -by means of which access may be afforded to the gardener and -a channel formed for the water needed for irrigation.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155">155</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_21"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 21.—PLANTS OTHER THAN GRAIN AND SHRUBS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the garden plants there are some that recommend -themselves by their bulbs, others by the head, others by the -stalk, others by the leaf, others by both: some, again, are -valued for their seed, others for the outer coat, others for their -membranous tissues, others for their cartilaginous substance, -others for the firmness of their flesh, and others for the fleshy -tunics in which they are enveloped.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_22"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 22.—THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TWENTY DIFFERENT KINDS -OF PLANTS WHICH GROW IN GARDENS—THE PROPER METHODS TO -BE FOLLOWED IN SOWING THEM RESPECTIVELY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of some plants the fruits<a id="FNanchor_943_943"></a><a href="#Footnote_943_943" class="fnanchor">943</a> are in the earth, of others both in -the earth and out of it, and of others, again, out of the earth -solely. Some of them increase as they lie upon the ground, -gourds and cucumbers, for instance; the same products will -grow also in a hanging position, but they are much heavier -even then than any of the fruits that grow upon trees. The -cucumber, however, is composed of cartilage and a fleshy substance, -while the gourd consists of rind and cartilage: this last -is the only vegetable production the outer coat of which becomes -of a ligneous nature, when ripe. Radishes, turnips, -and rape are hidden in the earth, and so, too, are elecampane,<a id="FNanchor_944_944"></a><a href="#Footnote_944_944" class="fnanchor">944</a> -skirrets,<a id="FNanchor_945_945"></a><a href="#Footnote_945_945" class="fnanchor">945</a> and parsnips,<a id="FNanchor_946_946"></a><a href="#Footnote_946_946" class="fnanchor">946</a> though in a different manner. There -are some plants, again, to which we shall give the name of -“ferulaceous,” anise<a id="FNanchor_947_947"></a><a href="#Footnote_947_947" class="fnanchor">947</a> and mallows, for instance; indeed, we -find it stated by some writers that in Arabia<a id="FNanchor_948_948"></a><a href="#Footnote_948_948" class="fnanchor">948</a> the mallow becomes<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156">156</a></span> -arborescent at the sixth month, so much so, in fact, -as to admit of its being used for walking-sticks. We have -another instance, again, in the mallow-tree of Mauretania, -which is found at Lixus, a city built upon an æstuary -there; and at which spot, it is said, were formerly the gardens -of the Hesperides, at a distance of two hundred paces from the -Ocean, near the shrine of Hercules, more ancient, tradition says, -than the temple at Gades. This mallow-tree<a id="FNanchor_949_949"></a><a href="#Footnote_949_949" class="fnanchor">949</a> is twenty feet -in height, and of such a thickness that there is not a person in -existence who is able with his arms to span its girth.</p> - -<p>In the class of ferulaceous plants we must include hemp<a id="FNanchor_950_950"></a><a href="#Footnote_950_950" class="fnanchor">950</a> -also. There are some plants, again, to which we must give -the appellation of “fleshy;”<a id="FNanchor_951_951"></a><a href="#Footnote_951_951" class="fnanchor">951</a> such as those spongy<a id="FNanchor_952_952"></a><a href="#Footnote_952_952" class="fnanchor">952</a> productions -which are found growing in damp meadows. As to the fungus, -with a hard, tough flesh, we have already<a id="FNanchor_953_953"></a><a href="#Footnote_953_953" class="fnanchor">953</a> made mention of -it when speaking of wood and trees; and of truffles, which -form another variety, we have but very recently given a description.<a id="FNanchor_954_954"></a><a href="#Footnote_954_954" class="fnanchor">954</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_23"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 23. (5.)—VEGETABLES OF A CARTILAGINOUS NATURE—CUCUMBERS. -PEPONES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The cucumber<a id="FNanchor_955_955"></a><a href="#Footnote_955_955" class="fnanchor">955</a> belongs to the cartilaginous class of plants, -and grows above the ground. It was a wonderful favourite -with the Emperor Tiberius, and, indeed, he was never without -it; for he had raised beds made in frames upon wheels, -by means of which the cucumbers were moved and exposed to -the full heat of the sun; while, in winter, they were withdrawn, -and placed under the protection of frames glazed with mirror-stone.<a id="FNanchor_956_956"></a><a href="#Footnote_956_956" class="fnanchor">956</a> -We find it stated, also, by the ancient Greek writers,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157">157</a></span> -that the cucumber ought to be propagated from seed that has -been steeped<a id="FNanchor_957_957"></a><a href="#Footnote_957_957" class="fnanchor">957</a> a couple of days in milk and honey, this method -having the effect of rendering them all the sweeter to the taste. -The cucumber, while growing, may be trained to take any form -that may be wished: in Italy the cucumbers are green<a id="FNanchor_958_958"></a><a href="#Footnote_958_958" class="fnanchor">958</a> and -very small, while those grown in some of the provinces are -remarkably large, and of a wax colour or black.<a id="FNanchor_959_959"></a><a href="#Footnote_959_959" class="fnanchor">959</a> Those of -Africa, which are also remarkably prolific, are held in high -esteem; the same, too, with the cucumbers of Mœsia, which -are by far the largest of all. When the cucumber acquires a -very considerable volume, it is known to us as the “pepo.”<a id="FNanchor_960_960"></a><a href="#Footnote_960_960" class="fnanchor">960</a> -Cucumbers when eaten remain on the stomach till the following -day, and are very difficult<a id="FNanchor_961_961"></a><a href="#Footnote_961_961" class="fnanchor">961</a> of digestion; still, for all that, -in general they are not considered very unwholesome. By -nature they have a wonderful hatred to oil, and no less affection -for water, and this after they have been cut from the stem -even.<a id="FNanchor_962_962"></a><a href="#Footnote_962_962" class="fnanchor">962</a> If water is within a moderate distance of them, they -will creep towards it, while from oil, on the other hand, they -will shrink away; if any obstacle, too, should happen to arrest -their progress, or if they are left to hang, they will grow -curved and crooked. Of these facts we may be satisfactorily -convinced in a single night even, for if a vessel filled with -water is placed at four fingers’ distance from a cucumber, it -will be found to have descended to it by the following morning; -but if the same is done with oil, it will have assumed the -curved form of a hook by the next day. If hung in a tube -while in blossom, the cucumber will grow to a most surprising<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158">158</a></span> -length.<a id="FNanchor_963_963"></a><a href="#Footnote_963_963" class="fnanchor">963</a> It is only of late, too, that a cucumber of entirely -new shape has been produced in Campania, it having just the -form of a quince.<a id="FNanchor_964_964"></a><a href="#Footnote_964_964" class="fnanchor">964</a> It was quite by accident, I am told, that -the first one acquired this shape in growing, and it was from -the seed of this that all the others have been reproduced. -The name given to this variety is “melopepo.” These last do -not grow hanging, but assume their round shape as they lie -on the ground. A thing that is very remarkable in them, in -addition to their shape, colour, and smell, is the fact that, -when ripe, although they do not hang from the stem, they -separate from it at the stalk.</p> - -<p>Columella<a id="FNanchor_965_965"></a><a href="#Footnote_965_965" class="fnanchor">965</a> has given us a plan of his, by which we may -have cucumbers the whole year round: the largest bramble-bush -that can be procured is transplanted to a warm, sunny -spot, and then cut down, about the time of the vernal equinox, -to within a couple of fingers of the ground; a cucumber-seed -is then inserted in the pith of the bramble, and the roots are -well moulded up with fine earth and manure, to withstand the -cold. According to the Greeks, there are three kinds of cucumbers, -the Laconian, the Scytalic, and the Bœotian,<a id="FNanchor_966_966"></a><a href="#Footnote_966_966" class="fnanchor">966</a> the -Laconian being the only one among them that is fond<a id="FNanchor_967_967"></a><a href="#Footnote_967_967" class="fnanchor">967</a> of the -water.</p> - -<p>There are some persons who recommend steeping the seed of -the cucumber in the juice of the herb known as the “culix;”<a id="FNanchor_968_968"></a><a href="#Footnote_968_968" class="fnanchor">968</a> -the produce, they say, will be sure to grow without seeds.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_24"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 24.—GOURDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Gourds resemble the cucumber in nature, at least in their -manner of growing; they manifest an equal aversion to the -winter, too, while they require constant watering and manure.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159">159</a></span> -Both cucumbers and gourds are sown in holes a foot and -a half<a id="FNanchor_969_969"></a><a href="#Footnote_969_969" class="fnanchor">969</a> deep, between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice, -at the time of the Parilia<a id="FNanchor_970_970"></a><a href="#Footnote_970_970" class="fnanchor">970</a> more particularly. Some persons, -however, think it better to sow gourds after the calends -of March,<a id="FNanchor_971_971"></a><a href="#Footnote_971_971" class="fnanchor">971</a> and cucumbers after the nones,<a id="FNanchor_972_972"></a><a href="#Footnote_972_972" class="fnanchor">972</a> and at the time of -the Quinquatria.<a id="FNanchor_973_973"></a><a href="#Footnote_973_973" class="fnanchor">973</a> The cucumber and the gourd climb upwards -in a precisely similar manner, their shoots creeping along -the rough surface of the walls, even to the very roof, so great -is their fondness for elevated spots. They have not sufficient -strength, however, to support themselves without the aid of -stays. Shooting upwards with the greatest rapidity, they soon -cover with their light shade the arched roofs of the houses and -the trellises on which they are trained. From this circumstance -it is that we find the gourd classified into two primary -kinds, the roof-gourd,<a id="FNanchor_974_974"></a><a href="#Footnote_974_974" class="fnanchor">974</a> and the common gourd, which creeps -upon the ground. In the first kind, from a stalk of remarkable -thinness is suspended a fruit of considerable weight and -volume, and quite immoveable by the action of the wind. The -gourd, too, as well as the cucumber, admits of being lengthened -to any extent, by the aid of osier tubes more particularly. Just -after the blossom has fallen off, the plant is introduced into -these tubes, and as it grows it can be made to assume any form -that may be wished, that of a serpent coiled up being the one -that is mostly preferred; if left at liberty to grow as it hangs, -it has been known before now to attain to no less than<a id="FNanchor_975_975"></a><a href="#Footnote_975_975" class="fnanchor">975</a> nine -feet in length.</p> - -<p>The cucumber flowers gradually, blossom succeeding blossom; -and it adapts itself perfectly well to a dry soil. It is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160">160</a></span> -covered with a white down, which increases in quantity as the -plant gains in size.</p> - -<p>The gourd admits of being applied to more numerous uses -than the cucumber even: the stem is used as an article of -food<a id="FNanchor_976_976"></a><a href="#Footnote_976_976" class="fnanchor">976</a> when young, but at a later period it changes its nature, -and its qualities become totally different: of late, gourds have -come to be used in baths for jugs and pitchers, but for this -long time past they have been employed as casks<a id="FNanchor_977_977"></a><a href="#Footnote_977_977" class="fnanchor">977</a> for keeping -wine. The rind is tender while the fruit is green, but still it -is always scraped off when the gourd is used for food. It admits -of being eaten several ways, and forms a light and wholesome -aliment, and this although it is one of those fruits that -are difficult of digestion by the human stomach, and are apt to -swell out those who eat of them. The seeds which lie nearest -to the neck of the gourd produce fruit of remarkable<a id="FNanchor_978_978"></a><a href="#Footnote_978_978" class="fnanchor">978</a> length, -and so do those which lie at the lower extremities, though not -at all comparable with the others. Those, on the other hand, -which lie in the middle, produce gourds of a round shape, and -those on the sides fruit that are thick and short. The seeds -are dried by being placed in the shade, and when wanted for -sowing, are steeped in water first. The longer and thinner the -gourd is, the more agreeable it is to the palate, and hence it is -that those which have been left to grow hanging are reckoned -the most wholesome: these, too, have fewer seeds than the -others, the hardness of which is apt to render the fruit less -agreeable for eating.</p> - -<p>Those which are intended for keeping seed, are usually not cut -before the winter sets in; they are then dried in the smoke, -and are extensively employed for preserving<a id="FNanchor_979_979"></a><a href="#Footnote_979_979" class="fnanchor">979</a> garden seeds, and -for making other articles for domestic use. There has been a -method discovered, also, of preserving the gourd for table, and -the cucumber as well, till nearly the time when the next year’s -crop is ripe; this is done by putting them in brine. We are -assured, too, that if put in a hole dug in a place well shaded<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161">161</a></span> -from the sun, with a layer of sand beneath, and dry hay and -earth on the top of them, they may be kept green for a very -long time. We also find wild<a id="FNanchor_980_980"></a><a href="#Footnote_980_980" class="fnanchor">980</a> cucumbers and gourds; and, -indeed, the same is the case with pretty nearly all the garden -plants. These wild varieties, however, are only possessed of -certain medicinal properties, and for this reason we shall defer -any further mention of them till we come to the Books appropriated -to that subject.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_25"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 25.—RAPE. TURNIPS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The other plants that are of a cartilaginous nature are concealed, -all of them, in the earth. In the number of these is -the rape, a subject upon which it would almost appear that -we have treated<a id="FNanchor_981_981"></a><a href="#Footnote_981_981" class="fnanchor">981</a> at sufficient length already, were it not that -we think it as well to observe, that medical men call those -which are round “male,”<a id="FNanchor_982_982"></a><a href="#Footnote_982_982" class="fnanchor">982</a> while those which are larger and -more elongated, are known to them as “female” rape: these -last are superior in sweetness, and better for keeping, but by -successive sowings they are changed into male rape.<a id="FNanchor_983_983"></a><a href="#Footnote_983_983" class="fnanchor">983</a></p> - -<p>The same authors, too, have distinguished five different varieties -of the turnip:<a id="FNanchor_984_984"></a><a href="#Footnote_984_984" class="fnanchor">984</a> the Corinthian, the Cleonæan, the -Liothasian, the Bœotian, and the one which they have characterized -as peculiarly the “green,” turnip. The Corinthian -turnip<a id="FNanchor_985_985"></a><a href="#Footnote_985_985" class="fnanchor">985</a> grows to a very large size, and the root is all but out -of the ground; indeed, this is the only kind that, in growing, -shoots upwards, and not as the others do, downwards into the -ground. The Liothasian is known by some persons as the -Thracian turnip;<a id="FNanchor_986_986"></a><a href="#Footnote_986_986" class="fnanchor">986</a> it is the one that stands extreme cold the -best of all. Next to it, the Bœotian kind is the sweetest; it is remarkable, -also, for the roundness of its shape and its shortness;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162">162</a></span> -while the Cleonæan turnip,<a id="FNanchor_987_987"></a><a href="#Footnote_987_987" class="fnanchor">987</a> on the other hand, is of an elongated -form. Those, in general, which have a thin, smooth leaf, -are the sweetest; while those, again, the leaf of which is rough, -angular, and prickly, have a pungent taste. There is a kind -of wild turnip,<a id="FNanchor_988_988"></a><a href="#Footnote_988_988" class="fnanchor">988</a> also, the leaves of which resemble those of -rocket.<a id="FNanchor_989_989"></a><a href="#Footnote_989_989" class="fnanchor">989</a> At Rome, the highest rank is given to the turnips -of Amiternum,<a id="FNanchor_990_990"></a><a href="#Footnote_990_990" class="fnanchor">990</a> and those of Nursia; after them, those grown -in the neighbourhood of the City<a id="FNanchor_991_991"></a><a href="#Footnote_991_991" class="fnanchor">991</a> are held in the next degree -of esteem. The other particulars connected with the -sowing of the turnip have been already mentioned<a id="FNanchor_992_992"></a><a href="#Footnote_992_992" class="fnanchor">992</a> by us when -speaking of the rape.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_26"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 26.—RADISHES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Radishes are composed of an outer coat and a cartilaginous -substance, and in many instances the rind is found to be thicker -than the bark of some trees. This plant is remarkable for its -pungency, which increases in proportion to the thickness of the -rind: in some cases, too, the surface of it assumes a ligneous -nature. Radishes are flatulent<a id="FNanchor_993_993"></a><a href="#Footnote_993_993" class="fnanchor">993</a> to a remarkable degree, and -are productive of eructations; hence it is that they are looked -upon as an aliment only fit for low-bred people,<a id="FNanchor_994_994"></a><a href="#Footnote_994_994" class="fnanchor">994</a> and this -more particularly if coleworts are eaten directly after them. -If, on the other hand, they are eaten with green olives, the -eructations produced are not so frequent, and less offensive. -In Egypt the radish is held in very high esteem, on account -of the abundance of oil<a id="FNanchor_995_995"></a><a href="#Footnote_995_995" class="fnanchor">995</a> that is extracted from the seed. Indeed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163">163</a></span> -the people of that country sow this plant in preference -to any other, whenever they can get the opportunity, the profits -derived from it being larger than those obtained from the cultivation -of corn, and the imposts levied upon it considerably less: -there is no grain known that yields a larger quantity of oil.</p> - -<p>The Greeks have distinguished the radish<a id="FNanchor_996_996"></a><a href="#Footnote_996_996" class="fnanchor">996</a> into three different -kinds, according to the characteristic features of the -leaves, there being the crisped leaf, the smooth leaf, and the -wild radish, the leaf of which is smooth, but shorter than that -of the others; it is round also, grows in great abundance, and -spreads like a shrub. The taste of this last variety is acrid, -and it acts medicinally as a strong purgative. In the first kind, -again, there are certain differences, determined by the seed, for -in some varieties the seed is of an inferior quality, and in others -remarkably small: these defects, however, are only found to -exist in the kind that has the crisped leaf.</p> - -<p>Our own people, again, have found other varieties of the -radish: there is the Algidan<a id="FNanchor_997_997"></a><a href="#Footnote_997_997" class="fnanchor">997</a> radish, long and transparent, so -called from the place of its growth: another, similar to the -rape in form, is known as the Syrian radish; it is pretty -nearly the mildest and the most tender of them all, and is well -able to bear the winter. The very best of all, however, is the -one that has been brought from Syria, very recently it would -seem, as we do not find it mentioned by any of our writers: -it lasts the whole of the winter through. In addition to these -kinds, there is another, a wild variety, known by the Greeks as -“agrion,”<a id="FNanchor_998_998"></a><a href="#Footnote_998_998" class="fnanchor">998</a> and to the people of Pontus as “armon,” while -others, again, call it “leuce,”<a id="FNanchor_999_999"></a><a href="#Footnote_999_999" class="fnanchor">999</a> and our people “armoracia;”<a id="FNanchor_1000_1000"></a><a href="#Footnote_1000_1000" class="fnanchor">1000</a> -it has more leaves, however, than root.</p> - -<p>In testing the quality of the radish, it is the stem more particularly,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164">164</a></span> -that is looked at; in those which are acrid to the -taste, for instance, it is rounder and thicker than in the others, -and grooved with long channels, while the leaves are more unsightly -to the eye, being angular and covered with prickles.</p> - -<p>The radish requires to be sown in a loose, humid soil, has a -great aversion to manure, and is content with a dressing solely -of chaff: so fond is it of the cold, that in Germany it is known -to grow as large as an infant in size.<a id="FNanchor_1001_1001"></a><a href="#Footnote_1001_1001" class="fnanchor">1001</a> For the spring crop, -it is sown immediately after the ides of February;<a id="FNanchor_1002_1002"></a><a href="#Footnote_1002_1002" class="fnanchor">1002</a> and then -again about the time of the Vulcanalia,<a id="FNanchor_1003_1003"></a><a href="#Footnote_1003_1003" class="fnanchor">1003</a> this last crop being -looked upon as the best: many persons, however, sow radishes -in March, April, and September. When the plant begins to -grow to any size, it is considered a good plan to cover up the -leaves successively, and to earth up the root as well; for the -part of it which appears above ground is apt to become hard -and pithy. Aristomachus recommends the leaves to be taken -off in winter, and the roots to be well moulded up, to prevent -the water from accumulating about them; and he says, that -by using these precautions, they will be all the finer in summer. -Some authors have mentioned a plan of making a hole with a -dibble, and covering it at the bottom with a layer of chaff, six -fingers in depth; upon this layer the seed is put, and then -covered over with manure and earth; the result of which is, -according to their statement, that radishes are obtained full as -large as the hole so made. It is salt, however, that conduces -more particularly to their nutriment, and hence it is that they are -often watered with brine; in Egypt, too, the growers sprinkle -nitre<a id="FNanchor_1004_1004"></a><a href="#Footnote_1004_1004" class="fnanchor">1004</a> over them, the roots being remarkable for their mildness. -The salt, too, has the similar effect of removing all their pungency, -and when thus treated, they become very similar in -their qualities to radishes that have been boiled: for when -boiled they become sweet and mild, and eat, in fact, just like -turnips.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165">165</a></span></p> - -<p>Medical men recommend raw radishes to be eaten fasting, -with salt, for the purpose<a id="FNanchor_1005_1005"></a><a href="#Footnote_1005_1005" class="fnanchor">1005</a> of collecting the crude humours of -the viscera; and in this way they prepare them for the action -of emetics. It is said, too, that the juices of this plant are -absolutely necessary for the cure of certain diseases of the -diaphragm; for it has been found by experiment, in Egypt, -that the phthiriasis<a id="FNanchor_1006_1006"></a><a href="#Footnote_1006_1006" class="fnanchor">1006</a> which attaches itself to the internal parts -of the heart, cannot possibly be eradicated by any other remedy, -the kings of that country having ordered the bodies of the -dead to be opened and examined, for the purpose of enquiring -into certain diseases.</p> - -<p>Such, too, is the frivolity of the Greeks, that, in the temple -of Apollo at Delphi, it is said, the radish is so greatly preferred -to all other articles of diet, as to be represented there in -gold, the beet in silver, and the rape in lead.—You might be -very sure that Manius Curius was not a native of that country, -the general whom, as we find stated in our Annals, the ambassadors -of the Samnites found busy roasting rape at the fire, -when they came to offer him the gold which he so indignantly -refused. Moschion, too, a Greek author, has written a volume -on the subject of the radish. These vegetables are considered -a very useful article of food during the winter, but they are at -all times very injurious to the teeth, as they are apt to wear -them away; at all events, they give a polish to ivory. There -is a great antipathy between the radish<a id="FNanchor_1007_1007"></a><a href="#Footnote_1007_1007" class="fnanchor">1007</a> and the vine; which -last will shrink from the radish, if sown in its vicinity.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_27"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 27.—PARSNIPS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The other kinds which have been classified by us among the -cartilaginous plants, are of a more ligneous nature; and it is -a singular thing, that they have, all of them, a strong flavour. -Among these, there is one kind of wild parsnip which grows<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166">166</a></span> -spontaneously; by the Greeks it is known as “staphylinos.”<a id="FNanchor_1008_1008"></a><a href="#Footnote_1008_1008" class="fnanchor">1008</a> -Another kind<a id="FNanchor_1009_1009"></a><a href="#Footnote_1009_1009" class="fnanchor">1009</a> of parsnip is grown either from the root transplanted, -or else from seed, at the beginning of spring or in the -autumn; Hyginus says that this may be done in February, -August, September, and October, the ground being dug to a -very considerable depth for the purpose. The parsnip begins -to be fit for eating at the end of a year, but it is still better at -the end of two: it is reckoned more agreeable eating in autumn, -and more particularly if cooked in the saucepan; even then, -however, it preserves its strong pungent flavour, which it is -found quite impossible to get rid of.</p> - -<p>The hibiscum<a id="FNanchor_1010_1010"></a><a href="#Footnote_1010_1010" class="fnanchor">1010</a> differs from the parsnip in being more slender: -it is rejected as a food, but is found useful for its medicinal -properties. There is a fourth kind,<a id="FNanchor_1011_1011"></a><a href="#Footnote_1011_1011" class="fnanchor">1011</a> also, which bears a similar -degree of resemblance to the parsnip; by our people it is -called the “gallica,” while the Greeks, who have distinguished -four varieties of it, give it the name of “daucus.” We shall -have further occasion<a id="FNanchor_1012_1012"></a><a href="#Footnote_1012_1012" class="fnanchor">1012</a> to mention it among the medicinal -plants.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_28"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 28.—THE SKIRRET.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The skirret,<a id="FNanchor_1013_1013"></a><a href="#Footnote_1013_1013" class="fnanchor">1013</a> too, has had its reputation established by the -Emperor Tiberius, who demanded a supply of it every year -from Germany. It is at Gelduba,<a id="FNanchor_1014_1014"></a><a href="#Footnote_1014_1014" class="fnanchor">1014</a> a fortress situate on the -banks of the Rhenus, that the finest are grown; from which -it would appear that they thrive best in a cold climate. -There is a string running through the whole length of the -skirret, and which is drawn out after it is boiled; but still, -for all this, a considerable proportion of its natural pungency<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167">167</a></span> -is retained; indeed, when modified by the addition of honied -wine, this is even thought to impart to dishes an additional -relish. The larger parsnip has also a similar sting inside, but -only when it is a year old. The proper time for sowing the -skirret is in the months of February, March, April, August, -September, and October.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_29"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 29.—ELECAMPANE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Elecampane<a id="FNanchor_1015_1015"></a><a href="#Footnote_1015_1015" class="fnanchor">1015</a> is not so elongated as the preceding roots, but -more substantial and more pungent; eaten by itself it is very -injurious to the stomach, but when mixed with other condiments -of a sweet nature, it is extremely wholesome. There -are several methods employed for modifying<a id="FNanchor_1016_1016"></a><a href="#Footnote_1016_1016" class="fnanchor">1016</a> its natural -acridity and rendering it agreeable to the palate: thus, for instance, -when dried it is reduced to a fine flour, and then mixed -with some sweet liquid or other, or else it is boiled in vinegar -and water, or kept in soak in it; it is also steeped in various -other ways, and then mixed with boiled<a id="FNanchor_1017_1017"></a><a href="#Footnote_1017_1017" class="fnanchor">1017</a> grape-juice, or else -incorporated with honey or raisins, or dates with plenty of -meat on them. Other persons, again, have a method of preparing -it with quinces, or else sorbs or plums, while sometimes -the flavour is varied by the addition of pepper or thyme.</p> - -<p>This plant is particularly good for weakness of the stomach, -and it has acquired a high reputation from the circumstance -that Julia<a id="FNanchor_1018_1018"></a><a href="#Footnote_1018_1018" class="fnanchor">1018</a> Augusta used to eat it daily. The seed of it is -quite useless, as the plant is reproduced, like the reed, from -eyes extracted from the root. This vegetable, as well as the -skirret and the parsnip, is sown both in spring and autumn, a -considerable distance being left between the plants; indeed, for -elecampane, a space of no less than three feet is required, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168">168</a></span> -it throws out its shoots to a very considerable distance.<a id="FNanchor_1019_1019"></a><a href="#Footnote_1019_1019" class="fnanchor">1019</a> -Skirrets, however, are best transplanted.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_30"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 30.—BULBS, SQUILLS, AND ARUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next in affinity to these plants are the bulbs,<a id="FNanchor_1020_1020"></a><a href="#Footnote_1020_1020" class="fnanchor">1020</a> which Cato, -speaking in high terms of those of Megara,<a id="FNanchor_1021_1021"></a><a href="#Footnote_1021_1021" class="fnanchor">1021</a> recommends most -particularly for cultivation. Among these bulbs, the squill,<a id="FNanchor_1022_1022"></a><a href="#Footnote_1022_1022" class="fnanchor">1022</a> -we find, occupies the very highest rank, although by nature it -is medicinal, and is employed for imparting an additional sharpness -to vinegar:<a id="FNanchor_1023_1023"></a><a href="#Footnote_1023_1023" class="fnanchor">1023</a> indeed, there is no bulb known that grows -to a larger size than this, or is possessed of a greater degree of -pungency. There are two varieties of it employed in medicine, -the male squill, which has white leaves, and the female -squill, with black<a id="FNanchor_1024_1024"></a><a href="#Footnote_1024_1024" class="fnanchor">1024</a> ones. There is a third kind also, which is -good to eat, and is known as the Epimenidian<a id="FNanchor_1025_1025"></a><a href="#Footnote_1025_1025" class="fnanchor">1025</a> squill; the leaf -is narrower than in the other kinds, and not so rough. All -the squills have numerous seeds, but they come up much more -quickly if propagated from the offsets that grow on the sides. -To make them attain a still greater size, the large leaves that -grow around them are turned down and covered over with -earth; by which method all the juices are carried to the -heads. Squills grow spontaneously and in vast numbers in -the Baleares and the island of Ebusus, and in the Spanish provinces.<a id="FNanchor_1026_1026"></a><a href="#Footnote_1026_1026" class="fnanchor">1026</a> -The philosopher Pythagoras has written a whole volume -on the merits of this plant, setting forth its various medicinal<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169">169</a></span> -properties; of which we shall have occasion to speak -more at length in the succeeding Book.<a id="FNanchor_1027_1027"></a><a href="#Footnote_1027_1027" class="fnanchor">1027</a></p> - -<p>The other species of bulbs are distinguished by their colour, -size, and sweetness; indeed, there are some that are eaten raw -even—those found in the Tauric Chersonesus, for instance. -Next to these, the bulbs of Africa are held in the highest -esteem, and after them those of Apulia. The Greeks have -distinguished the following varieties: the bulbine,<a id="FNanchor_1028_1028"></a><a href="#Footnote_1028_1028" class="fnanchor">1028</a> the setanion,<a id="FNanchor_1029_1029"></a><a href="#Footnote_1029_1029" class="fnanchor">1029</a> -the opition,<a id="FNanchor_1030_1030"></a><a href="#Footnote_1030_1030" class="fnanchor">1030</a> the cyix,<a id="FNanchor_1031_1031"></a><a href="#Footnote_1031_1031" class="fnanchor">1031</a> the leucoion,<a id="FNanchor_1032_1032"></a><a href="#Footnote_1032_1032" class="fnanchor">1032</a> the ægilips,<a id="FNanchor_1033_1033"></a><a href="#Footnote_1033_1033" class="fnanchor">1033</a> and -the sisyrinchion<a id="FNanchor_1034_1034"></a><a href="#Footnote_1034_1034" class="fnanchor">1034</a>—in the last there is this remarkable feature, -that the extremities of the roots increase in winter, but during -the spring, when the violet appears, they diminish in size and -gradually contract, and then it is that the bulb begins to increase -in magnitude.</p> - -<p>Among the varieties of the bulb, too, there is the plant -known in Egypt by the name of “aron.”<a id="FNanchor_1035_1035"></a><a href="#Footnote_1035_1035" class="fnanchor">1035</a> In size it is very -nearly as large as the squill, with a leaf like that of lapathum, -and a straight stalk a couple of cubits in length, and the thickness -of a walking-stick: the root of it is of a milder nature, -so much so, indeed, as to admit of being eaten raw.</p> - -<p>Bulbs are taken up before the spring, for if not, they are -apt to spoil very quickly. It is a sign that they are ripe when -the leaves become dry at the lower extremities. When too -old they are held in disesteem; the same, too, with the long -and the smaller ones; those, on the other hand, which are red -and round are greatly preferred, as also those of the largest -size. In most of them there is a certain degree of pungency -in the upper part, but the middle is sweet. The ancients have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170">170</a></span> -stated that bulbs are reproduced from seed only, but in the -champaign country of Præneste they grow spontaneously, -and they grow to an unlimited extent in the territory of the -Remi.<a id="FNanchor_1036_1036"></a><a href="#Footnote_1036_1036" class="fnanchor">1036</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_31"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 31. (6.)—THE ROOTS, FLOWERS, AND LEAVES OF ALL THESE -PLANTS. GARDEN PLANTS WHICH LOSE THEIR LEAVES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Nearly all<a id="FNanchor_1037_1037"></a><a href="#Footnote_1037_1037" class="fnanchor">1037</a> the garden plants have a single<a id="FNanchor_1038_1038"></a><a href="#Footnote_1038_1038" class="fnanchor">1038</a> root only, -radishes, beet, parsley, and mallows, for example; it is lapathum, -however, that has the longest root of them all, it attaining -the length of three cubits even. The root of the wild -kind is smaller and of a humid nature, and when up it will -keep alive for a considerable period. In some of these plants, -however, the roots are fibrous, as we find the case in parsley -and mallows, for instance; in others, again, they are of a -ligneous nature, as in ocimum, for example; and in others they -are fleshy, as in beet, and in saffron even more so. In some, -again, the root is composed of rind and flesh, as in the radish -and the rape; while in others it is jointed, as in hay grass.<a id="FNanchor_1039_1039"></a><a href="#Footnote_1039_1039" class="fnanchor">1039</a> -Those plants which have not a straight root throw out immediately -a great number of hairy fibres, orage<a id="FNanchor_1040_1040"></a><a href="#Footnote_1040_1040" class="fnanchor">1040</a> and blite,<a id="FNanchor_1041_1041"></a><a href="#Footnote_1041_1041" class="fnanchor">1041</a> for -instance: squills again, bulbs, onions, and garlic never have -any but a vertical root. Among the plants that grow spontaneously, -there are some which have more numerous roots -than leaves, spalax,<a id="FNanchor_1042_1042"></a><a href="#Footnote_1042_1042" class="fnanchor">1042</a> for example, pellitory,<a id="FNanchor_1043_1043"></a><a href="#Footnote_1043_1043" class="fnanchor">1043</a> and saffron.<a id="FNanchor_1044_1044"></a><a href="#Footnote_1044_1044" class="fnanchor">1044</a></p> - -<p>Wild thyme, southernwood, turnips, radishes, mint, and rue -blossom all<a id="FNanchor_1045_1045"></a><a href="#Footnote_1045_1045" class="fnanchor">1045</a> at once; while others, again, shed their blossom -directly they have begun to flower. Ocimum<a id="FNanchor_1046_1046"></a><a href="#Footnote_1046_1046" class="fnanchor">1046</a> blossoms gradually,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171">171</a></span> -beginning at the lower parts, and hence it is that it is so -very long in blossom: the same is the case, too, with the plant -known as heliotropium.<a id="FNanchor_1047_1047"></a><a href="#Footnote_1047_1047" class="fnanchor">1047</a> In some plants the flower is white, -in others yellow, and in others purple. The leaves fall first<a id="FNanchor_1048_1048"></a><a href="#Footnote_1048_1048" class="fnanchor">1048</a> -from the upper part in wild-marjoram and elecampane, and -in rue<a id="FNanchor_1049_1049"></a><a href="#Footnote_1049_1049" class="fnanchor">1049</a> sometimes, when it has been injured accidentally. -In some plants the leaves are hollow, the onion and the scallion,<a id="FNanchor_1050_1050"></a><a href="#Footnote_1050_1050" class="fnanchor">1050</a> -more particularly.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_32"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 32.—VARIETIES OF THE ONION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Garlic and onions<a id="FNanchor_1051_1051"></a><a href="#Footnote_1051_1051" class="fnanchor">1051</a> are invoked by the Egyptians,<a id="FNanchor_1052_1052"></a><a href="#Footnote_1052_1052" class="fnanchor">1052</a> when -taking an oath, in the number of their deities. The Greeks -have many varieties<a id="FNanchor_1053_1053"></a><a href="#Footnote_1053_1053" class="fnanchor">1053</a> of the onion, the Sardian onion, the -Samothracian, the Alsidenian, the setanian, the schistan, and -the Ascalonian,<a id="FNanchor_1054_1054"></a><a href="#Footnote_1054_1054" class="fnanchor">1054</a> so called from Ascalon,<a id="FNanchor_1055_1055"></a><a href="#Footnote_1055_1055" class="fnanchor">1055</a> a city of Judæa. -They have, all of them, a pungent smell, which<a id="FNanchor_1056_1056"></a><a href="#Footnote_1056_1056" class="fnanchor">1056</a> draws tears -from the eyes, those of Cyprus more particularly, and those of -Cnidos the least of all. In all of them the body is composed -of a cartilage of an unctuous<a id="FNanchor_1057_1057"></a><a href="#Footnote_1057_1057" class="fnanchor">1057</a> nature. The variety known as -the setanian is the smallest of them all, with the exception of -the Tusculan<a id="FNanchor_1058_1058"></a><a href="#Footnote_1058_1058" class="fnanchor">1058</a> onion, but it is sweet to the taste. The schistan<a id="FNanchor_1059_1059"></a><a href="#Footnote_1059_1059" class="fnanchor">1059</a> -and the Ascalonian kinds are used for storing. The -schistan onion is left during the winter with the leaves on; in -the spring it is stripped of them, upon which offsets make<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172">172</a></span> -their appearance at the same divisions as the leaves; it is to -this circumstance that this variety owes its name. Taking -the hint from this fact, it is recommended to strip the other -kinds of their leaves, to make them bulb all the better, instead -of running to seed.</p> - -<p>The Ascalonian onion is of a peculiar nature, being barren -in some measure in the root; hence it is that the Greeks have -recommended it to be reproduced from seed, and not from roots: -the transplanting, too, they say, should be done later in the -spring, at the time the plant germinates, the result being that -it bulbs with all the greater rapidity, and hastens, as it were, -to make up for lost time; great dispatch, however, is requisite -in taking it up, for when ripe it rots with the greatest rapidity. -If propagated from roots, it throws out a long stalk, -runs rapidly to seed, and dies.</p> - -<p>There are considerable differences, too, in the colour of the -onion; the whitest of all are those grown at Issus and Sardes. -The onions, too, of Crete are held in high esteem, but there -is some doubt whether they are not the same as the Ascalonian -variety; for when grown from seed they produce a fine bulb, -but when planted they throw out a long stalk and run to seed; -in fact, they differ from the Ascalonian kind only in the sweetness -of their flavour.</p> - -<p>Among us there are two principal varieties known of the -onion; the scallion, employed for seasonings, is one, known to -the Greeks by the name of “gethyon,” and by us as the “pallacana;” -it is sown in March, April, and May. The other -kind is the bulbed or headed<a id="FNanchor_1060_1060"></a><a href="#Footnote_1060_1060" class="fnanchor">1060</a> onion; it is sown just after the -autumnal equinox, or else after the west winds have begun to -prevail. The varieties of this last kind, ranged according to -their relative degrees of pungency, are the African onion, the -Gallic, the Tusculan, the Ascalonian, and the Amiternian: the -roundest in shape are the best. The red onion, too, is more -pungent than the white, the stored than the fresh, the raw -than the cooked, and the dried than the preserved. The onion -of Amiternum is cultivated in cold, humid localities, and is -the only one that is reproduced from heads,<a id="FNanchor_1061_1061"></a><a href="#Footnote_1061_1061" class="fnanchor">1061</a> like garlic, the -other kinds being grown from seed. This last kind yields no<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173">173</a></span> -seed in the ensuing summer, but a bulb only, which dries and -keeps; but in the summer after, the contrary is the case, for -seed is produced, while the bulb very quickly spoils. Hence -it is that every year there are two separate sowings, one of -seed for the reproduction of bulbs, and one of bulbs for the -growth of seed; these onions keep best in chaff. The scallion -has hardly any bulb at all, but a long neck only—hence it is -nothing but leaf, and is often cut down, like the leek; for this -reason, too, like the leek, it is grown from seed, and not from -plants.</p> - -<p>In addition to these particulars, it is recommended that the -ground intended for sowing onions should be turned up three -times, care being taken to remove all roots and weeds; ten -pounds of seed is the proper proportion for a jugerum. Savory -too, they say, should be mixed with them, the onions being all -the finer for it; the ground, too, should be stubbed and hoed -four times at least, if not oftener. In Italy, the Ascalonian -onion is sown in the month of February. The seed of the -onion is gathered when it begins to turn black, and before it -becomes dry and shrivelled.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_33"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 33.—THE LEEK.</span></h3></div> - -<p>While upon this subject, it will be as well, too, to speak of -the leek,<a id="FNanchor_1062_1062"></a><a href="#Footnote_1062_1062" class="fnanchor">1062</a> on account of the affinity which it bears to the plants -just mentioned, and more particularly because cut-leek has -recently acquired considerable celebrity from the use made of -it by the Emperor Nero. That prince, to improve his voice,<a id="FNanchor_1063_1063"></a><a href="#Footnote_1063_1063" class="fnanchor">1063</a> -used to eat leeks and oil every month, upon stated days, abstaining -from every other kind of food, and not touching so -much as a morsel of bread even. Leeks are reproduced from -seed, sown just after the autumnal equinox; if they are intended -for cutting,<a id="FNanchor_1064_1064"></a><a href="#Footnote_1064_1064" class="fnanchor">1064</a> the seed is sown thicker than otherwise. -The leeks in the same bed are cut repeatedly, till it is quite exhausted, -and they are always kept well manured. If they are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174">174</a></span> -wanted to bulb before being cut, when they have grown to -some size they are transplanted to another bed, the extremities -of the leaves being snipped off without touching the white part, -and the heads stripped of the outer coats. The ancients were -in the habit of placing a stone or potsherd upon the leek, to -make the head grow all the larger, and the same with the -bulbs as well; but at the present day it is the usual practice -to move the fibrous roots gently with the weeding-hook, so that -by being bent they may nourish the plant, and not withdraw -the juices from it.</p> - -<p>It is a remarkable fact, that, though the leek stands in need -of manure and a rich soil, it has a particular aversion to water; -and yet its nature depends very much upon the natural properties -of the soil. The most esteemed leeks are those grown in -Egypt, and next to them those of Ostia and Aricia.<a id="FNanchor_1065_1065"></a><a href="#Footnote_1065_1065" class="fnanchor">1065</a> Of the -leek for cutting, there are two varieties: that with grass-green<a id="FNanchor_1066_1066"></a><a href="#Footnote_1066_1066" class="fnanchor">1066</a> -leaves and incisions distinctly traced on them, and the -leek with paler and rounder leaves, the incisions being more -lightly marked. There is a story told, that Mela,<a id="FNanchor_1067_1067"></a><a href="#Footnote_1067_1067" class="fnanchor">1067</a> a member -of the Equestrian order, being accused of mal-administration -by order of the Emperor Tiberius, swallowed in his despair -leek-juice to the amount of three denarii in weight of silver, -and expired upon the spot without the slightest symptom of -pain. It is said, however, that a larger dose than this is productive -of no injurious effects whatever.<a id="FNanchor_1068_1068"></a><a href="#Footnote_1068_1068" class="fnanchor">1068</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_34"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 34.—GARLIC.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Garlic<a id="FNanchor_1069_1069"></a><a href="#Footnote_1069_1069" class="fnanchor">1069</a> is generally supposed, in the country more particularly, -to be a good specific<a id="FNanchor_1070_1070"></a><a href="#Footnote_1070_1070" class="fnanchor">1070</a> for numerous maladies. The external<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175">175</a></span> -coat consists of membranes of remarkable fineness, which -are universally discarded when the vegetable is used; the inner -part being formed by the union of several cloves, each of which -has also a separate coat of its own. The flavour of it is pungent, -and the more numerous the cloves the more pungent it -is. Like the onion, it imparts an offensive smell to the breath; -but this is not the case when it is cooked. The various species -of garlic are distinguished by the periods at which they ripen: -the early kind becomes fit for use in sixty days. Another distinction, -too, is formed by the relative size of the heads. Ulpicum,<a id="FNanchor_1071_1071"></a><a href="#Footnote_1071_1071" class="fnanchor">1071</a> -also, generally known to the Greeks as “Cyprian garlic,” -belongs to this class; by some persons it is called “antiscorodon,” -and in Africa more particularly it holds a high rank -among the dishes of the rural population; it is of a larger size -than ordinary garlic. When beaten up with oil and vinegar, -it is quite surprising what a quantity of creaming foam is produced.</p> - -<p>There are some persons who recommend that neither ulpicum -nor garlic should be sown on level ground, but say that they -should be planted in little mounds trenched up, at a distance of -three feet apart. Between each clove, they say, there should -be a distance of four fingers left, and as soon as ever three -leaves are visible, the heads should be hoed; the oftener they -are hoed, the larger the size they will attain. When they -begin to ripen, the stalks are bent downwards, and covered -over with earth, a precaution which effectually prevents them -from running to leaf. In cold soils, it is considered better to -plant them in spring than in autumn.</p> - -<p>For the purpose of depriving all these plants of their strong -smell, it is recommended to set them when the moon is below -the horizon, and to take them up when she is in conjunction. -Independently of these precautions, we find Menander, one -of the Greek writers, recommending those who have been -eating garlic to eat immediately afterwards a root of beet<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176">176</a></span> -roasted on hot coals; if this is done, he says, the strong smell -of the garlic will be effectually neutralized. Some persons are of -opinion, that the proper period for planting garlic and ulpicum -is between the festival of the Compitalia<a id="FNanchor_1072_1072"></a><a href="#Footnote_1072_1072" class="fnanchor">1072</a> and that of the -Saturnalia.<a id="FNanchor_1073_1073"></a><a href="#Footnote_1073_1073" class="fnanchor">1073</a> Garlic, too, can be grown from seed, but it is -very slow, in such case, in coming to maturity; for in the first -year, the head attains the size only of that of a leek, in the -second, it separates into cloves, and only in the third it arrives -at maturity; there are some, however, who think that garlic -grown this way is the best. Garlic should never be allowed -to run to seed, but the stalk should be twisted, to promote its -growth, and to make the head attain a larger size.</p> - -<p>If garlic or onions are wanted to keep some time, the heads -should be dipped in salt water, made luke-warm; by doing -this, they will be all the better for keeping, though quite -worthless for reproduction. Some persons content themselves -with hanging them over burning coals, and are of opinion that -this is quite sufficient to prevent them from sprouting: for it -is a well-known fact, that both garlic and onions sprout when -out of the ground, and that after throwing out their thin shoots -they shrivel away to nothing. Some persons are of opinion, -too, that the best way of keeping garlic is by storing it in chaff. -There is a kind<a id="FNanchor_1074_1074"></a><a href="#Footnote_1074_1074" class="fnanchor">1074</a> of garlic that grows spontaneously in the -fields, and is known by the name of “alum.” To preserve -the seeds that are sown there from the remorseless ravages of -the birds, this plant is scattered over the ground, being first -boiled, to prevent it from shooting. As soon as ever they have -eaten of it, the birds become so stupefied as to be taken with -the hand even,<a id="FNanchor_1075_1075"></a><a href="#Footnote_1075_1075" class="fnanchor">1075</a> and if they remain but a few moments only -on the spot, they fall fast asleep. There is a wild garlic, -too, generally known as “bear’s” garlic;<a id="FNanchor_1076_1076"></a><a href="#Footnote_1076_1076" class="fnanchor">1076</a> it has exactly the -smell of millet, with a very small head and large leaves.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177">177</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_35"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 35. (7.)—THE NUMBER OF DAYS REQUIRED FOR THE RESPECTIVE -PLANTS TO MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE ABOVE GROUND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the garden<a id="FNanchor_1077_1077"></a><a href="#Footnote_1077_1077" class="fnanchor">1077</a> plants which make their appearance -most speedily above ground, are ocimum, blite, the turnip, and -rocket; for they appear above the surface the third day after -they are sown. Anise, again, comes up on the fourth day, the -lettuce on the fifth, the radish on the sixth, the cucumber and -the gourd on the seventh—the cucumber rather the first of the -two—cresses and mustard on the fifth, beet on the sixth day -in summer and the tenth in winter, orage on the eighth, onions -on the nineteenth or twentieth, and scallions on the tenth -or twelfth. Coriander, again, is more stubborn in its growth, -cunila and wild marjoram do not appear till after the thirtieth -day, and parsley comes up with the greatest difficulty of all, -for at the very earliest it is forty days before it shows itself, -and in most instances as much as fifty.</p> - -<p>The age,<a id="FNanchor_1078_1078"></a><a href="#Footnote_1078_1078" class="fnanchor">1078</a> too, of the seed is of some importance in this respect; -for fresh seed comes up more rapidly in the case of the -leek, the scallion, the cucumber, and the gourd, while in that -of parsley, beet, cardamum, cunila, wild marjoram, and coriander, -seed that has been kept for some time is the best.</p> - -<p>There is one remarkable circumstance<a id="FNanchor_1079_1079"></a><a href="#Footnote_1079_1079" class="fnanchor">1079</a> in connection with -the seed of beet; it does not all germinate in the first year, but -some of it in the second, and some in the third even; hence -it is that a considerable quantity of seed produces only a very -moderate crop. Some plants produce only in the year in which -they are set, and some, again, for successive years, parsley, -leeks, and scallions<a id="FNanchor_1080_1080"></a><a href="#Footnote_1080_1080" class="fnanchor">1080</a> for instance; indeed, these plants, when -once sown, retain their fertility, and produce for many years.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178">178</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_36"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 36.—THE NATURE OF THE VARIOUS SEEDS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>In most plants the seed is round, in some oblong; it is broad -and foliaceous in some, orage for instance, while in others it is -narrow and grooved, as in cummin. There are differences, -also, in the colour of seeds, which is either black or white; -while some seeds are woody and hard, in radishes, mustard, -and rape, the seeds are enclosed in pods. In parsley, coriander, -anise, fennel, and cummin, the seed has no covering at all, -while in blite, beet, orage, and ocimum, it has an outer coat, -and in the lettuce it is covered with a fine down. There is no -seed more prolific than that of ocimum;<a id="FNanchor_1081_1081"></a><a href="#Footnote_1081_1081" class="fnanchor">1081</a> it is generally recommended<a id="FNanchor_1082_1082"></a><a href="#Footnote_1082_1082" class="fnanchor">1082</a> -to sow it with the utterance of curses and imprecations, -the result being that it grows all the better for it; -the earth, too, is rammed down when it is sown, and prayers -offered that the seed may never come up. The seeds which are -enveloped in an outer coat, are dried with considerable difficulty, -that of ocimum more particularly; hence it is that all -these seeds are dried artificially, their fruitfulness being greatly -promoted thereby.</p> - -<p>Plants in general come up better when the seed is sown in -heaps than when it is scattered broad-cast: leeks, in fact, and -parsley are generally grown by sowing the seed in little bags;<a id="FNanchor_1083_1083"></a><a href="#Footnote_1083_1083" class="fnanchor">1083</a> -in the case of parsley, too, a hole is made with the dibble, and a -layer of manure inserted.</p> - -<p>All garden plants grow either from seed or from slips, and -some from both seed and suckers, such as rue, wild marjoram, -and ocimum,<a id="FNanchor_1084_1084"></a><a href="#Footnote_1084_1084" class="fnanchor">1084</a> for example—this last being usually cut when -it is a palm in height. Some kinds, again, are reproduced -from both seed and root, as in the case of onions, garlic, and -bulbs, and those other plants of which, though annuals themselves, -the roots retain their vitality. In those plants which -grow from the root, it lives for a considerable time, and throws -out offsets, as in bulbs, scallions, and squills for example.—Others,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179">179</a></span> -again, throw out offsets, though not from a bulbous -root, such as parsley and beet, for instance. When the stalk -is cut, with the exception<a id="FNanchor_1085_1085"></a><a href="#Footnote_1085_1085" class="fnanchor">1085</a> of those which have not a rough -stem, nearly all these plants put forth fresh shoots, a thing that -may be seen in ocimum,<a id="FNanchor_1086_1086"></a><a href="#Footnote_1086_1086" class="fnanchor">1086</a> the radish,<a id="FNanchor_1087_1087"></a><a href="#Footnote_1087_1087" class="fnanchor">1087</a> and the lettuce,<a id="FNanchor_1088_1088"></a><a href="#Footnote_1088_1088" class="fnanchor">1088</a> which -are in daily use among us; indeed, it is generally thought that -the lettuce which is grown from a fresh sprouting, is the -sweetest. The radish, too, is more pleasant eating when the -leaves have been removed before it has begun to run to stalk. -The same is the case, too, with rape; for when the leaves are -taken off, and the roots well covered up with earth, it grows -all the larger for it, and keeps in good preservation till the ensuing -summer.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_37"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 37.—PLANTS OF WHICH THERE IS BUT A SINGLE KIND. -PLANTS OF WHICH THERE ARE SEVERAL KINDS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of ocimum, lapathum, blite, cresses, rocket, orage, coriander, -and anise respectively, there is but a single kind, these plants -being the same everywhere, and no better in one place than -in another. It is the general belief that stolen<a id="FNanchor_1089_1089"></a><a href="#Footnote_1089_1089" class="fnanchor">1089</a> rue grows -the best, while, on the other hand, bees<a id="FNanchor_1090_1090"></a><a href="#Footnote_1090_1090" class="fnanchor">1090</a> that have been stolen -will never thrive. Wild mint, cat-mint, endive, and pennyroyal, -will grow even without any cultivation. With reference -to the plants of which we have already spoken, or shall -have occasion to speak, there are numerous varieties of many -of them, parsley more particularly.</p> - -<p>(8.) As to the kind of parsley<a id="FNanchor_1091_1091"></a><a href="#Footnote_1091_1091" class="fnanchor">1091</a> which grows spontaneously -in moist localities, it is known by the name of “helioselinum;”<a id="FNanchor_1092_1092"></a><a href="#Footnote_1092_1092" class="fnanchor">1092</a> -it has a single leaf<a id="FNanchor_1093_1093"></a><a href="#Footnote_1093_1093" class="fnanchor">1093</a> only, and is not rough at the edges. In<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180">180</a></span> -dry places, we find growing the kind known as “hipposelinum,”<a id="FNanchor_1094_1094"></a><a href="#Footnote_1094_1094" class="fnanchor">1094</a> -consisting of numerous leaves, similar to helioselinum. -A third variety is the oreoselinum,<a id="FNanchor_1095_1095"></a><a href="#Footnote_1095_1095" class="fnanchor">1095</a> with leaves like those of -hemlock, and a thin, fine, root, the seed being similar to that -of anise, only somewhat smaller.</p> - -<p>The differences, again, that are found to exist in cultivated -parsley,<a id="FNanchor_1096_1096"></a><a href="#Footnote_1096_1096" class="fnanchor">1096</a> consist in the comparative density of the leaves, the -crispness or smoothness of their edges, and the thinness or -thickness of the stem, as the case may be: in some kinds, again, -the stem is white, in others purple, and in others mottled.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_38"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 38.—THE NATURE AND VARIETIES OF TWENTY-THREE -GARDEN PLANTS. THE LETTUCE; ITS DIFFERENT VARIETIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Greeks have distinguished three varieties of the lettuce;<a id="FNanchor_1097_1097"></a><a href="#Footnote_1097_1097" class="fnanchor">1097</a> -the first with a stalk so large, that small garden gates,<a id="FNanchor_1098_1098"></a><a href="#Footnote_1098_1098" class="fnanchor">1098</a> it is -said, have been made of it: the leaf of this lettuce is somewhat -larger than that of the herbaceous, or green lettuce, but -extremely narrow, the nutriment seeming to be expended on -the other parts of the plant. The second kind is that with a -rounded<a id="FNanchor_1099_1099"></a><a href="#Footnote_1099_1099" class="fnanchor">1099</a> stalk; and the third is the low, squat lettuce,<a id="FNanchor_1100_1100"></a><a href="#Footnote_1100_1100" class="fnanchor">1100</a> generally -known as the Laconian lettuce.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181">181</a></span></p> - -<p>Some persons<a id="FNanchor_1101_1101"></a><a href="#Footnote_1101_1101" class="fnanchor">1101</a> have made distinctions in reference to their -respective colours, and the times for sowing them: the black -lettuce is sown in the month of January, the white in March, -and the red in April; and they are fit for transplanting, all of -them, at the end of a couple of months. Those, again, who -have pursued these enquiries even further than this, have distinguished -a still greater number of varieties of them—the -purple, the crisped, the Cappadocian,<a id="FNanchor_1102_1102"></a><a href="#Footnote_1102_1102" class="fnanchor">1102</a> and the Greek lettuce, -this last having a longer leaf than the rest, and a broad stalk: -in addition to which, there is one with a long, narrow leaf, -very similar to endive in appearance. The most inferior kind, -however, of all, is the one to which the Greeks, censuring it -for its bitterness, have given the name of “picris.”<a id="FNanchor_1103_1103"></a><a href="#Footnote_1103_1103" class="fnanchor">1103</a> There is -still another variety, a kind of white lettuce, called “meconis,”<a id="FNanchor_1104_1104"></a><a href="#Footnote_1104_1104" class="fnanchor">1104</a> -a name which it derives from the abundance of milk, of a -narcotic quality, which it produces; though, in fact, it is generally -thought that they are all of them of a soporific tendency. -In former times, this last was the only kind of lettuce that -was held in any esteem<a id="FNanchor_1105_1105"></a><a href="#Footnote_1105_1105" class="fnanchor">1105</a> in Italy, the name “lactuca” having -been given it on account of the milk<a id="FNanchor_1106_1106"></a><a href="#Footnote_1106_1106" class="fnanchor">1106</a> which it contains.</p> - -<p>The purple kind, with a very large root, is generally known -as the Cæcilian<a id="FNanchor_1107_1107"></a><a href="#Footnote_1107_1107" class="fnanchor">1107</a> lettuce; while the round one, with an extremely -diminutive root and broad leaves, is known to some -persons as the “astytis,”<a id="FNanchor_1108_1108"></a><a href="#Footnote_1108_1108" class="fnanchor">1108</a> and to others as the “eunychion,” -it having the effect, in a remarkable degree, of quenching the -amorous propensities. Indeed, they are, all of them, possessed -of cooling and refreshing properties, for which reason it is, -that they are so highly esteemed in summer; they have the -effect, also, of removing from the stomach distaste for food, -and of promoting the appetite. At all events, we find it -stated, that the late Emperor Augustus, when ill, was saved<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182">182</a></span> -on one occasion,<a id="FNanchor_1109_1109"></a><a href="#Footnote_1109_1109" class="fnanchor">1109</a> thanks to the skill of his physician, Musa,<a id="FNanchor_1110_1110"></a><a href="#Footnote_1110_1110" class="fnanchor">1110</a> -by eating lettuces, a food which the excessive scruples of his -former physician, C. Æmilius, had forbidden him. At the -present day, however, lettuces have risen into such high estimation, -that a method has been discovered even of preserving -them during the months in which they are out of season, by -keeping them in oxymel.<a id="FNanchor_1111_1111"></a><a href="#Footnote_1111_1111" class="fnanchor">1111</a> It is generally supposed, also, -that lettuces have the effect of making blood.</p> - -<p>In addition to the above varieties, there is another kind of -lettuce known as the “goats’ lettuce,”<a id="FNanchor_1112_1112"></a><a href="#Footnote_1112_1112" class="fnanchor">1112</a> of which we shall have -occasion to make further mention when we come to the medicinal -plants: at the moment, too, that I am writing this, a -new species of cultivated lettuce has been introduced, known -as the Cilician lettuce, and held in very considerable esteem; -the leaf of it is similar to that of the Cappadocian lettuce, -except that it is crisped, and somewhat larger.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_39"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 39.—ENDIVE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Endive, though it cannot exactly be said to be of the same -genus as the lettuce, still cannot be pronounced to belong to -any other.<a id="FNanchor_1113_1113"></a><a href="#Footnote_1113_1113" class="fnanchor">1113</a> It is a plant better able to endure the rigours -of the winter than the lettuce,<a id="FNanchor_1114_1114"></a><a href="#Footnote_1114_1114" class="fnanchor">1114</a> and possessed of a more acrid -taste, though the flavour of the stalk<a id="FNanchor_1115_1115"></a><a href="#Footnote_1115_1115" class="fnanchor">1115</a> is equally agreeable. -Endive is sown at the beginning of spring, and transplanted -at the end of that season. There is also a kind of spreading<a id="FNanchor_1116_1116"></a><a href="#Footnote_1116_1116" class="fnanchor">1116</a> -endive, known in Egypt as “cichorium,”<a id="FNanchor_1117_1117"></a><a href="#Footnote_1117_1117" class="fnanchor">1117</a> of which we -shall have occasion<a id="FNanchor_1118_1118"></a><a href="#Footnote_1118_1118" class="fnanchor">1118</a> to speak elsewhere more at length.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183">183</a></span></p> - -<p>A method has been discovered of preserving all the thyrsi -or leaves of the lettuce in pots, the object being to have them -fresh when wanted for boiling. Lettuces may be sown all the -year<a id="FNanchor_1119_1119"></a><a href="#Footnote_1119_1119" class="fnanchor">1119</a> through in a good soil, well-watered and carefully manured;<a id="FNanchor_1120_1120"></a><a href="#Footnote_1120_1120" class="fnanchor">1120</a> -two months being allowed to intervene between sowing -and transplanting, and two more between transplanting -and gathering them when ripe. The rule is, however, to sow -them just after the winter solstice, and to transplant when the -west winds begin to prevail, or else to sow at this latter period, -and to plant out at the vernal equinox. The white lettuce is -the best adapted for standing the rigours of the winter.</p> - -<p>All the garden plants are fond of moisture; lettuces thrive, -more particularly, when well manured, and endive even more -so. Indeed, it is found an excellent plan to plant them out with -the roots covered up in manure, and to keep up the supply, the -earth being cleared away for that purpose. Some, again, have -another method of increasing their size; they cut them<a id="FNanchor_1121_1121"></a><a href="#Footnote_1121_1121" class="fnanchor">1121</a> down -when they have reached half a foot in height, and cover them -with fresh swine’s dung. It is the general opinion that those -lettuces only will admit of being blanched which are produced -from white seed; and even then, as soon as they begin to -grow, sand from the sea-shore should be spread over them, -care being taken to tie the leaves as soon as ever they begin -to come to any size.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_40"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 40.—BEET: FOUR VARIETIES OF IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Beet<a id="FNanchor_1122_1122"></a><a href="#Footnote_1122_1122" class="fnanchor">1122</a> is the smoothest of all the garden plants. The Greeks -distinguish two kinds of beet, according to the colour, the -black and the white. The last, which is the kind generally -preferred, has but very little seed, and is generally known as -the Sicilian<a id="FNanchor_1123_1123"></a><a href="#Footnote_1123_1123" class="fnanchor">1123</a> beet; just as it is the white lettuce that is held -in the highest degree of esteem. Our people, also, distinguish -two varieties of beet, the spring and the autumn kinds, so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184">184</a></span> -called from the periods of sowing; although sometimes we -find beet sown in June even. This is a plant, too, that is -sometimes transplanted; and it thrives all the better, like the -lettuce, if the roots are well covered with manure, in a moist -soil. Beet is mostly eaten<a id="FNanchor_1124_1124"></a><a href="#Footnote_1124_1124" class="fnanchor">1124</a> with lentils and beans; it is prepared -also in the same way as cabbage, with mustard more -particularly, the pungency of which relieves its insipidity. -Medical men are of opinion that beet is a more unwholesome<a id="FNanchor_1125_1125"></a><a href="#Footnote_1125_1125" class="fnanchor">1125</a> -vegetable than cabbage; hence it is that I never remember -seeing it served at table. Indeed, there are some persons who -scruple to taste it even, from a conviction that it is a food -suitable only for persons of a robust constitution.</p> - -<p>Beet is a vegetable with twofold characteristics, partaking -of the nature of the cabbage in its leaves and resembling a -bulb in the root; that which grows to the greatest breadth -being the most highly esteemed. This plant, like the lettuce, -is made to grow to head by putting a light weight upon it the -moment it begins to assume its proper colour. Indeed, there -is no garden plant that grows to a larger head than this, as it -sometimes spreads to a couple of feet in breadth, the nature of -the soil contributing in a very considerable degree to its size: -those found in the territory of Circeii attain the largest size. -Some persons<a id="FNanchor_1126_1126"></a><a href="#Footnote_1126_1126" class="fnanchor">1126</a> think that the best time for sowing beet is -when the pomegranate is in flower, and are of opinion that it -ought to be transplanted as soon as it has thrown out five -leaves. There is a singular difference—if indeed it really -exists—between the two varieties of beet, the white kind -being remarkable for its purgative qualities, and the black -being equally astringent. When wine in the vat has been -deteriorated by assuming a flavour like<a id="FNanchor_1127_1127"></a><a href="#Footnote_1127_1127" class="fnanchor">1127</a> that of cabbage, its -original flavour is restored, it is said, by plunging beet leaves -into it.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185">185</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_41"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 41—CABBAGES; THE SEVERAL VARIETIES OF THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Cabbage and coleworts, which at the present day are the -most highly esteemed of all the garden vegetables, were held -in little repute, I find, among the Greeks; but Cato,<a id="FNanchor_1128_1128"></a><a href="#Footnote_1128_1128" class="fnanchor">1128</a> on the -other hand, sings the wondrous praises of the cabbage, the -medicinal properties of which we shall duly enlarge<a id="FNanchor_1129_1129"></a><a href="#Footnote_1129_1129" class="fnanchor">1129</a> upon -when we come to treat of that subject. Cato distinguishes -three varieties of the cabbage; the first, a plant with leaves -wide open, and a large stalk; a second, with crisped leaves, to -which he gives the name of “apiaca;”<a id="FNanchor_1130_1130"></a><a href="#Footnote_1130_1130" class="fnanchor">1130</a> and a third, with a -thin stalk, and a smooth, tender leaf, which with him ranks -the lowest of all. Cabbages may be sown the whole year -through, as we find that they are cut at all periods of the year; -the best time, however, for sowing them is at the autumnal -equinox, and they are usually transplanted as soon as five -leaves are visible. In the ensuing spring after the first cutting, -the plant yields sprouts, known to us as “cymæ.”<a id="FNanchor_1131_1131"></a><a href="#Footnote_1131_1131" class="fnanchor">1131</a> -These sprouts, in fact, are small shoots thrown out from the -main stem, of a more delicate and tender quality than the -cabbage itself. The exquisite palate, however, of Apicius<a id="FNanchor_1132_1132"></a><a href="#Footnote_1132_1132" class="fnanchor">1132</a> -rejected these sprouts for the table, and his example was followed -by the fastidious Drusus Cæsar; who did not escape, -however, the censures of his father, Tiberius, for being so -over-nice. After the cymæ have made their appearance the -cabbage throws out its summer and autumn shoots, and then -its winter ones; after which, a new crop of cymæ is produced, -there being no plant so productive as this, until, at last, it is -quite exhausted by its extreme fertility. A second time for -sowing cabbages is immediately after the vernal equinox, the -plants of this growth being transplanted at the end of spring, -that they may not run up into sprouts before coming to a top: -and a third sowing takes place about the summer solstice, the -transplanting being done in summer if the soil is moist, but, -if too dry, in autumn. When moisture and manure are supplied -in small quantities, the flavour of the cabbage is all the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186">186</a></span> -more agreeable, but when they are supplied in greater abundance, -the plants attain a larger size. Asses’ dung is the best -adapted for its growth.</p> - -<p>The cabbage, too, is one of those articles so highly esteemed -by epicures; for which reason it will not be amiss if we speak -of it at somewhat greater length. To obtain plants equally -remarkable for their size and flavour, care must be taken first -of all to sow the seed in ground that has had a couple of turnings -up, and then to follow up the shoots as they appear above -ground by moulding them up, care being taken to throw up -the earth over them as they increase in luxuriance, and to let -nothing but the summit appear above the surface. This kind -is known as the Tritian<a id="FNanchor_1133_1133"></a><a href="#Footnote_1133_1133" class="fnanchor">1133</a> cabbage: in money and labour it -costs twice as much as any of the others.</p> - -<p>The other varieties of the cabbage<a id="FNanchor_1134_1134"></a><a href="#Footnote_1134_1134" class="fnanchor">1134</a> are numerous—there is -the Cumanian cabbage, with leaves that lie close to the ground, -and a wide, open head; the Aricinian<a id="FNanchor_1135_1135"></a><a href="#Footnote_1135_1135" class="fnanchor">1135</a> cabbage, too, of no -greater height, but with more numerous leaves and thinner—this -last is looked upon as the most useful of them all, for -beneath nearly all of the leaves there are small shoots thrown -out, peculiar to this variety. The cabbage, again, of Pompeii<a id="FNanchor_1136_1136"></a><a href="#Footnote_1136_1136" class="fnanchor">1136</a> -is considerably taller, the stalk, which is thin at the root, -increasing in thickness as it rises among the leaves, which are -fewer in number and narrower; the great merit of this cabbage -is its remarkable tenderness, although it is not able to -stand the cold. The cabbage of Bruttium,<a id="FNanchor_1137_1137"></a><a href="#Footnote_1137_1137" class="fnanchor">1137</a> on the other hand, -thrives all the better for cold; the leaves of it are remarkably -large, the stalk thin, and the flavour pungent. The leaves, -again, of the Sabine<a id="FNanchor_1138_1138"></a><a href="#Footnote_1138_1138" class="fnanchor">1138</a> cabbage are crisped to such a degree as -to excite our surprise, and their thickness is such as to quite -exhaust the stem; in sweetness, however, it is said to surpass -all the others.</p> - -<p>There have lately come into fashion the cabbages known as -the “Lacuturres;”<a id="FNanchor_1139_1139"></a><a href="#Footnote_1139_1139" class="fnanchor">1139</a> they are grown in the valley of Aricia,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187">187</a></span> -where there was formerly a lake, now no longer in existence, -and a tower which is still standing. The head of this cabbage -is very large, and the leaves are almost without number, some -of them being round and smooth, and others long and sinewy; -indeed, there is no cabbage that runs to a larger head than this, -with the sole exception of the Tritian variety, which has a -head sometimes as much as a foot in thickness, and throws out -its cymæ the latest of all.</p> - -<p>In all kinds of cabbages, hoar-frost contributes very materially -to their sweetness; but it is apt to be productive of considerable -injury, if care is not taken to protect the pith by -cutting them aslant. Those plants which are intended for -seed are never cut.</p> - -<p>There is another kind, again, that is held in peculiar esteem, -and which never exceeds the height of an herbaceous plant; -it is known by the name of “halmyridia,”<a id="FNanchor_1140_1140"></a><a href="#Footnote_1140_1140" class="fnanchor">1140</a> from the circumstance -of its growing on the sea-shore<a id="FNanchor_1141_1141"></a><a href="#Footnote_1141_1141" class="fnanchor">1141</a> only. It will keep green -and fresh during a long voyage even, if care is taken not to let -it touch the ground from the moment that it is cut, but to put -it into oil-vessels lately dried, and then to bung them so as -to effectually exclude all air. There are some<a id="FNanchor_1142_1142"></a><a href="#Footnote_1142_1142" class="fnanchor">1142</a> who are of -opinion, that the plant will come to maturity all the sooner -if some sea-weed is laid at the root when it is transplanted, -or else as much pounded nitre as can be taken up with three -fingers; and others, again, sprinkle the leaves with trefoil seed -and nitre pounded together.<a id="FNanchor_1143_1143"></a><a href="#Footnote_1143_1143" class="fnanchor">1143</a> Nitre, too, preserves the greenness -of cabbage when cooked, a result which is equally ensured -by the Apician mode of boiling, or in other words, by steeping -the plants in oil and salt before they are cooked.</p> - -<p>There is a method of grafting vegetables by cutting the -shoots and the stalk, and then inserting in the pith the seed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188">188</a></span> -of another plant; a plan which has been adopted with the wild -cucumber even. There is another kind of wild cabbage, also, -the lapsana,<a id="FNanchor_1144_1144"></a><a href="#Footnote_1144_1144" class="fnanchor">1144</a> which has become famous since the triumphs of -the late Emperor Julius, in consequence of the songs and jokes -of his soldiers more particularly; for in the alternate lines sung -by them, they used to reproach him for having made them live -on lapsana at the siege of Dyrrhachium, and to rally him upon -the parsimonious scale on which he was in the habit of recompensing -their services. The lapsana is nothing more than a -wild cyma.<a id="FNanchor_1145_1145"></a><a href="#Footnote_1145_1145" class="fnanchor">1145</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_42"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 42.—WILD AND CULTIVATED ASPARAGUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of all the garden plants, asparagus is the one that requires -the most delicate attention in its cultivation. We have already<a id="FNanchor_1146_1146"></a><a href="#Footnote_1146_1146" class="fnanchor">1146</a> -spoken at considerable length of its origin, when treating of -the wild plants, and have mentioned that Cato<a id="FNanchor_1147_1147"></a><a href="#Footnote_1147_1147" class="fnanchor">1147</a> recommends -it to be grown in reed-beds. There is another kind, again, of -a more uncultivated nature than the garden asparagus, but less -pungent than corruda;<a id="FNanchor_1148_1148"></a><a href="#Footnote_1148_1148" class="fnanchor">1148</a> it grows upon the mountains in different -countries, and the plains of Upper Germany are quite -full of it, so much so, indeed, that it was a not unhappy remark -of Tiberius Cæsar, that a weed grows there which bears a remarkably -strong resemblance to asparagus. That which grows -spontaneously upon the island of Nesis, off the coast of Campania, -is looked upon as being by far the best of all.</p> - -<p>Garden asparagus is reproduced from roots,<a id="FNanchor_1149_1149"></a><a href="#Footnote_1149_1149" class="fnanchor">1149</a> the fibres of -which are exceedingly numerous, and penetrate to a considerable -depth. When it first puts forth its shoots, it is green; -these in time lengthen out into stalks, which afterwards throw<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189">189</a></span> -out streaked branches from the head: asparagus admits, also, -of being grown from seed.</p> - -<p>Cato<a id="FNanchor_1150_1150"></a><a href="#Footnote_1150_1150" class="fnanchor">1150</a> has treated of no subject with greater care than this, -the last Chapter of his work being devoted to it, from which -we may conclude that it was quite new to him, and a subject -which had only very recently occupied his attention. He recommends -that the ground prepared for it should be a moist or -dense soil, the seed being set at intervals of half a foot every -way, to avoid treading upon the heads; the seed, he says, -should be put two or three into each hole, these being made -with the dibble as the line runs—for in his day, it should be -remembered, asparagus was only grown from seed—this being -done about the vernal equinox. It requires, he adds, to be -abundantly manured, and to be kept well hoed, due care being -taken not to pull up the young plants along with the weeds. -The first year, he says, the plants must be protected from the -severity of the winter with a covering of straw, care being -taken to uncover them in the spring, and to hoe and stub up -the ground about them. In the spring of the third year, the -plants must be set fire to, and the earlier the period at which -the fire is applied, the better they will thrive. Hence it is, -that as reed-beds<a id="FNanchor_1151_1151"></a><a href="#Footnote_1151_1151" class="fnanchor">1151</a> grow all the more rapidly after being fired, -asparagus is found to be a crop remarkably well suited for -growing with them. The same author recommends, however, -that asparagus should not be hoed before the plants have made -their appearance above-ground, for fear of disturbing the roots; -and he says that in gathering the heads, they should be cut -close to the root, and not broken off at the surface, a method -which is sure to make them run to stalk and die. They should -be cut, he says, until they are left to run to seed, and after the -seed is ripe, in spring they must be fired, care being taken, as -soon as they appear again, to hoe and manure them as before. -After eight or nine years, he says, when the plants have become -old, they must be renewed, after digging and manuring -the ground, by replanting the roots at intervals of a foot, care -being taken to employ sheep’s dung more particularly for the -purpose, other kinds of manure being apt to produce weeds.</p> - -<p>No method of cultivating this plant that has since been tried -has been found more eligible than this, with the sole exception -that the seed is now sown about the ides of February, by laying<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190">190</a></span> -it in heaps in small trenches, after steeping it a considerable -time in manure; the result of which is that the roots become -matted, and form into spongy tufts, which are planted out at -intervals of a foot after the autumnal equinox, the plants continuing -to be productive so long as ten years even. There is -no soil more favourable to the growth of asparagus, than that -of the gardens of Ravenna.<a id="FNanchor_1152_1152"></a><a href="#Footnote_1152_1152" class="fnanchor">1152</a></p> - -<p>We have already<a id="FNanchor_1153_1153"></a><a href="#Footnote_1153_1153" class="fnanchor">1153</a> spoken of the corruda, by which term I -mean the wild asparagus, by the Greeks called “orminos,” or -“myacanthos,” as well as by other names. I find it stated, that -if rams’ horns are pounded, and then buried in the ground, -asparagus will come up.<a id="FNanchor_1154_1154"></a><a href="#Footnote_1154_1154" class="fnanchor">1154</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_43"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 43.—THISTLES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It really might have been thought that I had now given an -account of all the vegetable productions that are held in any -degree of esteem, did there not still remain one plant, the -cultivation of which is extremely profitable, and of which I -am unable to speak without a certain degree of shame. For -it is a well-known fact, that some small plots of land, planted -with thistles,<a id="FNanchor_1155_1155"></a><a href="#Footnote_1155_1155" class="fnanchor">1155</a> in the vicinity of Great Carthage and of Corduba -more particularly, produce a yearly income of six thousand -sesterces;<a id="FNanchor_1156_1156"></a><a href="#Footnote_1156_1156" class="fnanchor">1156</a> this being the way in which we make the monstrous -productions even of the earth subservient to our gluttonous -appetites, and that, too, when the very four-footed -brutes<a id="FNanchor_1157_1157"></a><a href="#Footnote_1157_1157" class="fnanchor">1157</a> instinctively refuse to touch them.</p> - -<p>Thistles are grown two different ways, from plants set in -autumn, and from seed sown before the nones of March;<a id="FNanchor_1158_1158"></a><a href="#Footnote_1158_1158" class="fnanchor">1158</a> in -which latter case they are transplanted before the ides of November,<a id="FNanchor_1159_1159"></a><a href="#Footnote_1159_1159" class="fnanchor">1159</a> -or, where the site is a cold one, about the time that -the west winds prevail. They are sometimes manured even,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191">191</a></span> -and if<a id="FNanchor_1160_1160"></a><a href="#Footnote_1160_1160" class="fnanchor">1160</a> such is the will of heaven, grow all the better for it. -They are preserved, too, in a mixture of honey and vinegar,<a id="FNanchor_1161_1161"></a><a href="#Footnote_1161_1161" class="fnanchor">1161</a> -with the addition of root of laser and cummin—so that a day -may not pass without our having thistles at table.<a id="FNanchor_1162_1162"></a><a href="#Footnote_1162_1162" class="fnanchor">1162</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_44"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 44.—OTHER PLANTS THAT ARE SOWN IN THE GARDEN: -OCIMUM; ROCKET; AND NASTURTIUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For the remaining plants a brief description will suffice. The -best time for sowing ocimum,<a id="FNanchor_1163_1163"></a><a href="#Footnote_1163_1163" class="fnanchor">1163</a> it is said, is at the festival of the -Parilia;<a id="FNanchor_1164_1164"></a><a href="#Footnote_1164_1164" class="fnanchor">1164</a> though some say that it may be done in autumn as -well, and recommend, when it is sown in winter, to drench -the seed thoroughly with vinegar. Rocket,<a id="FNanchor_1165_1165"></a><a href="#Footnote_1165_1165" class="fnanchor">1165</a> too, and nasturtium<a id="FNanchor_1166_1166"></a><a href="#Footnote_1166_1166" class="fnanchor">1166</a> -may be grown with the greatest facility either in summer -or winter. Rocket, more particularly, is able to stand -the cold, and its properties are quite different from those of -the lettuce, as it is a great provocative of lust. Hence it is -that we are in the habit of mixing these two plants in our -dishes, the excess of cold in the one being compensated by the -equal degree of heat in the other. Nasturtium has received -that name from<a id="FNanchor_1167_1167"></a><a href="#Footnote_1167_1167" class="fnanchor">1167</a> the smarting sensation which its pungency -causes to the nostrils, and hence it is that a certain notion of -smartness has attached itself to the word, it having become quite -a proverbial saying, that a sluggish man should eat nasturtium, -to arouse him from his torpidity. In Arabia, it is said, this -plant attains a size that is quite marvellous.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_45"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 45.—RUE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Rue,<a id="FNanchor_1168_1168"></a><a href="#Footnote_1168_1168" class="fnanchor">1168</a> too, is generally sown while the west winds prevail, -as well as just after the autumnal equinox. This plant has an -extreme aversion to cold, moisture, and dung; it loves dry, -sunny localities, and a soil more particularly that is rich in -brick clay; it requires to be nourished, too, with ashes, which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192">192</a></span> -should be mixed with the seed as well, as a preservative against -the attacks of caterpillars. The ancients held rue in peculiar -esteem; for I find that honied wine flavoured with rue was -distributed to the people, in his consulship,<a id="FNanchor_1169_1169"></a><a href="#Footnote_1169_1169" class="fnanchor">1169</a> by Cornelius -Cethegus, the colleague of Quintus Flamininus, after the -closing of the Comitia. This plant has a great liking<a id="FNanchor_1170_1170"></a><a href="#Footnote_1170_1170" class="fnanchor">1170</a> for the -fig-tree, and for that tree only; indeed, it never thrives better -than when grown beneath that tree. It is generally grown -from slips, the lower end of which is inserted in a perforated<a id="FNanchor_1171_1171"></a><a href="#Footnote_1171_1171" class="fnanchor">1171</a> -bean, which holds it fast, and so nurtures the young plant -with its juices. It also reproduces itself;<a id="FNanchor_1172_1172"></a><a href="#Footnote_1172_1172" class="fnanchor">1172</a> for the ends of the -branches bending downwards, the moment they reach the -ground, they take root again. Ocimum<a id="FNanchor_1173_1173"></a><a href="#Footnote_1173_1173" class="fnanchor">1173</a> is of a very similar -nature to rue, except that it dries with greater difficulty. -When rue has once gained strength, there is considerable difficulty -in stubbing it, as it causes itching ulcerations on the -hands, if they are not covered or previously protected by being -rubbed with oil. Its leaves, too, are preserved, being packed -in bundles for keeping.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_46"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 46.—PARSLEY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Parsley is sown immediately after the vernal equinox, the -seed being lightly beaten<a id="FNanchor_1174_1174"></a><a href="#Footnote_1174_1174" class="fnanchor">1174</a> first in a mortar. It is thought -that, by doing this, the parsley will be all the more crisped, -or else by taking care to beat it down when sown with a roller -or the feet. It is a peculiarity of this plant, that it changes -colour: it has the honour, in Achaia, of forming the wreath -of the victors in the sacred contests of the Nemean Games.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_47"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 47.—MINT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is at the same season, too, that mint<a id="FNanchor_1175_1175"></a><a href="#Footnote_1175_1175" class="fnanchor">1175</a> is transplanted; or,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193">193</a></span> -if it has not yet germinated, the matted tufts of the old roots -are used for the purpose. This plant, too, is no less fond of a -humid soil than parsley; it is green in summer and turns -yellow in winter. There is a wild kind of mint, known to us -as “mentastrum:”<a id="FNanchor_1176_1176"></a><a href="#Footnote_1176_1176" class="fnanchor">1176</a> it is reproduced by layers, like the vine, -or else by planting the branches upside down. It was the -sweetness of its smell that caused this plant to change its name -among the Greeks, its former name with them being “mintha,” -from which the ancient Romans derived their name<a id="FNanchor_1177_1177"></a><a href="#Footnote_1177_1177" class="fnanchor">1177</a> for it; -whereas now, of late, it has been called by them <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἡδύοσμον</span>.<a id="FNanchor_1178_1178"></a><a href="#Footnote_1178_1178" class="fnanchor">1178</a> -The mint that is used in the dishes at rustic entertainments -pervades the tables far and wide with its agreeable odour. -When once planted, it lasts a considerable length of time; it -bears, too, a strong resemblance to pennyroyal, a property of -which is, as mentioned by us more than once,<a id="FNanchor_1179_1179"></a><a href="#Footnote_1179_1179" class="fnanchor">1179</a> to flower when -kept in our larders.</p> - -<p>These other herbs, mint, I mean, and catmint, as well as -pennyroyal, are all kept for use in a similar manner; but it is -cummin<a id="FNanchor_1180_1180"></a><a href="#Footnote_1180_1180" class="fnanchor">1180</a> that is the best suited of all the seasoning herbs to -squeamish and delicate stomachs. This plant grows on the -surface of the soil, seeming hardly to adhere to it, and raising -itself aloft from the ground: it ought to be sown in the middle -of the summer, in a crumbly, warm soil, more particularly. -There is another wild kind<a id="FNanchor_1181_1181"></a><a href="#Footnote_1181_1181" class="fnanchor">1181</a> of cummin, known by some persons -as “rustic,” by others as “Thebaic” cummin: bruised -and drunk in water, it is good for pains in the stomach. The -cummin most esteemed in our part of the world is that of -Carpetania,<a id="FNanchor_1182_1182"></a><a href="#Footnote_1182_1182" class="fnanchor">1182</a> though elsewhere that of Africa and Æthiopia -is more highly esteemed; with some, indeed, this last is preferred -to that of Egypt.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 48.—OLUSATRUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But it is olusatrum,<a id="FNanchor_1183_1183"></a><a href="#Footnote_1183_1183" class="fnanchor">1183</a> more particularly, that is of so singular<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194">194</a></span> -a nature, a plant which by the Greeks is called “hipposelinum,”<a id="FNanchor_1184_1184"></a><a href="#Footnote_1184_1184" class="fnanchor">1184</a> -and by others “smyrnium.” This plant is reproduced -from a tear-like gum<a id="FNanchor_1185_1185"></a><a href="#Footnote_1185_1185" class="fnanchor">1185</a> which exudes from the stem; it -is also grown from the roots as well. Those whose business -it is to collect the juice of it, say that it has just the flavour of -myrrh; and, according to Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_1186_1186"></a><a href="#Footnote_1186_1186" class="fnanchor">1186</a> it is obtained by -planting myrrh. The ancients recommended that hipposelinum -should be grown in uncultivated spots covered with stones, -and in the vicinity of garden walls; but at the present day it -is sown in ground that has been twice turned up, between the -prevalence of the west winds and the autumnal equinox.</p> - -<p>The caper,<a id="FNanchor_1187_1187"></a><a href="#Footnote_1187_1187" class="fnanchor">1187</a> too, should be sown in dry localities more particularly, -the plot being hollowed out and surrounded with an -embankment of stones erected around it: if this precaution is -not taken, it will spread all over the adjoining land, and entail -sterility upon the soil. The caper blossoms in summer, and -retains its verdure till the setting of the Vergiliæ; it thrives -the best of all in a sandy soil. As to the bad qualities of the -caper which grows in the parts beyond the sea, we have -already<a id="FNanchor_1188_1188"></a><a href="#Footnote_1188_1188" class="fnanchor">1188</a> enlarged upon them when speaking of the exotic -shrubs.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_49"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 49.—THE CARAWAY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The caraway<a id="FNanchor_1189_1189"></a><a href="#Footnote_1189_1189" class="fnanchor">1189</a> is an exotic plant also, which derives its -name, “careum,” from the country<a id="FNanchor_1190_1190"></a><a href="#Footnote_1190_1190" class="fnanchor">1190</a> in which it was first -grown; it is principally employed for culinary purposes. This -plant will grow in any kind of soil, and requires to be cultivated -just the same way as olusatrum; the most esteemed, -however, is that which comes from Caria, and the next best is -that of Phrygia.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 50.—LOVAGE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Lovage<a id="FNanchor_1191_1191"></a><a href="#Footnote_1191_1191" class="fnanchor">1191</a> grows wild in the mountains of Liguria, its native<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195">195</a></span> -country, but at the present day it is grown everywhere. The -cultivated kind is the sweetest of the two, but is far from -powerful; by some persons it is known as “panax.” Crateuas, -a Greek writer, gives this name, however, to the plant -known to us as “cunila bubula;”<a id="FNanchor_1192_1192"></a><a href="#Footnote_1192_1192" class="fnanchor">1192</a> and others, again, call -the conyza<a id="FNanchor_1193_1193"></a><a href="#Footnote_1193_1193" class="fnanchor">1193</a> or cunilago, cunila, while they call cunila,<a id="FNanchor_1194_1194"></a><a href="#Footnote_1194_1194" class="fnanchor">1194</a> -properly so called, by the name of “thymbra.” With us -cunila has another appellation, being generally known as -“satureia,” and reckoned among the seasoning plants. It is -usually sown in the month of February, and for utility rivals -wild marjoram. These two plants are never used together, -their properties being so extremely similar; but it is only -the wild marjoram of Egypt that is considered superior to -cunila.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_51"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 51.—DITTANDER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Dittander,<a id="FNanchor_1195_1195"></a><a href="#Footnote_1195_1195" class="fnanchor">1195</a> too, was originally an exotic plant: it is usually -sown after the west winds have begun to prevail. As soon as -it begins to shoot, it is cut down close to the ground, after -which it is hoed and manured, a process which is repeated the -succeeding year. After this, the shoots are fit for use, if the -rigour of the winter has not injured them; for it is a plant -quite unable to withstand any inclemency<a id="FNanchor_1196_1196"></a><a href="#Footnote_1196_1196" class="fnanchor">1196</a> of the weather. It -grows to the height of a cubit, and has a leaf like that of the -laurel,<a id="FNanchor_1197_1197"></a><a href="#Footnote_1197_1197" class="fnanchor">1197</a> but softer; it is never used except in combination -with milk.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_52"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 52.—GITH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Gith<a id="FNanchor_1198_1198"></a><a href="#Footnote_1198_1198" class="fnanchor">1198</a> is employed by bakers, dill and anise by cooks and -medical men. Sacopenium,<a id="FNanchor_1199_1199"></a><a href="#Footnote_1199_1199" class="fnanchor">1199</a> so extensively used for adulterating<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196">196</a></span> -laser, is also a garden plant, but is only employed for -medicinal purposes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_53"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 53.—THE POPPY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are certain plants which are grown in company<a id="FNanchor_1200_1200"></a><a href="#Footnote_1200_1200" class="fnanchor">1200</a> with -others, the poppy, for instance, sown with cabbages and purslain, -and rocket with lettuce. Of the cultivated poppy<a id="FNanchor_1201_1201"></a><a href="#Footnote_1201_1201" class="fnanchor">1201</a> there -are three kinds, the first being the white<a id="FNanchor_1202_1202"></a><a href="#Footnote_1202_1202" class="fnanchor">1202</a> poppy, the seed of -which, parched, and mixed with honey, used to be served up -in the second course at the tables of the ancients; at the present -day, too, the country people sprinkle it on the upper crust -of their bread, making it adhere by means of the yolk of eggs, -the under crust being seasoned with parsley and gith to -heighten the flavour of the flour. The second kind is the -black<a id="FNanchor_1203_1203"></a><a href="#Footnote_1203_1203" class="fnanchor">1203</a> poppy, from which, upon an incision being made in the -stalk, a milky juice distils; and the third is that known to the -Greeks by the name of “rhœas;”<a id="FNanchor_1204_1204"></a><a href="#Footnote_1204_1204" class="fnanchor">1204</a> and by us as the wild -poppy. This last grows spontaneously, but in fields, more -particularly, which have been sown with barley: it bears a -strong resemblance to rocket, grows to the height of a cubit, -and bears a red flower, which quickly fades; it is to this -flower that it is indebted for its Greek name.<a id="FNanchor_1205_1205"></a><a href="#Footnote_1205_1205" class="fnanchor">1205</a></p> - -<p>As to the other kinds of poppies which spring up spontaneously, -we shall have occasion to speak of them when treating -of the medicinal plants.<a id="FNanchor_1206_1206"></a><a href="#Footnote_1206_1206" class="fnanchor">1206</a> That the poppy has always been -held in esteem among the Romans, we have a proof in the -story related of Tarquinius<a id="FNanchor_1207_1207"></a><a href="#Footnote_1207_1207" class="fnanchor">1207</a> Superbus, who, by striking down -the tallest poppies in his garden, surreptitiously conveyed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197">197</a></span> -unknown to them, his sanguinary message through the envoys -who had been sent by his son.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_54"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 54.—OTHER PLANTS WHICH REQUIRE TO BE SOWN AT THE -AUTUMNAL EQUINOX.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are some other plants, again, which require to be -sown together at the time of the autumnal equinox; coriander, -for instance, anise, orage, mallows, lapathum, chervil, known to -the Greeks as “pæderos,”<a id="FNanchor_1208_1208"></a><a href="#Footnote_1208_1208" class="fnanchor">1208</a> and mustard,<a id="FNanchor_1209_1209"></a><a href="#Footnote_1209_1209" class="fnanchor">1209</a> which has so pungent -a flavour, that it burns like fire, though at the same time -it is remarkably wholesome for the body. This last, though -it will grow without cultivation, is considerably improved by -being transplanted; though, on the other hand, it is extremely -difficult to rid the soil of it when once sown there, the seed -when it falls germinating immediately. This seed, when -cooked in the saucepan,<a id="FNanchor_1210_1210"></a><a href="#Footnote_1210_1210" class="fnanchor">1210</a> is employed even for making ragouts, -its pungency being rendered imperceptible by boiling; the -leaves, too, are boiled just the same way as those of other -vegetables.</p> - -<p>There are three different kinds of mustard,<a id="FNanchor_1211_1211"></a><a href="#Footnote_1211_1211" class="fnanchor">1211</a> the first of a -thin, slender form, the second, with a leaf like that of the -rape, and the third, with that of rocket: the best seed comes -from Egypt. The Athenians have given mustard the name of -“napy,”<a id="FNanchor_1212_1212"></a><a href="#Footnote_1212_1212" class="fnanchor">1212</a> others, “thapsi,”<a id="FNanchor_1213_1213"></a><a href="#Footnote_1213_1213" class="fnanchor">1213</a> and others, again, “saurion.”<a id="FNanchor_1214_1214"></a><a href="#Footnote_1214_1214" class="fnanchor">1214</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_55"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 55.—WILD THYME; SISYMBRIUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Most mountains abound with wild thyme and sisymbrium, -those of Thrace, for example, where<a id="FNanchor_1215_1215"></a><a href="#Footnote_1215_1215" class="fnanchor">1215</a> branches of these wild -plants are torn up and brought away for planting. So, too, -the people of Sicyon seek for wild thyme on their mountains,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198">198</a></span> -and the Athenians on the slopes of Hymettus. Sisymbrium, -too, is planted in a similar manner; it grows to the greatest -perfection upon the walls of wells, and around fish preserves -and ponds.<a id="FNanchor_1216_1216"></a><a href="#Footnote_1216_1216" class="fnanchor">1216</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_56"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 56. (9.)—FOUR KINDS OF FERULACEOUS PLANTS. HEMP.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The other garden plants are of the ferulaceous kind, such as -fennel, for instance, very grateful to serpents, as already -stated,<a id="FNanchor_1217_1217"></a><a href="#Footnote_1217_1217" class="fnanchor">1217</a> and used for numerous seasonings when dried; thapsia, -too, which bears a close resemblance to fennel, and already -mentioned by us when speaking<a id="FNanchor_1218_1218"></a><a href="#Footnote_1218_1218" class="fnanchor">1218</a> of the exotic shrubs. Then, -too, there is hemp,<a id="FNanchor_1219_1219"></a><a href="#Footnote_1219_1219" class="fnanchor">1219</a> a plant remarkably useful for making -ropes, and usually sown after the west winds have begun to -prevail: the more thickly it is sown, the thinner are the -stalks. The seed is gathered when ripe, just after the autumnal -equinox, and is dried by the agency of the sun, the wind, or -smoke.<a id="FNanchor_1220_1220"></a><a href="#Footnote_1220_1220" class="fnanchor">1220</a> The hemp itself is plucked just after vintage-time, -and is peeled and cleaned by the labourers at night.</p> - -<p>The best hemp is that of Alabanda,<a id="FNanchor_1221_1221"></a><a href="#Footnote_1221_1221" class="fnanchor">1221</a> which is used more -particularly for making hunting-nets, and of which there are -three varieties. The hemp which lies nearest the bark or the -pith is the least valuable, while that which lies in the middle, -and hence has the name of “mesa,” is the most esteemed. -The hemp of Mylasa<a id="FNanchor_1222_1222"></a><a href="#Footnote_1222_1222" class="fnanchor">1222</a> occupies the second rank. With reference -to the size to which it grows, that of Rosea,<a id="FNanchor_1223_1223"></a><a href="#Footnote_1223_1223" class="fnanchor">1223</a> in the -Sabine territory, equals the trees in height.<a id="FNanchor_1224_1224"></a><a href="#Footnote_1224_1224" class="fnanchor">1224</a></p> - -<p>We have already mentioned two kinds of fennel-giant when -speaking<a id="FNanchor_1225_1225"></a><a href="#Footnote_1225_1225" class="fnanchor">1225</a> of the exotic shrubs: the seed of it is used in Italy -for food; the plant, too, admits of being preserved, and, if -stored in earthen pots, will keep for a whole year. There are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199">199</a></span> -two parts of it that are used for this purpose, the upper stalks -and the umbels of the plant. This kind of fennel is sometimes -known by the name of “corymbia,” and the parts preserved -are called “corymbi.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_57"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 57. (10.)—THE MALADIES OF GARDEN PLANTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The garden plants, too, like the rest of the vegetable productions, -are subject to certain maladies. Thus, for<a id="FNanchor_1226_1226"></a><a href="#Footnote_1226_1226" class="fnanchor">1226</a> instance, -ocimum, when old, degenerates into wild thyme, and sisymbrium<a id="FNanchor_1227_1227"></a><a href="#Footnote_1227_1227" class="fnanchor">1227</a> -into mint, while the seed of an old cabbage produces -rape, and vice versâ. Cummin, too, if not kept well hoed, is -killed by hæmodorum,<a id="FNanchor_1228_1228"></a><a href="#Footnote_1228_1228" class="fnanchor">1228</a>, a plant with a single stalk, a root similar -to a bulb in appearance, and never found except in a -thin, meagre soil. Besides this, cummin is liable to a peculiar -disease of its own, the scab:<a id="FNanchor_1229_1229"></a><a href="#Footnote_1229_1229" class="fnanchor">1229</a> ocimum, too, turns pale at the -rising of the Dog-star. All plants, indeed, will turn of a -yellow complexion on the approach of a woman who has the -menstrual discharge<a id="FNanchor_1230_1230"></a><a href="#Footnote_1230_1230" class="fnanchor">1230</a> upon her.</p> - -<p>There are various kinds of insects,<a id="FNanchor_1231_1231"></a><a href="#Footnote_1231_1231" class="fnanchor">1231</a> too, that breed upon the -garden plants—fleas, for instance, upon turnips, and caterpillars -and maggots upon radishes, as well as lettuces and cabbages; -besides which, the last two are exposed to the attacks -of slugs and snails. The leek, too, is infested with peculiar -insects of its own; which may very easily be taken, however, -by laying dung upon the plants, the insects being in the habit -of burrowing in it. Sabinus Tiro says, in his book entitled -“Cepurica,”<a id="FNanchor_1232_1232"></a><a href="#Footnote_1232_1232" class="fnanchor">1232</a> which he dedicated to Mæcenas, that it is not -advisable to touch rue, cunila, mint, or ocimum with any implement -of iron.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200">200</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_58"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 58.—THE PROPER REMEDIES FOR THESE MALADIES. HOW -ANTS ARE BEST DESTROYED. THE BEST REMEDIES AGAINST CATERPILLARS -AND FLIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The same author recommends as a remedy against ants, -which are by no means the slightest plague in a garden that is -not kept well watered, to stop up the mouths of their holes with -sea-slime or ashes. But the most efficient way of destroying -them is with the aid of the plant heliotropium;<a id="FNanchor_1233_1233"></a><a href="#Footnote_1233_1233" class="fnanchor">1233</a> some persons, -too, are of opinion that water in which an unburnt brick -has been soaked is injurious to them. The best protection for -turnips is to sow a few fitches with them, and for cabbages chickpeas, -these having the effect of keeping away caterpillars. If, -however, this precaution should have been omitted, and the -caterpillars have already made their appearance, the best remedy -is to throw upon the vegetables a decoction of wormwood,<a id="FNanchor_1234_1234"></a><a href="#Footnote_1234_1234" class="fnanchor">1234</a> or -else of house-leek,<a id="FNanchor_1235_1235"></a><a href="#Footnote_1235_1235" class="fnanchor">1235</a> known to some as “aïzoüm,” a kind of -herb already mentioned by us. If cabbage-seed, before it is -sown, is steeped in the juice of house-leek, the cabbages, it is -said, are sure not be attacked by any insect.</p> - -<p>It is said, too, that all caterpillars may be effectually exterminated, -if the skull<a id="FNanchor_1236_1236"></a><a href="#Footnote_1236_1236" class="fnanchor">1236</a> of a beast of burden is set up upon a -stake in the garden, care being taken to employ that of a female -only. There is a story related, too, that a river crab, hung -up in the middle of the garden, is a preservative against the -attacks of caterpillars. Again, there are some persons who are -in the habit of touching with slips of blood-red cornel<a id="FNanchor_1237_1237"></a><a href="#Footnote_1237_1237" class="fnanchor">1237</a> such -plants as they wish to preserve from caterpillars. Flies,<a id="FNanchor_1238_1238"></a><a href="#Footnote_1238_1238" class="fnanchor">1238</a> too, -infest well-watered gardens, and more particularly so, if there -happen to he any shrubs there; they may be got rid of, however, -by burning galbanum.<a id="FNanchor_1239_1239"></a><a href="#Footnote_1239_1239" class="fnanchor">1239</a></p> - -<p>(11.) With reference to the deterioration to which seed is -subject,<a id="FNanchor_1240_1240"></a><a href="#Footnote_1240_1240" class="fnanchor">1240</a> there are some seeds which keep better than others,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201">201</a></span> -such, for instance, as that of coriander, beet, leeks, cresses, -mustard, rocket, cunila, nearly all the pungent plants in fact. -The seed, on the other hand, of orage, ocimum, gourds, -and cucumbers, is not so good for keeping. All the summer -seeds, too, last longer than the winter ones; but scallion seed -is the very worst for keeping of them all. But of those, even, -which keep the very longest, there is none that will keep beyond -four years—for sowing<a id="FNanchor_1241_1241"></a><a href="#Footnote_1241_1241" class="fnanchor">1241</a> purposes, at least; for culinary -purposes, they are fit for use beyond that period.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_59"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 59.—WHAT PLANTS ARE BENEFITTED BY SALT WATER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>A peculiar remedy for the maladies to which radishes, beet, -rue, and cunila are subject, is salt water, which has also the -additional merit of conducing very materially to their sweetness -and fertility. Other plants, again, are equally benefitted -by being watered with fresh water, the most desirable for the -purpose being that which is the coldest and the sweetest to -drink: pond and drain-water, on the other hand, are not so -good, as they are apt to carry the seeds of weeds along with -them. It is rain,<a id="FNanchor_1242_1242"></a><a href="#Footnote_1242_1242" class="fnanchor">1242</a> however, that forms the principal aliment -of plants; in addition to which, it kills the insects as they -develope themselves upon them.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_60"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 60. (12.)—THE PROPER METHOD OF WATERING GARDENS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The proper times<a id="FNanchor_1243_1243"></a><a href="#Footnote_1243_1243" class="fnanchor">1243</a> for watering are the morning and the -evening, to prevent the water from being heated<a id="FNanchor_1244_1244"></a><a href="#Footnote_1244_1244" class="fnanchor">1244</a> by the sun; -with the sole exception, however, of ocimum, which requires -to be watered at midday; indeed, this plant, it is generally -thought, will grow with additional rapidity, if it is watered -with boiling water when sown. All plants, when transplanted,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202">202</a></span> -grow all the better and larger for it, leeks and turnips -more particularly. Transplanting, too, is attended with certain -remedial effects, and acts as a preservative to certain plants, -such as scallions, for instance, leeks, radishes, parsley, lettuces, -rape, and cucumbers. All the wild plants<a id="FNanchor_1245_1245"></a><a href="#Footnote_1245_1245" class="fnanchor">1245</a> are generally -smaller in the leaf and stalk than the cultivated ones, and have -more acrid juices, cunila, wild marjoram, and rue, for example. -Indeed, it is only the lapathum<a id="FNanchor_1246_1246"></a><a href="#Footnote_1246_1246" class="fnanchor">1246</a> that is better in a wild state -than cultivated: in its cultivated state it is the same plant -that is known to us as the “rumix,” being the most vigorous<a id="FNanchor_1247_1247"></a><a href="#Footnote_1247_1247" class="fnanchor">1247</a> -by far of all the plants that are grown; so much so, indeed, -that it is said that when it has once taken root, it will last for -ever, and can never be extirpated from the soil, more particularly -if water happens to be near at hand. Its juices, which -are employed only in ptisans,<a id="FNanchor_1248_1248"></a><a href="#Footnote_1248_1248" class="fnanchor">1248</a> as an article of food, have the -effect of imparting to them a softer and more exquisite flavour. -The wild variety<a id="FNanchor_1249_1249"></a><a href="#Footnote_1249_1249" class="fnanchor">1249</a> is employed for many medicinal purposes.</p> - -<p>So true it is, that the careful research of man has omitted -nothing, that I have even met with a poem,<a id="FNanchor_1250_1250"></a><a href="#Footnote_1250_1250" class="fnanchor">1250</a> in which I find -it stated, that if pellets of goats’ dung, the size of a bean, are -hollowed out, and the seed of leeks, rocket, lettuces, parsley, -endive, and cresses is inserted in them, and then sown, the -plants will thrive in a marvellous degree. Plants<a id="FNanchor_1251_1251"></a><a href="#Footnote_1251_1251" class="fnanchor">1251</a> in a wild -state, it is generally thought, are more dry and acrid than when -cultivated.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_61"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 61.—THE JUICES AND FLAVOURS OF GARDEN HERBS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>This, too, reminds me that I ought to make some mention -of the difference between the juices and flavours of the garden -herbs, a difference which is more perceptible here than in the -fruits even.<a id="FNanchor_1252_1252"></a><a href="#Footnote_1252_1252" class="fnanchor">1252</a> In cunila, for instance, wild marjoram, cresses, -and mustard, the flavour is acrid; in wormwood<a id="FNanchor_1253_1253"></a><a href="#Footnote_1253_1253" class="fnanchor">1253</a> and centaury,<a id="FNanchor_1254_1254"></a><a href="#Footnote_1254_1254" class="fnanchor">1254</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203">203</a></span> -bitter; in cucumbers, gourds, and lettuces, watery; -and in parsley, anise, and fennel, pungent and odoriferous. -The salt flavour is the only one that is not to be found<a id="FNanchor_1255_1255"></a><a href="#Footnote_1255_1255" class="fnanchor">1255</a> in -plants, with the sole exception, indeed, of the chicheling<a id="FNanchor_1256_1256"></a><a href="#Footnote_1256_1256" class="fnanchor">1256</a> -vetch, though even then it is to be found on the exterior -surface only of the plant, in the form of a kind of dust which -settles there.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XIX_CHAP_62"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 62.—PIPERITIS, LIBANOTIS, AND SMYRNIUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>To come to a full understanding, too, both here as elsewhere, -how unfounded are the notions which are generally entertained, -I shall take this opportunity of remarking that panax<a id="FNanchor_1257_1257"></a><a href="#Footnote_1257_1257" class="fnanchor">1257</a> has the -flavour of pepper, and siliquastrum even more so, a circumstance -to which it owes its name of piperitis:<a id="FNanchor_1258_1258"></a><a href="#Footnote_1258_1258" class="fnanchor">1258</a> libanotis,<a id="FNanchor_1259_1259"></a><a href="#Footnote_1259_1259" class="fnanchor">1259</a> -again, has just the odour of frankincense, and smyrnium<a id="FNanchor_1260_1260"></a><a href="#Footnote_1260_1260" class="fnanchor">1260</a> of -myrrh. As to panax, we have spoken of it at sufficient length -already.<a id="FNanchor_1261_1261"></a><a href="#Footnote_1261_1261" class="fnanchor">1261</a> Libanotis grows in a thin, crumbly soil, and is -generally sown in spots exposed to the falling dews; the root, -which is just like that of olusatrum,<a id="FNanchor_1262_1262"></a><a href="#Footnote_1262_1262" class="fnanchor">1262</a> has a smell in no way -differing from that of frankincense; when a year old, it is extremely -wholesome for the stomach; some persons give it the -name of rosmarinum.<a id="FNanchor_1263_1263"></a><a href="#Footnote_1263_1263" class="fnanchor">1263</a> Smyrnium is a garden herb that grows -in similar soils, and has a root which smells like myrrh: siliquastrum -too, is grown in a similar manner.</p> - -<p>Other plants, again, differ from the preceding ones, both in -smell and taste, anise<a id="FNanchor_1264_1264"></a><a href="#Footnote_1264_1264" class="fnanchor">1264</a> for example; indeed, so great is the -difference in this respect, and in their relative virtues, that not -only are the properties of each modified by the other, but quite -neutralized even. It is in this way that our cooks correct -the flavour of vinegar in their dishes with parsley, and our -butlers employ the same plant, enclosed in sachets, for removing -a bad odour in wine.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204">204</a></span></p> - -<p><a id="FNanchor_1265_1265"></a><a href="#Footnote_1265_1265" class="fnanchor">1265</a>Thus far, then, we have treated of the garden plants, viewed -as articles of food only; it remains for us now (for up to the -present we have only spoken of their various methods of cultivation, -with some succinct details relative thereto), to enlarge -upon the more elaborate operations of Nature in this respect; -it being quite impossible to come to a full understanding as to -the true characteristics of each individual plant, without a -knowledge of its medicinal effects, a sublime and truly mysterious -manifestation of the wisdom of the Deity, than which -nothing can possibly be found of a nature more elevated. It -is upon principle that we have thought proper not to enlarge -upon the medicinal properties of each plant when treating of -it; for it is a quite different class of persons that is interested -in knowing their curative properties, and there is no doubt -that both classes of readers would have been inconvenienced in -a very material degree, if these two points of view had engaged -our attention at the same moment. As it is, each class will -have its own portion to refer to, while those who desire to do -so, will experience no difficulty in uniting them, with reference -to any subject of which we may happen to treat.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Summary.</span>—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, -one thousand one hundred and forty-four.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Roman authors quoted.</span>—Maccius Plautus,<a id="FNanchor_1266_1266"></a><a href="#Footnote_1266_1266" class="fnanchor">1266</a> M. Varro,<a id="FNanchor_1267_1267"></a><a href="#Footnote_1267_1267" class="fnanchor">1267</a> -D. Silanus,<a id="FNanchor_1268_1268"></a><a href="#Footnote_1268_1268" class="fnanchor">1268</a> Cato the Censor,<a id="FNanchor_1269_1269"></a><a href="#Footnote_1269_1269" class="fnanchor">1269</a> Hyginus,<a id="FNanchor_1270_1270"></a><a href="#Footnote_1270_1270" class="fnanchor">1270</a> Virgil,<a id="FNanchor_1271_1271"></a><a href="#Footnote_1271_1271" class="fnanchor">1271</a> Mucianus,<a id="FNanchor_1272_1272"></a><a href="#Footnote_1272_1272" class="fnanchor">1272</a> -Celsus,<a id="FNanchor_1273_1273"></a><a href="#Footnote_1273_1273" class="fnanchor">1273</a> Columella,<a id="FNanchor_1274_1274"></a><a href="#Footnote_1274_1274" class="fnanchor">1274</a> Calpurnius Bassus,<a id="FNanchor_1275_1275"></a><a href="#Footnote_1275_1275" class="fnanchor">1275</a> Mamilius Sura,<a id="FNanchor_1276_1276"></a><a href="#Footnote_1276_1276" class="fnanchor">1276</a> -Sabinus Tiro,<a id="FNanchor_1277_1277"></a><a href="#Footnote_1277_1277" class="fnanchor">1277</a> Licinius Macer,<a id="FNanchor_1278_1278"></a><a href="#Footnote_1278_1278" class="fnanchor">1278</a> Quintus Hirtius,<a id="FNanchor_1279_1279"></a><a href="#Footnote_1279_1279" class="fnanchor">1279</a> Vibius<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205">205</a></span> -Rufus,<a id="FNanchor_1280_1280"></a><a href="#Footnote_1280_1280" class="fnanchor">1280</a> Cæsennius<a id="FNanchor_1281_1281"></a><a href="#Footnote_1281_1281" class="fnanchor">1281</a> who wrote the Cepurica, Castritius<a id="FNanchor_1282_1282"></a><a href="#Footnote_1282_1282" class="fnanchor">1282</a> who -wrote on the same subject, Firmus<a id="FNanchor_1283_1283"></a><a href="#Footnote_1283_1283" class="fnanchor">1283</a> who wrote on the same -subject, Petrichus<a id="FNanchor_1284_1284"></a><a href="#Footnote_1284_1284" class="fnanchor">1284</a> who wrote on the same subject.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Foreign authors quoted.</span>—Herodotus,<a id="FNanchor_1285_1285"></a><a href="#Footnote_1285_1285" class="fnanchor">1285</a> Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_1286_1286"></a><a href="#Footnote_1286_1286" class="fnanchor">1286</a> -Democritus,<a id="FNanchor_1287_1287"></a><a href="#Footnote_1287_1287" class="fnanchor">1287</a> Aristomachus,<a id="FNanchor_1288_1288"></a><a href="#Footnote_1288_1288" class="fnanchor">1288</a> Menander<a id="FNanchor_1289_1289"></a><a href="#Footnote_1289_1289" class="fnanchor">1289</a> who wrote the -Biochresta, Anaxiläus.<a id="FNanchor_1290_1290"></a><a href="#Footnote_1290_1290" class="fnanchor">1290</a></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206">206</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="BOOK_XX">BOOK XX.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="small">REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE GARDEN PLANTS.</span></h2></div> - -<h3 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_1"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 1.—INTRODUCTION.</span></h3> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">We</span> are now about to enter upon an examination of the greatest -of all the operations of Nature—we are about to discourse to -man upon his aliments,<a id="FNanchor_1291_1291"></a><a href="#Footnote_1291_1291" class="fnanchor">1291</a> and to compel him to admit that he is -ignorant by what means he exists. And let no one, misled by -the apparent triviality of the names which we shall have to -employ, regard this subject as one that is frivolous or contemptible: -for we shall here have to set forth the state of peace -or of war which exists between the various departments of -Nature, the hatreds or friendships which are maintained by -objects dumb and destitute of sense, and all, too, created—a -wonderful subject for our contemplation!—for the sake of man -alone. To these states, known to the Greeks by the respective -appellations “sympathia” and “antipathia,” we are indebted -for the first principles<a id="FNanchor_1292_1292"></a><a href="#Footnote_1292_1292" class="fnanchor">1292</a> of all things; for hence it is that -water has the property of extinguishing fire, that the sun -absorbs water, that the moon produces it, and that each of -those heavenly bodies is from time to time eclipsed by the -other.</p> - -<p>Hence it is, too, descending from the contemplation of a -loftier sphere, that the loadstone<a id="FNanchor_1293_1293"></a><a href="#Footnote_1293_1293" class="fnanchor">1293</a> possesses the property of attracting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207">207</a></span> -iron, and another stone,<a id="FNanchor_1294_1294"></a><a href="#Footnote_1294_1294" class="fnanchor">1294</a> again, that of repelling it; -and that the diamond, that pride of luxury and opulence, -though infrangible by every other object, and presenting a -resistance that cannot be overcome, is broken asunder by a -he-goat’s blood<a id="FNanchor_1295_1295"></a><a href="#Footnote_1295_1295" class="fnanchor">1295</a>—in addition to numerous other marvels of -which we shall have to speak on more appropriate occasions, -equal to this or still more wonderful even. My only request is -that pardon may be accorded me for beginning with objects of -a more humble nature, though still so greatly conducive to our -health—I mean the garden plants, of which I shall now proceed -to speak.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_2"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 2. (1.)—THE WILD CUCUMBER; TWENTY-SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already stated<a id="FNanchor_1296_1296"></a><a href="#Footnote_1296_1296" class="fnanchor">1296</a> that there is a wild cucumber, considerably -smaller than the cultivated one. From this cucumber -the medicament known as “elaterium” is prepared, being -the juice extracted from the seed.<a id="FNanchor_1297_1297"></a><a href="#Footnote_1297_1297" class="fnanchor">1297</a> To obtain this juice the -fruit is cut before it is ripe—indeed, if this precaution is not -taken at an early period, the seed is apt to spirt<a id="FNanchor_1298_1298"></a><a href="#Footnote_1298_1298" class="fnanchor">1298</a> out and be productive -of danger to the eyes. After it is gathered, the fruit is -kept whole for a night, and on the following day an incision -is made in it with a reed. The seed, too, is generally sprinkled -with ashes, with the view of retaining in it as large a quantity -of the juice as possible. When the juice is extracted, it -is received in rain water, where it falls to the bottom; after -which it is thickened in the sun, and then divided into lozenges,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208">208</a></span> -which are of singular utility to mankind for healing dimness<a id="FNanchor_1299_1299"></a><a href="#Footnote_1299_1299" class="fnanchor">1299</a> -of sight, diseases of the eyes, and ulcerations of the eyelids. -It is said that if the roots of a vine are touched with this -juice, the grapes of it will be sure never to be attacked by -birds.</p> - -<p>The root,<a id="FNanchor_1300_1300"></a><a href="#Footnote_1300_1300" class="fnanchor">1300</a> too, of the wild cucumber, boiled in vinegar, is -employed in fomentations for the gout, and the juice of it is -used as a remedy for tooth-ache. Dried and mixed with resin, -the root is a cure for impetigo<a id="FNanchor_1301_1301"></a><a href="#Footnote_1301_1301" class="fnanchor">1301</a> and the skin diseases known -as “psora”<a id="FNanchor_1302_1302"></a><a href="#Footnote_1302_1302" class="fnanchor">1302</a> and “lichen:”<a id="FNanchor_1303_1303"></a><a href="#Footnote_1303_1303" class="fnanchor">1303</a> it is good, too, for imposthumes -of the parotid glands and inflammatory tumours,<a id="FNanchor_1304_1304"></a><a href="#Footnote_1304_1304" class="fnanchor">1304</a> and restores -the natural colour to the skin when a cicatrix has formed.—The -juice of the leaves, mixed with vinegar, is used as an -injection for the ears, in cases of deafness.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_3"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 3.—ELATERIUM; TWENTY-SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The proper season for making elaterium is the autumn; and -there is no medicament known that will keep longer than this.<a id="FNanchor_1305_1305"></a><a href="#Footnote_1305_1305" class="fnanchor">1305</a> -It begins to be fit for use when three years old; but if it is -found desirable to make use of it at an earlier period than -this, the acridity of the lozenges may be modified by putting -them with vinegar upon a slow fire, in a new earthen pot. -The older it is the better, and before now, as we learn from -Theophrastus, it has been known to keep<a href="#Footnote_1305_1305" class="fnanchor">1305</a> so long as two hundred -years. Even after it has been kept so long as fifty<a id="FNanchor_1306_1306"></a><a href="#Footnote_1306_1306" class="fnanchor">1306</a> -years, it retains its property of extinguishing a light; indeed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209">209</a></span> -it is the proper way of testing the genuineness of the drug to -hold it to the flame and make it scintillate above and below, -before finally extinguishing it. The elaterium which is pale, -smooth, and slightly bitter, is superior<a id="FNanchor_1307_1307"></a><a href="#Footnote_1307_1307" class="fnanchor">1307</a> to that which has a -grass-green appearance and is rough to the touch.</p> - -<p>It is generally thought that the seed of this plant will facilitate -conception if a woman carries it attached to her person, -before it has touched the ground; and that it has the effect of -aiding parturition, if it is first wrapped in ram’s wool, and then -tied round the woman’s loins, without her knowing it, care -being taken to carry it out of the house the instant she is -delivered.</p> - -<p>Those persons who magnify the praises of the wild cucumber -say that the very best is that of Arabia, the next being -that of Arcadia, and then that of Cyrenæ: it bears a resemblance -to the heliotropium,<a id="FNanchor_1308_1308"></a><a href="#Footnote_1308_1308" class="fnanchor">1308</a> they say, and the fruit, about the -size of a walnut, grows between the leaves and branches. The -seed, it is said, is very similar in appearance to the tail of -a scorpion thrown back, but is of a whitish hue. Indeed, -there are some persons who give to this cucumber the name of -“scorpionium,” and say that its seed, as well as the elaterium, -is remarkably efficacious as a cure for the sting of the scorpion. -As a purgative, the proper dose of either is from half -an obolus to an obolus, according to the strength of the patient, -a larger dose than this being fatal.<a id="FNanchor_1309_1309"></a><a href="#Footnote_1309_1309" class="fnanchor">1309</a> It is in the same -proportions, too, that it is taken in drink for phthiriasis<a id="FNanchor_1310_1310"></a><a href="#Footnote_1310_1310" class="fnanchor">1310</a> and -dropsy; applied externally with honey or old olive oil, it is -used for the cure of quinsy and affections of the trachea.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_4"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 4. (2.)—THE ANGUINE OR ERRATIC CUCUMBER: FIVE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Many authors are of opinion that the wild cucumber is -identical with the plant known among us as the “anguine,” -and by some persons as the “erratic”<a id="FNanchor_1311_1311"></a><a href="#Footnote_1311_1311" class="fnanchor">1311</a> cucumber. Objects<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210">210</a></span> -sprinkled with a decoction of this plant will never be touched -by mice. The same authors<a id="FNanchor_1312_1312"></a><a href="#Footnote_1312_1312" class="fnanchor">1312</a> say, too, that a decoction of it in -vinegar, externally applied, gives instantaneous relief in cases -of gout and diseases of the joints. As a remedy, too, for lumbago, -the seed of it is dried in the sun and pounded, being -given in doses of twenty denarii to half a sextarius of water. -Mixed with woman’s milk and applied as a liniment, it is a -cure for tumours which have suddenly formed.</p> - -<p>Elaterium promotes the menstrual discharge; but if taken -by females when pregnant, it is productive of abortion. It -is good, also, for asthma, and, injected into the nostrils, for -the jaundice.<a id="FNanchor_1313_1313"></a><a href="#Footnote_1313_1313" class="fnanchor">1313</a> Rubbed upon the face in the sun, it removes -freckles<a id="FNanchor_1314_1314"></a><a href="#Footnote_1314_1314" class="fnanchor">1314</a> and spots upon the skin.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_5"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 5.—THE CULTIVATED CUCUMBER: NINE REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Many persons attribute all these properties to the cultivated -cucumber<a id="FNanchor_1315_1315"></a><a href="#Footnote_1315_1315" class="fnanchor">1315</a> as well, a plant which even without them would -be of very considerable importance, in a medicinal point of -view. A pinch of the seed, for instance, in three fingers, -beaten up with cummin and taken in wine, is extremely beneficial -for a cough: for phrenitis, also, doses of it are administered -in woman’s milk, and doses of one acetabulum for dysentery. -As a remedy for purulent expectorations, it is taken -with an equal quantity of cummin;<a id="FNanchor_1316_1316"></a><a href="#Footnote_1316_1316" class="fnanchor">1316</a> and it is used with hydromel -for diseases of the liver. Taken in sweet wine, it is a -diuretic; and, in combination with cummin,<a href="#Footnote_1316_1316" class="fnanchor">1316</a> it is used as an -injection for affections of the kidneys.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211">211</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_6"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 6.—PEPONES: ELEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The fruit known as pepones<a id="FNanchor_1317_1317"></a><a href="#Footnote_1317_1317" class="fnanchor">1317</a> are a cool and refreshing diet, -and are slightly relaxing to the stomach. Applications are -used of the pulpy flesh in defluxions or pains of the eyes. The -root, too, of this plant cures the hard ulcers known to us as -“ceria,” from their resemblance to a honeycomb, and it acts -as an emetic.<a id="FNanchor_1318_1318"></a><a href="#Footnote_1318_1318" class="fnanchor">1318</a> Dried and reduced to a powder, it is given -in doses of four oboli in hydromel, the patient, immediately -after taking it, being made to walk half a mile. This powder -is employed also in cosmetics<a id="FNanchor_1319_1319"></a><a href="#Footnote_1319_1319" class="fnanchor">1319</a> for smoothing the skin. The -rind, too, has the effect<a id="FNanchor_1320_1320"></a><a href="#Footnote_1320_1320" class="fnanchor">1320</a> of promoting vomiting, and, when -applied to the face, of clearing the skin; a result which is -equally produced by an external application of the leaves of all -the cultivated cucumbers. These leaves, mixed with honey, -are employed for the cure of the pustules known as “epinyctis;”<a id="FNanchor_1321_1321"></a><a href="#Footnote_1321_1321" class="fnanchor">1321</a> -steeped in wine, they are good, too, for the bites -of dogs and of multipedes,<a id="FNanchor_1322_1322"></a><a href="#Footnote_1322_1322" class="fnanchor">1322</a> insects known to the Greeks by -the name of “seps,”<a id="FNanchor_1323_1323"></a><a href="#Footnote_1323_1323" class="fnanchor">1323</a> of an elongated form, with hairy legs, -and noxious to cattle more particularly; the sting being followed -by swelling, and the wound rapidly putrifying.</p> - -<p>The smell of the cucumber itself is a restorative<a id="FNanchor_1324_1324"></a><a href="#Footnote_1324_1324" class="fnanchor">1324</a> in fainting -fits. It is a well-known fact, that if cucumbers are peeled and -then boiled in oil, vinegar, and honey, they are all the more -pleasant eating<a id="FNanchor_1325_1325"></a><a href="#Footnote_1325_1325" class="fnanchor">1325</a> for it.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212">212</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_7"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 7. (3.)—THE GOURD: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. THE -SOMPHUS: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is found also a wild gourd, called “somphos” by the -Greeks, empty within (to which circumstance it owes its -name),<a id="FNanchor_1326_1326"></a><a href="#Footnote_1326_1326" class="fnanchor">1326</a> and long and thick in shape, like the finger: it grows -nowhere except upon stony spots. The juice of this gourd, -when chewed, is very beneficial to the stomach.<a id="FNanchor_1327_1327"></a><a href="#Footnote_1327_1327" class="fnanchor">1327</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_8"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 8.—THE COLOCYNTHIS: TEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another variety of the wild gourd, known as the -“colocynthis:”<a id="FNanchor_1328_1328"></a><a href="#Footnote_1328_1328" class="fnanchor">1328</a> this kind is full of seeds, but not so large as -the cultivated one. The pale colocynthis is better than those -of a grass-green colour. Employed by itself when dried, it -acts as a very powerful<a id="FNanchor_1329_1329"></a><a href="#Footnote_1329_1329" class="fnanchor">1329</a> purgative; used as an injection, it is -a remedy for all diseases of the intestines, the kidneys, and the -loins, as well as for paralysis. The seed being first removed, it -is boiled down in hydromel to one half; after which it is used as -an injection, with perfect safety, in doses of four oboli. It is -good, too, for the stomach, taken in pills composed of the dried -powder and boiled honey. In jaundice seven seeds of it may -be taken with beneficial effects, with a draught of hydromel -immediately after.</p> - -<p>The pulp of this fruit, taken with wormwood and salt, is a -remedy for toothache, and the juice of it, warmed with vinegar, -has the effect of strengthening loose teeth. Rubbed in with -oil, it removes pains of the spine, loins, and hips: in addition -to which, really a marvellous thing to speak of! the seeds of -it, in even numbers, attached to the body in a linen cloth, -will cure, it is said, the fevers to which the Greeks have -given the name of “periodic.”<a id="FNanchor_1330_1330"></a><a href="#Footnote_1330_1330" class="fnanchor">1330</a> The juice, too, of the cultivated<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213">213</a></span> -gourd<a id="FNanchor_1331_1331"></a><a href="#Footnote_1331_1331" class="fnanchor">1331</a> shred in pieces, applied warm, is good for ear-ache, -and the flesh of the inside, used without the seed, for corns on -the feet and the suppurations known to the Greeks as “apostemata.”<a id="FNanchor_1332_1332"></a><a href="#Footnote_1332_1332" class="fnanchor">1332</a> -When the pulp and seeds are boiled together, the -decoction is good for strengthening loose teeth, and for preventing -toothache; wine, too, boiled with this plant, is curative of -defluxions of the eyes. The leaves of it, bruised with fresh -cypress-leaves, or the leaves alone, boiled in a vessel of potters’ -clay and beaten up with goose-grease, and then applied to the -part affected, are an excellent cure for wounds. Fresh shavings -of the rind are used as a cooling application for gout, and -burning pains in the head, in infants more particularly; they -are good, too, for erysipelas,<a id="FNanchor_1333_1333"></a><a href="#Footnote_1333_1333" class="fnanchor">1333</a> whether it is the shavings of -the rind or the seeds of the plant that are applied to the part -affected. The juice of the scrapings, employed as a liniment -with rose-oil and vinegar, moderates the burning heats of -fevers; and the ashes of the dried fruit applied to burns are -efficacious in a most remarkable degree.</p> - -<p>Chrysippus, the physician, condemned the use of the gourd -as a food: it is generally agreed, however, that it is extremely -good<a id="FNanchor_1334_1334"></a><a href="#Footnote_1334_1334" class="fnanchor">1334</a> for the stomach, and for ulcerations of the intestines -and of the bladder.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_9"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 9.—RAPE; NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Rape, too, has its medicinal properties. Warmed, it is used as -an application for the cure of chilblains,<a id="FNanchor_1335_1335"></a><a href="#Footnote_1335_1335" class="fnanchor">1335</a> in addition to which, -it has the effect of protecting the feet from cold. A hot decoction -of rape is employed for the cure of cold gout; and raw -rape, beaten up with salt, is good for all maladies of the feet. -Rape-seed, used as a liniment, and taken in drink, with wine, -is said to have a salutary effect<a id="FNanchor_1336_1336"></a><a href="#Footnote_1336_1336" class="fnanchor">1336</a> against the stings of serpents,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214">214</a></span> -and various narcotic poisons; and there are many persons who -attribute to it the properties of an antidote, when taken with -wine and oil.</p> - -<p>Democritus has entirely repudiated the use of rape as an -article of food, in consequence of the flatulence<a id="FNanchor_1337_1337"></a><a href="#Footnote_1337_1337" class="fnanchor">1337</a> which it produces; -while Diocles, on the other hand, has greatly extolled -it, and has even gone so far as to say that it acts as an aphrodisiac.<a id="FNanchor_1338_1338"></a><a href="#Footnote_1338_1338" class="fnanchor">1338</a> -Dionysius, too, says the same of rape, and more particularly -if it is seasoned with rocket;<a id="FNanchor_1339_1339"></a><a href="#Footnote_1339_1339" class="fnanchor">1339</a> he adds, also, that -roasted, and then applied with grease, it is excellent for pains -in the joints.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_10"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 10.—WILD RAPE: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wild rape<a id="FNanchor_1340_1340"></a><a href="#Footnote_1340_1340" class="fnanchor">1340</a> is mostly found growing in the fields; it has a -tufted top, with a white<a id="FNanchor_1341_1341"></a><a href="#Footnote_1341_1341" class="fnanchor">1341</a> seed, twice as large as that of the -poppy. This plant is often employed for smoothing the skin -of the face and the body generally, meal of fitches,<a id="FNanchor_1342_1342"></a><a href="#Footnote_1342_1342" class="fnanchor">1342</a> barley, -wheat, and lupines, being mixed with it in equal proportions.</p> - -<p>The root of the wild rape is applied to no useful purpose -whatever.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_11"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 11. (4.)—TURNIPS; THOSE KNOWN AS BUNION AND BUNIAS: -FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Greeks distinguish two kinds of turnips,<a id="FNanchor_1343_1343"></a><a href="#Footnote_1343_1343" class="fnanchor">1343</a> also, as employed -in medicine. The turnip with angular stalks and a -flower like that of anise, and known by them as “bunion,”<a id="FNanchor_1344_1344"></a><a href="#Footnote_1344_1344" class="fnanchor">1344</a> is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215">215</a></span> -good for promoting the menstrual discharge in females and for -affections<a id="FNanchor_1345_1345"></a><a href="#Footnote_1345_1345" class="fnanchor">1345</a> of the bladder; it acts, also, as a diuretic. For -these purposes, a decoction of it is taken with hydromel, or else -one drachma of the juice of the plant.<a id="FNanchor_1346_1346"></a><a href="#Footnote_1346_1346" class="fnanchor">1346</a> The seed, parched, and -then beaten up, and taken in warm water, in doses of four -cyathi, is a good remedy for dysentery; it will stop the passage -of the urine, however, if linseed is not taken with it.</p> - -<p>The other kind of turnip is known by the name of “bunias,”<a id="FNanchor_1347_1347"></a><a href="#Footnote_1347_1347" class="fnanchor">1347</a> -and bears a considerable resemblance to the radish and the rape -united, the seed of it enjoying the reputation of being a remedy -for poisons; hence it is that we find it employed in antidotes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_12"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 12.—THE WILD RADISH, OR ARMORACIA: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already said,<a id="FNanchor_1348_1348"></a><a href="#Footnote_1348_1348" class="fnanchor">1348</a> that there is also a wild radish.<a id="FNanchor_1349_1349"></a><a href="#Footnote_1349_1349" class="fnanchor">1349</a> -The most esteemed is that of Arcadia, though it is also found -growing in other countries as well. It is only efficacious as a -diuretic, being in other respects of a heating nature. In Italy, -it is known also by the name of “armoracia.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_13"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 13.—THE CULTIVATED RADISH: FORTY-THREE REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The cultivated radish, too, in addition to what we have -already said<a id="FNanchor_1350_1350"></a><a href="#Footnote_1350_1350" class="fnanchor">1350</a> of it, purges the stomach, attenuates the phlegm, -acts as a diuretic, and detaches the bilious secretions. A decoction -of the rind of radishes in wine, taken in the morning -in doses of three cyathi, has the effect of breaking and expelling -calculi of the bladder. A decoction, too, of this rind in -vinegar and water, is employed as a liniment for the stings of -serpents. Taken fasting in the morning with honey, radishes -are good<a id="FNanchor_1351_1351"></a><a href="#Footnote_1351_1351" class="fnanchor">1351</a> for a cough. Parched radish-seed, as well as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216">216</a></span> -radishes themselves, chewed, is useful for pains in the sides.<a id="FNanchor_1352_1352"></a><a href="#Footnote_1352_1352" class="fnanchor">1352</a> -A decoction of the leaves, taken in drink, or else the juice -of the plant taken in doses of two cyathi, is an excellent remedy -for phthiriasis. Pounded radishes, too, are employed as a liniment -for inflammations<a id="FNanchor_1353_1353"></a><a href="#Footnote_1353_1353" class="fnanchor">1353</a> under the skin, and the rind, mixed -with honey, for bruises of recent date. Lethargic persons<a id="FNanchor_1354_1354"></a><a href="#Footnote_1354_1354" class="fnanchor">1354</a> -are recommended to eat them as hot as possible, and the seed, -parched and then pounded with honey, will give relief to -asthmatic patients.</p> - -<p>Radishes, too, are useful as a remedy for poisons, and are -employed to counteract the effects of the sting of the cerastes<a id="FNanchor_1355_1355"></a><a href="#Footnote_1355_1355" class="fnanchor">1355</a> -and the scorpion: indeed, after having rubbed the hands with -radishes or radish-seed, we may handle<a id="FNanchor_1356_1356"></a><a href="#Footnote_1356_1356" class="fnanchor">1356</a> those reptiles with -impunity. If a radish is placed upon a scorpion, it will cause -its death. Radishes are useful, too, in cases of poisoning by -fungi<a id="FNanchor_1357_1357"></a><a href="#Footnote_1357_1357" class="fnanchor">1357</a> or henbane; and according to Nicander,<a id="FNanchor_1358_1358"></a><a href="#Footnote_1358_1358" class="fnanchor">1358</a> they are salutary -against the effects of bullock’s blood,<a id="FNanchor_1359_1359"></a><a href="#Footnote_1359_1359" class="fnanchor">1359</a> when drunk. -The two physicians of the name of Apollodorus, prescribe -radishes to be given in cases of poisoning by mistletoe; but -whereas Apollodorus of Citium recommends radish-seed pounded -in water, Apollodorus of Tarentum speaks of the juice. -Radishes diminish the volume of the spleen, and are beneficial -for maladies of the liver and pains in the loins: taken, too, -with vinegar or mustard, they are good for dropsy and lethargy,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217">217</a></span> -as well as epilepsy<a id="FNanchor_1360_1360"></a><a href="#Footnote_1360_1360" class="fnanchor">1360</a> and melancholy.<a id="FNanchor_1361_1361"></a><a href="#Footnote_1361_1361" class="fnanchor">1361</a> Praxagoras recommends -that radishes should be given for the iliac passion, and -Plistonicus for the cœliac<a id="FNanchor_1362_1362"></a><a href="#Footnote_1362_1362" class="fnanchor">1362</a> disease.</p> - -<p>Radishes are good, too, for curing ulcerations of the intestines -and suppurations of the thoracic organs,<a id="FNanchor_1363_1363"></a><a href="#Footnote_1363_1363" class="fnanchor">1363</a> if eaten -with honey. Some persons say, however, that for this purpose -they should be boiled in earth and water; a decoction -which, according to them, promotes the menstrual discharge. -Taken with vinegar or honey, radishes expel worms from the -intestines; and a decoction of them boiled down to one-third, -taken in wine, is good for intestinal hernia.<a id="FNanchor_1364_1364"></a><a href="#Footnote_1364_1364" class="fnanchor">1364</a> Employed -in this way, too, they have the effect of drawing off the superfluous -blood. Medius recommends them to be given boiled to -persons troubled with spitting of blood, and to women who are -suckling, for the purpose of increasing the milk. Hippocrates<a id="FNanchor_1365_1365"></a><a href="#Footnote_1365_1365" class="fnanchor">1365</a> -recommends females whose hair falls off, to rub the head with -radishes, and he says that for pains of the uterus, they should -be applied to the navel.</p> - -<p>Radishes have the effect, too, of restoring the skin, when -scarred, to its proper colour; and the seed, steeped in water, -and applied topically, arrests the progress of ulcers known as -phagedænic.<a id="FNanchor_1366_1366"></a><a href="#Footnote_1366_1366" class="fnanchor">1366</a> Democritus regards them, taken with the food, -as an aphrodisiac; and it is for this reason, perhaps, that some -persons have spoken of them as being injurious to the voice. -The leaves, but only those of the long radish, are said to have -the effect of improving the eye-sight.</p> - -<p>When radishes, employed as a remedy, act too powerfully, -it is recommended that hyssop should be given immediately; -there being an antipathy<a id="FNanchor_1367_1367"></a><a href="#Footnote_1367_1367" class="fnanchor">1367</a> between these two plants. For<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218">218</a></span> -dulness of hearing, too, radish-juice is injected into the ear. -To promote vomiting, it is extremely beneficial to eat radishes -fasting.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_14"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 14.—THE PARSNIP: FIVE REMEDIES. THE HIBISCUM, WILD -MALLOW, OR PLISTOLOCHIA: ELEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The hibiscum, by some persons known as the wild mallow,<a id="FNanchor_1368_1368"></a><a href="#Footnote_1368_1368" class="fnanchor">1368</a> -and by others as the “plistolochia,” bears a strong resemblance -to the parsnip;<a id="FNanchor_1369_1369"></a><a href="#Footnote_1369_1369" class="fnanchor">1369</a> it is good for ulcerations of the cartilages, and -is employed for the cure of fractured bones. The leaves of it, -taken in water, relax the stomach; they have the effect, also, -of keeping away serpents, and, employed as a liniment, are a -cure for the stings of bees, wasps, and hornets. The root, -pulled up before sunrise, and wrapped in wool of the colour -known as “native,”<a id="FNanchor_1370_1370"></a><a href="#Footnote_1370_1370" class="fnanchor">1370</a> taken from a sheep which has just -dropped a ewe lamb, is employed as a bandage for scrofulous -swellings, even after they have suppurated. Some persons -are of opinion, that for this purpose the root should be dug -up with an implement of gold, and that care should be taken -not to let it touch the ground.</p> - -<p>Celsus,<a id="FNanchor_1371_1371"></a><a href="#Footnote_1371_1371" class="fnanchor">1371</a> too, recommends this root to be boiled in wine, and -applied in cases of gout unattended with swelling.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_15"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 15. (5.)—THE STAPHYLINOS, OR WILD PARSNIP: TWENTY-TWO -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The staphylinos, or, as some persons call it, “erratic<a id="FNanchor_1372_1372"></a><a href="#Footnote_1372_1372" class="fnanchor">1372</a> -parsnip,” is another kind. The seed<a id="FNanchor_1373_1373"></a><a href="#Footnote_1373_1373" class="fnanchor">1373</a> of this plant, pounded and -taken in wine, reduces swelling of the abdomen, and alleviates -hysterical suffocations and pains, to such a degree as to restore -the uterus to its natural condition. Used as a liniment, also, with -raisin wine, it is good for pains of the bowels in females; for -men, too, beaten up with an equal proportion of bread, and -taken in wine, it may be found beneficial for similar pains. It<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219">219</a></span> -is a diuretic also, and it will arrest the progress of phagedænic -ulcers, if applied fresh with honey, or else dried and sprinkled -on them with meal.</p> - -<p>Dieuches recommends the root of it to be given, with hydromel, -for affections of the liver and spleen, as also the sides, -loins, and kidneys; and Cleophantus prescribes it for dysentery -of long standing. Philistio says that it should be boiled -in milk, and for strangury he prescribes four ounces of the -root. Taken in water, he recommends it for dropsy, as well -as in cases of opisthotony,<a id="FNanchor_1374_1374"></a><a href="#Footnote_1374_1374" class="fnanchor">1374</a> pleurisy, and epilepsy. Persons, -it is said, who carry this plant about them, will never be stung -by serpents, and those who have just eaten of it will receive -no hurt from them. Mixed with axle-grease,<a id="FNanchor_1375_1375"></a><a href="#Footnote_1375_1375" class="fnanchor">1375</a> it is applied -to parts of the body stung by reptiles; and the leaves of it are -eaten as a remedy for indigestion.</p> - -<p>Orpheus has stated that the staphylinos acts as a philtre,<a id="FNanchor_1376_1376"></a><a href="#Footnote_1376_1376" class="fnanchor">1376</a> -most probably because, a very-well-established fact, when -employed as a food, it is an aphrodisiac; a circumstance which -has led some persons to state that it promotes conception. In -other respects the cultivated parsnip has similar properties; -though the wild kind is more powerful in its operation, and -that which grows in stony soils more particularly. The seed, -too, of the cultivated parsnip, taken in wine, or vinegar and -water,<a id="FNanchor_1377_1377"></a><a href="#Footnote_1377_1377" class="fnanchor">1377</a> is salutary for stings inflicted by scorpions. By -rubbing the teeth with the root of this plant, tooth-ache is -removed.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_16"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 16.—GINGIDION: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Syrians devote themselves particularly to the cultivation -of the garden, a circumstance to which we owe the Greek -proverb, “There is plenty of vegetables in Syria.”<a id="FNanchor_1378_1378"></a><a href="#Footnote_1378_1378" class="fnanchor">1378</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220">220</a></span></p> - -<p>Among other vegetables, that country produces one very -similar to the staphylinos, and known to some persons as -“gingidion,”<a id="FNanchor_1379_1379"></a><a href="#Footnote_1379_1379" class="fnanchor">1379</a> only that it is smaller than the staphylinos and -more bitter, though it has just the same properties. Eaten -either raw or boiled, it is very beneficial to the stomach, as it -entirely absorbs all humours with which it may happen to be -surcharged.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_17"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 17.—THE SKIRRET: ELEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The wild<a id="FNanchor_1380_1380"></a><a href="#Footnote_1380_1380" class="fnanchor">1380</a> skirret, too, is very similar to the cultivated kind,<a id="FNanchor_1381_1381"></a><a href="#Footnote_1381_1381" class="fnanchor">1381</a> -and is productive of similar effects. It sharpens<a id="FNanchor_1382_1382"></a><a href="#Footnote_1382_1382" class="fnanchor">1382</a> the stomach, -and, taken with vinegar flavoured with silphium, or with -pepper and hydromel, or else with garum, it promotes the -appetite. According to Opion, it is a diuretic, and acts as -an aphrodisiac.<a id="FNanchor_1383_1383"></a><a href="#Footnote_1383_1383" class="fnanchor">1383</a> Diocles is also of the same opinion; in addition -to which, he says that it possesses cordial virtues for -convalescents, and is extremely beneficial after frequent vomitings.</p> - -<p>Heraclides has prescribed it against the effects of mercury,<a id="FNanchor_1384_1384"></a><a href="#Footnote_1384_1384" class="fnanchor">1384</a> -and for occasional impotence, as also generally for patients -when convalescent. Hicesius says that skirrets would appear -to be prejudicial<a id="FNanchor_1385_1385"></a><a href="#Footnote_1385_1385" class="fnanchor">1385</a> to the stomach, because no one is able to eat -three of them following; still, however, he looks upon them as -beneficial to patients who are just resuming the use of wine. -The juice of the cultivated skirret, taken in goats’-milk, arrests -looseness of the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221">221</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_18"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 18.—SILE, OR HARTWORT: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As the similitude which exists between their Greek names<a id="FNanchor_1386_1386"></a><a href="#Footnote_1386_1386" class="fnanchor">1386</a> -has caused most persons to mistake the one for the other, we -have thought it as well to give some account here of sile or -hartwort,<a id="FNanchor_1387_1387"></a><a href="#Footnote_1387_1387" class="fnanchor">1387</a> though it is a plant which is very generally known. -The best hartwort is that of Massilia,<a id="FNanchor_1388_1388"></a><a href="#Footnote_1388_1388" class="fnanchor">1388</a> the seed of it being -broad and yellow; and the next best is that of Æthiopia, the -seed of which is of a darker hue. The Cretan hartwort is the -most odoriferous of the several kinds. The root of this plant has -a pleasant smell; the seed of it is eaten by vultures, it is said.<a id="FNanchor_1389_1389"></a><a href="#Footnote_1389_1389" class="fnanchor">1389</a> -Hartwort is useful to man for inveterate coughs, ruptures, and -convulsions, being usually taken in white wine; it is employed -also in cases of opisthotony, and for diseases of the liver, as -well as for griping pains in the bowels and for strangury, in -doses of two or three spoonfuls at a time.</p> - -<p>The leaves of this plant are useful also, and have the effect -of aiding parturition—in animals even: indeed, it is generally -said that roes,<a id="FNanchor_1390_1390"></a><a href="#Footnote_1390_1390" class="fnanchor">1390</a> when about to bring forth, are in the habit of -eating these leaves in particular. They are topically applied, -also, in erysipelas; and either the leaves or the seed, taken fasting -in the morning, are very beneficial to the digestion. Hartwort -has the effect, too, of arresting looseness in cattle, either -bruised and put into their drink, or else eaten by them after it -has been chewed with salt. When oxen are in a diseased state, -it is beaten up and poured into their food.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222">222</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_19"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 19.—ELECAMPANE: ELEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Elecampane,<a id="FNanchor_1391_1391"></a><a href="#Footnote_1391_1391" class="fnanchor">1391</a> too, chewed fasting, has the effect of strengthening -the teeth, if, from the moment that it is plucked, it is -not allowed to touch the ground: a confection of it is a cure -for cough. The juice of the root boiled is an expellent of intestinal -tapeworm; and dried in the shade and reduced to -powder, the root<a id="FNanchor_1392_1392"></a><a href="#Footnote_1392_1392" class="fnanchor">1392</a> is curative in cases of cough, convulsions, -flatulency, and affections of the trachea. It is useful too, for -the bites of venomous animals; and the leaves steeped in wine -are applied topically for pains in the loins.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_20"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 20.—ONIONS: TWENTY-SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are no such things in existence as wild onions. The -cultivated onion is employed for the cure of dimness<a id="FNanchor_1393_1393"></a><a href="#Footnote_1393_1393" class="fnanchor">1393</a> of sight, -the patient being made to smell at it till tears come into the -eyes: it is still better even if the eyes are rubbed with the -juice. It is said, too, that onions are soporific,<a id="FNanchor_1394_1394"></a><a href="#Footnote_1394_1394" class="fnanchor">1394</a> and that they -are a cure for ulcerations of the mouth, if chewed with bread. -Fresh onions in vinegar, applied topically, or dried onions with -wine and honey, are good for the bites of dogs, care being -taken not to remove the bandage till the end of a couple of -days. Applied, too, in the same way, they are good for healing -excoriations. Roasted in hot ashes, many persons have -applied them topically, with barley meal, for defluxions of the -eyes and ulcerations of the genitals. The juice, too, is employed -as an ointment for sores of the eyes, albugo,<a id="FNanchor_1395_1395"></a><a href="#Footnote_1395_1395" class="fnanchor">1395</a> and -argema.<a id="FNanchor_1396_1396"></a><a href="#Footnote_1396_1396" class="fnanchor">1396</a> Mixed with honey, it is used as a liniment for the -stings<a id="FNanchor_1397_1397"></a><a href="#Footnote_1397_1397" class="fnanchor">1397</a> of serpents and all kinds of ulcerous sores. In combination -with woman’s milk, it is employed for affections of the -ears; and in cases of singing in the ears and hardness of hearing, -it is injected into those organs with goose-grease or honey.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223">223</a></span> -In cases where persons have been suddenly struck dumb, it -has been administered to them to drink, mixed with water. -In cases, too, of toothache, it is sometimes introduced into -the mouth as a gargle for the teeth; it is an excellent -remedy also for all kinds of wounds made by animals, scorpions -more particularly.</p> - -<p>In cases of alopecy<a id="FNanchor_1398_1398"></a><a href="#Footnote_1398_1398" class="fnanchor">1398</a> and itch-scab, bruised onions are rubbed -on the parts affected: they are also given boiled to persons -afflicted with dysentery or lumbago. Onion peelings, burnt to -ashes and mixed with vinegar, are employed topically for stings -of serpents and multipedes.<a id="FNanchor_1399_1399"></a><a href="#Footnote_1399_1399" class="fnanchor">1399</a></p> - -<p>In other respects, there are remarkable differences of opinion -among medical men. The more modern writers have -stated that onions are good for the thoracic organs and the -digestion, but that they are productive of flatulency and thirst. -The school of Asclepiades maintains that, used as an aliment, -onions impart a florid<a id="FNanchor_1400_1400"></a><a href="#Footnote_1400_1400" class="fnanchor">1400</a> colour to the complexion, and that, -taken fasting every day, they are promoters of robustness and -health; that as a diet, too, they are good for the stomach by -acting upon the spirits, and have the effect of relaxing the -bowels. He says, too, that, employed as a suppository, -onions disperse piles, and that the juice of them, taken in -combination with juice of fennel, is wonderfully beneficial in -cases of incipient dropsy. It is said, too, that the juice, taken -with rue and honey, is good for quinsy, and has the effect of -dispelling lethargy.<a id="FNanchor_1401_1401"></a><a href="#Footnote_1401_1401" class="fnanchor">1401</a> Varro assures us that onions, pounded -with salt and vinegar and then dried, will never be attacked -by worms.<a id="FNanchor_1402_1402"></a><a href="#Footnote_1402_1402" class="fnanchor">1402</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_21"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 21. (6.)—CUTLEEK: THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Cutleek<a id="FNanchor_1403_1403"></a><a href="#Footnote_1403_1403" class="fnanchor">1403</a> has the effect of stanching bleeding at the nose,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224">224</a></span> -the nostrils being plugged with the plant, pounded, or else -mixed with nut-galls or mint. The juice of it, taken with -woman’s milk, arrests floodings after a miscarriage; and it is -remedial in cases even of inveterate cough, and of affections -of the chest<a id="FNanchor_1404_1404"></a><a href="#Footnote_1404_1404" class="fnanchor">1404</a> and lungs. The leaves, applied topically, are -employed for the cure of pimples, burns, and epinyctis<a id="FNanchor_1405_1405"></a><a href="#Footnote_1405_1405" class="fnanchor">1405</a>—this -last being the name given to an ulcer, known also as -“syce,”<a id="FNanchor_1406_1406"></a><a href="#Footnote_1406_1406" class="fnanchor">1406</a> situate in the corner of the eye, from which there -is a continual running: some persons, however, give this -name to livid pustules, which cause great restlessness in the -night. Other kinds of ulcers, too, are treated with leeks -beaten up with honey: used with vinegar, they are extensively -employed also for the bites of wild beasts, as well as -of serpents and other venomous creatures. Mixed with goats’ -gall, or else honied wine in equal proportions, they are used -for affections of the ears, and, combined with woman’s milk, -for singing in the ears. In cases of head-ache, the juice is -injected into the nostrils, or else into the ear at bed-time, -two spoonfuls of juice to one of honey.</p> - -<p>This juice is taken too with pure wine,<a id="FNanchor_1407_1407"></a><a href="#Footnote_1407_1407" class="fnanchor">1407</a> for the stings of -serpents and scorpions, and, mixed with a semi-sextarius of -wine, for lumbago. The juice, or the leek itself, eaten as a -food, is very beneficial to persons troubled with spitting of -blood, phthisis, or inveterate catarrhs; in cases also of jaundice -or dropsy, and for nephretic pains, it is taken in barley-water, -in doses of one acetabulum of juice. The same dose, -too, mixed with honey, effectually purges the uterus. Leeks -are eaten, too, in cases of poisoning by fungi,<a id="FNanchor_1408_1408"></a><a href="#Footnote_1408_1408" class="fnanchor">1408</a> and are applied -topically to wounds: they act also as an aphrodisiac,<a id="FNanchor_1409_1409"></a><a href="#Footnote_1409_1409" class="fnanchor">1409</a> allay -thirst, and dispel the effects of drunkenness; but they -have the effect of weakening the sight and causing flatulency, -it is said, though, at the same time, they are not injurious to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225">225</a></span> -the stomach, and act as an aperient. Leeks impart a remarkable -clearness to the voice.<a id="FNanchor_1410_1410"></a><a href="#Footnote_1410_1410" class="fnanchor">1410</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_22"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 22.—BULBED LEEK: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Bulbed leek<a id="FNanchor_1411_1411"></a><a href="#Footnote_1411_1411" class="fnanchor">1411</a> produces the same effects as cut-leek,<a id="FNanchor_1412_1412"></a><a href="#Footnote_1412_1412" class="fnanchor">1412</a> but in -a more powerful degree. To persons troubled with spitting -of blood, the juice of it is given, with powdered nut-galls<a id="FNanchor_1413_1413"></a><a href="#Footnote_1413_1413" class="fnanchor">1413</a> -or frankincense, or else gum acacia.<a id="FNanchor_1414_1414"></a><a href="#Footnote_1414_1414" class="fnanchor">1414</a> Hippocrates,<a id="FNanchor_1415_1415"></a><a href="#Footnote_1415_1415" class="fnanchor">1415</a> however, -prescribes it without being mixed with anything else, and -expressed himself of opinion that it has the property of opening -the uterus when contracted, and that taken as an aliment by -females, it is a great promoter of fecundity. Beaten up and -mixed with honey, it cleanses ulcerous sores. It is good for -the cure of coughs, catarrhs, and all affections of the lungs -and of the trachea, whether given in the form of a ptisan, or -eaten raw, the head excepted: it must be taken, however, without -bread, and upon alternate days, and this even if there -should be purulent expectorations.</p> - -<p>Taken in this form, it greatly improves the voice, and acts -as an aphrodisiac, and as a promoter of sleep. The heads, boiled -in a couple of waters, arrest looseness of the bowels, and -fluxes of long standing; and a decoction of the outer coat acts -as a dye upon grey hair.<a id="FNanchor_1416_1416"></a><a href="#Footnote_1416_1416" class="fnanchor">1416</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_23"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 23.—GARLIC: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Garlic<a id="FNanchor_1417_1417"></a><a href="#Footnote_1417_1417" class="fnanchor">1417</a> has very powerful<a id="FNanchor_1418_1418"></a><a href="#Footnote_1418_1418" class="fnanchor">1418</a> properties, and is of great -utility to persons on changes of water or locality. The very -smell of it drives away serpents and scorpions, and, according -to what some persons say, it is a cure for wounds made by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226">226</a></span> -every kind of wild beast, whether taken with the drink or food, -or applied topically. Taken in wine, it is a remedy for the -sting of the hæmorrhoïs<a id="FNanchor_1419_1419"></a><a href="#Footnote_1419_1419" class="fnanchor">1419</a> more particularly, acting as an -emetic. We shall not be surprised too, that it acts as a powerful -remedy for the bite of the shrew-mouse, when we find -that it has the property of neutralizing aconite, otherwise -known as “pardalianches.”<a id="FNanchor_1420_1420"></a><a href="#Footnote_1420_1420" class="fnanchor">1420</a> It neutralizes henbane, also, -and cures the bites of dogs, when applied with honey to the -wound. It is taken in drink also for the stings of serpents; -and of its leaves, mixed with oil, a most valuable liniment is -made for bruises on the body, even when they have swelled -and formed blisters.</p> - -<p>Hippocrates<a id="FNanchor_1421_1421"></a><a href="#Footnote_1421_1421" class="fnanchor">1421</a> is of opinion also, that fumigations made with -garlic have the effect of bringing away the after-birth; and -he used to employ the ashes of garlic, mixed with oil, for the -cure of running ulcers of the head. Some persons have prescribed -boiled garlic for asthmatic patients; while others, -again, have given it raw. Diocles prescribes it, in combination -with centaury, for dropsy, and to be taken in a split fig, -to promote the alvine evacuations: taken fresh, however, in -unmixed wine, with coriander, it is still more efficacious for -that purpose. Some persons have given it, beaten up in -milk, for asthma. Praxagoras used to prescribe garlic, mixed -with wine, for jaundice, and with oil and pottage for the iliac -passion: he employed it also in a similar form, as a liniment -for scrofulous swellings of the neck.</p> - -<p>The ancients used to give raw garlic in cases of madness, -and Diocles administered it boiled for phrenitis. Beaten up, -and taken in vinegar and water, it is very useful as a gargle -for quinsy. Three heads of garlic, beaten up in vinegar, give -relief in toothache: and a similar result is obtained by rinsing -the mouth with a decoction of garlic, and inserting pieces of -it in the hollow teeth. Juice of garlic is sometimes injected -into the ears with goose-grease,<a id="FNanchor_1422_1422"></a><a href="#Footnote_1422_1422" class="fnanchor">1422</a> and, taken in drink, or similarly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227">227</a></span> -injected, in combination with vinegar and nitre, it arrests -phthiriasis<a id="FNanchor_1423_1423"></a><a href="#Footnote_1423_1423" class="fnanchor">1423</a> and porrigo.<a id="FNanchor_1424_1424"></a><a href="#Footnote_1424_1424" class="fnanchor">1424</a> Boiled with milk, or else beaten -up and mixed with soft cheese, it is a cure for catarrhs. Employed -in a similar manner, and taken with pease or beans, it -is good for hoarseness, but in general it is found to be more -serviceable cooked than raw, and boiled than roasted: in this -last state, however, it is more beneficial to the voice. Boiled in -oxymel, it has the effect of expelling tape-worm and other -intestinal worms; and a pottage made of it is a cure for tenesmus. -A decoction of garlic is applied topically for pains -in the temples; and first boiled and then beaten up with -honey, it is good for blisters. A decoction of it, with stale -grease, or milk, is excellent for a cough; and where persons -are troubled with spitting of blood or purulent matter, -it may be roasted in hot ashes, and taken with honey in -equal proportions. For convulsions and ruptures it is administered -in combination with salt and oil; and, mixed with -grease, it is employed for the cure of suspected tumours.</p> - -<p>Mixed with sulphur and resin, garlic draws out the humours -from fistulous sores, and employed with pitch, it will extract an -arrow even<a id="FNanchor_1425_1425"></a><a href="#Footnote_1425_1425" class="fnanchor">1425</a> from the wound. In cases of leprosy, lichen, and -eruptions of the skin, it acts as a detergent, and effects a cure, -in combination with wild marjoram, or else reduced to ashes, -and applied as a liniment with oil and garum.<a id="FNanchor_1426_1426"></a><a href="#Footnote_1426_1426" class="fnanchor">1426</a> It is employed -in a similar manner, too, for erysipelas; and, reduced -to ashes, and mixed with honey, it restores contused or livid -spots on the skin to their proper colour. It is generally believed, -too, that taken in the food and drink, garlic is a cure -for epilepsy, and that a clove of it, taken in astringent wine, -with an obolus’ weight of silphium,<a id="FNanchor_1427_1427"></a><a href="#Footnote_1427_1427" class="fnanchor">1427</a> will have the effect of -dispelling quartan fever. Garlic cures coughs also, and suppurations<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228">228</a></span> -of the chest, however violent they may be; to obtain -which result, another method is followed, it being -boiled with broken beans, and employed as a diet till the -cure is fully effected. It is a soporific also, and in general -imparts to the body an additional ruddiness of colour.</p> - -<p>Garlic acts as an aphrodisiac, beaten up with fresh coriander, -and taken in pure wine. The inconveniences which -result from the use of it, are dimness of the sight and flatulency; -and if taken in too large quantities, it does injury to -the stomach, and creates thirst. In addition to these particulars, -mixed with spelt flour, and given to poultry in their -food, it preserves them from attacks of the pip.<a id="FNanchor_1428_1428"></a><a href="#Footnote_1428_1428" class="fnanchor">1428</a> Beasts of -burden, it is said, will void their urine all the more easily, -and without any pain, if the genitals are rubbed with garlic.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_24"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 24.—THE LETTUCE: FORTY-TWO REMEDIES. THE GOAT-LETTUCE: -FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The first kind of lettuce which grows spontaneously, is the -one that is generally known as “goat<a id="FNanchor_1429_1429"></a><a href="#Footnote_1429_1429" class="fnanchor">1429</a>-lettuce;” thrown into -the sea, this vegetable has the property of instantaneously killing -all the fish that come into its vicinity. The milky juice -of this lettuce,<a id="FNanchor_1430_1430"></a><a href="#Footnote_1430_1430" class="fnanchor">1430</a> left to thicken and then put into vinegar, -is given in doses of two oboli, with the addition of one cyathus -of water, to patients for dropsy. The stalk and leaves, bruised -and sprinkled with salt, are used for the cure of wounds of -the sinews. Pounded with vinegar, and employed as a -gargle in the morning twice a month, they act as a preventive -of tooth-ache.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_25"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 25.—CÆSAPON: ONE REMEDY. ISATIS: ONE REMEDY. THE -WILD LETTUCE: SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a second kind of wild lettuce, known by the Greeks<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229">229</a></span> -is “cæsapon.”<a id="FNanchor_1431_1431"></a><a href="#Footnote_1431_1431" class="fnanchor">1431</a> The leaves of this lettuce, applied as a liniment -with polenta,<a id="FNanchor_1432_1432"></a><a href="#Footnote_1432_1432" class="fnanchor">1432</a> are used for the cure of ulcerous sores. This -plant is found growing in the fields. A third kind, again, -grows in the woods; the name given to it is “isatis.”<a id="FNanchor_1433_1433"></a><a href="#Footnote_1433_1433" class="fnanchor">1433</a> The -leaves of this last, beaten up and applied with polenta, are -very useful for the cure of wounds. A fourth kind is used by -dyers of wool; in the leaves it would resemble wild lapathum, -were it not that they are more numerous and darker. -This lettuce has the property of stanching blood, and of healing -phagedænic sores and putrid spreading ulcers, as well as -tumours before suppuration. Both the root as well as the leaves -are good, too, for erysipelas; and a decoction of it is drunk for -affections of the spleen. Such are the properties peculiar to -each of these varieties.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_26"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 26.—HAWK-WEED: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The properties which are common to all the wild varieties<a id="FNanchor_1434_1434"></a><a href="#Footnote_1434_1434" class="fnanchor">1434</a> -are whiteness, a stem sometimes as much as a cubit in length, -and a roughness upon the stalk and leaves. Among these plants -there is one with round, short leaves, known to some persons -as “hieracion;”<a id="FNanchor_1435_1435"></a><a href="#Footnote_1435_1435" class="fnanchor">1435</a> from the circumstance that the hawk -tears it open and sprinkles<a id="FNanchor_1436_1436"></a><a href="#Footnote_1436_1436" class="fnanchor">1436</a> its eyes with the juice, and so dispels -any dimness of sight of which it is apprehensive. The -juice of all these plants is white, and in its properties resembles -that of the poppy.<a id="FNanchor_1437_1437"></a><a href="#Footnote_1437_1437" class="fnanchor">1437</a> It is collected at harvest-time, by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230">230</a></span> -making incisions in the stalk, and is kept in new earthen -vessels, being renowned as a remedy for numerous maladies.<a id="FNanchor_1438_1438"></a><a href="#Footnote_1438_1438" class="fnanchor">1438</a> -Mixed with woman’s milk, it is a cure for all diseases of the -eyes, such as argema for instance, films on the eyes, scars and -inflammations<a id="FNanchor_1439_1439"></a><a href="#Footnote_1439_1439" class="fnanchor">1439</a> of all kinds, and dimness of the sight more -particularly. It is applied to the eyes, too, in wool, as a remedy -for defluxions of those organs.</p> - -<p>This juice also purges the bowels, taken in doses of two oboli -in vinegar and water. Drunk in wine it is a cure for the -stings of serpents, and the leaves and stalk of the plant are -pounded and taken in vinegar. They are employed also as a -liniment for wounds, the sting of the scorpion more particularly; -combined, too, with oil and vinegar, they are similarly -applied for the bite of the phalangium.<a id="FNanchor_1440_1440"></a><a href="#Footnote_1440_1440" class="fnanchor">1440</a> They have the -effect, also, of neutralizing other poisons, with the exception -of those which kill by suffocation or by attacking the bladder, -as also with the exception of white lead. Steeped in oxymel, -they are applied to the abdomen for the purpose of drawing out -vicious humours of the intestines. The juice is found good, -also, in cases of retention of the urine. Crateuas prescribes -it to be given to dropsical patients, in doses of two oboli, with -vinegar and one cyathus of wine.</p> - -<p>Some persons collect the juice of the cultivated lettuce as well, -but it is not so efficacious<a id="FNanchor_1441_1441"></a><a href="#Footnote_1441_1441" class="fnanchor">1441</a> as the other. We have already made -mention,<a id="FNanchor_1442_1442"></a><a href="#Footnote_1442_1442" class="fnanchor">1442</a> to some extent, of the peculiar properties of the -cultivated lettuce, such as promoting sleep, allaying the sexual -passions, cooling the body when heated, purging<a id="FNanchor_1443_1443"></a><a href="#Footnote_1443_1443" class="fnanchor">1443</a> the stomach, -and making blood. In addition to these, it possesses no few -properties besides; for it has the effect of removing flatulency, -and of dispelling eructations, while at the same time it promotes -the digestion, without ever being indigestible itself. -Indeed, there is no article of diet known that is a greater stimulant -to the appetite, or which tends in a greater degree to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231">231</a></span> -modify it; it being the extent, either way, to which it is eaten -that promotes these opposite results. In the same way, too, -lettuces eaten in too large quantities are laxative, but taken in -moderation they are binding. They have the effect, also, of -attenuating the tough, viscous, phlegm, and, according to what -some persons say, of sharpening the senses. They are extremely -serviceable, too, to debilitated stomachs; for which -purpose * *<a id="FNanchor_1444_1444"></a><a href="#Footnote_1444_1444" class="fnanchor">1444</a> oboli of sour sauce<a id="FNanchor_1445_1445"></a><a href="#Footnote_1445_1445" class="fnanchor">1445</a> is added to them, the sharpness -of which is modified by the application of sweet wine, to -make it of the same strength as vinegar-sauce.<a id="FNanchor_1446_1446"></a><a href="#Footnote_1446_1446" class="fnanchor">1446</a> If, again, -the phlegm with which the patient is troubled is extremely -tough and viscous, wine of squills or of wormwood is employed; -and if there is any cough perceptible, hyssop wine -is mixed as well.</p> - -<p>Lettuces are given with wild endive for cœliac affections, -and for obstructions of the thoracic organs. White lettuces, too, -are prescribed in large quantities for melancholy and affections -of the bladder. Praxagoras recommends them for dysentery. -Lettuces are good, also, for recent burns, before blisters have -made their appearance: in such cases they are applied with -salt. They arrest spreading ulcers, being applied at first with -saltpetre, and afterwards with wine. Beaten up, they are -applied topically for erysipelas; and the stalks, beaten up -with polenta, and applied with cold water, are soothing for -luxations of the limbs and spasmodic contractions; used, too, -with wine and polenta, they are good for pimples and eruptions. -For cholera lettuces have been given, cooked in the -saucepan, in which case it is those with the largest stalk -and bitter that are the best: some persons administer them, -also, as an injection, in milk. These stalks boiled, are remarkably -good, it is said, for the stomach: the summer lettuce, -too, more particularly, and the bitter, milky lettuce, of -which we have already<a id="FNanchor_1447_1447"></a><a href="#Footnote_1447_1447" class="fnanchor">1447</a> made mention as the “meconis,” -have a soporific effect. This juice, in combination with -woman’s milk, is said to be extremely beneficial to the eyesight, -if applied to the head in good time; it is a remedy,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232">232</a></span> -too, for such maladies of the eyes as result from the action of -cold.</p> - -<p>I find other marvellous praises lavished upon the lettuce, -such, for instance, as that, mixed with Attic honey, it is no -less beneficial for affections of the chest than abrotonum;<a id="FNanchor_1448_1448"></a><a href="#Footnote_1448_1448" class="fnanchor">1448</a> -that the menstrual discharge is promoted in females by using -it as a diet; that the seed, too, Of the cultivated lettuce is -administered as a remedy for the stings of scorpions, and -that pounded, and taken in wine, it arrests all libidinous -dreams and imaginations during sleep; that water, too, which -affects<a id="FNanchor_1449_1449"></a><a href="#Footnote_1449_1449" class="fnanchor">1449</a> the brain will have no injurious effects upon those who -eat lettuce. Some persons have stated, however, that if lettuces -are eaten too frequently they will prove injurious to -the eyesight.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_27"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 27. (8.)—BEET: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Nor are the two varieties of the beet without their remedial -properties.<a id="FNanchor_1450_1450"></a><a href="#Footnote_1450_1450" class="fnanchor">1450</a> The root of either white or black beet, if hung by -a string, fresh-gathered, and softened with water, is said to -be efficacious for the stings of serpents. White beet, boiled -and eaten with raw garlic, is taken for tapeworm; the root, -too, of the black kind, similarly boiled in water, removes porrigo; -indeed, it is generally stated, that the black beet is the -more efficacious<a id="FNanchor_1451_1451"></a><a href="#Footnote_1451_1451" class="fnanchor">1451</a> of the two. The juice of black beet is good -for inveterate head-aches and vertigo, and injected into the -ears, it stops singing in those organs. It is a diuretic, also, -and employed in injections is a cure for dysentery and jaundice.</p> - -<p>This juice, used as a liniment, allays tooth-ache, and is good -for the stings of serpents; but due care must be taken that it is -extracted from this root only. A decoction, too, of beet-root -is a remedy for chilblains.</p> - -<p>A liniment of white beet-root applied to the forehead, -arrests defluxions of the eyes, and mixed with a little alum it -is an excellent remedy for erysipelas. Beaten up, and applied<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233">233</a></span> -without oil, it is a cure for excoriations. In the same way, -too, it is good for pimples and eruptions. Boiled, it is applied -topically to spreading ulcers, and in a raw state it is employed -in cases of alopecy, and running ulcers of the head. The -juice, injected with honey into the nostrils, has the effect of -clearing the head. Beet-root is boiled with lentils and vinegar, -for the purpose of relaxing the bowels; if it is boiled, however, -some time longer, it will have the effect of arresting -fluxes of the stomach and bowels.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_28"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 28.—LIMONION, OR NEUROIDES: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a wild beet, too, known by some persons as “limonion,”<a id="FNanchor_1452_1452"></a><a href="#Footnote_1452_1452" class="fnanchor">1452</a> -and by others as “neuroides;” it has leaves much -smaller and thinner than the cultivated kind, and lying closer -together. These leaves amount often to eleven<a id="FNanchor_1453_1453"></a><a href="#Footnote_1453_1453" class="fnanchor">1453</a> in number, -the stalk resembling that of the lily.<a id="FNanchor_1454_1454"></a><a href="#Footnote_1454_1454" class="fnanchor">1454</a> The leaves of this plant -are very useful for burns, and have an astringent taste in the -mouth: the seed, taken in doses of one acetabulum, is good -for dysentery. It is said that a decoction of beet with the -root has the property of taking stains out of cloths and -parchment.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_29"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 29.—ENDIVE: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Endive,<a id="FNanchor_1455_1455"></a><a href="#Footnote_1455_1455" class="fnanchor">1455</a> too, is not without its medicinal uses. The juice -of it, employed with rose oil and vinegar, has the effect of -allaying headache; and taken with wine, it is good for pains -in the liver and bladder: it is used, also, topically, for defluxions -of the eyes. The spreading endive has received from some persons<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234">234</a></span> -among us the name of “ambula.” In Egypt, the wild -endive is known as “cichorium,”<a id="FNanchor_1456_1456"></a><a href="#Footnote_1456_1456" class="fnanchor">1456</a> the cultivated kind being -called “seris.” This last is smaller than the other, and the -leaves of it more full of veins.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_30"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 30.—CICHORIUM OR CHRESTON, OTHERWISE CALLED -PANCRATION, OR AMBULA: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wild endive or cichorium has certain refreshing qualities,<a id="FNanchor_1457_1457"></a><a href="#Footnote_1457_1457" class="fnanchor">1457</a> -used as an aliment. Applied by way of liniment, it disperses -abscesses, and a decoction of it loosens the bowels. It is also -very beneficial to the liver, kidneys, and stomach. A decoction -of it in vinegar has the effect of dispelling the pains of -strangury; and, taken in honied wine, it is a cure for the -jaundice, if unattended with fever. It is beneficial, also, to -the bladder, and a decoction of it in water promotes the -menstrual discharge to such an extent as to bring away the -dead fœtus even.</p> - -<p>In addition to these qualities, the magicians<a id="FNanchor_1458_1458"></a><a href="#Footnote_1458_1458" class="fnanchor">1458</a> state that -persons who rub themselves with the juice of the entire plant, -mixed with oil, are sure to find more favour with others, and -to obtain with greater facility anything they may desire. -This plant, in consequence of its numerous salutary virtues, -has been called by some persons “chreston,”<a id="FNanchor_1459_1459"></a><a href="#Footnote_1459_1459" class="fnanchor">1459</a> and “pancration”<a id="FNanchor_1460_1460"></a><a href="#Footnote_1460_1460" class="fnanchor">1460</a> -by others.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_31"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 31.—HEDYPNOÏS: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a sort of wild endive, too, with a broader leaf, -known to some persons as “hedypnoïs.”<a id="FNanchor_1461_1461"></a><a href="#Footnote_1461_1461" class="fnanchor">1461</a> Boiled, it acts as -an astringent upon a relaxed stomach, and eaten raw, it is productive -of constipation. It is good, too, for dysentery, when -eaten with lentils more particularly. This variety, as well as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235">235</a></span> -the preceding one, is useful for ruptures and spasmodic contractions, -and relieves persons who are suffering from spermatorrhœa.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_32"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 32.—SERIS, THREE VARIETIES OF IT: SEVEN REMEDIES -BORROWED FROM IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The vegetable, too, called “seris,”<a id="FNanchor_1462_1462"></a><a href="#Footnote_1462_1462" class="fnanchor">1462</a> which bears a considerable -resemblance to the lettuce, consists of two kinds. The -wild, which is of a swarthy colour, and grows in summer, is -the best of the two; the winter kind, which is whiter than -the other, being inferior. They are both of them bitter, but -are extremely beneficial to the stomach, when distressed by -humours more particularly. Used as food with vinegar, they -are cooling, and, employed as a liniment, they dispel other -humours besides those of the stomach. The roots of the wild -variety are eaten with polenta for the stomach: and in cardiac -diseases they are applied topically above the left breast. Boiled -in vinegar, all these vegetables are good for the gout, and for -patients troubled with spitting of blood or spermatorrhœa; the -decoction being taken on alternate days.</p> - -<p>Petronius Diodotus, who has written a medical Anthology,<a id="FNanchor_1463_1463"></a><a href="#Footnote_1463_1463" class="fnanchor">1463</a> -utterly condemns seris, and employs a multitude of arguments -to support his views: this opinion of his is opposed, however, -to that of all other writers on the subject.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_33"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 33. (9).—THE CABBAGE: EIGHTY-SEVEN REMEDIES. RECIPES -MENTIONED BY CATO.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It would be too lengthy a task to enumerate all the praises -of the cabbage, more particularly as the physician Chrysippus -has devoted a whole volume to the subject, in which its virtues -are described in reference to each individual part of the -human body. Dieuches has done the same, and Pythagoras -too, in particular. Cato, too, has not been more sparing in its -praises than the others; and it will be only right to examine -the opinions which he expresses in relation to it, if for no -other purpose than to learn what medicines the Roman people -made use of for six hundred years.</p> - -<p>The most ancient Greek writers have distinguished three<a id="FNanchor_1464_1464"></a><a href="#Footnote_1464_1464" class="fnanchor">1464</a> -varieties of the cabbage: the curly<a id="FNanchor_1465_1465"></a><a href="#Footnote_1465_1465" class="fnanchor">1465</a> cabbage, to which they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236">236</a></span> -have given the name of “selinoïdes,”<a id="FNanchor_1466_1466"></a><a href="#Footnote_1466_1466" class="fnanchor">1466</a> from the resemblance -of its leaf to that of parsley, beneficial to the stomach, and -moderately relaxing to the bowels; the “helia,” with broad -leaves running out from the stalk—a circumstance, owing to -which some persons have given it the name of “caulodes”—of -no use whatever in a medicinal point of view; and a third, -the name of which is properly “crambe,” with thinner leaves, -of simple form, and closely packed, more bitter than the others, -but extremely efficacious in medicine.<a id="FNanchor_1467_1467"></a><a href="#Footnote_1467_1467" class="fnanchor">1467</a></p> - -<p>Cato<a id="FNanchor_1468_1468"></a><a href="#Footnote_1468_1468" class="fnanchor">1468</a> esteems the curly cabbage the most highly of all, -and next to it, the smooth cabbage with large leaves and -a thick stalk. He says that it is a good thing for headache, -dimness of the sight, and dazzling<a id="FNanchor_1469_1469"></a><a href="#Footnote_1469_1469" class="fnanchor">1469</a> of the eyes, the -spleen, stomach, and thoracic organs, taken raw in the morning, -in doses of two acetabula, with oxymel, coriander, rue, -mint, and root of silphium.<a id="FNanchor_1470_1470"></a><a href="#Footnote_1470_1470" class="fnanchor">1470</a> He says, too, that the virtue of -it is so great that the very person even who beats up this mixture -feels himself all the stronger for it; for which reason he -recommends it to be taken mixed with these condiments, or, -at all events, dressed with a sauce compounded of them. For -the gout, too, and diseases of the joints, a liniment of it should -be used, he says, with a little rue and coriander, a sprinkling -of salt, and some barley meal: the very water even in which -it has been boiled is wonderfully efficacious, according to him, -for the sinews and joints. For wounds, either recent or of -long standing, as also for carcinoma,<a id="FNanchor_1471_1471"></a><a href="#Footnote_1471_1471" class="fnanchor">1471</a> which is incurable by -any other mode of treatment, he recommends fomentations to -be made with warm water, and, after that, an application of -cabbage, beaten up, to the parts affected, twice a-day. He says, -also, that fistulas and sprains should be treated in a similar -way, as well as all humours which it may be desirable to bring -to a head and disperse; and he states that this vegetable, -boiled and eaten fasting, in considerable quantities, with oil<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237">237</a></span> -and salt, has the effect of preventing dreams and wakefulness; -also, that if, after one boiling, it is boiled a second time, with -the addition of oil, salt, cummin, and polenta, it will relieve -gripings<a id="FNanchor_1472_1472"></a><a href="#Footnote_1472_1472" class="fnanchor">1472</a> in the stomach; and that, if eaten in this way without -bread, it is more beneficial still. Among various other particulars, -he says, that if taken in drink with black wine, it has -the effect of carrying off the bilious secretions; and he recommends -the urine of a person who has been living on a cabbage -diet to be preserved, as, when warmed, it is a good remedy for -diseases of the sinews. I will, however, here give the identical -words in which Cato expresses himself upon this point: -“If you wash little children with this urine,” says he, “they -will never be weak and puny.”</p> - -<p>He recommends, also, the warm juice of cabbage to be injected -into the ears, in combination with wine, and assures us -that it is a capital remedy for deafness: and he says that the -cabbage is a cure for impetigo<a id="FNanchor_1473_1473"></a><a href="#Footnote_1473_1473" class="fnanchor">1473</a> without the formation of -ulcers.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_34"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 34.—OPINIONS OF THE GREEKS RELATIVE THERETO.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As we have already given those of Cato, it will be as well -to set forth the opinions entertained by the Greek writers on -this subject, only in relation, however, to those points upon -which he has omitted to touch. They are of opinion that -cabbage, not thoroughly boiled, carries off the bile, and has -the effect of loosening the bowels; while, on the other hand, -if it is boiled twice over, it will act as an astringent. They -say, too, that as there is a natural<a id="FNanchor_1474_1474"></a><a href="#Footnote_1474_1474" class="fnanchor">1474</a> enmity between it and the -vine, it combats the effects of wine; that, if eaten before drinking, -it is sure to prevent<a id="FNanchor_1475_1475"></a><a href="#Footnote_1475_1475" class="fnanchor">1475</a> drunkenness, being equally a dispellent -of crapulence<a id="FNanchor_1476_1476"></a><a href="#Footnote_1476_1476" class="fnanchor">1476</a> if taken after drinking: that cabbage -is a food very beneficial to the eyesight, and that the juice of -it raw is even more so, if the corners of the eyes are only -touched with a mixture of it with Attic honey. Cabbage, too,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238">238</a></span> -according to the same testimony, is extremely easy of digestion,<a id="FNanchor_1477_1477"></a><a href="#Footnote_1477_1477" class="fnanchor">1477</a> -and, as an aliment, greatly tends to clear the senses.</p> - -<p>The school of Erasistratus proclaims that there is nothing -more beneficial to the stomach and the sinews than cabbage; -for which reason, he says, it ought to be given to the paralytic -and nervous, as well as to persons affected with spitting of -blood. Hippocrates prescribes it, twice boiled, and eaten with -salt, for dysentery and cœliac affections, as also for tenesmus -and diseases of the kidneys; he is of opinion, too, that, as -an aliment, it increases the quantity of the milk in women -who are nursing, and that it promotes the menstrual discharge.<a id="FNanchor_1478_1478"></a><a href="#Footnote_1478_1478" class="fnanchor">1478</a> -The stalk, too, eaten raw, is efficacious in expelling -the dead fœtus. Apollodorus prescribes the seed or else the -juice of the cabbage to be taken in cases of poisoning by fungi; -and Philistion recommends the juice for persons affected with -opisthotony, in goats’-milk, with salt and honey.</p> - -<p>I find, too, that persons have been cured of the gout by eating -cabbage and drinking a decoction of that plant. This decoction -has been given, also, to persons afflicted with the cardiac disease -and epilepsy, with the addition of salt; and it has been administered -in white wine, for affections of the spleen, for a -period of forty days.</p> - -<p>According to Philistion, the juice of the raw root should be -given as a gargle to persons afflicted with icterus<a id="FNanchor_1479_1479"></a><a href="#Footnote_1479_1479" class="fnanchor">1479</a> or phrenitis, -and for hiccup he prescribes a mixture of it, in vinegar, with -coriander, anise, honey, and pepper. Used as a liniment, cabbage, -he says, is beneficial for inflations of the stomach; and -the very water, even, in which it has been boiled, mixed with -barley-meal, is a remedy for the stings of serpents<a id="FNanchor_1480_1480"></a><a href="#Footnote_1480_1480" class="fnanchor">1480</a> and foul -ulcers of long standing; a result which is equally effected by -a mixture of cabbage-juice with vinegar or fenugreek. It is -in this manner, too, that some persons employ it topically, for -affections of the joints and for gout. Applied topically, cabbage -is a cure for epinyctis, and all kinds of spreading eruptions -on the body, as also for sudden<a id="FNanchor_1481_1481"></a><a href="#Footnote_1481_1481" class="fnanchor">1481</a> attacks of dimness; indeed, if<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239">239</a></span> -eaten with vinegar, it has the effect of curing the last. Applied -by itself, it heals contusions and other livid spots; and -mixed with a ball of alum in vinegar, it is good as a liniment -for leprosy and itch-scabs: used in this way, too, it prevents -the hair from falling off.</p> - -<p>Epicharmus assures us that, applied topically, cabbage is -extremely beneficial for diseases of the testes and genitals, and -even better still when employed with bruised beans; he says, -too, that it is a cure for convulsions; that, in combination -with rue, it is good for the burning heats of fever and maladies -of the stomach; and that, with rue-seed, it brings away the -after-birth. It is of use, also, for the bite of the shrew-mouse. -Dried cabbage-leaves, reduced to a powder, are a cathartic both -by vomit and by stool.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_35"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 35.—CABBAGE-SPROUTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In all varieties of the cabbage, the part most agreeable to -the taste is the cyma,<a id="FNanchor_1482_1482"></a><a href="#Footnote_1482_1482" class="fnanchor">1482</a> although no use is made of it in medicine, -as it is difficult to digest, and by no means beneficial to -the kidneys. At the same time, too, it should not be omitted, -that the water in which it has been boiled,<a id="FNanchor_1483_1483"></a><a href="#Footnote_1483_1483" class="fnanchor">1483</a> and which is so -highly praised for many purposes, gives out a very bad smell -when poured upon the ground. The ashes of dried cabbage-stalks -are generally reckoned among the caustic substances: -mixed with stale grease, they are employed for sciatica, -and, used as a liniment, in the form of a depilatory, together -with silphium<a id="FNanchor_1484_1484"></a><a href="#Footnote_1484_1484" class="fnanchor">1484</a> and vinegar, they prevent hair that has -been once removed from growing again. These ashes, too, are -taken lukewarm in oil, or else by themselves, for convulsions, -internal ruptures, and the effects of falls with violence.</p> - -<p>And are we to say then that the cabbage is possessed of no -evil qualities whatever? Certainly not, for the same authors -tell us, that it is apt to make the breath smell, and that it is -injurious to the teeth and gums. In Egypt, too, it is never -eaten, on account of its extreme bitterness.<a id="FNanchor_1485_1485"></a><a href="#Footnote_1485_1485" class="fnanchor">1485</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240">240</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_36"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 36.—THE WILD CABBAGE: THIRTY-SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Cato<a id="FNanchor_1486_1486"></a><a href="#Footnote_1486_1486" class="fnanchor">1486</a> extols infinitely more highly the properties of wild or -erratic cabbage;<a id="FNanchor_1487_1487"></a><a href="#Footnote_1487_1487" class="fnanchor">1487</a> so much so, indeed, as to affirm that the -very powder of it, dried and collected in a scent-box, has the -property, on merely smelling at it, of removing maladies of the -nostrils and the bad smells resulting therefrom. Some persons -call this wild cabbage “petræa:”<a id="FNanchor_1488_1488"></a><a href="#Footnote_1488_1488" class="fnanchor">1488</a> it has an extreme antipathy -to wine, so much so, indeed, that the vine invariably<a id="FNanchor_1489_1489"></a><a href="#Footnote_1489_1489" class="fnanchor">1489</a> -avoids it, and if it cannot make its escape, will be sure to die. -This vegetable has leaves of uniform shape, small, rounded, and -smooth: bearing a strong resemblance to the cultivated cabbage, -it is whiter, and has a more downy<a id="FNanchor_1490_1490"></a><a href="#Footnote_1490_1490" class="fnanchor">1490</a> leaf.</p> - -<p>According to Chrysippus, this plant is a remedy for flatulency, -melancholy, and recent wounds, if applied with honey, -and not taken off before the end of six days: beaten up in -water, it is good also for scrofula and fistula. Other writers, -again, say that it is an effectual cure for spreading sores on -the body, known as “nomæ;” that it has the property, also, -of removing excrescences, and of reducing the scars of wounds -and sores; that if chewed raw with honey, it is a cure for -ulcers of the mouth and tonsils; and that a decoction of it used -as a gargle with honey, is productive of the same effect. They -say, too, that, mixed in strong vinegar with alum, in the proportion -of three parts to two of alum, and then applied as a -liniment, it is a cure for itch scabs and leprous sores of long -standing. Epicharmus informs us, that for the bite of a mad -dog, it is quite sufficient to apply it topically to the part affected, -but that if used with silphium and strong vinegar, it is -better still: he says, too, that it will kill a dog, if given to it -with flesh to eat.</p> - -<p>The seed of this plant, parched, is remedial in cases of poisoning,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241">241</a></span> -by the stings of serpents, eating fungi, and drinking bulls’ -blood. The leaves of it, either boiled and taken in the food -or else eaten raw, or applied with a liniment of sulphur and -nitre, are good for affections of the spleen, as well as hard tumours -of the mamillæ. In swelling of the uvula, if the parts -affected are only touched with the ashes of the root, a cure will -be the result; and applied topically with honey, they are -equally beneficial for reducing swellings of the parotid glands, -and curing the stings of serpents. We will add only one more -proof of the virtues of the cabbage, and that a truly marvellous -one—in all vessels in which water is boiled, the incrustations -which adhere with such tenacity that it is otherwise impossible -to detach them, will fall off immediately if a cabbage is boiled -therein.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_37"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 37.—THE LAPSANA: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the wild cabbages, we find also the lapsana,<a id="FNanchor_1491_1491"></a><a href="#Footnote_1491_1491" class="fnanchor">1491</a> a plant -which grows a foot in height, has a hairy leaf, and strongly -resembles mustard, were it not that the blossom is whiter. It -is eaten cooked, and has the property of soothing and gently -relaxing the bowels.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_38"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 38.—THE SEA-CABBAGE: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Sea-cabbage<a id="FNanchor_1492_1492"></a><a href="#Footnote_1492_1492" class="fnanchor">1492</a> is the most strongly purgative of all these -plants. It is cooked, in consequence of its extreme pungency, -with fat meat, and is extremely detrimental to the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_39"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 39.—THE SQUILL: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In medicine, we give the name of white squill to the male -plant, and of black<a id="FNanchor_1493_1493"></a><a href="#Footnote_1493_1493" class="fnanchor">1493</a> to the female: the whiter the squill, the -better it is for medicinal<a id="FNanchor_1494_1494"></a><a href="#Footnote_1494_1494" class="fnanchor">1494</a> purposes. The dry coats being first -taken off of it, the remaining part, or so much of it as retains -life, is cut into pieces, which are then strung and suspended<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242">242</a></span> -on a string, at short distances from each other. After these -pieces are thoroughly dried, they are thrown into a jar of the -very strongest vinegar, suspended in such a way, however, as -not to touch any portion of the vessel. This is done forty-eight -days before the summer solstice. The mouth of the jar is then -tightly sealed with plaster; after which it is placed beneath -some tiles which receive the rays of the sun the whole day -through. At the end of forty-eight days the vessel is removed, -the squills are taken out of it, and the vinegar poured into -another jar.</p> - -<p>This vinegar has the effect of sharpening the eyesight, and, -taken every other day, is good for pains in the stomach and -sides: the strength of it, however, is so great, that if taken in -too large a quantity, it will for some moments produce all the -appearance of death. Squills, too, if chewed by themselves -even, are good for the gums and teeth; and taken in vinegar -and honey they expel tapeworm and other intestinal worms. -Put fresh beneath the tongue, they prevent persons afflicted -with dropsy from experiencing thirst.</p> - -<p>Squills are cooked in various ways; either in a pot with a -lining of clay or grease, which is put into an oven or furnace, -or else cut into pieces and stewed in a saucepan. They are -dried also in a raw state, and then cut into pieces and boiled -with vinegar; in which case, they are employed as a liniment -for the stings of serpents. Sometimes, again, they are roasted -and then cleaned; after which, the middle of the bulb is -boiled again in water.</p> - -<p>When thus boiled, they are used for dropsy, as a diuretic, -being taken in doses of three oboli, with oxymel: they are -employed also in a similar manner for affections of the spleen, -and of the stomach, when it is too weak to digest the food, -provided no ulcerations have made their appearance; also for -gripings of the bowels, jaundice, and inveterate cough, accompanied -with asthma. A cataplasm of squill leaves, taken off -at the end of four days, has the effect of dispersing scrofulous -swellings of the neck; and a decoction of squills in oil, applied -as a liniment, is a cure for dandriff and running ulcers of the -head.</p> - -<p>Squills are boiled with honey also for the table, with the -view of aiding the digestion more particularly; used in this -way, too, they act upon the inside as a purgative. Boiled<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243">243</a></span> -with oil, and then mixed with resin, they are a cure for chaps -on the feet; and the seed, mixed with honey, is applied topically, -for the cure of lumbago. Pythagoras says that a -squill, suspended at the threshold of the door, effectually shuts -all access to evil spells and incantations.<a id="FNanchor_1495_1495"></a><a href="#Footnote_1495_1495" class="fnanchor">1495</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_40"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 40.—BULBS: THIRTY REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Bulbs,<a id="FNanchor_1496_1496"></a><a href="#Footnote_1496_1496" class="fnanchor">1496</a> steeped in vinegar and sulphur, are good for the cure -of wounds in the face;<a id="FNanchor_1497_1497"></a><a href="#Footnote_1497_1497" class="fnanchor">1497</a> beaten up and used alone, they are -beneficial for contractions of the sinews, mixed with wine, -for porrigo, and used with honey, for the bites of dogs; in this -last case, however, Erasistratus says that they ought to be -mixed with pitch. The same author states that, applied topically -with honey, they stanch the flowing of blood; other -writers say, however, that in cases of bleeding at the nose, -coriander and meal should be employed in combination with -them. Theodorus prescribes bulbs in vinegar for the cure of -lichens, and for eruptions in the head he recommends bulbs -mixed with astringent wine, or an egg beaten up; he treats -defluxions of the eyes also with bulbs, applied topically, and -uses a similar method for the cure of ophthalmia. The red -bulbs more particularly, will cause spots in the face to disappear, -if rubbed upon them with honey and nitre in the sun; -and applied with wine or boiled cucumber they will remove -freckles. Used either by themselves, or as Damion recommends, -in combination with honied wine, they are remarkably -efficacious for the cure of wounds, care being taken, however, -not to remove the application till the end of four days. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244">244</a></span> -same author prescribes them, too, for the cure of fractured -ears, and collections of crude humours in the testes.<a id="FNanchor_1498_1498"></a><a href="#Footnote_1498_1498" class="fnanchor">1498</a></p> - -<p>For pains in the joints, bulbs are used with meal; boiled -in wine, and applied to the abdomen, they reduce hard swellings -of the viscera. In dysentery, they are given in wine mixed -with rain water; and for convulsions of the intestines they -are employed, in combination with silphium, in pills the size of -a bean: bruised, they are employed externally, for the purpose -of checking perspirations. Bulbs are good, too, for the sinews, -for which reason it is that they are given to paralytic patients. -The red bulb, mixed with honey and salt, heals sprains of the -feet with great rapidity. The bulbs of Megara<a id="FNanchor_1499_1499"></a><a href="#Footnote_1499_1499" class="fnanchor">1499</a> act as a strong -aphrodisiac, and garden bulbs, taken with boiled must or raisin -wine, aid delivery.</p> - -<p>Wild bulbs, made up into pills with silphium, effect the -cure of wounds and other affections of the intestines. The -seed, too, of the cultivated kinds is taken in wine as a cure -for the bite of the phalangium,<a id="FNanchor_1500_1500"></a><a href="#Footnote_1500_1500" class="fnanchor">1500</a> and the bulbs themselves -are applied in vinegar for the cure of the stings of serpents. -The ancients used to give bulb-seed to persons afflicted with -madness, in drink. The blossom, beaten up, removes spots -upon the legs, as well as scorches produced by fire. Diocles -is of opinion that the sight is impaired by the use of bulbs; -he adds, too, that when boiled they are not so wholesome as -roasted, and that, of whatever nature they may be, they are -difficult of digestion.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_41"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 41.—BULBINE; ONE REMEDY. BULB EMETIC.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Greeks give the name bulbine<a id="FNanchor_1501_1501"></a><a href="#Footnote_1501_1501" class="fnanchor">1501</a> to a plant with leaves -resembling those of the leek, and a red bulbous root. This -plant, it is said, is marvellously good for wounds, but only -when they are of recent date. The bulbous plant known as -the “emetic” bulb,<a id="FNanchor_1502_1502"></a><a href="#Footnote_1502_1502" class="fnanchor">1502</a> from the effects which it produces, has -dark leaves,<a id="FNanchor_1503_1503"></a><a href="#Footnote_1503_1503" class="fnanchor">1503</a> and longer than those of the other kinds.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245">245</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_42"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 42. (10.)—GARDEN ASPARAGUS; WITH THE NEXT -TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Asparagus<a id="FNanchor_1504_1504"></a><a href="#Footnote_1504_1504" class="fnanchor">1504</a> is said to be extremely wholesome as an aliment -to the stomach. With the addition of cummin, it dispels -flatulency of the stomach and colon; it sharpens the eyesight -also, acts as a mild aperient upon the stomach, and, boiled with -wine, is good for pains in the chest and spine, and diseases of -the intestines. For pains in the loins and kidneys asparagus-seed<a id="FNanchor_1505_1505"></a><a href="#Footnote_1505_1505" class="fnanchor">1505</a> -is administered in doses of three oboli, taken with an -equal proportion of cummin-seed. It acts as an aphrodisiac, -and is an extremely useful diuretic, except that it has a tendency -to ulcerate the bladder.<a id="FNanchor_1506_1506"></a><a href="#Footnote_1506_1506" class="fnanchor">1506</a></p> - -<p>The root, also, pounded and taken in white wine, is highly -extolled by some writers, as having the effect of disengaging -calculi, and of soothing pains in the loins and kidneys; -there are some persons, too, who administer this root with -sweet wine for pains in the uterus. Boiled in vinegar the -root is very beneficial in cases of elephantiasis. It is said that -if a person is rubbed with asparagus beaten up in oil, he will -never be stung by bees.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_43"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 43.—CORRUDA, LIBYCUM, OR ORMINUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wild asparagus is by some persons called “corruda,” by -others “libycum,” and by the people of Attica “orminus.”<a id="FNanchor_1507_1507"></a><a href="#Footnote_1507_1507" class="fnanchor">1507</a> -For all the affections above enumerated it is more efficacious -even than the cultivated kind, that which is white<a id="FNanchor_1508_1508"></a><a href="#Footnote_1508_1508" class="fnanchor">1508</a> more -particularly. This vegetable has the effect of dispelling the -jaundice, and a decoction of it, in doses of one hemina, is -recommended as an aphrodisiac; a similar effect is produced -also by a mixture of asparagus seed and dill in doses of three<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246">246</a></span> -oboli respectively. A decoction of asparagus juice is given -also for the stings of serpents; and the root of it, mixed with -that of marathrum,<a id="FNanchor_1509_1509"></a><a href="#Footnote_1509_1509" class="fnanchor">1509</a> is reckoned in the number of the most -valuable remedies we are acquainted with.</p> - -<p>In cases of hæmaturia, Chrysippus recommends a mixture -of asparagus, parsley, and cummin seed, to be given to the -patient every five days, in doses of three oboli, mixed with -two cyathi of wine. He says, however, that though employed -this way, it is a good diuretic, it is bad for dropsy, and -acts as an antaphrodisiac; and that it is injurious to the -bladder, unless it is boiled first.<a id="FNanchor_1510_1510"></a><a href="#Footnote_1510_1510" class="fnanchor">1510</a> He states also, that if the -water in which it is boiled is given to dogs, it will kill them;<a id="FNanchor_1511_1511"></a><a href="#Footnote_1511_1511" class="fnanchor">1511</a> -and that the juice of the root boiled in wine, kept in the mouth, -is an effectual cure for tooth-ache.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_44"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 44. (11.)—PARSLEY; SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Parsley<a id="FNanchor_1512_1512"></a><a href="#Footnote_1512_1512" class="fnanchor">1512</a> is held in universal esteem; for we find sprigs of -it swimming in the draughts of milk given us to drink in -country-places; and we know that as a seasoning for sauces, it -is looked upon with peculiar favour. Applied to the eyes with -honey, which must also be fomented from time to time with a -warm decoction of it, it has a most marvellous efficacy in cases -of defluxion of those organs or of other parts of the body; as -also when beaten up and applied by itself, or in combination -with bread or with polenta. Fish, too, when found to be in -an ailing state in the preserves, are greatly refreshed by -giving them green parsley. As to the opinions entertained -upon it among the learned, there is not a single production -dug out of the earth in reference to which a greater diversity -exists.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247">247</a></span></p> - -<p>Parsley is distinguished as male and female:<a id="FNanchor_1513_1513"></a><a href="#Footnote_1513_1513" class="fnanchor">1513</a> according to -Chrysippus, the female plant has a hard leaf and more curled -than the other, a thick stem, and an acrid, hot taste. Dionysius -says, that the female is darker than the other kind, -has a shorter root, and engenders small worms.<a id="FNanchor_1514_1514"></a><a href="#Footnote_1514_1514" class="fnanchor">1514</a> Both of -these writers, however, agree in saying that neither kind of -parsley should be admitted into the number of our aliments; -indeed, they look upon it as nothing less than sacrilege to do so, -seeing that parsley is consecrated to the funereal feasts in honour -of the dead. They say, too, that it is injurious to the eyesight, -that the stalk of the female plant engenders small worms, -for which reason it is that those who eat of it become barren—males -as well as females; and that children suckled by females -who live on a parsley diet, are sure to be epileptic. They -agree, however, in stating that the male plant is not so injurious -in its effects as the female, and that it is for this reason -that it is not absolutely condemned and classed among the forbidden -plants. The leaves of it, employed as a cataplasm, are -used for dispersing hard tumours<a id="FNanchor_1515_1515"></a><a href="#Footnote_1515_1515" class="fnanchor">1515</a> in the mamillæ; and when -boiled in water, it makes it more agreeable to drink. The -juice of the root more particularly, mixed with wine, allays -the pains of lumbago, and, injected into the ears, it diminishes -hardness of hearing. The seed of it acts as a diuretic, promotes -the menstrual discharge, and brings away the after-birth.</p> - -<p>Bruises and livid spots, if fomented with a decoction of -parsley-seed, will resume their natural colour. Applied topically, -with the white of egg, or boiled in water, and then -drunk, it is remedial for affections of the kidneys; and beaten -up in cold water it is a cure for ulcers of the mouth. The -seed, mixed with wine, or the root, taken with old wine, has -the effect of breaking calculi in the bladder. The seed, too, -is given in white wine, to persons afflicted with the jaundice.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_45"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 45.—APIASTRUM, OR MELISSOPHYLLUM. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Hyginus gave the name of “apiastrum” to melissophyllum:<a id="FNanchor_1516_1516"></a><a href="#Footnote_1516_1516" class="fnanchor">1516</a> -but that which grows in Sardinia is poisonous, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248">248</a></span> -universally condemned. I speak here of this plant, because -I feel it my duty to place before the reader every object which -has been classified, among the Greeks, under the same name.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_46"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 46.—OLUSATRUM OR HIPPOSELINON: ELEVEN REMEDIES. -OREOSELINON; TWO REMEDIES. HELIOSELINON; ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Olusatrum,<a id="FNanchor_1517_1517"></a><a href="#Footnote_1517_1517" class="fnanchor">1517</a> usually known as hipposelinon,<a id="FNanchor_1518_1518"></a><a href="#Footnote_1518_1518" class="fnanchor">1518</a> is particularly -repulsive to scorpions. The seed of it, taken in drink, -is a cure for gripings in the stomach and intestinal complaints, -and a decoction of the seed, drunk in honied wine, is curative -in cases of dysuria.<a id="FNanchor_1519_1519"></a><a href="#Footnote_1519_1519" class="fnanchor">1519</a> The root of the plant, boiled in wine, -expels calculi of the bladder, and is a cure for lumbago and -pains in the sides. Taken in drink and applied topically, it -is a cure for the bite of a mad dog, and the juice of it, when -drunk, is warming for persons benumbed with cold.</p> - -<p>Some persons make out oreoselinon<a id="FNanchor_1520_1520"></a><a href="#Footnote_1520_1520" class="fnanchor">1520</a> to be a fourth species -of parsley: it is a shrub about a palm in height, with an elongated -seed, bearing a strong resemblance to that of cummin, -and efficacious for the urine and the catamenia. Helioselinon<a id="FNanchor_1521_1521"></a><a href="#Footnote_1521_1521" class="fnanchor">1521</a> -is possessed of peculiar virtues against the bites of -spiders: and oreoselinon is used with wine for promoting the -menstrual discharge.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_47"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 47. (12.)—PETROSELINON; ONE REMEDY. BUSELINON; -ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Another kind again, which grows in rocky places, is known -by some persons as “petroselinon:”<a id="FNanchor_1522_1522"></a><a href="#Footnote_1522_1522" class="fnanchor">1522</a> it is particularly good -for abscesses, taken in doses of two spoonfuls of the juice to -one cyathus of juice of horehound, mixed with three cyathi of -warm water. Some writers have added buselinon<a id="FNanchor_1523_1523"></a><a href="#Footnote_1523_1523" class="fnanchor">1523</a> to the list,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249">249</a></span> -which differs only from the cultivated kind in the shortness -of the stalk and the red colour of the root, the medicinal -properties being just the same. Taken in drink or applied -topically, it is an excellent remedy for the stings of -serpents.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_48"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 48.—OCIMUM; THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Chrysippus has exclaimed as strongly, too, against ocimum<a id="FNanchor_1524_1524"></a><a href="#Footnote_1524_1524" class="fnanchor">1524</a> -as he has against parsley, declaring that it is prejudicial to the -stomach and the free discharge of the urine, and is injurious -to the sight; that it produces insanity, too, and lethargy, as -well as diseases of the liver; and that it is for this reason that -goats refuse to touch it. Hence he comes to the conclusion, -that the use of it ought to be avoided by man. Some persons -go so far as to say, that if beaten up, and then placed beneath -a stone, a scorpion will breed there;<a id="FNanchor_1525_1525"></a><a href="#Footnote_1525_1525" class="fnanchor">1525</a> and that if chewed, and -then placed in the sun, worms will breed in it. The people of -Africa maintain, too, that if a person is stung by a scorpion -the same day on which he has eaten ocimum, his life cannot -possibly be saved. Even more than this, there are some who -assert, that if a handful of ocimum is beaten up with ten sea -or river crabs, all the scorpions in the vicinity will be attracted -to it. Diodotus, too, in his Book of Recipes,<a id="FNanchor_1526_1526"></a><a href="#Footnote_1526_1526" class="fnanchor">1526</a> says, that -ocimum, used as an article of food, breeds lice.</p> - -<p>Succeeding ages, again, have warmly defended this plant; it -has been maintained, for instance, that goats do eat it, that -the mind of no one who has eaten of it is at all affected, and, -that mixed with wine, with the addition of a little vinegar, it is -a cure for the stings of land scorpions, and the venom of those -found in the sea. Experience has proved, too, that the smell -of this plant in vinegar is good for fainting fits and lethargy,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250">250</a></span> -as well as inflammations; that employed as a cooling liniment, -with rose oil, myrtle oil, or vinegar, it is good for head-ache; -and that applied topically with wine, it is beneficial for -defluxions of the eyes. It has been found also, that it is good -for the stomach; that taken with vinegar, it dispels flatulent -eructations; that applications of it arrest fluxes of the bowels; -that it acts as a diuretic, and that in this way it is good for -jaundice and dropsy, as well as cholera and looseness of the -bowels.</p> - -<p>Hence it is that Philistio has prescribed it even for cœliac -affections, and boiled, for dysentery. Some persons, too, -though contrary to the opinion of Plistonicus, have given it -in wine for tenesmus and spitting of blood, as also for obstructions -of the viscera. It is employed, too, as a liniment -for the mamillæ, and has the effect of arresting the secretion -of the milk. It is very good also for the ears of infants, when -applied with goose-grease more particularly. The seed of it, -beaten up, and inhaled into the nostrils, is provocative of -sneezing, and applied as a liniment to the head, of running -at the nostrils: taken in the food, too, with vinegar, it purges -the uterus. Mixed with copperas<a id="FNanchor_1527_1527"></a><a href="#Footnote_1527_1527" class="fnanchor">1527</a> it removes warts. It acts, -also, as an aphrodisiac, for which reason it is given to horses -and asses at the season for covering.</p> - -<p>(13.) Wild ocimum has exactly the same properties in every -respect, though in a more active degree. It is particularly -good, too, for the various affections produced by excessive vomiting, -and for abscesses of the womb. The root, mixed with -wine, is extremely efficacious for bites inflicted by wild -beasts.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_49"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 49.—ROCKET: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The seed of rocket<a id="FNanchor_1528_1528"></a><a href="#Footnote_1528_1528" class="fnanchor">1528</a> is remedial for the venom of the scorpion -and the shrew-mouse: it repels, too, all parasitical insects -which breed on the human body, and applied to the face, -as a liniment, with honey, removes<a id="FNanchor_1529_1529"></a><a href="#Footnote_1529_1529" class="fnanchor">1529</a> spots upon the skin. -Used with vinegar, too, it is a cure for freckles; and mixed -with ox-gall it restores the livid marks left by wounds to their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251">251</a></span> -natural colour. It is said that if this plant is taken in wine -by persons who are about to undergo a flogging, it will impart -a certain degree of insensibility to the body. So agreeable is -its flavour as a savouring for food, that the Greeks have given -it the name of “euzomon.”<a id="FNanchor_1530_1530"></a><a href="#Footnote_1530_1530" class="fnanchor">1530</a> It is generally thought that -rocket, lightly bruised, and employed as a fomentation for the -eyes, will restore the sight to its original goodness, and that -it allays coughs in young infants. The root of it, boiled in -water, has the property of extracting the splinters of broken -bones.</p> - -<p>As to the properties of rocket as an aphrodisiac, we have -mentioned them already.<a id="FNanchor_1531_1531"></a><a href="#Footnote_1531_1531" class="fnanchor">1531</a> Three leaves of wild rocket -plucked with the left hand, beaten up in hydromel, and then -taken in drink, are productive of a similar effect.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_50"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 50.—NASTURTIUM: FORTY-TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Nasturtium,<a id="FNanchor_1532_1532"></a><a href="#Footnote_1532_1532" class="fnanchor">1532</a> on the other hand, is an antiaphrodisiac;<a id="FNanchor_1533_1533"></a><a href="#Footnote_1533_1533" class="fnanchor">1533</a> it -has the effect also of sharpening the senses, as already stated.<a id="FNanchor_1534_1534"></a><a href="#Footnote_1534_1534" class="fnanchor">1534</a> -There are two<a id="FNanchor_1535_1535"></a><a href="#Footnote_1535_1535" class="fnanchor">1535</a> varieties of this plant: one of them is purgative, -and, taken in doses of one denarius to seven of water, -carries off the bilious secretions. Applied as a liniment to -scrofulous sores, with bean-meal, and then covered with a -cabbage-leaf, it is a most excellent remedy. The other kind, -which is darker than the first, has the effect of carrying off -vicious humours of the head, and sharpening the sight: taken -in vinegar it calms the troubled spirits, and, drunk with wine -or taken in a fig, it is good for affections of the spleen; taken -in honey, too, fasting daily, it is good for a cough. The seed -of it, taken in wine, expels all kinds of intestinal worms, and -with the addition of wild mint, it acts more efficaciously -still. It is good, too, for asthma and cough, in combination -with wild marjoram and sweet wine; and a decoction of -it in goats’ milk is used for pains in the chest. Mixed with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252">252</a></span> -pitch it disperses tumours, and extracts thorns from the body; -and, employed as a liniment, with vinegar, it removes spots -upon the body. When used for the cure of carcinoma, white -of eggs is added to it. With vinegar it is employed also as -a liniment for affections of the spleen, and with honey it is -found to be very useful for the complaints of infants.</p> - -<p>Sextius adds, that the smell of burnt nasturtium drives -away serpents, neutralizes the venom of scorpions, and gives -relief in head-ache; with the addition too, of mustard, he says, -it is a cure for alopecy, and applied to the ears with a fig, it -is a remedy for hardness of hearing. The juice of it, he says, -if injected into the ears, will effect the cure of tooth-ache, and -employed with goose-grease it is a remedy for porrigo and -ulcerous sores of the head. Applied with leaven it brings -boils<a id="FNanchor_1536_1536"></a><a href="#Footnote_1536_1536" class="fnanchor">1536</a> to a head, and makes carbuncles suppurate and break: -used with honey, too, it is good for cleansing phagedænic -ulcers. Topical applications are made of it, combined with -vinegar and polenta, in cases of sciatica and lumbago: it is -similarly employed, too, for lichens and malformed<a id="FNanchor_1537_1537"></a><a href="#Footnote_1537_1537" class="fnanchor">1537</a> nails, -its qualities being naturally caustic. The best nasturtium of -all is that of Babylonia; the wild<a id="FNanchor_1538_1538"></a><a href="#Footnote_1538_1538" class="fnanchor">1538</a> variety possesses the same -qualities as the cultivated in every respect, but in a more -powerful degree.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_51"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 51.—RUE: EIGHTY-FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>One of the most active, however, of all the medicinal -plants, is rue.<a id="FNanchor_1539_1539"></a><a href="#Footnote_1539_1539" class="fnanchor">1539</a> The cultivated kind has broader leaves and -more numerous branches than the other. Wild rue is more -violent in its effects, and more active in every respect. The -juice of it is extracted by beating it up, and moistening it -moderately with water; after which it is kept for use in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253">253</a></span> -boxes of Cyprian copper. Given in large doses, this juice has -all the baneful effects of poison,<a id="FNanchor_1540_1540"></a><a href="#Footnote_1540_1540" class="fnanchor">1540</a> and that of Macedonia more -particularly, which grows on the banks of the river Aliacmon.<a id="FNanchor_1541_1541"></a><a href="#Footnote_1541_1541" class="fnanchor">1541</a> -It is a truly wonderful thing, but the juice of hemlock -has the property of neutralizing its effects. Thus do we find -one thing acting as the poison of another poison, for the juice -of hemlock is very beneficial, rubbed upon the hands and -face<a id="FNanchor_1542_1542"></a><a href="#Footnote_1542_1542" class="fnanchor">1542</a> of persons employed in gathering rue.</p> - -<p>In other respects, rue is one of the principal ingredients -employed in antidotes, that of Galatia more particularly. -Every species of rue, employed by itself, has the effect also of -an antidote, if the leaves are bruised and taken in wine. It -is good more particularly in cases of poisoning by wolf’sbane<a id="FNanchor_1543_1543"></a><a href="#Footnote_1543_1543" class="fnanchor">1543</a> -and mistletoe, as well as by fungi, whether administered in the -drink or the food. Employed in a similar manner, it is good -for the stings of serpents; so much so, in fact, that weasels,<a id="FNanchor_1544_1544"></a><a href="#Footnote_1544_1544" class="fnanchor">1544</a> -when about to attack them, take the precaution first of protecting -themselves by eating rue. Rue is good, too, for the -injuries by scorpions and spiders, the stings of bees, hornets, -and wasps, the noxious effects produced by cantharides and -salamanders,<a id="FNanchor_1545_1545"></a><a href="#Footnote_1545_1545" class="fnanchor">1545</a> and the bites of mad dogs. The juice is taken -in doses of one acetabulum, in wine; and the leaves, beaten -up or else chewed, are applied topically, with honey and -salt, or boiled with vinegar and pitch. It is said that people -rubbed with the juice of rue, or even having it on their person, -are never attacked by these noxious creatures, and that -serpents are driven away by the stench of burning rue. The -most efficacious, however, of all, is the root of wild rue, taken -with wine; this too, it is said, is more beneficial still, if -drunk in the open air.</p> - -<p>Pythagoras has distinguished this plant also into male and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254">254</a></span> -female, the former having smaller leaves than the other, and -of a grass-green colour; the female plant, he says, has leaves -of a larger size and a more vivid hue. The same author, too, -has considered rue to be injurious to the eyes; but this is an -error, for engravers and painters are in the habit of eating it -with bread, or else nasturtium, for the benefit of the sight; -wild goats, too, eat it for the sight, they say. Many persons -have dispersed films on the eyes by rubbing them with a mixture -of the juice of rue with Attic honey, or the milk of a -woman just delivered of a male child: the same result has -been produced also by touching the corners of the eyes with -the pure juice of the plant. Applied topically, with polenta, -rue carries off defluxions of the eyes; and, taken with wine, -or applied topically with vinegar and rose oil, it is a cure for -head-ache. If, however, the pain attacks the whole of the -head,<a id="FNanchor_1546_1546"></a><a href="#Footnote_1546_1546" class="fnanchor">1546</a> the rue should be applied with barley-meal and vinegar. -This plant has the effect also of dispelling crudities, -flatulency, and inveterate pains of the stomach; it opens the -uterus, too, and restores it when displaced; for which purpose -it is applied as a liniment, with honey, to the whole of the -abdomen and chest. Mixed with figs, and boiled down to -one half, it is administered in wine for dropsy; and it is taken -in a similar manner for pains of the chest, sides, and loins, as -well as for coughs, asthma, and affections of the lungs, liver, and -kidneys, and for shivering fits. Persons about to indulge in -wine, take a decoction of the leaves, to prevent head-ache and -surfeit. Taken in food, too, it is wholesome, whether eaten -raw or boiled, or used as a confection; boiled with hyssop, -and taken with wine, it is good for gripings of the stomach. -Employed in the same way, it arrests internal hæmorrhage, -and, applied to the nostrils, bleeding at the nose: it is beneficial -also to the teeth if rinsed with it. In cases of ear-ache, this -juice is injected into the ears, care being taken to moderate -the dose, as already stated, if wild rue is employed. For -hardness of hearing, too, and singing in the ears, it is similarly -employed in combination with oil of roses, or oil of laurel, -or else cummin and honey.</p> - -<p>Juice of rue pounded in vinegar, is applied also to the -temples and the region of the brain in persons affected with -phrenitis; some persons, however, have added to this mixture<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255">255</a></span> -wild thyme and laurel leaves, rubbing the head and neck as -well with the liniment. It has been given in vinegar to -lethargic patients to smell at, and a decoction of it is administered -for epilepsy, in doses of four cyathi, as also just before -the attacks in fever of intolerable chills. It is likewise -given raw to persons for shivering fits. Rue is a provocative<a id="FNanchor_1547_1547"></a><a href="#Footnote_1547_1547" class="fnanchor">1547</a> -of the urine to bleeding even: it promotes the menstrual -discharge, also, and brings away the after-birth, as -well as the dead fœtus even, according to Hippocrates,<a id="FNanchor_1548_1548"></a><a href="#Footnote_1548_1548" class="fnanchor">1548</a> if -taken in sweet red wine. The same author, also, recommends -applications of it, as well as fumigations, for affections of the -uterus.</p> - -<p>For cardiac diseases, Diocles prescribes applications of rue, -in combination with vinegar, honey, and barley-meal: and -for the iliac passion, he says that it should be mixed with -meal, boiled in oil, and spread upon the wool of a sheep’s -fleece. Many persons recommend, for purulent expectorations, -two drachmæ of dried rue to one and a half of sulphur; and, -for spitting of blood, a decoction of three sprigs in wine. It is -given also in dysentery, with cheese, the rue being first beaten -up in wine; and it has been prescribed, pounded with bitumen, -as a potion for habitual shortness of breath. For persons suffering -from violent falls, three ounces of the seed is recommended. -A pound of oil, in which rue leaves have been -boiled, added to one sextarius of wine, forms a liniment for -parts of the body which are frost-bitten. If rue really is a -diuretic, as Hippocrates<a id="FNanchor_1549_1549"></a><a href="#Footnote_1549_1549" class="fnanchor">1549</a> thinks, it is a singular thing that -some persons should give it, as being an anti-diuretic, for the -suppression of incontinence of urine.</p> - -<p>Applied topically, with honey and alum, it cures itch-scabs, -and leprous sores; and, in combination with nightshade and -hogs’-lard, or beef-suet, it is good for morphew, warts, scrofula, -and maladies of a similar nature. Used with vinegar and oil, -or else white lead, it is good for erysipelas; and, applied with -vinegar, for carbuncles. Some persons prescribe silphium -also as an ingredient in the liniment; but it is not employed -by them for the cure of the pustules known as epinyctis. -Boiled rue is recommended, also, as a cataplasm for swellings<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256">256</a></span> -of the mamillæ, and, combined with wax, for eruptions of -pituitous matter.<a id="FNanchor_1550_1550"></a><a href="#Footnote_1550_1550" class="fnanchor">1550</a> It is applied with tender sprigs of laurel, in -cases of defluxion of the testes; and it exercises so peculiar an -effect upon those organs, that old rue, it is said, employed in -a liniment, with axle-grease, is a cure for hernia. The -seed pounded, and applied with wax, is remedial also for -broken limbs. The root of this plant, applied topically, is a -cure for effusion of blood in the eyes, and, employed as a liniment, -it removes scars or spots on all parts of the body.</p> - -<p>Among the other properties which are attributed to rue, it -is a singular fact, that, though it is universally agreed that it -is hot by nature, a bunch of it, boiled in rose-oil, with the -addition of an ounce of aloes, has the effect of checking the -perspiration in those who rub themselves with it; and that, -used as an aliment, it impedes the generative functions. -Hence it is, that it is so often given in cases of spermatorrhœa, -and where persons are subject to lascivious dreams. Every precaution -should be taken by pregnant women to abstain from -rue as an article of diet, for I find it stated that it is productive -of fatal results to the fœtus.<a id="FNanchor_1551_1551"></a><a href="#Footnote_1551_1551" class="fnanchor">1551</a></p> - -<p>Of all the plants that are grown, rue is the one that is most -generally employed for the maladies of cattle, whether arising -from difficulty of respiration, or from the stings of noxious -creatures—in which cases it is injected with wine into the -nostrils—or whether they may happen to have swallowed a -horse-leech, under which circumstances it is administered in -vinegar. In all other maladies of cattle, the rue is prepared -just as for man in a similar case.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_52"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 52. (14.)—WILD MINT: TWENTY REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Mentastrum, or wild mint,<a id="FNanchor_1552_1552"></a><a href="#Footnote_1552_1552" class="fnanchor">1552</a> differs from the other kind in -the appearance of the leaves, which have the form of those of -ocimum and the colour of pennyroyal; for which reason, some -persons, in fact, give it the name of wild pennyroyal.<a id="FNanchor_1553_1553"></a><a href="#Footnote_1553_1553" class="fnanchor">1553</a> The -leaves of this plant, chewed and applied topically, are a cure -for elephantiasis; a discovery which was accidentally made in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257">257</a></span> -the time of Pompeius Magnus, by a person affected with this -malady covering his face with the leaves for the purpose of -neutralizing the bad smell that arose therefrom. These leaves -are employed also as a liniment, and in drink, with a mixture -of salt, oil, and vinegar, for the stings of scorpions; and, in -doses of two drachmæ to two cyathi of wine, for those of scolopendræ -and serpents. A decoction, too, of the juice is given -for the sting of the scolopendra.<a id="FNanchor_1554_1554"></a><a href="#Footnote_1554_1554" class="fnanchor">1554</a> Leaves of wild mint are -kept, dried and reduced to a fine powder, as a remedy for -poisons of every description. Spread on the ground or burnt, -this plant has the effect of driving away scorpions.</p> - -<p>Taken in drink, wild mint carries off the lochia in females -after parturition; but, if taken before, it is fatal to the fœtus, -It is extremely efficacious in cases of rupture and convulsions, -and, though in a somewhat less degree, for orthopnœa,<a id="FNanchor_1555_1555"></a><a href="#Footnote_1555_1555" class="fnanchor">1555</a> gripings -of the bowels, and cholera: it is good, too, as a topical application -for lumbago and gout. The juice of it is injected into -the ears for worms breeding there; it is taken also for jaundice, -and is employed in liniments for scrofulous sores. It -prevents<a id="FNanchor_1556_1556"></a><a href="#Footnote_1556_1556" class="fnanchor">1556</a> the recurrence of lascivious dreams; and taken in -vinegar, it expels tape-worm.<a id="FNanchor_1557_1557"></a><a href="#Footnote_1557_1557" class="fnanchor">1557</a> For the cure of porrigo, it is -put in vinegar, and the head is washed with the mixture in -the sun.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_53"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 53.—MINT: FORTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The very smell of mint<a id="FNanchor_1558_1558"></a><a href="#Footnote_1558_1558" class="fnanchor">1558</a> reanimates the spirits, and its -flavour gives a remarkable zest to food: hence it is that it is -so generally an ingredient in our sauces. It has the effect of -preventing milk from turning sour, or curdling and thickening; -hence it is that it is so generally put into milk used for drinking, -to prevent any danger of persons being choked<a id="FNanchor_1559_1559"></a><a href="#Footnote_1559_1559" class="fnanchor">1559</a> by it in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258">258</a></span> -curdled state. It is administered also for this purpose in -water or honied wine. It is generally thought, too, that it is -in consequence of this property that it impedes generation, by -preventing the seminal fluids from obtaining the requisite consistency. -In males as well as females it arrests bleeding, and -it has the property, with the latter, of suspending the menstrual -discharge. Taken in water, with amylum,<a id="FNanchor_1560_1560"></a><a href="#Footnote_1560_1560" class="fnanchor">1560</a> it prevents -looseness in cœliac complaints. Syriation employed this plant -for the cure of abscesses of the uterus, and, in doses of -three oboli, with honied wine, for diseases of the liver: he -prescribed it also, in pottage, for spitting of blood. It is an -admirable remedy for ulcerations of the head in children, and -has the effect equally of drying the trachea when too moist, -and of bracing it when too dry. Taken in honied wine and -water, it carries off purulent phlegm.</p> - -<p>The juice of mint is good for the voice when a person is -about to engage in a contest of eloquence, but only when taken -just before. It is employed also with milk as a gargle for -swelling of the uvula, with the addition of rue and coriander. -With alum, too, it is good for the tonsils of the throat, and, -mixed with honey, for roughness of the tongue. Employed -by itself, it is a remedy for internal convulsions and affections -of the lungs. Taken with pomegranate juice, as Democrites -tells us, it arrests hiccup and vomiting. The juice of mint -fresh gathered, inhaled, is a remedy for affections of the nostrils. -Beaten up and taken in vinegar, mint is a cure for -cholera, and for internal fluxes of blood: applied externally, -with polenta, it is remedial for the iliac passion and tension of -the mamillæ. It is applied, too, as a liniment to the temples -for head-ache; and it is taken internally, as an antidote for -the stings of scolopendræ, sea-scorpions, and serpents. As a -liniment it is applied also for defluxions of the eyes, and all -eruptions of the head, as well as maladies of the rectum.</p> - -<p>Mint is an effectual preventive, too, of chafing of the skin, -even if held in the hand only. In combination with honied -wine, it is employed as an injection for the ears. It is said, -too, that this plant will cure affections of the spleen, if tasted -in the garden nine days consecutively, without plucking it, the -person who bites it saying at the same moment that he does -so for the benefit of the spleen: and that, if dried, and reduced<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259">259</a></span> -to powder, a pinch of it with three fingers taken in -water, will cure stomach-ache.<a id="FNanchor_1561_1561"></a><a href="#Footnote_1561_1561" class="fnanchor">1561</a> Sprinkled in this form in -drink, it is said to have the effect of expelling intestinal -worms.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_54"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 54.—PENNYROYAL: TWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Pennyroyal<a id="FNanchor_1562_1562"></a><a href="#Footnote_1562_1562" class="fnanchor">1562</a> partakes with mint, in a very considerable -degree, the property<a id="FNanchor_1563_1563"></a><a href="#Footnote_1563_1563" class="fnanchor">1563</a> of restoring consciousness in fainting fits; -slips of both plants being kept for the purpose in glass bottles<a id="FNanchor_1564_1564"></a><a href="#Footnote_1564_1564" class="fnanchor">1564</a> -filled with vinegar. It is for this reason that Varro has declared -that a wreath of pennyroyal is more worthy to grace -our chambers<a id="FNanchor_1565_1565"></a><a href="#Footnote_1565_1565" class="fnanchor">1565</a> than a chaplet of roses: indeed, it is said that, -placed upon the head, it materially alleviates head-ache.<a id="FNanchor_1566_1566"></a><a href="#Footnote_1566_1566" class="fnanchor">1566</a> -It is generally stated, too, that the smell of it alone will protect -the head against the injurious effects of cold or heat, and -that it acts as a preventive of thirst; also, that persons exposed -to the sun, if they carry a couple of sprigs of pennyroyal -behind the ears, will never be incommoded by the heat. -For various pains, too, it is employed topically, mixed with -polenta and vinegar.</p> - -<p>The female<a id="FNanchor_1567_1567"></a><a href="#Footnote_1567_1567" class="fnanchor">1567</a> plant is the more efficacious of the two; it has -a purple flower, that of the male being white. Taken in cold -water with salt and polenta it arrests nausea, as well as pains -of the chest and abdomen. Taken, too, in water, it prevents -gnawing pains of the stomach, and, with vinegar and polenta, -it arrests vomiting. In combination with salt and vinegar, -and polenta, it loosens the bowels. Taken with boiled honey -and nitre, it is a cure for intestinal complaints. Employed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260">260</a></span> -with wine it is a diuretic, and if the wine is the produce -of the Aminean<a id="FNanchor_1568_1568"></a><a href="#Footnote_1568_1568" class="fnanchor">1568</a> grape, it has the additional effect of dispersing -calculi of the bladder and removing all internal pains. Taken -in conjunction with honey and vinegar, it modifies the menstrual -discharge, and brings away the after-birth, restores the -uterus, when displaced, to its natural position, and expels the -dead<a id="FNanchor_1569_1569"></a><a href="#Footnote_1569_1569" class="fnanchor">1569</a> fœtus. The seed is given to persons to smell at, who -have been suddenly struck dumb, and is prescribed for epileptic -patients in doses of one cyathus, taken in vinegar. If -water is found unwholesome for drinking, bruised pennyroyal -should be sprinkled in it; taken with wine it modifies acridities<a id="FNanchor_1570_1570"></a><a href="#Footnote_1570_1570" class="fnanchor">1570</a> -of the body.</p> - -<p>Mixed with salt, it is employed as a friction for the sinews, -and with honey and vinegar, in cases of opisthotony. Decoctions -of it are prescribed as a drink for persons stung by serpents; and, -beaten up in wine, it is employed for the stings of scorpions, -that which grows in a dry soil in particular. This plant is -looked upon as efficacious also for ulcerations of the mouth, -and for coughs. The blossom of it, fresh gathered, and burnt, -kills fleas<a id="FNanchor_1571_1571"></a><a href="#Footnote_1571_1571" class="fnanchor">1571</a> by its smell. Xenocrates, among the other remedies -which he mentions, says that in tertian fevers, a sprig of -pennyroyal, wrapped in wool, should be given to the patient -to smell at, just before the fit comes on, or else it should be -put under the bed-clothes and laid by the patient’s side.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_55"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 55.—WILD PENNYROYAL: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For all the purposes already mentioned, wild pennyroyal<a id="FNanchor_1572_1572"></a><a href="#Footnote_1572_1572" class="fnanchor">1572</a> -has exactly the same properties, but in a still higher degree. -It bears a strong resemblance to wild marjoram,<a id="FNanchor_1573_1573"></a><a href="#Footnote_1573_1573" class="fnanchor">1573</a> and has a -smaller leaf than the cultivated kind: by some persons it is -known as “dictamnos.”<a id="FNanchor_1574_1574"></a><a href="#Footnote_1574_1574" class="fnanchor">1574</a> When browsed upon by sheep and -goats, it makes them bleat, for which reason, some of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261">261</a></span> -Greeks, changing a single letter in its name, have called it -“blechon,”<a id="FNanchor_1575_1575"></a><a href="#Footnote_1575_1575" class="fnanchor">1575</a> [instead of “glechon.”]</p> - -<p>This plant is naturally so heating as to blister the parts of the -body to which it is applied. For a cough which results from -a chill, it is a good plan for the patient to rub himself with it -before taking the bath; it is similarly employed, too, in shivering -fits, just before the attacks come on, and for convulsions -and gripings of the stomach. It is also remarkably good for -the gout.</p> - -<p>To persons afflicted with spasms, this plant is administered -in drink, in combination with honey and salt; and it renders -expectoration easy in affections of the lungs.<a id="FNanchor_1576_1576"></a><a href="#Footnote_1576_1576" class="fnanchor">1576</a> Taken with -salt it is beneficial for the spleen and bladder, and is curative -of asthma and flatulency. A decoction of it is equally -as good as the juice: it restores the uterus when displaced, and -is prescribed for the sting of either the land or the sea scolopendra, -as well as the scorpion. It is particularly good, too, for -bites inflicted by a human being. The root of it, newly taken -up, is extremely efficacious for corroding ulcers, and in a dried -state tends to efface the deformities produced by scars.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_56"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 56.—NEP: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Nep<a id="FNanchor_1577_1577"></a><a href="#Footnote_1577_1577" class="fnanchor">1577</a> has also some affinity in its effects with pennyroyal. -Boiled down in water to one third, these plants dispel sudden -chills: they promote the menstrual discharge also in females, -and allay excessive heats in summer. Nep possesses certain -virtues against the stings of serpents; at the very smoke and -smell of it they will instantly take to flight, and persons who have -to sleep in places where they are apprehensive of them, will do -well to place it beneath them. Bruised, it is employed topically -for lacrymal fistulas<a id="FNanchor_1578_1578"></a><a href="#Footnote_1578_1578" class="fnanchor">1578</a> of the eye: fresh gathered and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262">262</a></span> -mixed in vinegar with one third part of bread, it is applied -as a liniment for head-ache. The juice of it, injected into -the nostrils, with the head thrown back, arrests bleeding at -the nose, and the root has a similar effect. This last is employed -also, with myrtle-seed, in warm raisin wine, as a gargle -for the cure of quinsy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_57"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 57.—CUMMIN: FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. WILD CUMMIN: -TWENTY-SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wild cummin is a remarkably slender plant, consisting of -four or five leaves indented like a saw; like the cultivated<a id="FNanchor_1579_1579"></a><a href="#Footnote_1579_1579" class="fnanchor">1579</a> -kind, it is much employed in medicine, among the stomachic -remedies more particularly. Bruised and taken with bread, -or else drunk in wine and water, it dispels phlegm and flatulency, -as well as gripings of the bowels and pains in the intestines. -Both varieties have the effect, however, of producing -paleness<a id="FNanchor_1580_1580"></a><a href="#Footnote_1580_1580" class="fnanchor">1580</a> in those who drink these mixtures; at all events, it -is generally stated that the disciples of Porcius Latro,<a id="FNanchor_1581_1581"></a><a href="#Footnote_1581_1581" class="fnanchor">1581</a> so celebrated -among the professors of eloquence, used to employ this -drink for the purpose of imitating the paleness which had been -contracted by their master, through the intensity of his studies: -and that Julius Vindex,<a id="FNanchor_1582_1582"></a><a href="#Footnote_1582_1582" class="fnanchor">1582</a> in more recent times, that assertor -of our liberties against Nero, adopted this method of playing -upon<a id="FNanchor_1583_1583"></a><a href="#Footnote_1583_1583" class="fnanchor">1583</a> those who were looking out for a place in his will. -Applied in the form of lozenges, or fresh with vinegar, cummin -has the effect of arresting bleeding at the nose, and used by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263">263</a></span> -itself, it is good for defluxions of the eyes. Combined with -honey, it is used also for swellings of the eyes. With children -of tender age, it is sufficient to apply it to the abdomen. In -cases of jaundice, it is administered in white wine, immediately -after taking the bath.</p> - -<p>(15.) The cummin of Æthiopia,<a id="FNanchor_1584_1584"></a><a href="#Footnote_1584_1584" class="fnanchor">1584</a> more particularly, is given -in vinegar and water, or else as an electuary with honey. It -is thought, too, that the cummin of Africa has the peculiar -property of arresting incontinence of urine. The cultivated -plant is given, parched and beaten up in vinegar, for affections -of the liver, as also for vertigo. Beaten up in sweet wine, it -is taken in cases, also, where the urine is too acrid; and for -affections of the uterus, it is administered in wine, the leaves -of it being employed topically as well, in layers of wool. -Parched and beaten up with honey, it is used as an application -for swellings of the testes, or else with rose oil and wax.</p> - -<p>For all the purposes above-mentioned, wild cummin<a id="FNanchor_1585_1585"></a><a href="#Footnote_1585_1585" class="fnanchor">1585</a> is more -efficacious than cultivated; as also, in combination with oil, -for the stings of serpents, scorpions, and scolopendræ. A pinch -of it with three fingers, taken in wine, has the effect of arresting -vomiting and nausea; it is used, too, both as a drink and -a liniment for the colic, or else it is applied hot, in dossils of -lint,<a id="FNanchor_1586_1586"></a><a href="#Footnote_1586_1586" class="fnanchor">1586</a> to the part affected, bandages being employed to keep it -in its place. Taken in wine, it dispels hysterical affections, -the proportions being three drachmæ of cummin to three cyathi -of wine. It is used as an injection, too, for the ears, when -affected with tingling and singing, being mixed for the purpose -with veal suet or honey. For contusions, it is applied as a -liniment, with honey, raisins, and vinegar, and for dark freckles -on the skin with vinegar.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_58"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 58.—AMMI: TEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another plant, which bears a very strong resemblance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264">264</a></span> -to cummin, known to the Greeks as “ammi;”<a id="FNanchor_1587_1587"></a><a href="#Footnote_1587_1587" class="fnanchor">1587</a> some -persons are of opinion, that it is the same as the Æthiopian -cummin. Hippocrates gives it<a id="FNanchor_1588_1588"></a><a href="#Footnote_1588_1588" class="fnanchor">1588</a> the epithet of “royal;” no -doubt, because he looks upon it as possessed of greater virtues -than Egyptian cummin. Many persons, however, consider it -to be of a totally different nature from cummin, as it is so very -much thinner, and of a much whiter colour. Still, it is employed -for just the same purposes as cummin, for we find it -used at Alexandria for putting under loaves of bread, and forming -an ingredient in various sauces. It has the effect of dispelling -flatulency and gripings of the bowels, and of promoting -the secretion of the urine and the menstrual discharge. It is -employed, also, for the cure of bruises, and to assuage defluxions -of the eyes. Taken in wine with linseed, in doses of two -drachmæ, it is a cure for the stings of scorpions; and, used -with an equal proportion of myrrh, it is particularly good for -the bite of the cerastes.<a id="FNanchor_1589_1589"></a><a href="#Footnote_1589_1589" class="fnanchor">1589</a></p> - -<p>Like cummin, too, it imparts paleness of complexion to those -who drink of it. Used as a fumigation, with raisins or with -resin, it acts as a purgative upon the uterus. It is said, too, -that if women smell at this plant during the sexual congress, -the chances of conception will be greatly promoted thereby.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_59"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 59.—THE CAPPARIS OR CAPER: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already spoken<a id="FNanchor_1590_1590"></a><a href="#Footnote_1590_1590" class="fnanchor">1590</a> of the caper at sufficient length -when treating of the exotic plants. The caper which comes<a id="FNanchor_1591_1591"></a><a href="#Footnote_1591_1591" class="fnanchor">1591</a> -from beyond sea should never be used; that of Italy<a id="FNanchor_1592_1592"></a><a href="#Footnote_1592_1592" class="fnanchor">1592</a> is not so -dangerous. It is said, that persons who eat this plant daily, -are never attacked by paralysis or pains in the spleen. The -root of it, pounded, removes white eruptions of the skin, if<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265">265</a></span> -rubbed with it in the sun. The bark<a id="FNanchor_1593_1593"></a><a href="#Footnote_1593_1593" class="fnanchor">1593</a> of the root, taken in -wine, in doses of two drachmæ, is good for affections of the -spleen; the patient, however, must forego the use of the bath. -It is said, too, that in the course of thirty-five days the whole -of the spleen may be discharged under this treatment, by urine -and by stool. The caper is also taken in drink for lumbago and -paralysis; and the seed of it boiled, and beaten up in vinegar, -or the root chewed, has a soothing effect in tooth-ache. A -decoction of it in oil is employed, also, as an injection for ear-ache.</p> - -<p>The leaves and the root, fresh out of the ground, mixed -with honey, are a cure for the ulcers known as phagedænic. -In the same way, too, the root disperses scrofulous swellings; -and a decoction of it in water removes imposthumes of the parotid -glands, and worms. Beaten up and mixed with barley-meal, -it is applied topically for pains in the liver; it is a cure, -also, for diseases of the bladder. In combination with oxymel, -it is prescribed for tapeworm, and a decoction of it in vinegar -removes ulcerations of the mouth. It is generally agreed -among writers that the caper is prejudicial to the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_60"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 60.—LIGUSTICUM, OR LOVAGE: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Ligusticum,<a id="FNanchor_1594_1594"></a><a href="#Footnote_1594_1594" class="fnanchor">1594</a> by some persons known as “panax,” is good -for the stomach, and is curative of convulsions and flatulency. -There are persons who give this plant the name of “cunila -bubula;” but, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_1595_1595"></a><a href="#Footnote_1595_1595" class="fnanchor">1595</a> stated, they are in error in -so doing.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_61"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 61. (16.)—CUNILA BUBULA: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In addition to garden cunila,<a id="FNanchor_1596_1596"></a><a href="#Footnote_1596_1596" class="fnanchor">1596</a> there are numerous other -varieties of it employed in medicine. That known to us as -“cunila bubula,” has a very similar seed to that of pennyroyal. -This seed, chewed and applied topically, is good for -wounds: the plaster, however, must not be taken off till the -fifth day. For the stings of serpents, this plant is taken in -wine, and the leaves of it are bruised and applied to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266">266</a></span> -wound; which is also rubbed with them as a friction. The -tortoise,<a id="FNanchor_1597_1597"></a><a href="#Footnote_1597_1597" class="fnanchor">1597</a> when about to engage in combat with the serpent, -employs this plant as a preservative against the effects of its -sting; some persons, for this reason, have given it the name of -“panacea.”<a id="FNanchor_1598_1598"></a><a href="#Footnote_1598_1598" class="fnanchor">1598</a> It has the effect also of dispersing tumours and -maladies of the male organs, the leaves being dried for the -purpose, or else beaten up fresh and applied to the part affected. -For every purpose for which it is employed it combines remarkably -well with wine.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_62"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 62.—CUNILA GALLINACEA, OR ORIGANUM: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another variety, again, known to our people as -“cunila gallinacea,”<a id="FNanchor_1599_1599"></a><a href="#Footnote_1599_1599" class="fnanchor">1599</a> and to the Greeks as Heracleotic origanum.<a id="FNanchor_1600_1600"></a><a href="#Footnote_1600_1600" class="fnanchor">1600</a> -Beaten up with salt, this plant is good for the eyes; -and it is a remedy for cough and affections of the liver. -Mixed with meal, and taken as a broth, with oil and vinegar, -it is good for pains in the side, and the stings of serpents -in particular.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_63"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 63.—CUNILAGO: EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a third species, also, known to the Greeks as “male -cunila,” and to us as “cunilago.”<a id="FNanchor_1601_1601"></a><a href="#Footnote_1601_1601" class="fnanchor">1601</a> This plant has a fœtid smell, -a ligneous root, and a rough leaf. Of all the varieties of cunila, -this one, it is said, is possessed of the most active properties. -If a handful of it is thrown anywhere, all the beetles in the -house, they say, will be attracted to it; and, taken in vinegar -and water, it is good for the stings of scorpions more particularly. -It is stated, also, that if a person is rubbed with three leaves -of it, steeped in oil, it will have the effect of keeping all serpents -at a distance.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_64"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 64.—SOFT CUNILA: THREE REMEDIES. LIBANOTIS: -THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The variety, on the other hand, known as soft<a id="FNanchor_1602_1602"></a><a href="#Footnote_1602_1602" class="fnanchor">1602</a> cunila, has a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267">267</a></span> -more velvety leaf, and branches covered with thorns; when -rubbed it has just the smell of honey, and it adheres to the -fingers when touched. There is another kind, again, known -to us as “libanotis,”<a id="FNanchor_1603_1603"></a><a href="#Footnote_1603_1603" class="fnanchor">1603</a> a name which it owes to the resemblance -of its smell to that of frankincense. Both of these plants, -taken in wine or vinegar, are antidotes for the stings of serpents. -Beaten up in water, also, and sprinkled about a place, they kill -fleas.<a id="FNanchor_1604_1604"></a><a href="#Footnote_1604_1604" class="fnanchor">1604</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_65"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 65.—CULTIVATED CUNILA; THREE REMEDIES. MOUNTAIN -CUNILA; SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Cultivated cunila<a id="FNanchor_1605_1605"></a><a href="#Footnote_1605_1605" class="fnanchor">1605</a> has also its medicinal uses. The juice -of it, in combination with rose oil, is good for the ears; and -the plant itself is taken in drink, to counteract the effects of -violent blows.<a id="FNanchor_1606_1606"></a><a href="#Footnote_1606_1606" class="fnanchor">1606</a></p> - -<p>A variety of this plant is the mountain cunila, similar to wild -thyme in appearance, and particularly efficacious for the stings of -serpents. This plant is diuretic, and promotes the lochial discharge: -it aids the digestion, too, in a marvellous degree. Both -varieties have a tendency to sharpen the appetite, even when -persons are troubled with indigestion, if taken fasting in drink: -they are good, too, for sprains, and, taken with barley-meal, and -vinegar and water, they are extremely useful for stings inflicted -by wasps and insects of a similar nature.</p> - -<p>We shall have occasion to speak of other varieties of libanotis<a id="FNanchor_1607_1607"></a><a href="#Footnote_1607_1607" class="fnanchor">1607</a> -in their appropriate places.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_66"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 66. (17.)—PIPERITIS, OR SILIQUASTRUM: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Piperitis,<a id="FNanchor_1608_1608"></a><a href="#Footnote_1608_1608" class="fnanchor">1608</a> which we have already mentioned as being called -“siliquastrum,” is taken in drink for epilepsy. Castor<a id="FNanchor_1609_1609"></a><a href="#Footnote_1609_1609" class="fnanchor">1609</a> -used to give a description of it to the following effect: “The -stalk of it is long and red, with the knots lying close together; -the leaves are similar to those of the laurel, and the seed is white<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268">268</a></span> -and slender, like pepper in taste.” He described it also as -being beneficial to the gums and teeth, imparting sweetness -to the breath, and dispelling flatulency.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_67"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 67.—ORIGANUM, ONITIS, OR PRASION: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Origanum,<a id="FNanchor_1610_1610"></a><a href="#Footnote_1610_1610" class="fnanchor">1610</a> which, as we have already stated, rivals cunila in -flavour, includes many varieties employed in medicine. Onitis,<a id="FNanchor_1611_1611"></a><a href="#Footnote_1611_1611" class="fnanchor">1611</a> -or prasion,<a id="FNanchor_1612_1612"></a><a href="#Footnote_1612_1612" class="fnanchor">1612</a> is the name given to one of these, which is not -unlike hyssop in appearance: it is employed more particularly, -with warm water, for gnawing pains at the stomach, and -for indigestion. Taken in white wine it is good for the stings -of spiders and scorpions; and, applied with vinegar and oil, in -wool, it is a cure for sprains and bruises.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_68"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 68.—TRAGORIGANUM: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Tragoriganum<a id="FNanchor_1613_1613"></a><a href="#Footnote_1613_1613" class="fnanchor">1613</a> bears a strong resemblance to wild thyme. -It is diuretic, disperses tumours, and taken in drink is extremely -efficacious in cases of poisoning by mistletoe and stings by serpents. -It is very good for acid eructations from the stomach, -and for the thoracic organs. It is given also for a cough, with -honey, as well as for pleurisy and peripneumony.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_69"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 69.—THREE VARIETIES OF HERACLEOTIC ORIGANUM: -THIRTY REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Heraclium,<a id="FNanchor_1614_1614"></a><a href="#Footnote_1614_1614" class="fnanchor">1614</a> again, comprehends three varieties; the first,<a id="FNanchor_1615_1615"></a><a href="#Footnote_1615_1615" class="fnanchor">1615</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269">269</a></span> -which is the darkest, has broader leaves than the others, and is -of a glutinous nature; the second,<a id="FNanchor_1616_1616"></a><a href="#Footnote_1616_1616" class="fnanchor">1616</a> which has leaves of a more -slender form, and not unlike sampsuchum<a id="FNanchor_1617_1617"></a><a href="#Footnote_1617_1617" class="fnanchor">1617</a> in appearance, is -by some persons called “prasion,” in preference: the third<a id="FNanchor_1618_1618"></a><a href="#Footnote_1618_1618" class="fnanchor">1618</a> -is of an intermediate nature between the other two, but is -less efficacious for medicinal purposes than either. But the -best kind of all is that of Crete, for it has a particularly agreeable -smell; the next best being that of Smyrna, which has -even a more powerful odour than the last. The Heracleotic -origanum, however, known by the name of “onitis,” is the -one that is the most esteemed for taking in drink.</p> - -<p>Origanum, in general, is employed for repelling serpents; -and it is given boiled to persons suffering from wounds. Taken -in drink, it is diuretic; and mixed with root of panax, it is -given for the cure of ruptures and convulsions. In combination -with figs or hyssop, it is prescribed for dropsical patients -in doses of one acetabulum, being reduced by boiling to one -sixth. It is good also for the itch,<a id="FNanchor_1619_1619"></a><a href="#Footnote_1619_1619" class="fnanchor">1619</a> prurigo, and leprosy, -taken just before the bath. The juice of it is injected into the -ears with milk; it being a cure, also, for affections of the -tonsils and the uvula, and for ulcers of the head. A decoction -of it, taken with the ashes in wine, neutralizes poison by -opium or gypsum.<a id="FNanchor_1620_1620"></a><a href="#Footnote_1620_1620" class="fnanchor">1620</a> Taken in doses of one acetabulum, it relaxes -the bowels. It is applied as a liniment for bruises and -for tooth-ache; and mixed with honey and nitre, it imparts -whiteness to the teeth. It has the effect, also, of stopping -bleeding at the nose.</p> - -<p>A decoction of this plant, with barley-meal, is employed for -imposthumes of the parotid glands; and, beaten up with nut-galls -and honey, it is used for roughness of the trachea: the -leaves of it, with honey and salt, are good, too, for the spleen. -Boiled with vinegar and salt, and taken in small doses, it attenuates<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270">270</a></span> -the phlegm, when very thick and black; and beaten -up with oil, it is injected into the nostrils for jaundice. When -persons are affected with lassitude, the body is well rubbed -with it, care being taken not to touch the abdomen. Used with -pitch, it is a cure for epinyctis, and, applied with a roasted -fig, it brings boils to a head. Employed with oil and vinegar, -and barley-meal, it is good for scrofulous swellings; and applied -topically in a fig, it is a cure for pains in the sides. -Beaten up, and applied with vinegar, it is employed as a liniment -for bloody fluxes of the generative organs, and it accelerates -the lochial discharge after child-birth.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_70"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 70.—DITTANDER: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Dittander<a id="FNanchor_1621_1621"></a><a href="#Footnote_1621_1621" class="fnanchor">1621</a> is generally considered to rank among the caustic -plants. It is owing to this property that it clears the skin of the -face, not, however, without excoriating it; though, at the same -time, the excoriations are easily healed by employing wax and -rose oil. It is owing to this property, too, that it always removes, -without difficulty, leprous sores and itch-scabs, as well -as the scars left by ulcers. It is said, that in cases of tooth-ache, -if this plant is attached to the arm on the suffering side, -it will have the effect of drawing the pain to it.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_71"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 71.—GITH, OR MELANTHION: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Gith<a id="FNanchor_1622_1622"></a><a href="#Footnote_1622_1622" class="fnanchor">1622</a> is by some Greek writers called “melanthion,”<a id="FNanchor_1623_1623"></a><a href="#Footnote_1623_1623" class="fnanchor">1623</a> and -by others “melaspermon.”<a id="FNanchor_1624_1624"></a><a href="#Footnote_1624_1624" class="fnanchor">1624</a> That is looked upon as the -best which has the most pungent odour and is the darkest in -appearance. It is employed as a remedy for wounds made by -serpents and scorpions: I find that for this purpose it is applied -topically with vinegar and honey, and that by burning -it serpents are kept at a distance.<a id="FNanchor_1625_1625"></a><a href="#Footnote_1625_1625" class="fnanchor">1625</a> It is taken, also, in doses -of one drachma for the bites of spiders. Beaten up, and smelt -at in a piece of linen cloth, it is a cure for running at the nostrils; -and, applied as a liniment with vinegar and injected<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271">271</a></span> -into the nostrils, it dispels head-ache. With oil of iris it is -good for defluxions and tumours of the eyes, and a decoction -of it with vinegar is a cure for tooth-ache. Beaten up -and applied topically, or else chewed, it is used for ulcers -of the mouth, and combined with vinegar, it is good for -leprous sores and freckles on the skin. Taken in drink, with -the addition of nitre, it is good for hardness of breathing, and, -employed as a liniment, for indurations, tumours of long -standing, and suppurations. Taken several days in succession, -it augments the milk in women who are nursing.</p> - -<p>The juice of this plant is collected<a id="FNanchor_1626_1626"></a><a href="#Footnote_1626_1626" class="fnanchor">1626</a> in the same manner as -that of henbane; and, like it, if taken in too large doses, it -acts as a poison, a surprising fact, seeing that the seed is held -in esteem as a most agreeable seasoning for bread.<a id="FNanchor_1627_1627"></a><a href="#Footnote_1627_1627" class="fnanchor">1627</a> The seed -cleanses the eyes also, acts as a diuretic, and promotes the menstrual -discharge; and not only this, but I find it stated also, that -if thirty grains only are attached to the body, in a linen cloth, -it will have the effect of accelerating the after-birth. It is -stated, also, that beaten up in urine, it is a cure for corns on -the feet; and that when burnt it kills gnats and flies with the -smell.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_72"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 72.—ANISE: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Anise,<a id="FNanchor_1628_1628"></a><a href="#Footnote_1628_1628" class="fnanchor">1628</a> too, one of the comparatively small number of plants -that have been commended by Pythagoras, is taken in wine, -either raw or boiled, for the stings of scorpions. Both green -and dried, it is held in high repute, as an ingredient in all seasonings -and sauces, and we find it placed beneath the under-crust -of bread.<a id="FNanchor_1629_1629"></a><a href="#Footnote_1629_1629" class="fnanchor">1629</a> Put with bitter-almonds into the cloth -strainers<a id="FNanchor_1630_1630"></a><a href="#Footnote_1630_1630" class="fnanchor">1630</a> for filtering wine, it imparts an agreeable flavour to -the wine: it has the effect, also, of sweetening the breath, and -removing all bad odours from the mouth, if chewed in the -morning with smyrnion<a id="FNanchor_1631_1631"></a><a href="#Footnote_1631_1631" class="fnanchor">1631</a> and a little honey, the mouth being -then rinsed with wine.</p> - -<p>This plant imparts a youthful look<a id="FNanchor_1632_1632"></a><a href="#Footnote_1632_1632" class="fnanchor">1632</a> to the features; and if<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272">272</a></span> -suspended to the pillow, so as to be smelt by a person when -asleep, it will prevent all disagreeable dreams. It has the -effect of promoting the appetite, also—for this, too, has been -made by luxury one of the objects of art, ever since labour has -ceased to stimulate it. It is for these various reasons that it -has received the name of “anicetum,”<a id="FNanchor_1633_1633"></a><a href="#Footnote_1633_1633" class="fnanchor">1633</a> given to it by some.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_73"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 73.—WHERE THE BEST ANISE IS FOUND: VARIOUS REMEDIES -DERIVED FROM THIS PLANT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The most esteemed anise is that of Crete, and, next to it, -that of Egypt. This plant is employed in seasonings to supply -the place of lovage; and the perfume of it, when burnt -and inhaled, alleviates headache. Evenor prescribes an application -of the root, pounded, for defluxions of the eyes; and -Iollas employs it in a similar manner, in combination with -saffron and wine, or else beaten up by itself and mixed with -polenta, for violent defluxions and the extraction of such objects -as have got into the eyes: applied, too, as a liniment in -water, it arrests cancer of the nose. Mixed with hyssop and -oxymel, and employed as a gargle, it is a cure for quinsy; -and, in combination with rose oil, it is used as an injection for -the ears. Parched anise purges off phlegm from the chest, and, -if taken with honey, it is better still.</p> - -<p>For a cough, beat up fifty bitter almonds, shelled, in honey, -with one acetabulum of anise. Another very easy remedy, -too, is to mix three drachmæ of anise with two of poppies and -some honey, a piece the size of a bean being taken three times -a-day. Its main excellence, however, is as a carminative; -hence it is that it is so good for flatulency of the stomach, -griping pains of the intestines, and cœliac affections. A decoction -of it, smelt at and drunk, arrests hiccup, and a decoction -of the leaves removes indigestion. A decoction of it with -parsley, if applied to the nostrils, will arrest sneezing. Taken -in drink, anise promotes sleep, disperses calculi of the bladder, -arrests vomiting and swelling of the viscera, and acts as an -excellent pectoral for affections of the chest, and of the diaphragm,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273">273</a></span> -where the body is tightly laced. It is beneficial, also, -to pour a decoction of it, in oil, upon the head for head-ache.</p> - -<p>It is generally thought that there is nothing in existence -more beneficial to the abdomen and intestines than anise; for -which reason it is given, parched, for dysentery and tenesmus. -Some persons add opium to these ingredients, and prescribe -three pills a-day, the size of a bean, with one cyathus of wine. -Dieuches has employed the juice of this plant for lumbago, -and prescribes the seed of it, pounded with mint, for dropsy -and cœliac affections: Evenor recommends the root, also, for -affections of the kidneys. Dalion, the herbalist, employed it, -with parsley, as a cataplasm for women in labour, as also for -pains of the uterus; and, for women in labour, he prescribes -a decoction of anise and dill to be taken in drink. It -is used as a liniment also in cases of phrenitis, or else applied -fresh gathered and mixed with polenta; in which form it is -used also for infants attacked with epilepsy<a id="FNanchor_1634_1634"></a><a href="#Footnote_1634_1634" class="fnanchor">1634</a> or convulsions. -Pythagoras, indeed, assures us that persons, so long as they -hold this plant in the hand, will never be attacked with epilepsy, -for which reason, as much of it as possible should be -planted near the house; he says, too, that women who inhale -the odour of it have a more easy delivery, it being his advice -also, that, immediately after they are delivered, it should be -given them to drink, with a sprinkling of polenta.</p> - -<p>Sosimenes employed this plant, in combination with vinegar, -for all kinds of indurations, and for lassitude he prescribes a -decoction of it in oil, with the addition of nitre. The same -writer pledges his word to all wayfarers, that, if they take -aniseed in their drink, they will be comparatively exempt -from fatigue<a id="FNanchor_1635_1635"></a><a href="#Footnote_1635_1635" class="fnanchor">1635</a> on their journey. Heraclides prescribes a pinch -of aniseed with three fingers, for inflations of the stomach, to -be taken with two oboli of castoreum<a id="FNanchor_1636_1636"></a><a href="#Footnote_1636_1636" class="fnanchor">1636</a> in honied wine; and he -recommends a similar preparation for inflations of the abdomen -and intestines. In cases of orthopnœa, he recommends a pinch -of aniseed with three fingers, and the same quantity of henbane, -to be mixed in asses’-milk. It is the advice of many to -those who are liable to vomit,<a id="FNanchor_1637_1637"></a><a href="#Footnote_1637_1637" class="fnanchor">1637</a> to take, at dinner, one acetabulum<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274">274</a></span> -of aniseed and ten laurel-leaves, the whole to be -beaten up and drunk in water.</p> - -<p>Anise, chewed and applied warm, or else taken with castoreum -in oxymel, allays suffocations of the uterus. It also -dispels vertigo after child-birth, taken with a pinch of cucumber -seed in three fingers and the same quantity of linseed, in -three cyathi of white wine. Tlepolemus has employed a pinch -of aniseed and fennel in three fingers, mixed with vinegar -and one cyathus of honey, for the cure of quartan fever. Applied -topically with bitter almonds, aniseed is beneficial for -maladies of the joints. There are some persons who look upon -it as, by nature, an antidote to the venom of the asp. It is a -diuretic, assuages thirst, and acts as an aphrodisiac. Taken in -wine, it promotes a gentle perspiration, and it has the property -of protecting cloth from the ravages of moths. The more -recently it has been gathered, and the darker its colour, the -greater are its virtues: still, however, it is injurious to the -stomach, except when suffering from flatulency.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_74"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 74. (18.)—DILL: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Dill<a id="FNanchor_1638_1638"></a><a href="#Footnote_1638_1638" class="fnanchor">1638</a> acts also as a carminative, allays gripings of the stomach, -and arrests looseness of the bowels. The roots of this -plant are applied topically in water, or else in wine, for defluxions -of the eyes. The seed of it, if smelt at while boiling, -will arrest hiccup; and, taken in water, it dispels indigestion. -The ashes of it are a remedy for swellings of the -uvula; but the plant itself weakens the eyesight and the generative -powers.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_75"><span class="inblk">CHAP 75.—SACOPENIUM, OR SAGAPENON: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The sacopenium which grows in Italy is totally different -from that which comes from beyond sea. This last, in fact, -is similar to gum ammoniac, and is known as “sagapenon.”<a id="FNanchor_1639_1639"></a><a href="#Footnote_1639_1639" class="fnanchor">1639</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275">275</a></span></p> - -<p><a id="FNanchor_1640_1640"></a><a href="#Footnote_1640_1640" class="fnanchor">1640</a>Sacopenium is good for pains of the sides and chest, for -convulsions, coughs of long standing, expectorations, and -swellings of the thoracic organs: it is a cure also for vertigo, -palsy, opisthotony, affections of the spleen and loins, and for -shivering fits. For suffocations of the uterus, this plant is -given in vinegar to smell at; in addition to which, it is sometimes -administered in drink, or employed as a friction with -oil. It is a good antidote, also, for medicaments of a noxious -nature.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_76"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 76.—THE WHITE POPPY: THREE REMEDIES. THE -BLACK POPPY: EIGHT REMEDIES. REMARKS ON SLEEP. -OPIUM. REMARKS IN DISFAVOUR OF THE POTIONS -KNOWN AS “ANODYNES, FEBRIFUGES, DIGESTIVES, AND -CŒLIACS.” IN WHAT WAY THE JUICES OF THESE PLANTS -ARE TO BE COLLECTED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already<a id="FNanchor_1641_1641"></a><a href="#Footnote_1641_1641" class="fnanchor">1641</a> stated that there are three varieties of -the cultivated poppy, and, on the same occasion, we promised -to describe the wild kinds. With reference to the cultivated -varieties, the calyx<a id="FNanchor_1642_1642"></a><a href="#Footnote_1642_1642" class="fnanchor">1642</a> of the white<a id="FNanchor_1643_1643"></a><a href="#Footnote_1643_1643" class="fnanchor">1643</a> poppy is pounded, and is -taken in wine as a soporific; the seed of it is a cure, also, for -elephantiasis. The black<a id="FNanchor_1644_1644"></a><a href="#Footnote_1644_1644" class="fnanchor">1644</a> poppy acts as a soporific, by the -juice which exudes from incisions<a id="FNanchor_1645_1645"></a><a href="#Footnote_1645_1645" class="fnanchor">1645</a> made in the stalk—at the -time when the plant is beginning to flower, Diagoras says; -but when the blossom has gone off, according to Iollas. This -is done at the third<a id="FNanchor_1646_1646"></a><a href="#Footnote_1646_1646" class="fnanchor">1646</a> hour, in a clear, still, day, or, in other -words, when the dew has thoroughly dried upon the poppy. It -is recommended to make the incision just beneath the head<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276">276</a></span> -and calyx of the plant; this being the only kind, in fact, into -the head of which the incision is made. This juice, like that -of any other plant, is received in wool;<a id="FNanchor_1647_1647"></a><a href="#Footnote_1647_1647" class="fnanchor">1647</a> or else, if it is in -very minute quantities, it is scraped off with the thumb nail -just as it is from the lettuce, and so again on the following -day, with the portion that has since dried there. If obtained -from the poppy in sufficiently large quantities, this juice -thickens, after which it is kneaded out into lozenges, and dried -in the shade. This juice is possessed not only of certain soporific -qualities, but, if taken in too large quantities, is productive -of sleep unto death even: the name given to it is “opium.”<a id="FNanchor_1648_1648"></a><a href="#Footnote_1648_1648" class="fnanchor">1648</a> -It was in this way, we learn, that the father of P. Licinius -Cæcina, a man of Prætorian rank, put an end to his life at -Bavilum<a id="FNanchor_1649_1649"></a><a href="#Footnote_1649_1649" class="fnanchor">1649</a> in Spain, an incurable malady having rendered -existence quite intolerable to him. Many other persons, too, -have ended their lives in a similar way. It is for this reason -that opium has been so strongly exclaimed against by Diagoras -and Erasistratus; for they have altogether condemned -it as a deadly poison, forbidding it to be used for infusions -even, as being injurious to the sight. Andreas says, in addition -to this, that the only reason why it does not cause instantaneous -blindness, is the fact that they adulterate it at Alexandria. -In later times, however, the use of it has not been -disapproved of—witness the celebrated preparation known as -“diacodion.”<a id="FNanchor_1650_1650"></a><a href="#Footnote_1650_1650" class="fnanchor">1650</a> Lozenges are also made of ground poppy-seed, -which are taken in milk as a soporific.<a id="FNanchor_1651_1651"></a><a href="#Footnote_1651_1651" class="fnanchor">1651</a> The seed is -employed, too, with rose-oil for head-ache; and, in combination -with that oil, is injected into the ears for ear-ache. Mixed -with woman’s milk, this seed is used as a liniment for -gout: the leaves, too, are employed in a similar manner. -Taken in vinegar, the seed is prescribed as a cure for erysipelas -and wounds.</p> - -<p>For my own part, however, I do not approve of opium<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277">277</a></span> -entering into the composition of eye-salves,<a id="FNanchor_1652_1652"></a><a href="#Footnote_1652_1652" class="fnanchor">1652</a> and still less of -the preparations from it known as febrifuges,<a id="FNanchor_1653_1653"></a><a href="#Footnote_1653_1653" class="fnanchor">1653</a> digestives, and -cœliacs: the black poppy, however, is very generally prescribed, -in wine, for cœliac affections. All the cultivated<a id="FNanchor_1654_1654"></a><a href="#Footnote_1654_1654" class="fnanchor">1654</a> -poppies are larger than the others, and the form of the head -is round. In the wild poppy the head is elongated and small, -but it is possessed of more active<a id="FNanchor_1655_1655"></a><a href="#Footnote_1655_1655" class="fnanchor">1655</a> properties than the others in -every respect. This head is often boiled, and the decoction of -it taken to promote sleep, the face being fomented also with -the water. The best poppies are grown in dry localities, and -where it seldom rains.</p> - -<p>When the heads and leaves of the poppy are boiled together, -the name given to the decoction is “meconium;”<a id="FNanchor_1656_1656"></a><a href="#Footnote_1656_1656" class="fnanchor">1656</a> it is much -less powerful, however, in its effects than opium.</p> - -<p>The principal test<a id="FNanchor_1657_1657"></a><a href="#Footnote_1657_1657" class="fnanchor">1657</a> of the purity of opium is the smell, -which, when genuine, is so penetrating as to be quite insupportable. -The next best test is that obtained by lighting it at -a lamp; upon which it ought to burn with a clear, brilliant -flame, and to give out a strong odour when extinguished; a -thing that never happens when opium has been drugged, for, -in such case, it lights with the greatest difficulty, and the -flame repeatedly goes out. There is another way of testing -its genuineness, by water; for, if it is pure, it will float like a -thin cloud upon the surface, but, if adulterated, it will unite in -the form of blisters on the water. But the most surprising -thing of all is the fact, that the sun’s heat in summer furnishes -a test; for, if the drug is pure, it will sweat and gradually -melt, till it has all the appearance of the juice when fresh -gathered.</p> - -<p>Mnesides is of opinion that the best way of preserving -opium is to mix henbane seed with it; others, again, recommend -that it should be kept with beans.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278">278</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_77"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 77. (19.)—THE POPPY CALLED RHŒAS: TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The poppy which we have<a id="FNanchor_1658_1658"></a><a href="#Footnote_1658_1658" class="fnanchor">1658</a> spoken of under the names of -“rhœas” and the “erratic” poppy, forms an intermediate variety -between the cultivated and the wild poppy; for it grows -in the fields, it is true, but it is self-set nevertheless. Some -persons eat<a id="FNanchor_1659_1659"></a><a href="#Footnote_1659_1659" class="fnanchor">1659</a> it, calyx and all, immediately after it is gathered. -This plant is an extremely powerful purgative: five heads of -it, boiled in three semi-sextarii of wine, and taken in drink, -have the effect of producing sleep.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_78"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 78.—THE WILD POPPY CALLED CERATITIS, GLAUCIUM, OR -PARALIUM: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is one variety of wild poppy known as “ceratitis.”<a id="FNanchor_1660_1660"></a><a href="#Footnote_1660_1660" class="fnanchor">1660</a> -It is of a black colour, a cubit in height, and has a thick root -covered with bark, with a head resembling a small bud, bent -and pointed at the end like a horn. The leaves of this plant -are smaller and thinner than those of the other wild poppies, -and the seed, which is very diminutive, is ripe at harvest. -Taken with honied wine, in doses of half an acetabulum, the -seed acts as a purgative. The leaves, beaten up in oil, are a -cure for the white<a id="FNanchor_1661_1661"></a><a href="#Footnote_1661_1661" class="fnanchor">1661</a> specks which form on the eyes of beasts -of burden. The root, boiled down to one half, in doses of one -acetabulum to two sextarii of water, is prescribed for maladies -of the loins and liver, and the leaves, employed with honey, -are a cure for carbuncles.</p> - -<p>Some persons give this kind of poppy the name of “glaucion,” -and others of “paralium,”<a id="FNanchor_1662_1662"></a><a href="#Footnote_1662_1662" class="fnanchor">1662</a> for it grows, in fact, in -spots exposed to exhalations from the sea, or else in soils of a -nitrous nature.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_79"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 79.—THE WILD POPPY CALLED HERACLIUM, OR APHRON: -FOUR REMEDIES. DIACODION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another kind<a id="FNanchor_1663_1663"></a><a href="#Footnote_1663_1663" class="fnanchor">1663</a> of wild poppy, known as “heraclion”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279">279</a></span> -by some persons, and as “aphron” by others. The leaves of -it, when seen from a distance, have all the appearance of sparrows;<a id="FNanchor_1664_1664"></a><a href="#Footnote_1664_1664" class="fnanchor">1664</a> -the root lies on the surface of the ground, and the seed -has exactly the colour of foam.<a id="FNanchor_1665_1665"></a><a href="#Footnote_1665_1665" class="fnanchor">1665</a> This plant is used for the -purpose of bleaching linen<a id="FNanchor_1666_1666"></a><a href="#Footnote_1666_1666" class="fnanchor">1666</a> cloths in summer. It is bruised -in a mortar for epilepsy, being given in white wine, in doses -of one acetabulum, and acting as an emetic.</p> - -<p>This plant is extremely useful, also, for the composition of -the medicament known as “diacodion,”<a id="FNanchor_1667_1667"></a><a href="#Footnote_1667_1667" class="fnanchor">1667</a> and “arteriace.” -This preparation is made with one hundred and twenty heads<a id="FNanchor_1668_1668"></a><a href="#Footnote_1668_1668" class="fnanchor">1668</a> -of this or any other kind of wild poppy, steeped for two days -in three sextarii of rain water, after which they are boiled in -it. You must then dry the heads; which done, boil them -down with honey to one half, at a slow heat. More recently, -there have been added to the mixture, six drachmæ of saffron, -hypocisthis,<a id="FNanchor_1669_1669"></a><a href="#Footnote_1669_1669" class="fnanchor">1669</a> frankincense, and gum acacia, with one sextarius -of raisin wine of Crete. All this, however, is only so much -ostentation; for the virtue of this simple and ancient preparation -depends solely upon the poppy and the honey.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_80"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 80.—THE POPPY CALLED TITHYMALON, OR PARALION: THREE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a third kind, again, called “tithymalon;”<a id="FNanchor_1670_1670"></a><a href="#Footnote_1670_1670" class="fnanchor">1670</a> some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280">280</a></span> -persons give it the name of “mecon,” others of “paralion.” -It has a white leaf, resembling that of flax, and a head the size -of a bean. It is gathered when the vine is in blossom, and -dried in the shade. The seed, taken in drink, purges the -bowels, the dose being half an acetabulum, in honied wine. -The head of every species of poppy, whether green or dry, used -as a fomentation, assuages defluxions<a id="FNanchor_1671_1671"></a><a href="#Footnote_1671_1671" class="fnanchor">1671</a> of the eyes. Opium, if -taken in pure wine immediately after the sting of a scorpion, -prevents any dangerous results. Some persons, however, attribute -this virtue to the black poppy only, the head or leaves -being beaten up for the purpose.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_81"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 81. (20.)—PORCILLACA OR PURSLAIN, OTHERWISE CALLED -PEPLIS: TWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a wild purslain,<a id="FNanchor_1672_1672"></a><a href="#Footnote_1672_1672" class="fnanchor">1672</a> too, called “peplis,” not much -superior in its virtues to the cultivated<a id="FNanchor_1673_1673"></a><a href="#Footnote_1673_1673" class="fnanchor">1673</a> kind, of which such -remarkable properties are mentioned. It neutralizes the effects, -it is said, of poisoned arrows, and the venom of the serpents -known as hæmorrhois and prester;<a id="FNanchor_1674_1674"></a><a href="#Footnote_1674_1674" class="fnanchor">1674</a> taken with the food and -applied to the wound, it extracts the poison. The juice, too, -they say, taken in raisin wine, is an antidote for henbane. -When the plant itself cannot be procured, the seed of it is -found to be equally efficacious. It is a corrective, also, of impurities -in water; and beaten up in wine and applied topically, -it is a cure for head-ache and ulcers of the head. Chewed in -combination with honey, it is curative of other kinds of sores. -It is similarly applied to the region of the brain in infants, and -in cases of umbilical hernia; as also for defluxions of the eyes, -in persons of all ages, being applied to the forehead and temples -with polenta. If employed as a liniment for the eyes, -milk and honey are added, and when used for proptosis<a id="FNanchor_1675_1675"></a><a href="#Footnote_1675_1675" class="fnanchor">1675</a> of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281">281</a></span> -the eyes, the leaves are beaten up with bean-shells. In combination -with, polenta, salt, and vinegar, it is employed as a -fomentation for blisters.</p> - -<p>Chewed raw, purslain reduces ulcerations of the mouth and -gum-boils, and cures tooth-ache; a decoction of it is good, too, -for ulcers of the tonsils. Some persons have added a little -myrrh to it, when so employed. Chewed, it strengthens such -teeth as may happen to be loose, dispels crudities, imparts additional -strength to the voice, and allays thirst. Used with nut-galls, -linseed, and honey, in equal proportions, it assuages pains -in the neck; and, combined with honey or Cimolian<a id="FNanchor_1676_1676"></a><a href="#Footnote_1676_1676" class="fnanchor">1676</a> chalk, it is -good for diseases of the mamillæ. The seed of it, taken with -honey, is beneficial for asthma. Eaten in salads,<a id="FNanchor_1677_1677"></a><a href="#Footnote_1677_1677" class="fnanchor">1677</a> this plant -is very strengthening to the stomach. In burning fevers, applications -of it are made with polenta; in addition to which, -if chewed, it will cool and refresh the intestines. It arrests -vomiting, also, and for dysentery and abscesses, it is eaten with -vinegar, or else taken with cummin in drink: boiled, it is good -for tenesmus. Taken either in the food or drink, it is good for -epilepsy; and, taken in doses of one acetabulum in boiled -wine,<a id="FNanchor_1678_1678"></a><a href="#Footnote_1678_1678" class="fnanchor">1678</a> it promotes the menstrual discharge. Employed, also, -as a liniment with salt, it is used as a remedy for fits of hot -gout and erysipelas.</p> - -<p>The juice of this plant, taken in drink, strengthens the kidneys -and bladder, and expels intestinal worms. In conjunction -with oil, it is applied, with polenta, to assuage the pain -of wounds, and it softens indurations of the sinews. Metrodorus, -who wrote an Abridgment of Botany,<a id="FNanchor_1679_1679"></a><a href="#Footnote_1679_1679" class="fnanchor">1679</a> says that it should -be given after delivery, to accelerate the lochial discharge. It -is also an antaphrodisiac, and prevents the recurrence of lascivious -dreams. One of the principal personages of Spain, -whose son has been Prætor, is in the habit of carrying the root -of it, to my knowledge, suspended by a string from his neck, -except when he is taking the bath, for an incurable affection -of the uvula; a precaution by which he has been spared all -inconvenience.</p> - -<p>I have found it stated, too, in some authors, that if the head -is rubbed with a liniment of this plant, there will be no defluxions<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282">282</a></span> -perceptible the whole year through. It is generally -thought, however, that purslain weakens the sight.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_82"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 82.—CORIANDER: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is no wild coriander<a id="FNanchor_1680_1680"></a><a href="#Footnote_1680_1680" class="fnanchor">1680</a> to be found; the best, it is -generally agreed, is that of Egypt. Taken in drink and applied -to the wound, it is a remedy for the sting<a id="FNanchor_1681_1681"></a><a href="#Footnote_1681_1681" class="fnanchor">1681</a> of one kind -of serpent, known as the amphisbæna:<a id="FNanchor_1682_1682"></a><a href="#Footnote_1682_1682" class="fnanchor">1682</a> pounded, it is healing -also for other wounds, as well as for epinyctis and blisters. -Employed in the same state with honey or raisins, it disperses -all tumours and gatherings, and, beaten up in vinegar, it removes -abscesses of an inflammatory nature. Some persons -recommend three grains of it to be taken for tertian fevers, just -before the fit comes on, or else in larger quantities, to be bruised -and applied to the forehead. There are others, again, who -think that it is attended with excellent results, to put coriander -under the pillow before sunrise.</p> - -<p>While green, it is possessed of very cooling and refreshing -properties. Combined with honey or raisins, it is an excellent -remedy for spreading ulcers, as also for diseases of the testes, -burns, carbuncles, and maladies of the ears. Applied with -woman’s milk, it is good for defluxions of the eyes; and for -fluxes of the belly and intestines, the seed is taken with water -in drink; it is also taken in drink for cholera, with rue. -Coriander seed, used as a potion with pomegranate juice and -oil, expels worms in the intestines.</p> - -<p>Xenocrates states a very marvellous fact, if true; he says, -that if a woman takes one grain of this seed, the menstrual -discharge will be retarded one day, if two grains, two days, -and so on, according to the number of grains taken. Marcus -Varro is of opinion, that if coriander is lightly pounded, and -sprinkled over it with cummin and vinegar, all kinds of meat -may be kept in summer without spoiling.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_83"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 83.—ORAGE: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Orage,<a id="FNanchor_1683_1683"></a><a href="#Footnote_1683_1683" class="fnanchor">1683</a> again, is found both wild and cultivated. Pythagoras<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283">283</a></span> -has accused this plant of producing dropsy, jaundice, and -paleness of the complexion, and he says that it is extremely -difficult of digestion. He asserts, also, to its disparagement, -that every thing that grows near it in the garden is sure to -be drooping and languid. Diocles and Dionysius have added -a statement, that it gives birth to numerous diseases, and that it -should never be boiled without changing the water repeatedly; -they say, too, that it is prejudicial to the stomach, and that -it is productive of freckles and pimples on the skin.</p> - -<p>I am at a loss to imagine why Solo of Smyrna has stated that -this plant is cultivated in Italy with the greatest difficulty. -Hippocrates<a id="FNanchor_1684_1684"></a><a href="#Footnote_1684_1684" class="fnanchor">1684</a> prescribes it with beet, as a pessary for affections -of the uterus; and Lycus of Neapolis recommends it to -be taken in drink, in cases of poisoning by cantharides. He -is of opinion, also, that either raw or boiled, it may be advantageously -employed as a liniment for inflammatory swellings, -incipient boils, and all kinds of indurations; and that, mixed -with oxymel and nitre, it is good for erysipelas and gout. This -plant, it is said, will bring away mal-formed nails, without -producing sores. There are some persons who give orage-seed -with honey for jaundice, and rub the throat and tonsils with -it, nitre being added as well. They employ it, also, to purge -the bowels, and use the seed, boiled, as an emetic,<a id="FNanchor_1685_1685"></a><a href="#Footnote_1685_1685" class="fnanchor">1685</a> either taken -by itself, or in conjunction with mallows or lentils.</p> - -<p>Wild orage is used for dyeing the hair, as well as the other -purposes above enumerated.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_84"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 84. (21.)—THE MALLOW CALLED MALOPE: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. -THE MALLOW CALLED MALACHE: ONE REMEDY. THE -MALLOW CALLED ALTHÆA, OR PLISTOLOCHIA: FIFTY-NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Both kinds of mallows,<a id="FNanchor_1686_1686"></a><a href="#Footnote_1686_1686" class="fnanchor">1686</a> on the other hand, the cultivated -and the wild, are held in very general esteem. These kinds -are subdivided, each of them, into two varieties, according to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284">284</a></span> -the size of the leaf. The cultivated mallow with large leaves -is known to the Greeks by the name of “malope,”<a id="FNanchor_1687_1687"></a><a href="#Footnote_1687_1687" class="fnanchor">1687</a> the other -being called “malache,”<a id="FNanchor_1688_1688"></a><a href="#Footnote_1688_1688" class="fnanchor">1688</a>—from the circumstance, it is generally -thought, that it relaxes<a id="FNanchor_1689_1689"></a><a href="#Footnote_1689_1689" class="fnanchor">1689</a> the bowels. The wild<a id="FNanchor_1690_1690"></a><a href="#Footnote_1690_1690" class="fnanchor">1690</a> mallow, -again, with large leaves and white roots, is called “althæa,” -and by some persons, on account of its salutary properties, -“plistolochia.”<a id="FNanchor_1691_1691"></a><a href="#Footnote_1691_1691" class="fnanchor">1691</a> Every soil in which mallows are sown, is -rendered all the richer thereby. This plant is possessed of remarkable -virtues,<a id="FNanchor_1692_1692"></a><a href="#Footnote_1692_1692" class="fnanchor">1692</a> as a cure for all kinds of stings,<a id="FNanchor_1693_1693"></a><a href="#Footnote_1693_1693" class="fnanchor">1693</a> those of -scorpions, wasps, and similar insects, as well as the bite of the -shrew-mouse, more particularly; nay, what is even more than -this, if a person has been rubbed with oil in which any one of -the mallows has been beaten up, or even if he carries them on -his person, he will never be stung. A leaf of mallow put upon -a scorpion, will strike it with torpor.</p> - -<p>The mallow is an antidote, also, against the poisonous effects -of white<a id="FNanchor_1694_1694"></a><a href="#Footnote_1694_1694" class="fnanchor">1694</a> lead; and applied raw with saltpetre, it extracts -all kinds of pointed bodies from the flesh. A decoction of it -with the root, taken in drink, neutralizes the poison of the -sea-hare,<a id="FNanchor_1695_1695"></a><a href="#Footnote_1695_1695" class="fnanchor">1695</a> provided, as some say, it is brought off the stomach -by vomiting.</p> - -<p>Other marvels are also related in connection with the mallow, -but the most surprising thing of all is, that if a person takes -half a cyathus of the juice of any one of them daily, he will be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_285">285</a></span> -exempt from all diseases.<a id="FNanchor_1696_1696"></a><a href="#Footnote_1696_1696" class="fnanchor">1696</a> Left to putrefy in wine, mallows are -remedial for running sores of the head, and, mixed with honey, -for lichens and ulcerations of the mouth; a decoction of the root, -too, is a remedy for dandriff<a id="FNanchor_1697_1697"></a><a href="#Footnote_1697_1697" class="fnanchor">1697</a> of the head and looseness of the -teeth. With the root of the mallow which has a single stem,<a id="FNanchor_1698_1698"></a><a href="#Footnote_1698_1698" class="fnanchor">1698</a> -it is a good plan to prick the parts about a tooth when it aches, -until the pain has ceased. With the addition of human saliva, -the mallow cleanses scrofulous sores, imposthumes of the parotid -glands, and inflammatory tumours, without producing a wound. -The seed of it, taken in red wine, disperses phlegm and relieves -nausea; and the root, attached to the person with black wool, -is a remedy for affections of the mamillæ. Boiled in milk, and -taken as a pottage, it cures a cough within five days.</p> - -<p>Sextius Niger says that mallows are prejudicial to the stomach, -and Olympias, the Theban authoress, asserts that, employed -with goose-grease, they are productive of abortion. -Some persons are of opinion, that a good handful of the leaves, -taken in oil and wine, promotes the menstrual discharge. At -all events, it is a well-known fact, that if the leaves are strewed -beneath a woman in labour, the delivery will be accelerated; -but they must be taken away immediately after the birth, or -prolapsus of the uterus will be the consequence. Mallow-juice, -also, is given to women in labour, a decoction of it being taken -fasting in wine, in doses of one hemina.</p> - -<p>Mallow seed is attached to the arms of patients suffering -from spermatorrhœa; and, so naturally adapted is this plant -for the promotion of lustfulness, that the seed of the kind with -a single stem, sprinkled upon the genitals, will increase the -sexual desire in males to an infinite degree, according to -Xenocrates; who says, too, that if three roots are attached to -the person, in the vicinity of those parts, they will be productive -of a similar result. The same writer informs us also, that -injections of mallows are good for tenesmus and dysentery, and -for maladies of the rectum even, if used as a fomentation -only. The juice is given warm to patients afflicted with melancholy,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_286">286</a></span> -in doses of three cyathi, and to insane persons<a id="FNanchor_1699_1699"></a><a href="#Footnote_1699_1699" class="fnanchor">1699</a> in doses -of four. One hemina of the decoction is prescribed, also, for -epilepsy.<a id="FNanchor_1700_1700"></a><a href="#Footnote_1700_1700" class="fnanchor">1700</a> A warm decoction of the juice is employed, too, as -a fomentation for calculus, flatulency, gripings of the stomach, -and opisthotony. The leaves are boiled, and applied with oil, -as a poultice for erysipelas and burns, and raw, with bread, to -arrest inflammation in wounds. A decoction of mallows is -beneficial for affections of the sinews and bladder, and for -gnawing pains of the intestines; taken, too, as an aliment, or -an injection, they are relaxing to the uterus, and the decoction, -taken with oil, facilitates the passage of the urine.<a id="FNanchor_1701_1701"></a><a href="#Footnote_1701_1701" class="fnanchor">1701</a></p> - -<p>The root of the althæa<a id="FNanchor_1702_1702"></a><a href="#Footnote_1702_1702" class="fnanchor">1702</a> is even more efficacious for all the -purposes above enumerated, and for convulsions and ruptures -more particularly. Boiled in water, it arrests looseness of the -bowels; and taken in white wine, it is a cure for scrofulous -sores, imposthumes of the parotid glands, and inflammations of -the mamillæ. A decoction of the leaves in wine, applied as a -liniment, disperses inflammatory tumours; and the leaves, first -dried, and then boiled in milk, are a speedy cure for a cough, -however inveterate. Hippocrates prescribes a decoction of the -root to be drunk by persons wounded or thirsty from loss of -blood, and the plant itself as an application to wounds, with -honey and resin. He also recommends it to be employed in a -similar manner for contusions, sprains, and tumours of the -muscles, sinews, and joints, and prescribes it to be taken in -wine for asthma and dysentery. It is a singular thing, that -water in which this root has been put, thickens when exposed -in the open air, and congeals<a id="FNanchor_1703_1703"></a><a href="#Footnote_1703_1703" class="fnanchor">1703</a> like ice. The more recently, -however, it has been taken up, the greater are the virtues of -the root.<a id="FNanchor_1704_1704"></a><a href="#Footnote_1704_1704" class="fnanchor">1704</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287">287</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_85"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 85.—WILD LAPATHUM OR OXALIS, OTHERWISE CALLED -LAPATHUM CANTHERINUM, OR RUMEX: ONE REMEDY. HYDROLAPATHUM: -TWO REMEDIES. HIPPOLAPATHUM: SIX REMEDIES. -OXYLAPATHUM: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Lapathum, too, has pretty nearly the same properties. -There is a wild<a id="FNanchor_1705_1705"></a><a href="#Footnote_1705_1705" class="fnanchor">1705</a> variety, known to some as “oxalis,” -very similar in taste to the cultivated kind, with pointed -leaves, a colour like that of white beet, and an extremely -diminutive root: our people call it “rumex,”<a id="FNanchor_1706_1706"></a><a href="#Footnote_1706_1706" class="fnanchor">1706</a> while others, -again, give it the name of “lapathum cantherinum.”<a id="FNanchor_1707_1707"></a><a href="#Footnote_1707_1707" class="fnanchor">1707</a> Mixed -with axle-grease, this plant is very efficacious for scrofulous -sores. There is another kind, again, hardly forming -a distinct variety, known as “oxylapathon,”<a id="FNanchor_1708_1708"></a><a href="#Footnote_1708_1708" class="fnanchor">1708</a> which resembles -the cultivated kind even more than the last, though the -leaves are more pointed and redder: it grows only in marshy -spots. Some authors are found who speak of a “hydrolapathon,”<a id="FNanchor_1709_1709"></a><a href="#Footnote_1709_1709" class="fnanchor">1709</a> -which grows in the water, they say. There is also -another variety, known as “hippolapathon,”<a id="FNanchor_1710_1710"></a><a href="#Footnote_1710_1710" class="fnanchor">1710</a> larger than the -cultivated kind, whiter, and more compact.</p> - -<p>The wild varieties of the lapathum are a cure<a id="FNanchor_1711_1711"></a><a href="#Footnote_1711_1711" class="fnanchor">1711</a> for the -stings of scorpions, and protect those who carry the plant on -their person from being stung. A decoction of the root in -vinegar, employed as a gargle, is beneficial to the<a id="FNanchor_1712_1712"></a><a href="#Footnote_1712_1712" class="fnanchor">1712</a> teeth, and -if drunk, is a cure for jaundice. The seed is curative of the -most obstinate maladies of the stomach.<a id="FNanchor_1713_1713"></a><a href="#Footnote_1713_1713" class="fnanchor">1713</a> The root of hippolapathum, -in particular, has the property of bringing off -malformed nails; and the seed, taken in wine, in doses of two -drachmæ, is a cure for dysentery. The seed of oxylapathum,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288">288</a></span> -washed in rain-water, with the addition of a piece of gum -acacia, about the size of a lentil, is good for patients troubled -with spitting of blood.<a id="FNanchor_1714_1714"></a><a href="#Footnote_1714_1714" class="fnanchor">1714</a> Most excellent lozenges are made of -the leaves and root of this plant, with the addition of nitre -and a little incense. When wanted for use, they are first -steeped in vinegar.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_86"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 86.—CULTIVATED LAPATHUM: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. -BULAPATHUM: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to garden lapathum,<a id="FNanchor_1715_1715"></a><a href="#Footnote_1715_1715" class="fnanchor">1715</a> it is good in liniments on the -forehead for defluxions of the eyes. The root of it cures -lichens and leprous sores, and a decoction of it in wine is -remedial for scrofulous swellings, imposthumes of the parotid -glands, and calculus of the bladder. Taken in wine it is a -cure for affections of the spleen, and employed as a fomentation, -it is equally good for cœliac affections, dysentery, and -tenesmus. For all these purposes, the juice of lapathum is -found to be even still more efficacious. It acts as a carminative -and diuretic, and dispels films on the eyes: put -into the bath, or else rubbed upon the body, without oil, -before taking the bath, it effectually removes all itching sensations. -The root of it, chewed, strengthens the teeth, and a -decoction of it in wine arrests<a id="FNanchor_1716_1716"></a><a href="#Footnote_1716_1716" class="fnanchor">1716</a> looseness of the stomach: -the leaves, on the other hand, relax it.</p> - -<p>Not to omit any particulars, Solo has added to the above -varieties a bulapathon,<a id="FNanchor_1717_1717"></a><a href="#Footnote_1717_1717" class="fnanchor">1717</a> which differs only from the others in -the length of the root. This root, taken in wine, is very -beneficial for dysentery.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_87"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 87. (22.)—MUSTARD, THE THREE KINDS OF IT: FORTY-FOUR -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Mustard, of which we have mentioned<a id="FNanchor_1718_1718"></a><a href="#Footnote_1718_1718" class="fnanchor">1718</a> three different<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289">289</a></span> -kinds, when speaking of the garden herbs, is ranked by Pythagoras -among the very first of those plants the pungency of -which mounts upwards; for there is none to be found more -penetrating to the brain and nostrils.</p> - -<p>Pounded with vinegar, mustard is employed as a liniment -for the stings of serpents and scorpions, and it effectually neutralizes -the poisonous properties of fungi. To cure an immoderate -secretion of phlegm it is kept in the mouth till it melts, -or else it is mixed with hydromel, and employed as a gargle. -Mustard is chewed for tooth-ache, and is taken as a gargle -with oxymel for affections of the uvula; it is very beneficial, -also, for all maladies of the stomach. Taken with the food, it -facilitates expectoration<a id="FNanchor_1719_1719"></a><a href="#Footnote_1719_1719" class="fnanchor">1719</a> from the lungs: it is given, too, for -asthma and epileptic fits, in combination with cucumber seed. -It has the effect of quickening the senses, and effectually -clears the head by sneezing, relaxes the stomach, and promotes -the menstrual discharge and the urinary secretions: beaten up -with figs and cummin, in the proportion of one-third of each -ingredient, it is used as an external application for dropsy.</p> - -<p>Mixed with vinegar, mustard resuscitates by its powerful -odour persons who have swooned in fits of epilepsy or -lethargy, as well as females suffering from hysterical suffocations. -For the cure of lethargy tordylon is added—that being -the name given to the seed of hartwort<a id="FNanchor_1720_1720"></a><a href="#Footnote_1720_1720" class="fnanchor">1720</a>—and if the lethargic -sleep should happen to be very profound, an application -of it, with figs and vinegar, is made to the legs, or to the -head<a id="FNanchor_1721_1721"></a><a href="#Footnote_1721_1721" class="fnanchor">1721</a> even. Used as an external application, mustard is a -cure for inveterate pains of the chest, loins, hips, shoulders, -and, in general, for all deep-seated pains in any part of the -body, raising blisters<a id="FNanchor_1722_1722"></a><a href="#Footnote_1722_1722" class="fnanchor">1722</a> by its caustic properties. In cases of -extreme indurations of the skin, the mustard is applied, to the -part without figs; and a cloth is employed doubled, where it is -apprehended that it may burn too powerfully. It is used<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290">290</a></span> -also, combined with red-earth,<a id="FNanchor_1723_1723"></a><a href="#Footnote_1723_1723" class="fnanchor">1723</a> for alopecy, itch-scabs, leprosy, -phthiriasis, tetanus, and opisthotony. They employ -it also as a liniment with honey for styes<a id="FNanchor_1724_1724"></a><a href="#Footnote_1724_1724" class="fnanchor">1724</a> on the eyelids -and films on the eyes.</p> - -<p>The juices of mustard are extracted in three different -ways, in earthen vessels in which it is left to dry gradually -in the sun. From the thin stem of the plant there exudes -also a milky juice,<a id="FNanchor_1725_1725"></a><a href="#Footnote_1725_1725" class="fnanchor">1725</a> which when thus hardened is remedial -for tooth-ache. The seed and root, after they have been left -to steep in must, are beaten up together in a mortar; and a -good handful of the mixture is taken to strengthen<a id="FNanchor_1726_1726"></a><a href="#Footnote_1726_1726" class="fnanchor">1726</a> the -throat, stomach, eyes, head, and all the senses. This mixture -is extremely good, too, for fits of lassitude in females, being -one of the most wholesome medicines in existence. Taken in -vinegar, mustard disperses calculi in the bladder; and, in combination -with honey and goose-grease, or else Cyprian wax, -it is employed as a liniment for livid spots and bruises. From -the seed, first steeped in olive-oil, and then subjected to -pressure, an oil is extracted, which is employed for rigidity -of the sinews, and chills and numbness in the loins and hips.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_88"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 88.—ADARCA: FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is said that adarca, of which we have already made -mention<a id="FNanchor_1727_1727"></a><a href="#Footnote_1727_1727" class="fnanchor">1727</a> when speaking of the forest-trees, has a similar -nature<a id="FNanchor_1728_1728"></a><a href="#Footnote_1728_1728" class="fnanchor">1728</a> to that of mustard, and is productive of the same -effects: it grows upon the outer coat of reeds, below the head.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_89"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 89.—MARRUBIUM OR PRASION, OTHERWISE LINOSTROPHON, -PHILOPAIS, OR PHILOCHARES: TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Most medical writers have spoken in high terms of marrubium,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_291">291</a></span> -or horehound, as a plant of the very greatest utility. -Among the Greeks, it is called “prasion”<a id="FNanchor_1729_1729"></a><a href="#Footnote_1729_1729" class="fnanchor">1729</a> by some, by -others “linostrophon,”<a id="FNanchor_1730_1730"></a><a href="#Footnote_1730_1730" class="fnanchor">1730</a> and by others, again, “philopais”<a id="FNanchor_1731_1731"></a><a href="#Footnote_1731_1731" class="fnanchor">1731</a> or -“philochares:”<a id="FNanchor_1732_1732"></a><a href="#Footnote_1732_1732" class="fnanchor">1732</a> it is a plant too well known to require any -description.<a id="FNanchor_1733_1733"></a><a href="#Footnote_1733_1733" class="fnanchor">1733</a> The leaves<a id="FNanchor_1734_1734"></a><a href="#Footnote_1734_1734" class="fnanchor">1734</a> and seed beaten up, together, are -good for the stings of serpents, pains of the chest and side, -and inveterate coughs. The branches, too, boiled in water -with panic,<a id="FNanchor_1735_1735"></a><a href="#Footnote_1735_1735" class="fnanchor">1735</a> so as to modify its acridity, are remarkably useful -for persons troubled with spitting<a id="FNanchor_1736_1736"></a><a href="#Footnote_1736_1736" class="fnanchor">1736</a> of blood. Horehound is -applied also, with grease, to scrofulous swellings. Some -persons recommend for a cough, a pinch of the fresh seed with -two fingers, boiled with a handful of spelt<a id="FNanchor_1737_1737"></a><a href="#Footnote_1737_1737" class="fnanchor">1737</a> and a little oil -and salt, the mixture to be taken fasting. Others, again, regard -as quite incomparable for a similar purpose an extract of the -juices of horehound and fennel. Taking three sextarii of the -extract, they boil it down to two, and then add one sextarius -of honey; after which they again boil it down to two, and -administer one spoonful of the preparation daily, in one cyathus -of water.</p> - -<p>Beaten up with honey, horehound is particularly beneficial -for affections of the male organs; employed with vinegar, it -cleanses lichens, and is very salutary for ruptures, convulsions, -spasms, and contractions of the sinews. Taken in drink -with salt and vinegar, it relaxes the bowels, promotes the -menstrual discharge, and accelerates the after-birth. Dried, -powdered, and taken with honey, it is extremely efficacious<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_292">292</a></span> -for a dry cough, as also for gangrenes and hang-nails.<a id="FNanchor_1738_1738"></a><a href="#Footnote_1738_1738" class="fnanchor">1738</a> The -juice, too, taken with honey, is good for the ears and nostrils: -it is a remedy also for jaundice, and diminishes the -bilious secretions. Among the few antidotes<a id="FNanchor_1739_1739"></a><a href="#Footnote_1739_1739" class="fnanchor">1739</a> for poisons, it -is one of the very best known.</p> - -<p>The plant itself, taken with iris and honey, purges the stomach -and promotes expectorations: it acts, also, as a strong -diuretic, though, at the same time, care must be taken not to -use it when the bladder is ulcerated and the kidneys are affected. -It is said, too, that the juice of horehound improves -the eyesight. Castor speaks of two varieties of it, the black -horehound and the white, which last he considers to be the -best. He puts the juice of it into an empty eggshell, and then -mixes the egg with it, together with honey, in equal proportions: -this preparation used warm, he says, will bring -abscesses to a head, and cleanse and heal them. Beaten up, -too, with stale axle-grease and applied topically, he says, horehound -is a cure for the bite of a dog.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_90"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 90.—WILD THYME: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wild thyme, it is said, borrows its name, “serpyllum,” from -the fact that it is a creeping<a id="FNanchor_1740_1740"></a><a href="#Footnote_1740_1740" class="fnanchor">1740</a> plant, a property peculiar to the -wild kind, that which grows in rocky places more particularly. -The cultivated<a id="FNanchor_1741_1741"></a><a href="#Footnote_1741_1741" class="fnanchor">1741</a> thyme is not a creeping plant, but grows upwards, -as much a palm in height. That which springs up -spontaneously, grows the most luxuriantly, its leaves and -branches being whiter than those of the other kinds. Thyme -is efficacious as a remedy for the stings of serpents, the cenchris<a id="FNanchor_1742_1742"></a><a href="#Footnote_1742_1742" class="fnanchor">1742</a> -more particularly; also for the sting of the scolopendra, -both sea and land, the leaves and branches being boiled for the -purpose in wine. Burnt, it puts to flight all venomous creatures<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_293">293</a></span> -by its smell, and it is particularly beneficial as an antidote -to the venom of marine animals.</p> - -<p>A decoction of it in vinegar is applied for head-ache, with -rose oil, to the temples and forehead, as also for phrenitis and -lethargy: it is given, too, in doses of four drachmæ, for gripings -of the stomach, strangury, quinsy, and fits of vomiting. -It is taken in water, also, for liver complaints. The leaves are -given in doses of four oboli, in vinegar, for diseases of the -spleen. Beaten up in two cyathi of oxymel, it is used for -spitting of blood.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_91"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 91.—SISYMBRIUM OR THYMBRÆUM: TWENTY-THREE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wild<a id="FNanchor_1743_1743"></a><a href="#Footnote_1743_1743" class="fnanchor">1743</a> sisymbrium, by some persons called “thymbræum,” -does not grow beyond a foot in height. The kind<a id="FNanchor_1744_1744"></a><a href="#Footnote_1744_1744" class="fnanchor">1744</a> which -grows in watery places, is similar to nasturtium, and they<a id="FNanchor_1745_1745"></a><a href="#Footnote_1745_1745" class="fnanchor">1745</a> -are both of them efficacious for the stings of certain insects, -such as hornets and the like. That which grows in dry localities -is odoriferous, and is employed<a id="FNanchor_1746_1746"></a><a href="#Footnote_1746_1746" class="fnanchor">1746</a> for wreaths: the leaf -of it is narrower than in the other kind. They both of them -alleviate head-ache, and defluxions of the eyes, Philinus says. -Some persons, however, employ bread in addition; while -others, again, use a decoction of the plant by itself in wine. -It is a cure, also, for epinyctis, and removes spots on the face -in females, by the end of four days; for which purpose, it is -applied at night and taken off in the day-time. It arrests -vomiting, hiccup, gripings, and fluxes of the stomach, whether -taken with the food, or the juice extracted and given in drink.</p> - -<p>This plant, however, should never be eaten by pregnant -women, except in cases where the fœtus is dead, for the very -application of it is sufficient to produce abortion. Taken with -wine, it is diuretic, and the wild variety expels calculi even. -For persons necessitated to sit up awake, an infusion of it in -vinegar is applied as a liniment to the head.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_294">294</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_92"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 92.—LINSEED: THIRTY REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Linseed<a id="FNanchor_1747_1747"></a><a href="#Footnote_1747_1747" class="fnanchor">1747</a> is not only used in combination with other substances, -but, employed by itself, it disperses spots on the face -in women: its juice, too, is very beneficial to the sight. -Combined with incense and water, or else with myrrh and -wine, it is a cure for defluxions of the eyes, and employed -with honey, grease, or wax, for imposthumes of the parotid -glands. Prepared<a id="FNanchor_1748_1748"></a><a href="#Footnote_1748_1748" class="fnanchor">1748</a> like polenta, it is good for fluxes of the -stomach; and a decoction of it in water and oil, applied topically -with anise, is prescribed for quinsy. It is sometimes -used parched, also, to arrest looseness of the bowels, and applications -of it are used, with vinegar, for cœliac affections -and dysentery. It is eaten with raisins, also, for pains in the -liver, and excellent electuaries are made of it for the treatment -of phthisis.</p> - -<p>Linseed-meal, with the addition of nitre, salt, or ashes, -softens rigidities of the muscles, sinews, joints, and vertebræ, -as well as of the membranous tissues of the brain. Employed -with figs, linseed-meal ripens abscesses and brings them -to a head: mixed with the root of wild cucumber, it extracts<a id="FNanchor_1749_1749"></a><a href="#Footnote_1749_1749" class="fnanchor">1749</a> -all foreign bodies from the flesh, as well as splinters of broken -bones. A decoction of linseed-meal in wine prevents ulcers from -spreading, and mixed with honey, it is remedial for pituitous -eruptions. Used with nasturtium, in equal quantities, it -rectifies<a id="FNanchor_1750_1750"></a><a href="#Footnote_1750_1750" class="fnanchor">1750</a> malformed nails; mixed with resin and myrrh, it -cures affections of the testes and hernia,<a id="FNanchor_1751_1751"></a><a href="#Footnote_1751_1751" class="fnanchor">1751</a> and with water, -gangrenous sores. A decoction of linseed-meal with fenugreek, -in the proportion of one sextarius of each, in hydromel, -is recommended for pains in the stomach; and employed as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_295">295</a></span> -an injection, with oil or honey, it is beneficial for dangerous -affections of the chest and intestines.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_93"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 93.—BLITE: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Blite<a id="FNanchor_1752_1752"></a><a href="#Footnote_1752_1752" class="fnanchor">1752</a> seems to be a plant of an inert nature, without -flavour or any pungency whatever; hence it is that, in -Menander, we find husbands giving this name to their wives, -by way of<a id="FNanchor_1753_1753"></a><a href="#Footnote_1753_1753" class="fnanchor">1753</a> reproach. It is<a id="FNanchor_1754_1754"></a><a href="#Footnote_1754_1754" class="fnanchor">1754</a> prejudicial to the stomach, and -disturbs the bowels to such a degree, as to cause cholera in -some. It is stated, however, that, taken in wine, it is good -for the stings of scorpions; and that it is sometimes used as a -liniment for corns on the feet, and, with oil, for affections of -the spleen and pains in the temples. Hippocrates is of opinion, -that if taken with the food,<a id="FNanchor_1755_1755"></a><a href="#Footnote_1755_1755" class="fnanchor">1755</a> it will arrest the menstrual -discharge.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_94"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 94. (23.)—MEUM, AND MEUM ATHAMANTICUM: SEVEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Meum<a id="FNanchor_1756_1756"></a><a href="#Footnote_1756_1756" class="fnanchor">1756</a> is never cultivated in Italy except by medical men, -and by very few of those. There are two varieties of it, the -finer kind being known as “athamanticum,” because, according -to some, it was first discovered by Athamas; or else because, -as others think, that of the best quality is found upon -Mount Athamas.<a id="FNanchor_1757_1757"></a><a href="#Footnote_1757_1757" class="fnanchor">1757</a> The leaf of it is similar to that of dill, and -the stem is sometimes as much as two cubits in length: the -roots, which run obliquely, are numerous and mostly black, -though sometimes white: it is not of so red a hue as the other -kind.</p> - -<p>The root of this plant, pounded or boiled, and taken in water, -is diuretic, and is marvellously efficacious for dispelling flatulency -of the stomach. It is good, too, for gripings of the bowels -and affections of the bladder: applied with honey to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_296">296</a></span> -region of the uterus, it acts as a diuretic; and used as a liniment -with parsley, upon the lower regions of the abdomen in infants, -it has a similar effect.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_95"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 95.—FENNEL: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Fennel has been rendered famous by the serpent, which -tastes it, as already<a id="FNanchor_1758_1758"></a><a href="#Footnote_1758_1758" class="fnanchor">1758</a> stated, when it casts its old skin, and -sharpens its sight with the juice of this plant: a fact which has -led to the conclusion that this juice must be beneficial, also, in a -high degree to the human sight. Fennel-juice is gathered when -the stem is swelling with the bud; after which it is dried in -the sun and applied as an ointment with honey. This plant -is to be found in all parts of the world. The most esteemed -preparation from it, is that made in Iberia, from the tear-like -drops which exude<a id="FNanchor_1759_1759"></a><a href="#Footnote_1759_1759" class="fnanchor">1759</a> from the stalk and the seed fresh-gathered. -The juice is extracted, also, from incisions made in -the root at the first germination of the plant.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_96"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 96.—HIPPOMARATHRON, OR MYRSINEUM: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is, also, a wild<a id="FNanchor_1760_1760"></a><a href="#Footnote_1760_1760" class="fnanchor">1760</a> variety of fennel, known by some -persons as “hippomarathron,” and by others as “myrsineum;” -it has a larger leaf and a more acrid taste than the other kind. -It is taller, also, about the thickness of a walking-stick, and -has a white root: it grows in warm, but stony localities. -Diocles speaks, too, of another<a id="FNanchor_1761_1761"></a><a href="#Footnote_1761_1761" class="fnanchor">1761</a> variety of hippomarathron, -with a long narrow leaf, and a seed like that of coriander.</p> - -<p>The seed of the cultivated fennel is medicinally employed in -wine, for the stings of scorpions and serpents, and the juice of -it, injected into the ears, has the effect of destroying small -worms that breed there. Fennel is employed as an ingredient -in nearly all our seasonings,<a id="FNanchor_1762_1762"></a><a href="#Footnote_1762_1762" class="fnanchor">1762</a> vinegar<a id="FNanchor_1763_1763"></a><a href="#Footnote_1763_1763" class="fnanchor">1763</a> sauces more particularly: -it is placed also beneath the undercrust of bread. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_297">297</a></span> -seed, in fevers even, acts as an astringent upon a relaxed stomach, -and beaten up with water, it allays nausea: it is highly -esteemed, also, for affections of the lungs and liver. Taken -in moderate quantities, it arrests looseness of the bowels, and -acts as a diuretic; a decoction of it is good for gripings of the -stomach, and taken in drink, it restores the milk. The root, -taken in a ptisan,<a id="FNanchor_1764_1764"></a><a href="#Footnote_1764_1764" class="fnanchor">1764</a> purges the kidneys—an effect which is -equally produced by a decoction of the juice or of the seed; the -root is good too, boiled in wine, for dropsy and convulsions. -The leaves are applied to burning tumours, with vinegar, -expel calculi of the bladder, and act as an aphrodisiac.</p> - -<p>In whatever way it is taken in drink, fennel has the property -of promoting the secretion of the seminal fluids; and it -is extremely beneficial to the generative organs, whether a decoction -of the root in wine is employed as a fomentation, or -whether it is used beaten up in oil. Many persons apply -fennel with wax to tumours and bruises, and employ the root, -with the juice of the plant, or else with honey, for the bites of -dogs, and with wine for the stings of multipedes.</p> - -<p>Hippomarathron is more efficacious, in every respect, than -cultivated fennel;<a id="FNanchor_1765_1765"></a><a href="#Footnote_1765_1765" class="fnanchor">1765</a> it expels calculi more particularly, and, -taken with weak wine, is good for the bladder and irregularities -of the menstrual discharge.</p> - -<p>In this plant, the seed is more efficacious than the root; -the dose of either of them being a pinch with two fingers, -beaten up, and mixed with the usual drink. Petrichus, who -wrote a work “On Serpents,”<a id="FNanchor_1766_1766"></a><a href="#Footnote_1766_1766" class="fnanchor">1766</a> and Micton, who wrote a treatise -“On<a id="FNanchor_1767_1767"></a><a href="#Footnote_1767_1767" class="fnanchor">1767</a> Botany,” are of opinion that there is nothing in -existence of greater efficacy against serpents than hippomarathron: -indeed, Nicander<a id="FNanchor_1768_1768"></a><a href="#Footnote_1768_1768" class="fnanchor">1768</a> has ranked it by no means among -the lowest of antidotes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_97"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 97.—HEMP: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Hemp originally grew in the forests,<a id="FNanchor_1769_1769"></a><a href="#Footnote_1769_1769" class="fnanchor">1769</a> where it is found -with a blacker and rougher leaf than in the other<a id="FNanchor_1770_1770"></a><a href="#Footnote_1770_1770" class="fnanchor">1770</a> kinds.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_298">298</a></span> -Hempseed,<a id="FNanchor_1771_1771"></a><a href="#Footnote_1771_1771" class="fnanchor">1771</a> it is said, renders men impotent: the juice of -this seed will extract worms from the ears, or any insect -which may have entered them, though at the cost of producing -head-ache. The virtues of hemp, it is said, are so great, that -an infusion of it in water will cause it to coagulate:<a id="FNanchor_1772_1772"></a><a href="#Footnote_1772_1772" class="fnanchor">1772</a> hence it -is, that if taken in water, it will arrest looseness in beasts of -burden. A decoction of the root in water, relaxes contractions -of the joints, and cures gout and similar maladies. It is applied -raw to burns, but it must be frequently changed, so as -not to let it dry.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_98"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 98.—FENNEL-GIANT: EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Fennel-giant<a id="FNanchor_1773_1773"></a><a href="#Footnote_1773_1773" class="fnanchor">1773</a> has a seed similar to that of dill. That -which has a single stem, bifurcated<a id="FNanchor_1774_1774"></a><a href="#Footnote_1774_1774" class="fnanchor">1774</a> at the top, is generally -thought to be the female plant. The stalks of it are eaten -boiled;<a id="FNanchor_1775_1775"></a><a href="#Footnote_1775_1775" class="fnanchor">1775</a> and, pickled in brine and honey, they are recommended -as particularly beneficial to the stomach;<a id="FNanchor_1776_1776"></a><a href="#Footnote_1776_1776" class="fnanchor">1776</a> if taken, -however, in too large quantities, they are apt to produce -head-ache. The root of it in doses of one denarius to two -cyathi of wine, is used in drink for the stings of serpents, and -the root itself is applied topically for the same purpose, as -also for the cure of gripings of the stomach. Taken in oil -and vinegar, it is used as a check for excessive perspirations, -in fevers even. The inspissated juice of fennel-giant, taken -in quantities the size of a bean, acts as a purgative;<a id="FNanchor_1777_1777"></a><a href="#Footnote_1777_1777" class="fnanchor">1777</a> and the -pith<a id="FNanchor_1778_1778"></a><a href="#Footnote_1778_1778" class="fnanchor">1778</a> of it is good for the uterus, as well as all the maladies -previously mentioned. To arrest hæmorrhage, ten of the -seeds are taken in drink, bruised in wine, or else with the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_299">299</a></span> -pith of the plant. There are some persons who think that -the seed should be administered for epilepsy, from the fourth -to the seventh day of the moon, in doses of one spoonful.</p> - -<p>Fennel-giant is naturally so inimical to the muræna, that -the very touch of it even will kill that fish. Castor was of -opinion that the juice of the root is extremely beneficial to -the sight.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_99"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 99.—THE THISTLE OR SCOLYMOS: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already<a id="FNanchor_1779_1779"></a><a href="#Footnote_1779_1779" class="fnanchor">1779</a> spoken, when treating of the garden -plants, of the cultivation of the thistle; we may as well, -therefore, not delay to mention its medicinal properties. Of -wild thistles there are two varieties; one<a id="FNanchor_1780_1780"></a><a href="#Footnote_1780_1780" class="fnanchor">1780</a> of which throws -out numerous stalks immediately it leaves the ground, the -other<a id="FNanchor_1781_1781"></a><a href="#Footnote_1781_1781" class="fnanchor">1781</a> being thicker, and having but a single stem. They -have, both of them, a few leaves only, and covered with -prickles, the head of the plant being protected by thorny -points: the last mentioned, however, puts forth in the middle -of these points a purple blossom, which turns white with -great rapidity, and is carried off by the wind; the Greeks -give it the name of “scolymos.”</p> - -<p>This plant, gathered before it blossoms, and beaten up and -subjected to pressure, produces a juice, which, applied to the -head, makes the hair grow again when it has fallen off through -alopecy. The root of either kind, boiled in water, creates -thirst, it is said, in those who drink it. It strengthens the -stomach also, and if we are to believe what is said, has some -influence upon the womb in promoting the conception of male -offspring: at all events, Glaucias, who seems to have paid -the most attention to the subject, has written to that effect. -The thin juice, like mastich, which exudes from these plants, -imparts sweetness to the breath.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XX_CHAP_100"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 100. (24.)—THE COMPOSITION OF THERIACA. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>But as we are now about to leave the garden plants, we will -take this opportunity of describing a very famous preparation<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_300">300</a></span> -extracted from them as an antidote against the stings of all -kinds of venomous animals: it is inscribed in verse<a id="FNanchor_1782_1782"></a><a href="#Footnote_1782_1782" class="fnanchor">1782</a> upon a -stone in the Temple of Æsculapius at Cos.</p> - -<p>Take two denarii of wild thyme, and the same quantity of -opopanax and meum respectively; one denarius of trefoil -seed; and of aniseed, fennel-seed, ammi, and parsley, six -denarii respectively, with twelve denarii of meal of fitches. -Heat up these ingredients together, and pass them through a -sieve; after which they must be kneaded with the best wine -that can be had, and then made into lozenges of one victoriatus<a id="FNanchor_1783_1783"></a><a href="#Footnote_1783_1783" class="fnanchor">1783</a> -each: one of these is to be given to the patient, steeped -in three cyathi of wine. King Antiochus<a id="FNanchor_1784_1784"></a><a href="#Footnote_1784_1784" class="fnanchor">1784</a> the Great, it is -said, employed this theriaca<a id="FNanchor_1785_1785"></a><a href="#Footnote_1785_1785" class="fnanchor">1785</a> against all kinds of venomous -animals, the asp excepted.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Summary.</span>—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, -one thousand, five hundred, and six.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Roman authors quoted.</span>—Cato<a id="FNanchor_1786_1786"></a><a href="#Footnote_1786_1786" class="fnanchor">1786</a> the Censor, M. Varro,<a id="FNanchor_1787_1787"></a><a href="#Footnote_1787_1787" class="fnanchor">1787</a> -Pompeius Lenæus,<a id="FNanchor_1788_1788"></a><a href="#Footnote_1788_1788" class="fnanchor">1788</a> C. Valgius,<a id="FNanchor_1789_1789"></a><a href="#Footnote_1789_1789" class="fnanchor">1789</a> Hyginus,<a id="FNanchor_1790_1790"></a><a href="#Footnote_1790_1790" class="fnanchor">1790</a> Sextius Niger<a id="FNanchor_1791_1791"></a><a href="#Footnote_1791_1791" class="fnanchor">1791</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_301">301</a></span> -who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus<a id="FNanchor_1792_1792"></a><a href="#Footnote_1792_1792" class="fnanchor">1792</a> who wrote in Greek, -Celsus,<a id="FNanchor_1793_1793"></a><a href="#Footnote_1793_1793" class="fnanchor">1793</a> Antonius Castor.<a id="FNanchor_1794_1794"></a><a href="#Footnote_1794_1794" class="fnanchor">1794</a></p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Foreign authors quoted.</span>—Democritus,<a id="FNanchor_1795_1795"></a><a href="#Footnote_1795_1795" class="fnanchor">1795</a> Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_1796_1796"></a><a href="#Footnote_1796_1796" class="fnanchor">1796</a> -Orpheus,<a id="FNanchor_1797_1797"></a><a href="#Footnote_1797_1797" class="fnanchor">1797</a> Menander<a id="FNanchor_1798_1798"></a><a href="#Footnote_1798_1798" class="fnanchor">1798</a> who wrote the “Biochresta,” Pythagoras,<a id="FNanchor_1799_1799"></a><a href="#Footnote_1799_1799" class="fnanchor">1799</a> -Nicander.<a id="FNanchor_1800_1800"></a><a href="#Footnote_1800_1800" class="fnanchor">1800</a></p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Medical authors quoted.</span>—Chrysippus,<a id="FNanchor_1801_1801"></a><a href="#Footnote_1801_1801" class="fnanchor">1801</a> Diocles,<a id="FNanchor_1802_1802"></a><a href="#Footnote_1802_1802" class="fnanchor">1802</a> Ophelion,<a id="FNanchor_1803_1803"></a><a href="#Footnote_1803_1803" class="fnanchor">1803</a> -Heraclides,<a id="FNanchor_1804_1804"></a><a href="#Footnote_1804_1804" class="fnanchor">1804</a> Hicesius,<a id="FNanchor_1805_1805"></a><a href="#Footnote_1805_1805" class="fnanchor">1805</a> Dionysius,<a id="FNanchor_1806_1806"></a><a href="#Footnote_1806_1806" class="fnanchor">1806</a> Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_1807_1807"></a><a href="#Footnote_1807_1807" class="fnanchor">1807</a> of -Citium, Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_1808_1808"></a><a href="#Footnote_1808_1808" class="fnanchor">1808</a> of Tarentum, Praxagoras,<a id="FNanchor_1809_1809"></a><a href="#Footnote_1809_1809" class="fnanchor">1809</a>, Plistonicus,<a id="FNanchor_1810_1810"></a><a href="#Footnote_1810_1810" class="fnanchor">1810</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_302">302</a></span> -Medius,<a id="FNanchor_1811_1811"></a><a href="#Footnote_1811_1811" class="fnanchor">1811</a> Dieuches,<a id="FNanchor_1812_1812"></a><a href="#Footnote_1812_1812" class="fnanchor">1812</a> Cleophantus,<a id="FNanchor_1813_1813"></a><a href="#Footnote_1813_1813" class="fnanchor">1813</a> Philistion,<a id="FNanchor_1814_1814"></a><a href="#Footnote_1814_1814" class="fnanchor">1814</a> Asclepiades,<a id="FNanchor_1815_1815"></a><a href="#Footnote_1815_1815" class="fnanchor">1815</a> -Crateuas,<a id="FNanchor_1816_1816"></a><a href="#Footnote_1816_1816" class="fnanchor">1816</a> Petronius Diodotus,<a id="FNanchor_1817_1817"></a><a href="#Footnote_1817_1817" class="fnanchor">1817</a> Iollas,<a id="FNanchor_1818_1818"></a><a href="#Footnote_1818_1818" class="fnanchor">1818</a> Erasistratus,<a id="FNanchor_1819_1819"></a><a href="#Footnote_1819_1819" class="fnanchor">1819</a> -Diagoras,<a id="FNanchor_1820_1820"></a><a href="#Footnote_1820_1820" class="fnanchor">1820</a> Andreas,<a id="FNanchor_1821_1821"></a><a href="#Footnote_1821_1821" class="fnanchor">1821</a> Mnesides,<a id="FNanchor_1822_1822"></a><a href="#Footnote_1822_1822" class="fnanchor">1822</a> Epicharmus,<a id="FNanchor_1823_1823"></a><a href="#Footnote_1823_1823" class="fnanchor">1823</a> Damion,<a id="FNanchor_1824_1824"></a><a href="#Footnote_1824_1824" class="fnanchor">1824</a> -Dalion,<a id="FNanchor_1825_1825"></a><a href="#Footnote_1825_1825" class="fnanchor">1825</a> Sosimenes,<a id="FNanchor_1826_1826"></a><a href="#Footnote_1826_1826" class="fnanchor">1826</a> Tlepolemus,<a id="FNanchor_1827_1827"></a><a href="#Footnote_1827_1827" class="fnanchor">1827</a>, Metrodorus,<a id="FNanchor_1828_1828"></a><a href="#Footnote_1828_1828" class="fnanchor">1828</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_303">303</a></span> -Solo,<a id="FNanchor_1829_1829"></a><a href="#Footnote_1829_1829" class="fnanchor">1829</a> Lycus,<a id="FNanchor_1830_1830"></a><a href="#Footnote_1830_1830" class="fnanchor">1830</a> Olympias<a id="FNanchor_1831_1831"></a><a href="#Footnote_1831_1831" class="fnanchor">1831</a> of Thebes, Philinus,<a id="FNanchor_1832_1832"></a><a href="#Footnote_1832_1832" class="fnanchor">1832</a> Petrichus,<a id="FNanchor_1833_1833"></a><a href="#Footnote_1833_1833" class="fnanchor">1833</a> -Micton,<a id="FNanchor_1834_1834"></a><a href="#Footnote_1834_1834" class="fnanchor">1834</a> Glaucias,<a id="FNanchor_1835_1835"></a><a href="#Footnote_1835_1835" class="fnanchor">1835</a> Xenocrates.<a id="FNanchor_1836_1836"></a><a href="#Footnote_1836_1836" class="fnanchor">1836</a></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_304">304</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="BOOK_XXI">BOOK XXI.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="small">AN ACCOUNT OF FLOWERS, AND THOSE USED FOR -CHAPLETS MORE PARTICULARLY.</span></h2></div> - -<h3 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_1"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 1. (1.)—THE NATURE OF FLOWERS AND GARLANDS.</span></h3> - -<p>Cato has recommended that flowers for making chaplets -should also be cultivated in the garden; varieties remarkable -for a delicacy which it is quite impossible to express, inasmuch -as no individual can find such facilities for describing -them as Nature does for bestowing on them their numerous tints—Nature, -who here in especial shows herself in a sportive -mood, and takes a delight in the prolific display of her varied -productions. The other<a id="FNanchor_1837_1837"></a><a href="#Footnote_1837_1837" class="fnanchor">1837</a> plants she has produced for our use -and our nutriment, and to them accordingly she has granted -years and even ages of duration: but as for the flowers and -their perfumes, she has given them birth for but a day—a -mighty lesson to man, we see, to teach him that that which in -its career is the most beauteous and the most attractive to the -eye, is the very first to fade and die.</p> - -<p>Even the limner’s art itself possesses no resources for reproducing -the colours of the flowers in all their varied tints -and combinations, whether we view them in groups alternately -blending their hues, or whether arranged in festoons, each -variety by<a id="FNanchor_1838_1838"></a><a href="#Footnote_1838_1838" class="fnanchor">1838</a> itself, now assuming a circular form, now running -obliquely, and now disposed in a spiral pattern; or whether, -as we see sometimes, one wreath is interwoven within another.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_2"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 2. (2.)—GARLANDS AND CHAPLETS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The ancients used chaplets of diminutive size, called -“struppi;”<a id="FNanchor_1839_1839"></a><a href="#Footnote_1839_1839" class="fnanchor">1839</a> from which comes our name for a chaplet, “strophiolum.”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_305">305</a></span> -Indeed, it was only by very slow degrees that -this last word<a id="FNanchor_1840_1840"></a><a href="#Footnote_1840_1840" class="fnanchor">1840</a> became generalized, as the chaplets that were -used at sacrifices, or were granted as the reward of military -valour, asserted their exclusive right to the name of “corona.” -As for garlands, when they came to be made of flowers, they -received the name of “serta,” from the verb “sero,”<a id="FNanchor_1841_1841"></a><a href="#Footnote_1841_1841" class="fnanchor">1841</a> or -else from our word “series.”<a id="FNanchor_1842_1842"></a><a href="#Footnote_1842_1842" class="fnanchor">1842</a> The use<a id="FNanchor_1843_1843"></a><a href="#Footnote_1843_1843" class="fnanchor">1843</a> of flowers for garlands -is not so very ancient, among the Greeks even.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_3"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 3.—WHO INVENTED THE ART OF MAKING GARLANDS: -WHEN THEY FIRST RECEIVED THE NAME OF “COROLLÆ,” AND -FOR WHAT REASON.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For in early times it was the usage to crown the victors in -the sacred contests with branches of trees: and it was only -at a later period, that they began to vary their tints by the -combination<a id="FNanchor_1844_1844"></a><a href="#Footnote_1844_1844" class="fnanchor">1844</a> of flowers, to heighten the effect in turn by their -colour and their smell—an invention due to the ingenuity of -the painter Pausias, at Sicyon,<a id="FNanchor_1845_1845"></a><a href="#Footnote_1845_1845" class="fnanchor">1845</a> and the garland-maker Glycera, -a female to whom he was greatly attached, and whose -handiwork was imitated by him in colours. Challenging him -to a trial of skill, she would repeatedly vary her designs, and -thus it was in reality a contest between art and Nature; a fact -which we find attested by pictures of that artist even still in -existence, more particularly the one known as the “Stephaneplocos,”<a id="FNanchor_1846_1846"></a><a href="#Footnote_1846_1846" class="fnanchor">1846</a> -in which he has given a likeness of Glycera herself. -This invention, therefore, is only to be traced to later than the -Hundredth<a id="FNanchor_1847_1847"></a><a href="#Footnote_1847_1847" class="fnanchor">1847</a> Olympiad.</p> - -<p>Chaplets of flowers being now the fashion, it was not long -before those came into vogue which are known to us as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_306">306</a></span> -Egyptian<a id="FNanchor_1848_1848"></a><a href="#Footnote_1848_1848" class="fnanchor">1848</a> chaplets; and then the winter chaplets, made for -the time at which Earth refuses her flowers, of thin laminæ of -horn stained various colours. By slow degrees, too, the name -was introduced at Rome, these garlands being known there -at first as “corollæ,” a designation given them to express -the remarkable delicacy<a id="FNanchor_1849_1849"></a><a href="#Footnote_1849_1849" class="fnanchor">1849</a> of their texture. In more recent -times, again, when the chaplets presented were made of thin -plates<a id="FNanchor_1850_1850"></a><a href="#Footnote_1850_1850" class="fnanchor">1850</a> of copper, gilt or silvered, they assumed the name -of “corollaria.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_4"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 4. (3.)—WHO WAS THE FIRST TO GIVE CHAPLETS WITH -LEAVES OF SILVER AND GOLD. LEMNISCI: WHO WAS THE FIRST -TO EMBOSS THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Crassus Dives<a id="FNanchor_1851_1851"></a><a href="#Footnote_1851_1851" class="fnanchor">1851</a> was the first who gave chaplets with artificial -leaves of silver and gold, at the games celebrated by him. -To embellish these chaplets, and to confer additional honour -on them, lemnisci were added, in imitation of the Etruscan -chaplets, which ought properly to have none but lemnisci<a id="FNanchor_1852_1852"></a><a href="#Footnote_1852_1852" class="fnanchor">1852</a> -made of gold. For a long period these lemnisci were destitute -of ornament:<a id="FNanchor_1853_1853"></a><a href="#Footnote_1853_1853" class="fnanchor">1853</a> P. Claudius Pulcher<a id="FNanchor_1854_1854"></a><a href="#Footnote_1854_1854" class="fnanchor">1854</a> was the first who -taught us to emboss<a id="FNanchor_1855_1855"></a><a href="#Footnote_1855_1855" class="fnanchor">1855</a> them, and added leaves of tinsel to the -laminæ<a id="FNanchor_1856_1856"></a><a href="#Footnote_1856_1856" class="fnanchor">1856</a> of which the lemniscus was formed.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_5"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 5.—THE GREAT HONOUR IN WHICH CHAPLETS WERE HELD -BY THE ANCIENTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Chaplets, however, were always held in a high degree of -estimation, those even which were acquired at the public -games. For it was the usage of the citizens to go down in -person to take part in the contests of the Circus, and to -send their slaves and horses thither as well. Hence it is that -we find it thus written in the laws of the Twelve Tables:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_307">307</a></span> -“If any person has gained a chaplet himself, or by his -money,<a id="FNanchor_1857_1857"></a><a href="#Footnote_1857_1857" class="fnanchor">1857</a> let the same be given to him as the reward of his -prowess.” There is no doubt that by the words “gained by -his money,” the laws meant a chaplet which had been gained -by his slaves or horses. Well then, what was the honour acquired -thereby? It was the right secured by the victor, for -himself and for his parents, after death, to be crowned without -fail, while the body was laid out in the house,<a id="FNanchor_1858_1858"></a><a href="#Footnote_1858_1858" class="fnanchor">1858</a> and on its -being carried<a id="FNanchor_1859_1859"></a><a href="#Footnote_1859_1859" class="fnanchor">1859</a> to the tomb.</p> - -<p>On other occasions, chaplets were not indiscriminately -worn, not even those which had been won in the games.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_6"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 6.—THE SEVERITY OF THE ANCIENTS IN REFERENCE TO -CHAPLETS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Indeed the rules upon this point were remarkably severe. -L. Fulvius, a banker,<a id="FNanchor_1860_1860"></a><a href="#Footnote_1860_1860" class="fnanchor">1860</a> having been accused, at the time of -the Second Punic War, of looking down from the balcony<a id="FNanchor_1861_1861"></a><a href="#Footnote_1861_1861" class="fnanchor">1861</a> -of his house upon the Forum, with a chaplet of roses upon -his head, was imprisoned by order of the Senate, and was not -liberated before the war was brought to a close. P. Munatius, -having placed upon his head a chaplet of flowers taken -from the statue of Marsyas,<a id="FNanchor_1862_1862"></a><a href="#Footnote_1862_1862" class="fnanchor">1862</a> was condemned by the Triumviri -to be put in chains. Upon his making appeal to the -tribunes of the people, they refused to intercede in his behalf—a -very different state of things to that at Athens, where -the young men,<a id="FNanchor_1863_1863"></a><a href="#Footnote_1863_1863" class="fnanchor">1863</a> in their drunken revelry, were in the habit,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_308">308</a></span> -before midday, of making their way into the very schools of -the philosophers even. Among ourselves, no such instance of -a similar licentiousness is to be found, unless, indeed, in the -case of the daughter<a id="FNanchor_1864_1864"></a><a href="#Footnote_1864_1864" class="fnanchor">1864</a> of the late Emperor Augustus, who, in -her nocturnal debaucheries, placed a chaplet on the statue<a id="FNanchor_1865_1865"></a><a href="#Footnote_1865_1865" class="fnanchor">1865</a> -of Marsyas, conduct deeply deplored in the letters of that -god.<a id="FNanchor_1866_1866"></a><a href="#Footnote_1866_1866" class="fnanchor">1866</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_7"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 7.—A CITIZEN DECKED WITH FLOWERS BY THE ROMAN -PEOPLE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Scipio is the only person that ever received from the Roman -people the honour of being decked with flowers. This -Scipio received the surname of Serapio,<a id="FNanchor_1867_1867"></a><a href="#Footnote_1867_1867" class="fnanchor">1867</a> from his remarkable -resemblance to a certain person of that name who dealt in -pigs. He died in his tribuneship, greatly beloved by the -people, and in every way worthy of the family of the Africani. -The property he left was not sufficient to pay the expenses of -his burial; upon which the people made a subscription and -contracted<a id="FNanchor_1868_1868"></a><a href="#Footnote_1868_1868" class="fnanchor">1868</a> for his funeral, flowers being scattered upon the -body from every possible quarter<a id="FNanchor_1869_1869"></a><a href="#Footnote_1869_1869" class="fnanchor">1869</a> as it was borne along.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_8"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 8.—PLAITED CHAPLETS. NEEDLE-WORK CHAPLETS. -NARD-LEAF CHAPLETS. SILKEN CHAPLETS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In those days, too, chaplets were employed in honour of the -gods, the Lares, public as well as domestic, the sepulchres,<a id="FNanchor_1870_1870"></a><a href="#Footnote_1870_1870" class="fnanchor">1870</a> -and the Manes. The highest place, however, in public estimation, -was held by the plaited chaplet; such as we find used<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_309">309</a></span> -by the Salii in their sacred rites, and at the solemnization of -their yearly<a id="FNanchor_1871_1871"></a><a href="#Footnote_1871_1871" class="fnanchor">1871</a> banquets. In later times, the rose chaplet has -been adopted, and luxury arose at last to such a pitch that a -chaplet was held in no esteem at all if it did not consist entirely -of leaves sown together with the needle. More recently, -again, they have been imported from India, or from nations -beyond the countries of India.</p> - -<p>But it is looked upon as the most refined of all, to present -chaplets made of nard leaves, or else of silk of many colours -steeped in unguents. Such is the pitch to which the luxuriousness -of our women has at last arrived!</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_9"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 9.—AUTHORS WHO HAVE WRITTEN ON FLOWERS. AN -ANECDOTE RELATIVE TO QUEEN CLEOPATRA AND CHAPLETS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the Greeks, the physicians Mnesitheus and Callimachus -have written separate treatises on the subject of -chaplets, making mention of such flowers as are injurious to -the head.<a id="FNanchor_1872_1872"></a><a href="#Footnote_1872_1872" class="fnanchor">1872</a> For, in fact, the health is here concerned to some -extent, as it is at the moments of carousal and gaiety in particular -that penetrating odours steal insidiously upon the -brain—witness an instance in the wicked cunning displayed -upon one occasion by Cleopatra.</p> - -<p>At the time when preparations were making for the battle -that was eventually fought at Actium, Antonius held the -queen in such extreme distrust as to be in dread of her very -attentions even, and would not so much as touch his food, -unless another person had tasted it first. Upon this, the -queen, it is said, wishing to amuse herself with his fears, had -the extremities of the flowers in a chaplet dipped in poison, and -then placed it upon her head.<a id="FNanchor_1873_1873"></a><a href="#Footnote_1873_1873" class="fnanchor">1873</a> After a time, as the hilarity -increased apace, she challenged Antonius to swallow the chaplets,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_310">310</a></span> -mixed up with their drink. Who, under such circumstances -as these, could have apprehended treachery? Accordingly, -the leaves were stripped from off the chaplet, and thrown into -the cup. Just as Antonius was on the very point of drinking, -she arrested his arm with her hand.—“Behold, Marcus Antonius,” -said she, “the woman against whom you are so careful -to take these new precautions of yours in employing your -tasters! And would then, if I could exist without you, either -means or opportunity of effecting my purpose be wanting to -me?” Saying this, she ordered a man to be brought from -prison, and made him drink off the potion; he did so, and -fell dead<a id="FNanchor_1874_1874"></a><a href="#Footnote_1874_1874" class="fnanchor">1874</a> upon the spot.</p> - -<p>Besides the two authors above-mentioned, Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_1875_1875"></a><a href="#Footnote_1875_1875" class="fnanchor">1875</a> -among the Greeks, has written on the subject of flowers. -Some of our own writers also have given the title of “Anthologica” -to their works, but no one, to my knowledge at least, -has treated expressly<a id="FNanchor_1876_1876"></a><a href="#Footnote_1876_1876" class="fnanchor">1876</a> of flowers. In fact, we ourselves have -no intention here of discussing the mode of wearing chaplets, -for that would be frivolous<a id="FNanchor_1877_1877"></a><a href="#Footnote_1877_1877" class="fnanchor">1877</a> indeed; but shall proceed to -state such particulars in relation to flowers as shall appear to -us deserving of remark.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_10"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 10. (4.)—THE ROSE: TWELVE VARIETIES OF IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The people of our country were acquainted with but very -few garland flowers among the garden plants, and those few -hardly any but the violet and the rose. The plant which bears -the rose is, properly speaking, more of a thorn than a shrub—indeed, -we sometimes find it growing on a bramble<a id="FNanchor_1878_1878"></a><a href="#Footnote_1878_1878" class="fnanchor">1878</a> even; -the flower having, even then, a pleasant smell, though by no -means penetrating. The flower in all roses is originally enclosed -in a bud,<a id="FNanchor_1879_1879"></a><a href="#Footnote_1879_1879" class="fnanchor">1879</a> with a grained surface within, which gradually -swells, and assumes the form of a green pointed cone, -similar to our alabaster<a id="FNanchor_1880_1880"></a><a href="#Footnote_1880_1880" class="fnanchor">1880</a> unguent boxes in shape. Gradually<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_311">311</a></span> -acquiring a ruddy tint, this bud opens little by little, until at -last it comes into full blow, developing the calyx, and embracing -the yellow-pointed filaments which stand erect in the -centre of it.</p> - -<p>The employment of the rose in chaplets is, so to say, the -least<a id="FNanchor_1881_1881"></a><a href="#Footnote_1881_1881" class="fnanchor">1881</a> use that is made of it. The flower is steeped in oil, a -practice which has prevailed from the times of the Trojan war, -as Homer<a id="FNanchor_1882_1882"></a><a href="#Footnote_1882_1882" class="fnanchor">1882</a> bears witness; in addition to which, it now forms -an ingredient in our unguents, as mentioned on a previous -occasion.<a id="FNanchor_1883_1883"></a><a href="#Footnote_1883_1883" class="fnanchor">1883</a> It is employed also by itself for certain medicinal -purposes, and is used in plasters and eye-salves<a id="FNanchor_1884_1884"></a><a href="#Footnote_1884_1884" class="fnanchor">1884</a> for its penetrating -qualities: it is used, also, to perfume the delicacies of -our banquets, and is never attended with any noxious results.</p> - -<p>The most esteemed kinds of rose among us are those of -Præneste<a id="FNanchor_1885_1885"></a><a href="#Footnote_1885_1885" class="fnanchor">1885</a> and Campania.<a id="FNanchor_1886_1886"></a><a href="#Footnote_1886_1886" class="fnanchor">1886</a> Some persons have added to these -varieties the rose of Miletus,<a id="FNanchor_1887_1887"></a><a href="#Footnote_1887_1887" class="fnanchor">1887</a> the flower of which is an extremely -brilliant red, and has never more than a dozen petals. -The next to it is the rose of Trachyn,<a id="FNanchor_1888_1888"></a><a href="#Footnote_1888_1888" class="fnanchor">1888</a> not so red as the last, -and then that of Alabanda,<a id="FNanchor_1889_1889"></a><a href="#Footnote_1889_1889" class="fnanchor">1889</a> with whitish petals, but not so -highly esteemed. The least esteemed of all, however, is the -thorn rose,<a id="FNanchor_1890_1890"></a><a href="#Footnote_1890_1890" class="fnanchor">1890</a> the petals of which are numerous, but extremely<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_312">312</a></span> -small. The essential points of difference in the rose are the -number<a id="FNanchor_1891_1891"></a><a href="#Footnote_1891_1891" class="fnanchor">1891</a> of the petals, the comparative number<a id="FNanchor_1892_1892"></a><a href="#Footnote_1892_1892" class="fnanchor">1892</a> of thorns on -the stem, the colour, and the smell. The number of the petals, -which is never less than five, goes on increasing in amount, -till we find one variety with as many as a hundred, and -thence known as the “centifolia:”<a id="FNanchor_1893_1893"></a><a href="#Footnote_1893_1893" class="fnanchor">1893</a> in Italy, it is to be found -in Campania, and in Greece, in the vicinity of Philippi, though -this last is not the place of its natural<a id="FNanchor_1894_1894"></a><a href="#Footnote_1894_1894" class="fnanchor">1894</a> growth. Mount Pangæeus,<a id="FNanchor_1895_1895"></a><a href="#Footnote_1895_1895" class="fnanchor">1895</a> -in the same vicinity, produces a rose with numerous -petals of diminutive size: the people of those parts are in the -habit of transplanting it, a method which greatly tends to improve -its growth. This kind, however, is not remarkable for -its smell, nor yet is the rose which has a very large or very -broad petal: indeed, we may state in a few words, that the -best proof of the perfume of the flower is the comparative -roughness of the calyx.<a id="FNanchor_1896_1896"></a><a href="#Footnote_1896_1896" class="fnanchor">1896</a></p> - -<p>Cæpio, who lived in the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, asserts -that the centifolia is never employed for chaplets, except -at the extreme<a id="FNanchor_1897_1897"></a><a href="#Footnote_1897_1897" class="fnanchor">1897</a> points of union as it were, being remarkable -neither for its smell<a id="FNanchor_1898_1898"></a><a href="#Footnote_1898_1898" class="fnanchor">1898</a> nor its beauty. There is another variety<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_313">313</a></span> -of rose, too, called the “Grecian” rose by our people, and -“lychnis”<a id="FNanchor_1899_1899"></a><a href="#Footnote_1899_1899" class="fnanchor">1899</a> by the Greeks: it grows nowhere except in -humid soils, and has never more than five petals: it does not -exceed the violet in size, and is destitute of smell. There is -another kind, again, known to us as the “Græcula”<a id="FNanchor_1900_1900"></a><a href="#Footnote_1900_1900" class="fnanchor">1900</a> the -petals of which are tightly rolled together, and which never -open except when pressed in the hand, it having always the -appearance, in fact, of being in bud: the petals of it are remarkably -large. Another kind, again, springs from a stem -like that of the mallow, the leaves being similar to those of -the olive—the name given to it is “macetum.”<a id="FNanchor_1901_1901"></a><a href="#Footnote_1901_1901" class="fnanchor">1901</a> There is -the rose of autumn, too, known to us as the “coroniola,”<a id="FNanchor_1902_1902"></a><a href="#Footnote_1902_1902" class="fnanchor">1902</a> -which is of a middle size, between the varieties just mentioned. -All these kinds, however, are destitute of smell, with the -exception of the coroniola, and the one which grows on the -bramble:<a id="FNanchor_1903_1903"></a><a href="#Footnote_1903_1903" class="fnanchor">1903</a> so extended is the scope for fictitious<a id="FNanchor_1904_1904"></a><a href="#Footnote_1904_1904" class="fnanchor">1904</a> productions!</p> - -<p>And, indeed, the genuine rose, for the most part, is indebted -for its qualities to the nature of the soil. That of Cyrenæ<a id="FNanchor_1905_1905"></a><a href="#Footnote_1905_1905" class="fnanchor">1905</a> is -the most odoriferous of all, and hence it is that the unguents -of that place are so remarkably fine: at Carthage, again, in -Spain, there are early<a id="FNanchor_1906_1906"></a><a href="#Footnote_1906_1906" class="fnanchor">1906</a> roses throughout all the winter. The -temperature, too, of the climate is not without its influence: -for in some years we find the roses much less odoriferous than -in others; in addition to which, their smell is always more -powerful when grown in dry soils<a id="FNanchor_1907_1907"></a><a href="#Footnote_1907_1907" class="fnanchor">1907</a> than in humid ones. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_314">314</a></span> -rose does not admit of being planted in either a rich or an -argillaceous soil, nor yet on irrigated land; being contented -with a thin, light earth, and more particularly attached to -ground on which old building rubbish has been laid.</p> - -<p>The rose of Campania is early, that of Miletus late, but it is -the rose of Præneste that goes off the very latest of all. For -the rose, the ground is generally dug to a greater depth than it -is for corn, but not so deep as for the vine. It grows but very -slowly<a id="FNanchor_1908_1908"></a><a href="#Footnote_1908_1908" class="fnanchor">1908</a> from the seed, which is found in the calyx beneath the -petals of the flower, covered with a sort of down; hence it is -that the method of grafting is usually the one preferred, or else -propagation from the eyes of the root, as in the reed.<a id="FNanchor_1909_1909"></a><a href="#Footnote_1909_1909" class="fnanchor">1909</a> One -kind is grafted, which bears a pale flower, with thorny -branches of a remarkable length; it belongs to the quinquefolia -variety, being one of the Greek roses.<a id="FNanchor_1910_1910"></a><a href="#Footnote_1910_1910" class="fnanchor">1910</a> All roses are improved -by being pruned and cauterized; transplanting, too, makes -them grow, like the vine, all the better, and with the greatest -rapidity. The slips are cut some four fingers in length or -more, and are planted immediately after the setting of the -Vergiliæ; then, while the west winds are prevalent, they are -transplanted at intervals of a foot, the earth being frequently -turned up about them.</p> - -<p>Persons whose object it is to grow early roses, make a hole -a foot in width about the root, and pour warm water into it, -at the period when the buds are beginning to put forth.<a id="FNanchor_1911_1911"></a><a href="#Footnote_1911_1911" class="fnanchor">1911</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_11"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 11. (5.)—THE LILY: FOUR VARIETIES OF IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The lily holds the next highest rank after the rose, and has -a certain affinity<a id="FNanchor_1912_1912"></a><a href="#Footnote_1912_1912" class="fnanchor">1912</a> with it in respect of its unguent and the -oil extracted from it, which is known to us as “lirinon.”<a id="FNanchor_1913_1913"></a><a href="#Footnote_1913_1913" class="fnanchor">1913</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_315">315</a></span> -Blended, too, with roses, the lily<a id="FNanchor_1914_1914"></a><a href="#Footnote_1914_1914" class="fnanchor">1914</a> produces a remarkably fine -effect; for it begins to make its appearance, in fact, just as the -rose is in the very middle of its season. There is no flower -that grows to a greater height than the lily, sometimes, indeed, -as much as three cubits; the head of it being always -drooping, as though the neck of the flower were unable to -support its weight. The whiteness of the lily is quite remarkable, -the petals being striated on the exterior; the flower is -narrow at the base, and gradually expanding in shape like a -tapering<a id="FNanchor_1915_1915"></a><a href="#Footnote_1915_1915" class="fnanchor">1915</a> cup with the edges curving outwards, the fine pistils -of the flower, and the stamens with their antheræ of a saffron -colour, standing erect in the middle.<a id="FNanchor_1916_1916"></a><a href="#Footnote_1916_1916" class="fnanchor">1916</a> Hence the perfume of -the lily, as well as its colour, is two-fold, there being one for -the petals and another for the stamens. The difference, however, -between them is but very small, and when the flower is -employed for making lily unguents and oils, the petals are -never rejected.</p> - -<p>There is a flower, not unlike the lily, produced by the plant -known to us as the “convolvulus.”<a id="FNanchor_1917_1917"></a><a href="#Footnote_1917_1917" class="fnanchor">1917</a> It grows among shrubs, -is totally destitute of smell, and has not the yellow antheræ of -the lily within: only vying with it in its whiteness, it would -almost appear to be the rough sketch<a id="FNanchor_1918_1918"></a><a href="#Footnote_1918_1918" class="fnanchor">1918</a> made by Nature when -she was learning how to make the lily. The white lily is -propagated in all the various ways which are employed for the -cultivation of the rose,<a id="FNanchor_1919_1919"></a><a href="#Footnote_1919_1919" class="fnanchor">1919</a> as also by means of a certain tearlike<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_316">316</a></span> -gum<a id="FNanchor_1920_1920"></a><a href="#Footnote_1920_1920" class="fnanchor">1920</a> which belongs to it, similarly to hipposelinum<a id="FNanchor_1921_1921"></a><a href="#Footnote_1921_1921" class="fnanchor">1921</a> in fact: -indeed, there is no plant that is more prolific than this, a single -root often giving birth to as many as fifty bulbs.<a id="FNanchor_1922_1922"></a><a href="#Footnote_1922_1922" class="fnanchor">1922</a> There -is, also, a red lily, known by the name of “crinon”<a id="FNanchor_1923_1923"></a><a href="#Footnote_1923_1923" class="fnanchor">1923</a> to the -Greeks, though there are some authors who call the flower of -it “cynorrodon.”<a id="FNanchor_1924_1924"></a><a href="#Footnote_1924_1924" class="fnanchor">1924</a> The most esteemed are those of Antiochia -and Laodicea in Syria, and next to them that of Phaselis.<a id="FNanchor_1925_1925"></a><a href="#Footnote_1925_1925" class="fnanchor">1925</a> -To the fourth rank belongs the flower that grows in Italy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_12"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 12.—THE NARCISSUS: THREE VARIETIES OF IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a purple<a id="FNanchor_1926_1926"></a><a href="#Footnote_1926_1926" class="fnanchor">1926</a> lily, too, which sometimes has a double -stem; it differs only from the other lilies in having a more -fleshy root and a bulb of larger size, but undivided:<a id="FNanchor_1927_1927"></a><a href="#Footnote_1927_1927" class="fnanchor">1927</a> the -name given to it is “narcissus.”<a id="FNanchor_1928_1928"></a><a href="#Footnote_1928_1928" class="fnanchor">1928</a> A second variety of this lily -has a white flower, with a purple corolla. There is also this -difference between the ordinary lily and the narcissus, that in -the latter the leaves spring from the root of the plant. The -finest are those which grow on the mountains of Lycia. A -third variety is similar to the others in every respect, except -that the corolla of the plant is green. They are all of them -late<a id="FNanchor_1929_1929"></a><a href="#Footnote_1929_1929" class="fnanchor">1929</a> flowers: indeed, they only bloom after the setting of -Arcturus,<a id="FNanchor_1930_1930"></a><a href="#Footnote_1930_1930" class="fnanchor">1930</a> and at the time of the autumnal equinox.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_317">317</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_13"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 13.—HOW SEED IS STAINED TO PRODUCE TINTED FLOWERS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There has been invented<a id="FNanchor_1931_1931"></a><a href="#Footnote_1931_1931" class="fnanchor">1931</a> also a method of tinting the lily, -thanks to the taste of mankind for monstrous productions. -The dried stalks<a id="FNanchor_1932_1932"></a><a href="#Footnote_1932_1932" class="fnanchor">1932</a> of the lily are tied together in the month of -July, and hung up in the smoke: then, in the following -March, when the small knots<a id="FNanchor_1933_1933"></a><a href="#Footnote_1933_1933" class="fnanchor">1933</a> are beginning to disclose themselves, -the stalks are left to steep in the lees of black or Greek -wine, in order that they may contract its colour, and are then -planted out in small trenches, some semi-sextarii of wine-lees -being poured around them. By this method purple lilies are -obtained, it being a very remarkable thing that we should be -able to dye a plant to such a degree as to make it produce a -coloured flower.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_14"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 14. (6.)—HOW THE SEVERAL VARIETIES OF THE VIOLET -ARE RESPECTIVELY PRODUCED, GROWN, AND CULTIVATED. THE -THREE DIFFERENT COLOURS OF THE VIOLET. THE FIVE VARIETIES -OF THE YELLOW VIOLET.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next after the roses and the lilies, the violet is held in the -highest esteem: of this there are several varieties, the purple,<a id="FNanchor_1934_1934"></a><a href="#Footnote_1934_1934" class="fnanchor">1934</a> -the yellow, and the white, all of them reproduced from -plants, like the cabbage. The purple violet, which springs -up spontaneously in sunny spots, with a thin, meagre soil, has -larger petals than the others, springing immediately from the -root, which is of a fleshy substance. This violet has a name, -too, distinct from the other wild kinds, being called “ion,”<a id="FNanchor_1935_1935"></a><a href="#Footnote_1935_1935" class="fnanchor">1935</a> -and from it the ianthine<a id="FNanchor_1936_1936"></a><a href="#Footnote_1936_1936" class="fnanchor">1936</a> cloth takes its name.</p> - -<p>Among the cultivated kinds, the yellow<a id="FNanchor_1937_1937"></a><a href="#Footnote_1937_1937" class="fnanchor">1937</a> violet is held in the -greatest esteem. The Tusculan violet, and that known as the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_318">318</a></span> -“marine”<a id="FNanchor_1938_1938"></a><a href="#Footnote_1938_1938" class="fnanchor">1938</a> violet, have petals somewhat broader than the -others, but not so odoriferous; the Calatian<a id="FNanchor_1939_1939"></a><a href="#Footnote_1939_1939" class="fnanchor">1939</a> violet, too, which -has a smaller leaf, is entirely destitute of smell. This last is -a present to us from the autumn, the others from the spring.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_15"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 15.—THE CALTHA. THE SCOPA REGIA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next to it comes the caltha, the flowers of which are of -similar colour and size;<a id="FNanchor_1940_1940"></a><a href="#Footnote_1940_1940" class="fnanchor">1940</a> in the number of its petals, however, -it surpasses the marine violet, the petals of which are never -more than five in number. The marine violet is surpassed, -too, by the other in smell; that of the caltha being very powerful. -The smell, too, is no less powerful in the plant known as -the “scopa regia;”<a id="FNanchor_1941_1941"></a><a href="#Footnote_1941_1941" class="fnanchor">1941</a> but there it is the leaves of the plant, -and not the flowers, that are odoriferous.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_16"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 16.—THE BACCHAR. THE COMBRETUM. ASARUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The bacchar,<a id="FNanchor_1942_1942"></a><a href="#Footnote_1942_1942" class="fnanchor">1942</a> too, by some persons known as “field nard,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_319">319</a></span> -is odoriferous in the root only. In former times, it was the -practice to make unguents of this root, as we learn from the -poet Aristophanes, a writer of the Ancient Comedy; from -which circumstance some persons have erroneously given the -name of “exotic”<a id="FNanchor_1943_1943"></a><a href="#Footnote_1943_1943" class="fnanchor">1943</a> to the plant. The smell of it strongly resembles -that of cinnamomum; and the plant grows in thin -soils, which are free from all humidity.</p> - -<p>The name of “combretum”<a id="FNanchor_1944_1944"></a><a href="#Footnote_1944_1944" class="fnanchor">1944</a> is given to a plant that bears -a very strong resemblance to it, the leaves of which taper to -the fineness of threads; in height, however, it is taller than -the bacchar. These are the only<a id="FNanchor_1945_1945"></a><a href="#Footnote_1945_1945" class="fnanchor">1945</a> * * * * The error, -however, ought to be corrected, on the part of those who have -bestowed upon the bacchar the name of “field nard;” for that -in reality is the surname given to another plant, known to the -Greeks as “asaron,” the description and features of which we -have already<a id="FNanchor_1946_1946"></a><a href="#Footnote_1946_1946" class="fnanchor">1946</a> mentioned, when speaking of the different varieties -of nard. I find, too, that the name of “asaron” has -been given to this plant, from the circumstance of its never<a id="FNanchor_1947_1947"></a><a href="#Footnote_1947_1947" class="fnanchor">1947</a> -being employed in the composition of chaplets.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_17"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 17.—SAFFRON: IN WHAT PLACES IT GROWS BEST. WHAT -FLOWERS WERE KNOWN AT THE TIME OF THE TROJAN WAR.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The wild saffron<a id="FNanchor_1948_1948"></a><a href="#Footnote_1948_1948" class="fnanchor">1948</a> is the best; indeed, in Italy it is of no<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_320">320</a></span> -use whatever to attempt to propagate it, the produce of a whole -bed of saffron being boiled down to a single scruple; it is reproduced -by offsets from the bulb. The cultivated saffron is -larger, finer, and better looking than the other kinds, but has -much less efficacy. This plant is everywhere degenerating,<a id="FNanchor_1949_1949"></a><a href="#Footnote_1949_1949" class="fnanchor">1949</a> -and is far from prolific at Cyrenæ even, a place where the -flowers are always of the very finest quality. The most esteemed -saffron, however, is that of Cilicia, and there of Mount -Corycus in particular; next comes the saffron of Mount Olympus, -in Lycia, and then of Centuripa, in Sicily; some persons, -however, have given the second rank to the Phlegræan<a id="FNanchor_1950_1950"></a><a href="#Footnote_1950_1950" class="fnanchor">1950</a> saffron.</p> - -<p>There is nothing so much adulterated<a id="FNanchor_1951_1951"></a><a href="#Footnote_1951_1951" class="fnanchor">1951</a> as saffron: the best -proof of its goodness is when it snaps under pressure by the -fingers, as though it were friable;<a id="FNanchor_1952_1952"></a><a href="#Footnote_1952_1952" class="fnanchor">1952</a> for when it is moist, a -state which it owes to being adulterated, it is limp, and will -not snap asunder. Another way of testing it, again, is to -apply it with the hand to the face, upon which, if good, it will -be found to be slightly caustic to the face and eyes. There is -a peculiar kind, too, of cultivated saffron, which is in general -extremely mild, being only of middling<a id="FNanchor_1953_1953"></a><a href="#Footnote_1953_1953" class="fnanchor">1953</a> quality; the name -given to it is “dialeucon.”<a id="FNanchor_1954_1954"></a><a href="#Footnote_1954_1954" class="fnanchor">1954</a> The saffron of Cyrenaica, again, -is faulty in the opposite extreme; for it is darker than any -other kind, and is apt to spoil very quickly. The best saffron -everywhere is that which is of the most unctuous quality, and -the filaments of which are the shortest; the worst being that -which emits a musty smell.</p> - -<p>Mucianus informs us that in Lycia, at the end of seven or -eight years, the saffron is transplanted into a piece of ground -which has been prepared for the purpose, and that in this way<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_321">321</a></span> -it is prevented from degenerating. It is never<a id="FNanchor_1955_1955"></a><a href="#Footnote_1955_1955" class="fnanchor">1955</a> used for chaplets, -being a plant with an extremely narrow leaf, as fine almost -as a hair; but it combines remarkably well with wine, sweet -wine in particular. Reduced to a powder, it is used to perfume<a id="FNanchor_1956_1956"></a><a href="#Footnote_1956_1956" class="fnanchor">1956</a> -the theatres.</p> - -<p>Saffron blossoms about the setting of the Vergiliæ, for a few -days<a id="FNanchor_1957_1957"></a><a href="#Footnote_1957_1957" class="fnanchor">1957</a> only, the leaf expelling the flower. It is verdant<a id="FNanchor_1958_1958"></a><a href="#Footnote_1958_1958" class="fnanchor">1958</a> at -the time of the winter solstice, and then it is that they gather -it; it is usually dried in the shade, and if in winter, all the -better. The root of this plant is fleshy, and more long-lived<a id="FNanchor_1959_1959"></a><a href="#Footnote_1959_1959" class="fnanchor">1959</a> -than that of the other bulbous plants. It loves to be beaten -and trodden<a id="FNanchor_1960_1960"></a><a href="#Footnote_1960_1960" class="fnanchor">1960</a> under foot, and in fact, the worse it is treated -the better it thrives: hence it is, that it grows so vigorously -by the side of foot-paths and fountains. (7.) Saffron was -already held in high esteem in the time of the Trojan War; -at all events, Homer,<a id="FNanchor_1961_1961"></a><a href="#Footnote_1961_1961" class="fnanchor">1961</a> we find, makes mention of these three -flowers, the lotus,<a id="FNanchor_1962_1962"></a><a href="#Footnote_1962_1962" class="fnanchor">1962</a> the saffron, and the hyacinth.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_18"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 18.—THE NATURE OF ODOURS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>All the odoriferous<a id="FNanchor_1963_1963"></a><a href="#Footnote_1963_1963" class="fnanchor">1963</a> substances, and consequently the plants, -differ from one another in their colour, smell, and juices. It -is but rarely<a id="FNanchor_1964_1964"></a><a href="#Footnote_1964_1964" class="fnanchor">1964</a> that the taste of an odoriferous substance is not<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_322">322</a></span> -bitter; while sweet substances, on the other hand, are but -rarely odoriferous. Thus it is, too, that wine is more odoriferous -than must, and all the wild plants more so than the cultivated -ones.<a id="FNanchor_1965_1965"></a><a href="#Footnote_1965_1965" class="fnanchor">1965</a> Some flowers have a sweet smell at a distance, -the edge of which is taken off when they come nearer; such is -the case with the violet, for instance. The rose, when fresh -gathered, has a more powerful smell at a distance, and dried,<a id="FNanchor_1966_1966"></a><a href="#Footnote_1966_1966" class="fnanchor">1966</a> -when brought nearer. All plants have a more penetrating -odour, also, in spring<a id="FNanchor_1967_1967"></a><a href="#Footnote_1967_1967" class="fnanchor">1967</a> and in the morning; as the hour of -midday approaches, the scent becomes gradually weakened.<a id="FNanchor_1968_1968"></a><a href="#Footnote_1968_1968" class="fnanchor">1968</a> -The flowers, too, of young plants are less odoriferous than those -of old ones; but it is at mid-age<a id="FNanchor_1969_1969"></a><a href="#Footnote_1969_1969" class="fnanchor">1969</a> that the odour is most penetrating -in them all.</p> - -<p>The rose and the crocus<a id="FNanchor_1970_1970"></a><a href="#Footnote_1970_1970" class="fnanchor">1970</a> have a more powerful smell when -gathered in fine weather, and all plants are more powerfully -scented in hot climates than in cold ones. In Egypt, however, -the flowers are far from odoriferous, owing to the dews and -exhalations with which the air is charged, in consequence of -the extended surface of the river. Some plants have an agreeable, -though at the same time extremely powerful smell; some, -again, while green, have no<a id="FNanchor_1971_1971"></a><a href="#Footnote_1971_1971" class="fnanchor">1971</a> smell at all, owing to the excess -of moisture, the buceros for example, which is the same as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_323">323</a></span> -fenugreek.<a id="FNanchor_1972_1972"></a><a href="#Footnote_1972_1972" class="fnanchor">1972</a> Not all flowers which have a penetrating odour -are destitute of juices, the violet, the rose, and the crocus, for -example; those, on the other hand, which have a penetrating -odour, but are destitute of juices, have all of them a very powerful -smell, as we find the case with the two varieties<a id="FNanchor_1973_1973"></a><a href="#Footnote_1973_1973" class="fnanchor">1973</a> of the -lily. The abrotonum<a id="FNanchor_1974_1974"></a><a href="#Footnote_1974_1974" class="fnanchor">1974</a> and the amaracus<a id="FNanchor_1975_1975"></a><a href="#Footnote_1975_1975" class="fnanchor">1975</a> have a pungent -smell. In some plants, it is the flower only that is sweet, the -other parts being inodorous, the violet and the rose, for example.</p> - -<p>Among the garden plants, the most odoriferous are the dry -ones, such as rue, mint, and parsley, as also those which grow -on dry soils. Some fruits become more odoriferous the older -they are, the quince, for example, which has also a stronger -smell when gathered than while upon the tree. Some plants, -again, have no smell but when broken asunder, or when bruised, -and others only when they are stripped of their bark. Certain -vegetable substances, too, only give out a smell when subjected -to the action of fire, such as frankincense and myrrh, for example. -All flowers are more bitter to the taste when bruised -than when left untouched.<a id="FNanchor_1976_1976"></a><a href="#Footnote_1976_1976" class="fnanchor">1976</a> Some plants preserve their smell -a longer time when dried, the melilote, for example; others, -again, make the place itself more odoriferous where they grow, -the iris<a id="FNanchor_1977_1977"></a><a href="#Footnote_1977_1977" class="fnanchor">1977</a> for instance, which will even render the whole of a -tree odoriferous, the roots of which it may happen to have -touched. The hesperis<a id="FNanchor_1978_1978"></a><a href="#Footnote_1978_1978" class="fnanchor">1978</a> has a more powerful odour at night, -a property to which it owes its name.</p> - -<p>Among the animals, we find none that are odoriferous, unless, -indeed, we are inclined to put faith in what has been said -about the panther.<a id="FNanchor_1979_1979"></a><a href="#Footnote_1979_1979" class="fnanchor">1979</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_324">324</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_19"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 19.—THE IRIS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is still another distinction, which ought not to be -omitted,—the fact, that many of the odoriferous plants never<a id="FNanchor_1980_1980"></a><a href="#Footnote_1980_1980" class="fnanchor">1980</a> -enter into the composition of garlands, the iris<a id="FNanchor_1981_1981"></a><a href="#Footnote_1981_1981" class="fnanchor">1981</a> and the saliunca, -for example, although, both of them, of a most exquisite -odour. In the iris, it is the root<a id="FNanchor_1982_1982"></a><a href="#Footnote_1982_1982" class="fnanchor">1982</a> only that is held in esteem, -it being extensively employed in perfumery and medicine. The -iris of the finest quality is that found in Illyricum,<a id="FNanchor_1983_1983"></a><a href="#Footnote_1983_1983" class="fnanchor">1983</a> and in -that country, even, not in the maritime parts of it, but in the -forests on the banks of the river Drilon<a id="FNanchor_1984_1984"></a><a href="#Footnote_1984_1984" class="fnanchor">1984</a> and near Narona. -The next best is that of Macedonia,<a id="FNanchor_1985_1985"></a><a href="#Footnote_1985_1985" class="fnanchor">1985</a> the plant being extremely -elongated, white, and thin. The iris of Africa<a id="FNanchor_1986_1986"></a><a href="#Footnote_1986_1986" class="fnanchor">1986</a> occupies the -third rank, being the largest of them all, and of an extremely -bitter taste.</p> - -<p>The iris of Illyricum comprehends two varieties—one of -which is the raphanitis, so called from its resemblance to the -radish,<a id="FNanchor_1987_1987"></a><a href="#Footnote_1987_1987" class="fnanchor">1987</a> of a somewhat red colour, and superior<a id="FNanchor_1988_1988"></a><a href="#Footnote_1988_1988" class="fnanchor">1988</a> in quality to -the other, which is known as the “rhizotomus.” The best -kind of iris is that which produces sneezing<a id="FNanchor_1989_1989"></a><a href="#Footnote_1989_1989" class="fnanchor">1989</a> when handled. -The stem of this plant is a cubit in length, and erect, the flower -being of various colours, like the rainbow, to which circumstance -it is indebted for its name. The iris, too, of Pisidia<a id="FNanchor_1990_1990"></a><a href="#Footnote_1990_1990" class="fnanchor">1990</a> -is far from being held in disesteem. Persons<a id="FNanchor_1991_1991"></a><a href="#Footnote_1991_1991" class="fnanchor">1991</a> who intend taking<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_325">325</a></span> -up the iris, drench the ground about it some three months before -with hydromel, as though a sort of atonement offered to -appease the earth; with the point of a sword, too, they trace -three circles round it, and the moment they gather it, they lift -it up towards the heavens.</p> - -<p>The iris is a plant of a caustic nature, and when handled, it -causes blisters like burns to rise. It is a point particularly -recommended, that those who gather it should be in a state of -chastity. The root, not only when dried,<a id="FNanchor_1992_1992"></a><a href="#Footnote_1992_1992" class="fnanchor">1992</a> but while still in -the ground, is very quickly attacked by worms. In former -times, it was Leucas and Elis that supplied us with the best -oil<a id="FNanchor_1993_1993"></a><a href="#Footnote_1993_1993" class="fnanchor">1993</a> of iris, for there it has long been cultivated; at the present -day, however, the best comes from Pamphylia, though that of -Cilicia and the northern climates is held in high esteem.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_20"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 20.—THE SALIUNCA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The saliunca<a id="FNanchor_1994_1994"></a><a href="#Footnote_1994_1994" class="fnanchor">1994</a> has a rather short leaf, which does not admit -of its being plaited for garlands, and numerous roots, by which -it is held together; being more of a herb than a flower, and -so closely matted and tangled that it would almost appear to -have been pressed together with the hand—in short, it is a -turf<a id="FNanchor_1995_1995"></a><a href="#Footnote_1995_1995" class="fnanchor">1995</a> of a peculiar nature. This plant grows in Pannonia and -the sunny regions of Noricum and the Alps, as also the vicinity -of the city of Eporedia;<a id="FNanchor_1996_1996"></a><a href="#Footnote_1996_1996" class="fnanchor">1996</a> the smell being so remarkably sweet -that the crops of it have been of late quite as profitable as the -working of a mine. This plant is particularly valued for the -pleasant smell it imparts to clothes among which it is kept.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_21"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 21.—THE POLIUM, OR TEUTHRION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is the same, too, with the polium,<a id="FNanchor_1997_1997"></a><a href="#Footnote_1997_1997" class="fnanchor">1997</a> a herb employed for -a similar purpose among the Greeks, and highly extolled by -Musæus and Hesiod, who assert that it is useful for every purpose, -and more particularly for the acquisition of fame and -honour;<a id="FNanchor_1998_1998"></a><a href="#Footnote_1998_1998" class="fnanchor">1998</a> indeed, it is a truly marvellous production, if it is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_326">326</a></span> -the fact, as they state, that its leaves are white in the morning, a -purple at midday, and azure<a id="FNanchor_1999_1999"></a><a href="#Footnote_1999_1999" class="fnanchor">1999</a> at sunset. There are two -varieties of it, the field polium, which is larger, and the wild,<a id="FNanchor_2000_2000"></a><a href="#Footnote_2000_2000" class="fnanchor">2000</a> -which is more diminutive. Some persons give it the name of -“teuthrion.”<a id="FNanchor_2001_2001"></a><a href="#Footnote_2001_2001" class="fnanchor">2001</a> The leaves resemble the white hairs of a -human being; they take their rise immediately from the root, -and never exceed a palm in height.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_22"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 22. (8.)—FABRICS WHICH RIVAL THE COLOURS OF FLOWERS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have now said enough on the subject of the odoriferous -flowers; in relation to which, luxury not only glories in having -vanquished Nature in the composition of unguents, but has -even gone so far as to challenge, in her fabrics, those flowers -which are more particularly recommended by the beauty of -their tints. I remark that the following are the three principal<a id="FNanchor_2002_2002"></a><a href="#Footnote_2002_2002" class="fnanchor">2002</a> -colours; the red, that of the kermes<a id="FNanchor_2003_2003"></a><a href="#Footnote_2003_2003" class="fnanchor">2003</a> for instance, which, -beginning in the tints of the rose, reflects, when viewed<a id="FNanchor_2004_2004"></a><a href="#Footnote_2004_2004" class="fnanchor">2004</a> sideways -and held up to the light, the shades that are found in the -Tyrian purple,<a id="FNanchor_2005_2005"></a><a href="#Footnote_2005_2005" class="fnanchor">2005</a> and the colours of the dibapha<a id="FNanchor_2006_2006"></a><a href="#Footnote_2006_2006" class="fnanchor">2006</a> and Laconian -cloths: the amethystine colour, which is borrowed from the -violet, and to which, bordering as it does on the purple, we -have given the name of “ianthinum”<a id="FNanchor_2007_2007"></a><a href="#Footnote_2007_2007" class="fnanchor">2007</a>—it must, however, be -remembered, that we here give a general name to a colour -which is subdivided into numerous tints<a id="FNanchor_2008_2008"></a><a href="#Footnote_2008_2008" class="fnanchor">2008</a>—and a third, properly -known as the “conchyliated” colour, but which comprehends<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_327">327</a></span> -a variety of shades, such, for instance, as the tints of the heliotropium, -and others of a deeper colour, the hues of the mallow, -inclining to a full purple, and the colours of the late<a id="FNanchor_2009_2009"></a><a href="#Footnote_2009_2009" class="fnanchor">2009</a> violet; -this last being the most vivid, in fact, of all the conchyliated -tints. The rival colours being now set side by side, Nature -and luxury may enter the lists, to vie for the mastery.</p> - -<p>I find it stated that, in the most ancient times, yellow was -held in the highest esteem, but was reserved exclusively for -the nuptial veils<a id="FNanchor_2010_2010"></a><a href="#Footnote_2010_2010" class="fnanchor">2010</a> of females; for which reason it is perhaps -that we do not find it included among the principal colours, -those being used in common by males and females: indeed, it -is the circumstance of their being used by both sexes in common -that gives them their rank as principal colours.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_23"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 23.—THE AMARANTH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is no doubt that all the efforts of art are surpassed -by the amaranth,<a id="FNanchor_2011_2011"></a><a href="#Footnote_2011_2011" class="fnanchor">2011</a> which is, to speak correctly, rather a purple -ear<a id="FNanchor_2012_2012"></a><a href="#Footnote_2012_2012" class="fnanchor">2012</a> than a flower, and, at the same time, quite inodorous. It is -a marvellous feature in this plant, that it takes a delight in being -gathered; indeed, the more it is plucked, the better it grows. -It comes into flower in the month of August, and lasts throughout -the autumn. The finest of all is the amaranth of Alexandria, -which is generally gathered for keeping; for it is a -really marvellous<a id="FNanchor_2013_2013"></a><a href="#Footnote_2013_2013" class="fnanchor">2013</a> fact, that when all the other flowers have -gone out, the amaranth, upon being dipped in water, comes to -life again: it is used also for making winter chaplets. The -peculiar quality of the amaranth is sufficiently indicated by -its name, it having been so called from the circumstance that -it never fades.<a id="FNanchor_2014_2014"></a><a href="#Footnote_2014_2014" class="fnanchor">2014</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_328">328</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_24"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 24.—THE CYANOS: THE HOLOCHRYSOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The name,<a id="FNanchor_2015_2015"></a><a href="#Footnote_2015_2015" class="fnanchor">2015</a> too, of the cyanos<a id="FNanchor_2016_2016"></a><a href="#Footnote_2016_2016" class="fnanchor">2016</a> indicates its colour, and so -does that of the holochrysos.<a id="FNanchor_2017_2017"></a><a href="#Footnote_2017_2017" class="fnanchor">2017</a> None of these flowers were -in use in the time of Alexander the Great, for the authors, we -find, who flourished at a period immediately after his decease, -have made not the slightest mention of them; from which -circumstance it is very clear that they only came into fashion -at a later period. Still, however, who can entertain any -doubt that they were first introduced by the Greeks, from -the fact that Italy has only their Greek names by which to -designate them?</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_25"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 25.—THE PETILIUM: THE BELLIO.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But, by Hercules! it is Italy herself that has given its -name to the petilium,<a id="FNanchor_2018_2018"></a><a href="#Footnote_2018_2018" class="fnanchor">2018</a> an autumnal flower, which springs up -in the vicinity of thorny brakes, and recommends itself solely -by its colour, which is that of the wild rose. The petals of -it are small, and five in number; and it is a remarkable circumstance -in this plant, that the head of it droops at first, and -it is only after it becomes erect that the petals make their appearance, -forming a small corolla of various colours, enclosing -a yellow seed.</p> - -<p>The bellio,<a id="FNanchor_2019_2019"></a><a href="#Footnote_2019_2019" class="fnanchor">2019</a> too, is a yellow flower, formed of<a id="FNanchor_2020_2020"></a><a href="#Footnote_2020_2020" class="fnanchor">2020</a> fifty-five -filaments circularly arranged, in the shape of a chaplet. These -are, both of them, meadow flowers, which are mostly of no use -whatever, and consequently without names: even the flowers -just mentioned are known sometimes by one name, and sometimes -by another.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_329">329</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_26"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 26.—THE CHRYSOCOME, OR CHRYSITIS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The chrysocome,<a id="FNanchor_2021_2021"></a><a href="#Footnote_2021_2021" class="fnanchor">2021</a> or chrysitis, has no Latin appellation: it -is a palm in height, the flowers forming clusters of a golden -colour. The root of it is black, and it has a taste both rough -and sweet: it is found growing in stony and umbrageous -spots.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_27"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 27. (9.)—SHRUBS, THE BLOSSOMS OF WHICH ARE USED FOR -CHAPLETS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Having thus passed in review nearly all the best-known -colours, we must now give our attention to the chaplets which -are pleasing merely on account of the variety of their materials. -Of such chaplets there are two kinds, one composed of -flowers, the other of leaves. The flowers so employed, I may -say, are those of broom<a id="FNanchor_2022_2022"></a><a href="#Footnote_2022_2022" class="fnanchor">2022</a>—the yellow blossom gathered from -it—the rhododendron,<a id="FNanchor_2023_2023"></a><a href="#Footnote_2023_2023" class="fnanchor">2023</a> and the jujube,<a id="FNanchor_2024_2024"></a><a href="#Footnote_2024_2024" class="fnanchor">2024</a> also known as the -tree of Cappadocia, which bears an odoriferous flower similar -to that of the olive. Among the brambles, too, we find the -cyclaminum growing, of which we shall have to speak more -at length on a future occasion:<a id="FNanchor_2025_2025"></a><a href="#Footnote_2025_2025" class="fnanchor">2025</a> its flower, which reflects the -hues of the purple of Colossæ,<a id="FNanchor_2026_2026"></a><a href="#Footnote_2026_2026" class="fnanchor">2026</a> is used as an ingredient in -chaplets.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_28"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 28.—SHRUBS, THE LEAVES OF WHICH ARE USED FOR -CHAPLETS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leaves, also, of smilax and ivy are employed in chaplets; -indeed, the clusters of these plants are held in the very highest -esteem for this purpose: we have already<a id="FNanchor_2027_2027"></a><a href="#Footnote_2027_2027" class="fnanchor">2027</a> spoken of them at -sufficient length when treating of the shrubs. There are also -other kinds of shrubs, which can only be indicated by their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_330">330</a></span> -Greek names, little attention having been paid by the framers -of our language to this branch of nomenclature. Most of -them grow in foreign countries, it is true; but still, it is our -duty to make some mention of them, as it is of Nature in -general that we are speaking, and not of Italy in particular.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_29"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 29.—THE MELOTHRON, SPIRÆA, AND ORIGANUM. THE -CNEORUM OR CASSIA; TWO VARIETIES OF IT. THE MELISSOPHYLLUM -OR MELITTÆNA. THE MELILOTE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS -CAMPANIAN GARLAND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Thus it is, that we find employed for chaplets, the leaves of -the melothron,<a id="FNanchor_2028_2028"></a><a href="#Footnote_2028_2028" class="fnanchor">2028</a> spiræa,<a id="FNanchor_2029_2029"></a><a href="#Footnote_2029_2029" class="fnanchor">2029</a> origanum,<a id="FNanchor_2030_2030"></a><a href="#Footnote_2030_2030" class="fnanchor">2030</a> cneorum,<a id="FNanchor_2031_2031"></a><a href="#Footnote_2031_2031" class="fnanchor">2031</a> by Hyginus -called “cassia,” conyza or cunilago,<a id="FNanchor_2032_2032"></a><a href="#Footnote_2032_2032" class="fnanchor">2032</a> melissophyllon or apiastrum,<a id="FNanchor_2033_2033"></a><a href="#Footnote_2033_2033" class="fnanchor">2033</a> -and melilote, known to us by the name of “Campanian<a id="FNanchor_2034_2034"></a><a href="#Footnote_2034_2034" class="fnanchor">2034</a> -garland,” the best kind of melilote<a id="FNanchor_2035_2035"></a><a href="#Footnote_2035_2035" class="fnanchor">2035</a> in Italy being that -of Campania, in Greece that of Cape Sunium, and next to that -the produce of Chalcidice and Crete: but wherever this plant -grows it is only to be found in rugged and wild localities. The -name “sertula” or “garland,” which it bears, sufficiently -proves that this plant was formerly much used in the composition -of chaplets. The smell, as well as the flower, closely -resembles that of saffron, though the stem itself is white; the -shorter and more fleshy the leaves, the more highly it is -esteemed.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_30"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 30.—THREE VARIETIES OF TREFOIL: THE MYOPHONUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leaves of trefoil also are employed for making chaplets. -There are three varieties: the first being called by the Greeks -sometimes “minyanthes,”<a id="FNanchor_2036_2036"></a><a href="#Footnote_2036_2036" class="fnanchor">2036</a> and sometimes “asphaltion;” -the leaves of it, which the garland-makers employ, are larger -than those of the other kinds. The second variety, known as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_331">331</a></span> -the “oxytriphyllon,”<a id="FNanchor_2037_2037"></a><a href="#Footnote_2037_2037" class="fnanchor">2037</a> has a pointed leaf; and the third has -the smallest leaf of them all. Among these plants there are -some which have a tough, sinewy stem, such as marathron,<a id="FNanchor_2038_2038"></a><a href="#Footnote_2038_2038" class="fnanchor">2038</a> -for instance, hippomarathron,<a id="FNanchor_2039_2039"></a><a href="#Footnote_2039_2039" class="fnanchor">2039</a> and the myophonum.<a id="FNanchor_2040_2040"></a><a href="#Footnote_2040_2040" class="fnanchor">2040</a> The umbels, -too, of fennel-giant and the purple flowers<a id="FNanchor_2041_2041"></a><a href="#Footnote_2041_2041" class="fnanchor">2041</a> of the ivy are -employed for this purpose; as also another kind of ivy very -similar to the wild rose,<a id="FNanchor_2042_2042"></a><a href="#Footnote_2042_2042" class="fnanchor">2042</a> the colour only of which is attractive, -the flower being quite inodorous. There are also two<a id="FNanchor_2043_2043"></a><a href="#Footnote_2043_2043" class="fnanchor">2043</a> varieties -used of the cneorum, the black and the white, this last being -odoriferous: they are both of them provided with branches, -and they blossom after the autumnal equinox.<a id="FNanchor_2044_2044"></a><a href="#Footnote_2044_2044" class="fnanchor">2044</a></p> - -<p>(10.) There are the same number of varieties, also, of origanum -employed in making chaplets, one of which is destitute -of seed, the other, which is also odoriferous, being known as -the Cretan<a id="FNanchor_2045_2045"></a><a href="#Footnote_2045_2045" class="fnanchor">2045</a> origanum.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_31"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 31.—TWO VARIETIES OF THYME. PLANTS PRODUCED FROM -BLOSSOMS AND NOT FROM SEED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are also as many varieties of thyme<a id="FNanchor_2046_2046"></a><a href="#Footnote_2046_2046" class="fnanchor">2046</a> employed, the -one white, the other dark:<a id="FNanchor_2047_2047"></a><a href="#Footnote_2047_2047" class="fnanchor">2047</a> it flowers about the summer solstice, -when the bees cull from it. From this plant a sort of -augury is derived, as to how the honey is likely to turn out:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_332">332</a></span> -for the bee-keepers have reason to look for a large crop when -the thyme blossoms in considerable abundance. Thyme receives -great injury from showers of rain, and is very apt to -shed its blossom. The seed of thyme is so minute<a id="FNanchor_2048_2048"></a><a href="#Footnote_2048_2048" class="fnanchor">2048</a> as to be -imperceptible, and yet that of origanum, which is also extremely -minute, does not escape the sight. But what matters -it that Nature has thus concealed it from our view? For we -have reason to conclude that it exists in the flower itself; -which, when sown in the ground, gives birth to the plant—what -is there, in fact, that the industry of man has left -untried?</p> - -<p>The honey of Attica is generally looked upon as the best in -all the world; for which reason it is that the thyme of that -country has been transplanted, being reproduced, as already -stated, with the greatest difficulty, from the blossom. But -there is also another peculiarity in the nature of the thyme of -Attica, which has greatly tended to frustrate these attempts—it -will never live except in the vicinity of breezes from the -sea. In former times, it was the general belief that this is the -case with all kinds of thyme, and that this is the reason why -it does not grow in Arcadia:<a id="FNanchor_2049_2049"></a><a href="#Footnote_2049_2049" class="fnanchor">2049</a> at a period when it was universally -supposed, too, that the olive never grows beyond three -hundred stadia<a id="FNanchor_2050_2050"></a><a href="#Footnote_2050_2050" class="fnanchor">2050</a> from the sea. But, at the present day, we -know for certain that in the province of Gallia Narbonensis -the Stony Plains<a id="FNanchor_2051_2051"></a><a href="#Footnote_2051_2051" class="fnanchor">2051</a> are quite overgrown with thyme; this being, -in fact, the only source of revenue to those parts, thousands -of sheep<a id="FNanchor_2052_2052"></a><a href="#Footnote_2052_2052" class="fnanchor">2052</a> being brought thither from distant countries to -browse upon the plant.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 32.—CONYZA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are two varieties of conyza, also, employed in making<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_333">333</a></span> -chaplets, the male<a id="FNanchor_2053_2053"></a><a href="#Footnote_2053_2053" class="fnanchor">2053</a> plant and the female. The difference -consists in the leaves, those of the female plant being thinner, -more tapering, and narrower, and those of the male being of -an imbricated shape, the plant having a greater number of -branches. The blossom, too, of the male plant is more vivid -than that of the female: in both kinds it is late in making its -appearance, not till after the rising of Arcturus.</p> - -<p>The smell of the male conyza is more powerful than that -of the female plant: the latter, however, is of a more penetrating -nature, for which reason it is that the female plant is -held in higher esteem for the treatment of the bites of animals. -The leaves of the female plant have exactly the smell of honey; -and the root of the male has received the name of “libanotis” -from some: we have already made mention<a id="FNanchor_2054_2054"></a><a href="#Footnote_2054_2054" class="fnanchor">2054</a> of it on a previous -occasion.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_33"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 33.—THE FLOWER OF JOVE. THE HEMEROCALLES. THE -HELENIUM. THE PHLOX. PLANTS IN WHICH THE BRANCHES -AND ROOTS ARE ODORIFEROUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of the following plants, too, it is only the leaves that are -employed for chaplets—the flower of Jove,<a id="FNanchor_2055_2055"></a><a href="#Footnote_2055_2055" class="fnanchor">2055</a> the amaracus, -the hemerocalles,<a id="FNanchor_2056_2056"></a><a href="#Footnote_2056_2056" class="fnanchor">2056</a> the abrotonum, the helenium,<a id="FNanchor_2057_2057"></a><a href="#Footnote_2057_2057" class="fnanchor">2057</a> sisymbrium,<a id="FNanchor_2058_2058"></a><a href="#Footnote_2058_2058" class="fnanchor">2058</a> -and wild thyme, all of them ligneous plants, growing -in a manner similar to the rose. The flower of Jove is -pleasing only for its colours, being quite inodorous; which is -the case also with the plant known by the Greek name of -“phlox.”<a id="FNanchor_2059_2059"></a><a href="#Footnote_2059_2059" class="fnanchor">2059</a> All the plants, too, which we have just mentioned -are odoriferous, both in the branches and the leaves, with the -sole exception of wild thyme.<a id="FNanchor_2060_2060"></a><a href="#Footnote_2060_2060" class="fnanchor">2060</a> The helenium is said to have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_334">334</a></span> -had its origin in the tears of Helen, and hence it is that the -kind grown in the island of Helena<a id="FNanchor_2061_2061"></a><a href="#Footnote_2061_2061" class="fnanchor">2061</a> is so highly esteemed. It -is a shrub which throws out its tiny branches along the ground, -some nine inches in length, with a leaf very similar to that of -wild thyme.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_34"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 34.—THE ABROTONUM. THE ADONIUM: TWO VARIETIES -OF IT. PLANTS WHICH REPRODUCE THEMSELVES. THE LEUCANTHEMUM. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The flower of the abrotonum,<a id="FNanchor_2062_2062"></a><a href="#Footnote_2062_2062" class="fnanchor">2062</a> which makes its appearance -in summer, has a powerful but agreeable smell; it is of a -bright golden colour. Left to range at large, it reproduces -itself by layers from the tops of the branches: but when it is -propagated by the hand of man, it is better to grow it from -the seed than from the roots or slips, though even from the seed -it is not grown without considerable trouble. The young -plants are transplanted in summer, which is the case also with -the adonium.<a id="FNanchor_2063_2063"></a><a href="#Footnote_2063_2063" class="fnanchor">2063</a> They are both of them plants of a very chilly -nature, though, at the same time, they are apt to receive injury -if too much exposed to the sun: when, however, they -have gained sufficient strength, they throw out branches like -those of rue.</p> - -<p>The leucanthemum<a id="FNanchor_2064_2064"></a><a href="#Footnote_2064_2064" class="fnanchor">2064</a> has a similar smell to that of the -abrotonum: it is a foliated plant, with a white flower.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_35"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 35. (11.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE AMARACUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Diocles, the physician, and the people of Sicily have given -the name of “amaracus” to the plant known in Egypt and -Syria as sampsuchum.<a id="FNanchor_2065_2065"></a><a href="#Footnote_2065_2065" class="fnanchor">2065</a> It is reproduced two ways, from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_335">335</a></span> -seed and from cuttings, being more long-lived than the preceding -plants, and possessed of a more agreeable smell. The -amaracus, like the abrotonum, has a great abundance of seed, -but while the abrotonum has a single root, which penetrates -deep into the ground, those of the other plant adhere but -lightly to the surface of the earth. Those of the other plants -which love the shade, water, and manure, are generally set -at the beginning of autumn, and even, in some localities, in -spring.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_36"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 36.—THE NYCTEGRETON, CHENOMYCHE, OR NYCTALOPS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Democritus has regarded the nyctegreton<a id="FNanchor_2066_2066"></a><a href="#Footnote_2066_2066" class="fnanchor">2066</a> as one of the -most singular of plants. According to that author, it is of a -dark red colour, has leaves like those of a thorn, and creeps -upon the ground. He says that it grows in Gedrosia<a id="FNanchor_2067_2067"></a><a href="#Footnote_2067_2067" class="fnanchor">2067</a> more -particularly, and that it is taken up by the roots immediately -after the vernal equinox, and dried in the moonlight for thirty -days; after which preparation it emits light by night. He -states also, that the Magi and the kings of Parthia employ -this plant in their ceremonies when they make a vow to -perform an undertaking; that another name given to it is -“chenomyche,”<a id="FNanchor_2068_2068"></a><a href="#Footnote_2068_2068" class="fnanchor">2068</a> from the circumstance that, at the very -sight of it, geese will manifest the greatest alarm; and that by -some persons, again, it is known as the “nyctalops,”<a id="FNanchor_2069_2069"></a><a href="#Footnote_2069_2069" class="fnanchor">2069</a> from the -light which it emits at a considerable distance by night.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_37"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 37.—WHERE THE MELILOTE IS FOUND.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The melilote<a id="FNanchor_2070_2070"></a><a href="#Footnote_2070_2070" class="fnanchor">2070</a> is found growing everywhere, though that -of Attica is held in the highest esteem. In all countries, however, -it is preferred when fresh gathered; that too, the colour -of which is not white, but approaches as nearly as possible to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_336">336</a></span> -the colour of saffron. In Italy, however, it is the white kind -that is the most odoriferous.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 38.—THE SUCCESSION IN WHICH FLOWERS BLOSSOM: THE -SPRING FLOWERS. THE VIOLET. THE CHAPLET ANEMONE. -THE ŒNANTHE. THE MELANION. THE HELICHRYSOS. THE -GLADIOLUS. THE HYACINTH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The first of the flowers that announce the approach of spring -is the white<a id="FNanchor_2071_2071"></a><a href="#Footnote_2071_2071" class="fnanchor">2071</a> violet; indeed, in warm localities, it is seen -peeping out in the winter even. Next to it comes the violet -known as the ion, and the purple violet; then the flame-coloured -flower, the name of which is phlox,<a id="FNanchor_2072_2072"></a><a href="#Footnote_2072_2072" class="fnanchor">2072</a> but only the wild -one. The cyclaminum<a id="FNanchor_2073_2073"></a><a href="#Footnote_2073_2073" class="fnanchor">2073</a> blossoms twice a year, in spring and -autumn, standing equally in awe as it does of summer and -of winter. The narcissus and the lily, in the parts beyond sea, -are a little later than the preceding plants: but in Italy, as -we have already<a id="FNanchor_2074_2074"></a><a href="#Footnote_2074_2074" class="fnanchor">2074</a> stated, they are in blossom with the rose. -In Greece, too, the anemone<a id="FNanchor_2075_2075"></a><a href="#Footnote_2075_2075" class="fnanchor">2075</a> blooms even later; it is the -flower of a wild bulb, and is altogether different from the one<a id="FNanchor_2076_2076"></a><a href="#Footnote_2076_2076" class="fnanchor">2076</a> -which we shall have occasion to mention among the medicinal -plants.</p> - -<p>Next, after these, come the œnanthe,<a id="FNanchor_2077_2077"></a><a href="#Footnote_2077_2077" class="fnanchor">2077</a> the melanion,<a id="FNanchor_2078_2078"></a><a href="#Footnote_2078_2078" class="fnanchor">2078</a> and, -among the wild plants, the helichrysos;<a id="FNanchor_2079_2079"></a><a href="#Footnote_2079_2079" class="fnanchor">2079</a> then, another kind -of anemone, known as the “limonia,”<a id="FNanchor_2080_2080"></a><a href="#Footnote_2080_2080" class="fnanchor">2080</a> and after that the -gladiolus,<a id="FNanchor_2081_2081"></a><a href="#Footnote_2081_2081" class="fnanchor">2081</a> accompanied by the hyacinth. Last of all, among -the spring flowers, is the rose, which, with the exception indeed -of the cultivated kinds, is also the first to fade. Among<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_337">337</a></span> -the others, the flowers which last the longest, are the hyacinth, -the white violet, and the œnanthe; but to make this -last keep any time in flower, it is necessary to gather it repeatedly, -to prevent it from running to seed. The œnanthe -grows in warm localities, and has exactly the smell of the vine -when in blossom, to which circumstance it is indebted for -its name.</p> - -<p>There are two fabulous stories attached to the hyacinth;<a id="FNanchor_2082_2082"></a><a href="#Footnote_2082_2082" class="fnanchor">2082</a> -according to one of them, it bears the impress of the grief<a id="FNanchor_2083_2083"></a><a href="#Footnote_2083_2083" class="fnanchor">2083</a> -which Apollo felt for the youth<a id="FNanchor_2084_2084"></a><a href="#Footnote_2084_2084" class="fnanchor">2084</a> whom he had so tenderly -loved; and we learn from the other, that it derives its name -from the blood<a id="FNanchor_2085_2085"></a><a href="#Footnote_2085_2085" class="fnanchor">2085</a> of Ajax, the veins being so arranged in the -flower as to form the Greek letters <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ΑΙ</span> inscribed upon it.</p> - -<p>The helichrysos has a flower resembling gold in appearance, -a small leaf, and a fine, slender, but hard, stem. According -to the Magi, the person who crowns himself with a chaplet -composed of this flower, and takes his unguents from a box -of gold, of the kind generally known as “apyron,”<a id="FNanchor_2086_2086"></a><a href="#Footnote_2086_2086" class="fnanchor">2086</a> will -be sure to secure esteem and glory among his fellowmen. -Such are the flowers of spring.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_39"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 39.—THE SUMMER FLOWERS—THE LYCHNIS: THE TIPHYON. -TWO VARIETIES OF THE POTHOS. TWO VARIETIES OF THE ORSINUM. -THE VINCAPERVINCA OR CHAMÆDAPHNE—A PLANT WHICH -IS AN EVER-GREEN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The summer flowers come next, the lychnis<a id="FNanchor_2087_2087"></a><a href="#Footnote_2087_2087" class="fnanchor">2087</a> the flower of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_338">338</a></span> -Jove, and another kind of lily,<a id="FNanchor_2088_2088"></a><a href="#Footnote_2088_2088" class="fnanchor">2088</a> as also the tiphyon<a id="FNanchor_2089_2089"></a><a href="#Footnote_2089_2089" class="fnanchor">2089</a> and the -amaracus, surnamed that of Phrygia. Put the most remarkable -flower of all is the pothos,<a id="FNanchor_2090_2090"></a><a href="#Footnote_2090_2090" class="fnanchor">2090</a> of which there are two -varieties, one with the flower of the hyacinth,<a id="FNanchor_2091_2091"></a><a href="#Footnote_2091_2091" class="fnanchor">2091</a> and another -with a white flower, which is generally found growing about -graves, and is better able to stand bad weather. The iris,<a id="FNanchor_2092_2092"></a><a href="#Footnote_2092_2092" class="fnanchor">2092</a> -also, blossoms in summer. All these flowers pass away, however, -and fade; upon which others assume their places in -autumn, a third kind of lily,<a id="FNanchor_2093_2093"></a><a href="#Footnote_2093_2093" class="fnanchor">2093</a> for instance, saffron, and two -varieties of the orsinum<a id="FNanchor_2094_2094"></a><a href="#Footnote_2094_2094" class="fnanchor">2094</a>—one of them inodorous and the other -scented—making their appearance, all of them, as soon as the -first autumnal showers fall.</p> - -<p>The garland-makers employ the flowers of the thorn<a id="FNanchor_2095_2095"></a><a href="#Footnote_2095_2095" class="fnanchor">2095</a> even -for making chaplets; the tender shoots, too, of the white -thorn are sometimes preserved as a choice morsel<a id="FNanchor_2096_2096"></a><a href="#Footnote_2096_2096" class="fnanchor">2096</a> to tempt -the palate.</p> - -<p>Such is the succession of the summer flowers in the parts -beyond sea: in Italy, the violet is succeeded by the rose, the -lily comes on while the rose is still in flower, the cyanus<a id="FNanchor_2097_2097"></a><a href="#Footnote_2097_2097" class="fnanchor">2097</a> succeeds -the rose, and the amaranth the cyanus. As to the vincapervinca,<a id="FNanchor_2098_2098"></a><a href="#Footnote_2098_2098" class="fnanchor">2098</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_339">339</a></span> -it is an evergreen, the branches from which run -out like so many strings, the leaves surrounding the stem at -each of the knots: though more generally used for the purposes -of ornamental gardening, it is sometimes employed in -chaplets when there is a deficiency of other flowers. From the -Greeks this plant has received the name of “chamædaphne.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_40"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 40.—THE DURATION OF LIFE IN THE VARIOUS KINDS OF -FLOWERS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>At the very utmost, the white<a id="FNanchor_2099_2099"></a><a href="#Footnote_2099_2099" class="fnanchor">2099</a> violet never lasts longer -than three years: should it exceed that period, it is sure to -degenerate. The rose-tree will last so long as five years without -being pruned or cauterized,<a id="FNanchor_2100_2100"></a><a href="#Footnote_2100_2100" class="fnanchor">2100</a> methods by which it is made -to grow young again. We have already stated<a id="FNanchor_2101_2101"></a><a href="#Footnote_2101_2101" class="fnanchor">2101</a> that the nature -of the soil is of the very greatest importance; for in -Egypt, we find, all these plants are perfectly inodorous, and -it is only the myrtle that has any particular smell. In some -countries, too, the germination of all the plants precedes that -in other parts of the world by so long a period as two months -even. The rose-beds should be well spaded immediately after -the west winds begin to prevail, and, a second time, at the -summer solstice: every care, however, should be paid, between -these two periods, to keeping the ground well raked and -cleaned.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_41"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 41. (12.)—PLANTS WHICH SHOULD BE SOWN AMONG -FLOWERS FOR BEES. THE CERINTHA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Bees and beehives, too, are a subject extremely well suited -to a description of gardens and garland plants, while, at the -same time, where they are successfully managed, they are a -source, without any great outlay, of very considerable profit. -For bees, then, the following plants should be grown—thyme, -apiastrum, the rose, the various violets, the lily, the cytisus, -the bean, the fitch, cunila, the poppy, conyza,<a id="FNanchor_2102_2102"></a><a href="#Footnote_2102_2102" class="fnanchor">2102</a> cassia, the melilote,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_340">340</a></span> -melissophyllum,<a id="FNanchor_2103_2103"></a><a href="#Footnote_2103_2103" class="fnanchor">2103</a> and the cerintha.<a id="FNanchor_2104_2104"></a><a href="#Footnote_2104_2104" class="fnanchor">2104</a> This last is a plant -with a white leaf, bent inwards, the stem of it being a cubit -in height, with a flower at the top presenting a concavity full -of a juice like honey. Bees are remarkably fond of the flowers -of these plants, as also the blossoms of mustard, a thing that -is somewhat surprising, seeing that it is a well-known fact that -they will not so much as touch the blossoms of the olive: for -which reason, it will be as well to keep that tree at a distance -from them.<a id="FNanchor_2105_2105"></a><a href="#Footnote_2105_2105" class="fnanchor">2105</a></p> - -<p>There are other trees, again, which should be planted as -near the hives as possible, as they attract the swarm when it -first wings its flight, and so prevent the bees from wandering -to any considerable distance.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_42"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 42.—THE MALADIES OF BEES, AND THE REMEDIES FOR -THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The greatest care, too, should be taken to keep the cornel<a id="FNanchor_2106_2106"></a><a href="#Footnote_2106_2106" class="fnanchor">2106</a> -at a distance from the hives; for if the bees once taste the -blossoms of it, they will speedily die of flux and looseness. -The best remedy in such case is to give them sorb apples -beaten up with honey, or else human urine or that of oxen, or -pomegranate seeds moistened with Aminean<a id="FNanchor_2107_2107"></a><a href="#Footnote_2107_2107" class="fnanchor">2107</a> wine. It is a -very good plan, too, to plant broom about the hives, the bees -being extremely fond of the blossoms.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_43"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 43.—THE FOOD OF BEES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In relation to the food of bees, I have ascertained a very -singular fact, and one that well deserves to be mentioned.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_341">341</a></span> -There is a village, called Hostilia, on the banks of the river -Padus: the inhabitants of it, when food<a id="FNanchor_2108_2108"></a><a href="#Footnote_2108_2108" class="fnanchor">2108</a> fails the bees in their -vicinity, place the hives in boats and convey them some five -miles up the river in the night. In the morning the bees go -forth to feed, and then return to the boats; their locality -being changed from day to day, until at last, as the boats sink -deeper and deeper in the water, it is ascertained that the hives -are full, upon which they are taken home, and the honey is -withdrawn.</p> - -<p>(13.) In Spain, too, for the same purpose, they have the -hives carried from place to place on the backs of mules.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_44"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 44.—POISONED HONEY, AND THE REMEDIES TO BE EMPLOYED -BY THOSE WHO HAVE EATEN OF IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Indeed, the food of bees is of the very greatest importance, -as it is owing to this that we meet with poisonous<a id="FNanchor_2109_2109"></a><a href="#Footnote_2109_2109" class="fnanchor">2109</a> honey -even. At Heraclia<a id="FNanchor_2110_2110"></a><a href="#Footnote_2110_2110" class="fnanchor">2110</a> in Pontus, the honey is extremely pernicious -in certain years, though it is the same bees that make -it at other times. Authors, however, have not informed us -from what flowers this honey is extracted; we shall, therefore, -take this opportunity of stating what we have ascertained -upon the subject.</p> - -<p>There is a certain plant which, from the circumstance that -it proves fatal to beasts of burden, and to goats in particular, -has obtained the name of “ægolethron,”<a id="FNanchor_2111_2111"></a><a href="#Footnote_2111_2111" class="fnanchor">2111</a> and the blossoms of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_342">342</a></span> -which, steeped in the rains of a wet spring, contract most -noxious properties. Hence it is that it is not every year that -these dangerous results are experienced. The following are -the signs of the honey being<a id="FNanchor_2112_2112"></a><a href="#Footnote_2112_2112" class="fnanchor">2112</a> poisonous: it never thickens, -the colour is redder than usual, and it emits a peculiar smell -which immediately produces sneezing; while, at the same -time, it is more weighty than a similar quantity of good -honey. Persons, when they have eaten of it, throw themselves -on the ground to cool the body, which is bathed with a -profuse perspiration. There are numerous remedies, of which -we shall have occasion to speak in a more appropriate place;<a id="FNanchor_2113_2113"></a><a href="#Footnote_2113_2113" class="fnanchor">2113</a> -but as it will be as well to mention some of them on the present -occasion, by way of being provided for such insidious accidents, -I will here state that old honied wine is good, mixed -with the finest honey and rue; salt meats, also, taken repeatedly -in small quantities, and as often brought up again.</p> - -<p>It is a well-known fact that dogs, after tasting the excretions -of persons suffering from these attacks, have been attacked -with similar symptoms, and have experienced the same -kind of pains.</p> - -<p>Still, however, it is equally well ascertained, that honied -wine prepared from this honey, when old, is altogether innoxious; -and that there is nothing better than this honey, mixed -with costus,<a id="FNanchor_2114_2114"></a><a href="#Footnote_2114_2114" class="fnanchor">2114</a> for softening the skin of females, or, combined -with aloes, for the treatment of bruises.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_45"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 45.—MADDENING HONEY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In the country of the Sanni, in the same part of Pontus, -there is another kind of honey, which, from the madness it -produces, has received the name of “mænomenon.”<a id="FNanchor_2115_2115"></a><a href="#Footnote_2115_2115" class="fnanchor">2115</a> This -evil effect is generally attributed to the flowers of the rhododendron,<a id="FNanchor_2116_2116"></a><a href="#Footnote_2116_2116" class="fnanchor">2116</a> -with which the woods there abound; and that people, -though it pays a tribute to the Romans in wax, derives no -profit whatever from its honey, in consequence of these dangerous -properties. In Persis, too, and in Gætulia, a district<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_343">343</a></span> -of Mauritania Cæsariensis, bordering on the country of the -Massæsyli, there are poisonous honeycombs found; and some, -too, only partly so,<a id="FNanchor_2117_2117"></a><a href="#Footnote_2117_2117" class="fnanchor">2117</a> one of the most insidious things that -possibly could happen, were it not that the livid colour of the -honey gives timely notice of its noxious qualities. What can -we suppose to have possibly been the intention of Nature in -thus laying these traps in our way, giving us honey that is -poisonous in some years and good in others, poisonous in some -parts of the combs and not in others, and that, too, the produce -in all cases of the self-same bees? It was not enough, forsooth, -to have produced a substance in which poison might be administered -without the slightest difficulty, but must she herself -administer it as well in the honey, to fall in the way of so -many animated beings? What, in fact, can have been her -motive, except to render mankind a little more cautious and -somewhat less greedy?</p> - -<p>And has she not provided the very bees, too, with pointed -weapons, and those weapons poisoned to boot? So it is, and -I shall, therefore, without delay, set forth the remedies to -counteract the effects of their stings. It will be found a very -excellent plan to foment the part stung with the juice of mallows<a id="FNanchor_2118_2118"></a><a href="#Footnote_2118_2118" class="fnanchor">2118</a> -or of ivy leaves, or else for the person who has been stung -to take these juices in drink. It is a very astonishing thing, -however, that the insects which thus carry these poisons in -their mouths and secrete them, should never die themselves -in consequence; unless it is that Nature, that mistress of all -things, has given to bees the same immunity from the effects -of poison which she has granted against the attacks of serpents -to the Psylli<a id="FNanchor_2119_2119"></a><a href="#Footnote_2119_2119" class="fnanchor">2119</a> and the Marsi among men.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_46"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 46. (14.)—HONEY THAT FLIES WILL NOT TOUCH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Another marvellous fact, again, connected with honey in -Crete. Upon Mount Carina in that island, which is nine -miles in circuit, there is not a fly to be found, and the honey -that is made there no fly will touch.<a id="FNanchor_2120_2120"></a><a href="#Footnote_2120_2120" class="fnanchor">2120</a> It is by this circumstance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_344">344</a></span> -that honey said to have come from that district is usually -tested, it being highly prized for medicinal preparations.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_47"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 47.—BEEHIVES, AND THE ATTENTION WHICH SHOULD BE -PAID TO THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The hives ought to have an aspect due east,<a id="FNanchor_2121_2121"></a><a href="#Footnote_2121_2121" class="fnanchor">2121</a> but never looking -towards the north-east or the west. The best hives are -those made of bark, the next best those of fennel-giant, and the -next of osier: many persons, too, have them made of mirror-stone,<a id="FNanchor_2122_2122"></a><a href="#Footnote_2122_2122" class="fnanchor">2122</a> -for the purpose of watching<a id="FNanchor_2123_2123"></a><a href="#Footnote_2123_2123" class="fnanchor">2123</a> the bees at work within. -It is the best plan to anoint the hives all over with cow-dung. -The lid of the hive should be made to slide from behind, so as -to admit of being shut to within, in case the hive should prove -too large or their labours unproductive; for, if this is not -done, the bees are apt to become discouraged and abandon -their work. The slide may then be gradually withdrawn, the -increase of space being imperceptible to the bees as the work -progresses. In winter, too, the hives should be covered with -straw, and subjected to repeated fumigations, with burnt cow-dung -more particularly. As this is of kindred<a id="FNanchor_2124_2124"></a><a href="#Footnote_2124_2124" class="fnanchor">2124</a> origin with -the bees, the smoke produced by it is particularly beneficial in -killing all such insects as may happen to breed there, such as -spiders, for instance, moths,<a id="FNanchor_2125_2125"></a><a href="#Footnote_2125_2125" class="fnanchor">2125</a> and wood-worms;<a id="FNanchor_2126_2126"></a><a href="#Footnote_2126_2126" class="fnanchor">2126</a> while, at the -same time, it stimulates the bees themselves to increased activity. -In fact, there is little difficulty in getting rid of the -spiders, but to destroy the moths, which are a much greater -plague, a night must be chosen in spring, just when the mallow -is ripening, there being no moon, but a clear sky: flambeaux -are then lighted before the hives, upon which the moths -precipitate themselves in swarms into the flame.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_345">345</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_48"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 48.—THAT BEES ARE SENSIBLE OF HUNGER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>If it is found that the bees are in want of aliment, it will -be a good plan to place at the entrance of the hive raisins or -dried figs beaten up,<a id="FNanchor_2127_2127"></a><a href="#Footnote_2127_2127" class="fnanchor">2127</a> as also carded wool soaked in raisin -wine, boiled<a id="FNanchor_2128_2128"></a><a href="#Footnote_2128_2128" class="fnanchor">2128</a> must, or hydromel, and sometimes even the raw<a id="FNanchor_2129_2129"></a><a href="#Footnote_2129_2129" class="fnanchor">2129</a> -flesh of poultry. In certain summers, too, when long-continued -drought has deprived them of the nutriment which -they usually derive from flowers, similar food must be provided -for them.</p> - -<p>When the honey is taken, the outlets of the hive should be -well rubbed with melissophyllum or broom,<a id="FNanchor_2130_2130"></a><a href="#Footnote_2130_2130" class="fnanchor">2130</a> beaten up, or else -the middle of it should be encircled with bands of white vine, -to prevent the bees from taking to flight. It is recommended, -too, that the honey-pots and combs should be washed with -water: this water, boiled, it is said, will make an extremely -wholesome vinegar.<a id="FNanchor_2131_2131"></a><a href="#Footnote_2131_2131" class="fnanchor">2131</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_49"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 49.—THE METHOD OF PREPARING WAX. THE BEST KINDS -OF WAX. PUNIC WAX.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wax is made<a id="FNanchor_2132_2132"></a><a href="#Footnote_2132_2132" class="fnanchor">2132</a> from the honeycombs after the honey has -been extracted. For this purpose, they are first cleaned with -water, and then dried three days in the shade: on the fourth -day they are melted on the fire in a new earthen vessel, with -sufficient water to cover them, after which the liquor is strained -off in a wicker basket.<a id="FNanchor_2133_2133"></a><a href="#Footnote_2133_2133" class="fnanchor">2133</a> The wax is then boiled again with -the same water and in the same pot, and poured into vessels of -cold water, the interior of which has been well rubbed with -honey. The best wax is that known as Punic<a id="FNanchor_2134_2134"></a><a href="#Footnote_2134_2134" class="fnanchor">2134</a> wax, the next -best being that of a remarkably yellow colour, with the smell -of honey. This last comes from Pontus, and, to my surprise, -it is in no way affected by the poisonous honey which it has<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_346">346</a></span> -contained.<a id="FNanchor_2135_2135"></a><a href="#Footnote_2135_2135" class="fnanchor">2135</a> The next in quality is the Cretan wax, which -contains the largest proportion of propolis,<a id="FNanchor_2136_2136"></a><a href="#Footnote_2136_2136" class="fnanchor">2136</a> a substance of -which we have previously made mention when treating of -bees. Next to these varieties comes the Corsican wax, which, -being the produce of the box-tree, is generally thought to be -possessed of certain medicinal properties.</p> - -<p>The Punic wax is prepared in the following manner: yellow -wax is first blanched in the open air, after which it is boiled -in water from the open sea, with the addition of some nitre.<a id="FNanchor_2137_2137"></a><a href="#Footnote_2137_2137" class="fnanchor">2137</a> -The flower of the wax, or, in other words, the whitest part of -it, is then skimmed off with spoons, and poured into a vessel -containing a little cold water. After this, it is again boiled -in sea-water by itself, which done, the vessel is left to cool. -When this operation has been three times repeated, the wax is -left in the open air upon a mat of rushes, to dry in the light of -the sun and moon; for while the latter adds to its whiteness, -the sun helps to dry<a id="FNanchor_2138_2138"></a><a href="#Footnote_2138_2138" class="fnanchor">2138</a> it. In order, however, that it may not -melt, it is the practice to cover it with a linen cloth: if, when -it has been thus refined, it is boiled once more, the result is a -wax of the greatest possible whiteness.</p> - -<p>Punic wax is considered the best for all medicinal preparations. -Wax is made black by the addition of ashes of papyrus, -and a red colour is given to it by the admixture of alkanet; -indeed, by the employment of various pigments, it is -made to assume various tints, in which state it is used for -making models,<a id="FNanchor_2139_2139"></a><a href="#Footnote_2139_2139" class="fnanchor">2139</a> and for other purposes without number, -among which we may mention varnishing walls<a id="FNanchor_2140_2140"></a><a href="#Footnote_2140_2140" class="fnanchor">2140</a> and armour, -to protect them from the air. We have given the other particulars -relative to bees and honey, when speaking<a id="FNanchor_2141_2141"></a><a href="#Footnote_2141_2141" class="fnanchor">2141</a> of the -nature of those insects. We have now stated pretty nearly -all that we have to say on the subject of the pleasure garden.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_347">347</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_50"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 50. (15.)—PLANTS WHICH GROW SPONTANEOUSLY: THE -USE MADE OF THEM BY VARIOUS NATIONS, THEIR NATURE, AND -REMARKABLE FACTS CONNECTED WITH THEM. THE STRAWBERRY, -THE TAMNUS, AND THE BUTCHER’S BROOM. THE BATIS, -TWO VARIETIES OF IT. THE MEADOW PARSNIP. THE HOP.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We now come to the plants which grow spontaneously, and -which are employed as an aliment by most nations, the people -of Egypt in particular, where they abound in such vast quantities, -that, extremely prolific as that country is in corn, it is -perhaps the only one that could subsist without it: so abundant -are its resources in the various kinds of food to be obtained -from plants.</p> - -<p>In Italy, however, we are acquainted with but very few of -them; those few being the strawberry,<a id="FNanchor_2142_2142"></a><a href="#Footnote_2142_2142" class="fnanchor">2142</a> the tamnus,<a id="FNanchor_2143_2143"></a><a href="#Footnote_2143_2143" class="fnanchor">2143</a> the -butcher’s broom,<a id="FNanchor_2144_2144"></a><a href="#Footnote_2144_2144" class="fnanchor">2144</a> the sea<a id="FNanchor_2145_2145"></a><a href="#Footnote_2145_2145" class="fnanchor">2145</a> batis, and the garden batis,<a id="FNanchor_2146_2146"></a><a href="#Footnote_2146_2146" class="fnanchor">2146</a> known -by some persons as Gallic asparagus; in addition to which we -may mention the meadow parsnip<a id="FNanchor_2147_2147"></a><a href="#Footnote_2147_2147" class="fnanchor">2147</a> and the hop,<a id="FNanchor_2148_2148"></a><a href="#Footnote_2148_2148" class="fnanchor">2148</a> which may -be rather termed amusements for the botanist than articles of -food.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_51"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 51.—THE COLOCASIA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But the plant of this nature that is the most famous in -Egypt is the colocasia,<a id="FNanchor_2149_2149"></a><a href="#Footnote_2149_2149" class="fnanchor">2149</a> known as the “cyamos”<a id="FNanchor_2150_2150"></a><a href="#Footnote_2150_2150" class="fnanchor">2150</a> to some. -It is gathered in the river Nilus, and the stalk of it, boiled,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_348">348</a></span> -separates<a id="FNanchor_2151_2151"></a><a href="#Footnote_2151_2151" class="fnanchor">2151</a> into fine filaments when chewed, like those of the -spider’s web. The head,<a id="FNanchor_2152_2152"></a><a href="#Footnote_2152_2152" class="fnanchor">2152</a> protruding from among the leaves, -is very remarkable; and the leaves, which are extremely large, -even when compared with those of trees, are very similar to -those of the plant found in our rivers, and known by the -name of “personata.”<a id="FNanchor_2153_2153"></a><a href="#Footnote_2153_2153" class="fnanchor">2153</a> So much do the people of that -country take advantage of the bounteousness displayed by -their river, that they are in the habit of plaiting<a id="FNanchor_2154_2154"></a><a href="#Footnote_2154_2154" class="fnanchor">2154</a> the leaves -of the colocasia with such skill as to make vessels of various -shapes, which they are extremely fond of using for drinking -vessels. At the present day, however, this plant is cultivated -in Italy.<a id="FNanchor_2155_2155"></a><a href="#Footnote_2155_2155" class="fnanchor">2155</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 52.—THE CICHORIUM. THE ANTHALIUM OR ANTICELLIUM, -OR ANTHYLLUM. THE ŒTUM. THE ARACHIDNA. THE -ARACOS. THE CANDRYALA. THE HYPOCHŒRIS. THE CAUCALIS. -THE ANTHRISCUM. THE SCANDIX. THE TRAGOPOGON. THE PARTHENIUM -OR LEUCANTHES, AMARACUS, PERDICIUM, OR MURALIS. -THE TRYCHNUM OR STRYCHNUM, HALICACABUM, CALLIAS, DORYCNION, -MANICON, PERITTON, NEURAS, MORIO, OR MOLY. THE -CORCHORUS. THE APHACE. THE ACYNOPOS. THE EPIPETRON. -PLANTS WHICH NEVER FLOWER. PLANTS WHICH ARE ALWAYS -IN FLOWER.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In Egypt, next to the colocasia, it is the cichorium that is -held in the highest esteem, a plant which we have already -spoken<a id="FNanchor_2156_2156"></a><a href="#Footnote_2156_2156" class="fnanchor">2156</a> of under the name of wild endive.<a id="FNanchor_2157_2157"></a><a href="#Footnote_2157_2157" class="fnanchor">2157</a> It springs up -after the rising of the Vergiliæ, and the various portions of it -blossom in succession: the root is supple, and hence is used for -making withes even. The anthalium<a id="FNanchor_2158_2158"></a><a href="#Footnote_2158_2158" class="fnanchor">2158</a> grows at a greater<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_349">349</a></span> -distance<a id="FNanchor_2159_2159"></a><a href="#Footnote_2159_2159" class="fnanchor">2159</a> from the river; the fruit of it is round,<a id="FNanchor_2160_2160"></a><a href="#Footnote_2160_2160" class="fnanchor">2160</a> and about -the size of a medlar, but without either kernel or rind; the -leaves of the plant are similar to those of the cyperus. The -people there eat the fruit of it cooked upon the fire, as also of -the œtum,<a id="FNanchor_2161_2161"></a><a href="#Footnote_2161_2161" class="fnanchor">2161</a> a plant which has a few leaves only, and those extremely -diminutive, though the root is large in proportion.<a id="FNanchor_2162_2162"></a><a href="#Footnote_2162_2162" class="fnanchor">2162</a> -The arachidna,<a id="FNanchor_2163_2163"></a><a href="#Footnote_2163_2163" class="fnanchor">2163</a> again, and the aracos have numerous branchy -roots, but neither leaves nor any herbaceous parts, nor, indeed, -anything that makes its appearance above ground.</p> - -<p>The other plants that are commonly eaten in Egypt are the -chondrylla,<a id="FNanchor_2164_2164"></a><a href="#Footnote_2164_2164" class="fnanchor">2164</a> the hypochœris,<a id="FNanchor_2165_2165"></a><a href="#Footnote_2165_2165" class="fnanchor">2165</a> the caucalis,<a id="FNanchor_2166_2166"></a><a href="#Footnote_2166_2166" class="fnanchor">2166</a> the anthriscum,<a id="FNanchor_2167_2167"></a><a href="#Footnote_2167_2167" class="fnanchor">2167</a> -the scandix, the come, by some persons known as the tragopogon,<a id="FNanchor_2168_2168"></a><a href="#Footnote_2168_2168" class="fnanchor">2168</a> -with leaves very similar to those of saffron, the parthenium,<a id="FNanchor_2169_2169"></a><a href="#Footnote_2169_2169" class="fnanchor">2169</a> -the trychnum,<a id="FNanchor_2170_2170"></a><a href="#Footnote_2170_2170" class="fnanchor">2170</a> and the corchorus;<a id="FNanchor_2171_2171"></a><a href="#Footnote_2171_2171" class="fnanchor">2171</a> with the -aphace<a id="FNanchor_2172_2172"></a><a href="#Footnote_2172_2172" class="fnanchor">2172</a> and acynopos,<a id="FNanchor_2173_2173"></a><a href="#Footnote_2173_2173" class="fnanchor">2173</a> which make their appearance at the -equinox. There is a plant also, called the epipetron,<a id="FNanchor_2174_2174"></a><a href="#Footnote_2174_2174" class="fnanchor">2174</a> which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_350">350</a></span> -never blossoms;<a id="FNanchor_2175_2175"></a><a href="#Footnote_2175_2175" class="fnanchor">2175</a> while the aphace, on the other hand, as its -flowers die, from time to time puts forth fresh ones, and remains<a id="FNanchor_2176_2176"></a><a href="#Footnote_2176_2176" class="fnanchor">2176</a> -in blossom throughout the winter and the spring, until -the following summer.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_53"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 53.—FOUR VARIETIES OF THE CNECOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Egyptians have many other plants also, of little note; -but they speak in the highest terms of the cnecos;<a id="FNanchor_2177_2177"></a><a href="#Footnote_2177_2177" class="fnanchor">2177</a> a plant -unknown to Italy, and which the Egyptians hold in esteem, -not as an article of food, but for the oil it produces, and which -is extracted from the seed. The principal varieties are the -wild and the cultivated kinds; of the wild variety, again, there -are two sorts, one of which is less prickly<a id="FNanchor_2178_2178"></a><a href="#Footnote_2178_2178" class="fnanchor">2178</a> than the other, but -with a similar stem, only more upright: hence it is that in -former times females used it for distaffs, from which circumstance -it has received the name of “atractylis”<a id="FNanchor_2179_2179"></a><a href="#Footnote_2179_2179" class="fnanchor">2179</a> from some; -the seed of it is white, large, and bitter. The other variety<a id="FNanchor_2180_2180"></a><a href="#Footnote_2180_2180" class="fnanchor">2180</a> -is more prickly, and has a more sinewy stem, which may be -said almost to creep upon the ground; the seed is small. The -cnecos belongs to the thorny plants: indeed, it will be as well -to make some classification of them.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_54"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 54.—PLANTS OF A PRICKLY NATURE: THE ERYNGE, THE -GLYCYRRIZA, THE TRIBULUS, THE ANONIS, THE PHEOS OR -STŒBE, AND THE HIPPOPHAES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For some plants, in fact, are thorny, while others, again, are -destitute of prickles: the species of thorny plants are very -numerous. The asparagus<a id="FNanchor_2181_2181"></a><a href="#Footnote_2181_2181" class="fnanchor">2181</a> and the scorpio<a id="FNanchor_2182_2182"></a><a href="#Footnote_2182_2182" class="fnanchor">2182</a> are essentially -thorny plants, having no leaves at all upon them. Some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_351">351</a></span> -plants, again, that are prickly have leaves as well, such as the -thistle, for instance, the erynge,<a id="FNanchor_2183_2183"></a><a href="#Footnote_2183_2183" class="fnanchor">2183</a> the glycyrriza,<a id="FNanchor_2184_2184"></a><a href="#Footnote_2184_2184" class="fnanchor">2184</a> and the -nettle;<a id="FNanchor_2185_2185"></a><a href="#Footnote_2185_2185" class="fnanchor">2185</a> all these plants being provided with leaves that prick -or sting.</p> - -<p>Some plants have thorns at the base of their leaves, the -tribulus<a id="FNanchor_2186_2186"></a><a href="#Footnote_2186_2186" class="fnanchor">2186</a> and the anonis<a id="FNanchor_2187_2187"></a><a href="#Footnote_2187_2187" class="fnanchor">2187</a> for instance; others, again, have -thorns, not on the leaves but on the stem, the pheos<a id="FNanchor_2188_2188"></a><a href="#Footnote_2188_2188" class="fnanchor">2188</a> for example, -known as the stœbe to some. The hippophaës<a id="FNanchor_2189_2189"></a><a href="#Footnote_2189_2189" class="fnanchor">2189</a> has -thorns at the joints; the tribulus presents the peculiarity of -bearing a fruit that is thorny.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_55"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 55.—FOUR VARIETIES OF THE NETTLE. THE LAMIUM -AND THE SCORPIO.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But of all these plants, it is the nettle that is the best -known to us, the calyces<a id="FNanchor_2190_2190"></a><a href="#Footnote_2190_2190" class="fnanchor">2190</a> of the blossoms of which produce a -purple down: it frequently exceeds two cubits even in -height.<a id="FNanchor_2191_2191"></a><a href="#Footnote_2191_2191" class="fnanchor">2191</a> There are numerous varieties of this plant; the -wild nettle, known also as the female nettle, does not inflict -so bad a sting as the others. Among the several varieties of -the wild nettle, the one known as the dog<a id="FNanchor_2192_2192"></a><a href="#Footnote_2192_2192" class="fnanchor">2192</a>-nettle, stings the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_352">352</a></span> -worst, the stem of it even possessing that property; the leaves -of the nettle are indented at the edge. There is one kind -also, which emits a smell, known as the Herculanean<a id="FNanchor_2193_2193"></a><a href="#Footnote_2193_2193" class="fnanchor">2193</a> nettle. -The seed of all the nettles is copious, and black. It is a singular -fact that, though possessed of no spinous points, the -down<a id="FNanchor_2194_2194"></a><a href="#Footnote_2194_2194" class="fnanchor">2194</a> of the nettle is of a noxious nature, and that, though -ever so lightly touched, it will immediately produce an itching -sensation, and raise a blister on the flesh similar in appearance -to a burn: the well-known remedy for it is olive oil.</p> - -<p>The stinging property of the nettle does not belong to the -plant at the earliest period of its growth, but only developes -itself under the influence of the sun. The plant first begins -to grow in the spring, at which period it is by no means a -disagreeable food;<a id="FNanchor_2195_2195"></a><a href="#Footnote_2195_2195" class="fnanchor">2195</a> indeed, it has become quite a religious observance -to employ it as such, under the impression that it is -a preventive from diseases the whole year through. The root, -too, of the wild nettle, has the effect of rendering all meat -more tender that is boiled with it.<a id="FNanchor_2196_2196"></a><a href="#Footnote_2196_2196" class="fnanchor">2196</a> The kind that is innoxious -and destitute of all stinging properties, is known as the “lamium.”<a id="FNanchor_2197_2197"></a><a href="#Footnote_2197_2197" class="fnanchor">2197</a> -Of the scorpio<a id="FNanchor_2198_2198"></a><a href="#Footnote_2198_2198" class="fnanchor">2198</a> we shall have occasion to speak -when treating of the medicinal plants.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_353">353</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_56"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 56. (16).—THE CARDUUS, THE ACORNA, THE PHONOS, THE -LEUCACANTHOS, THE CHALCEOS, THE CNECOS, THE POLYACANTHOS, -THE ONOPYXOS, THE HELXINE, THE SCOLYMOS, THE CHAMÆLEON, -THE TETRALIX, AND ACANTHICE MASTICHE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The carduus<a id="FNanchor_2199_2199"></a><a href="#Footnote_2199_2199" class="fnanchor">2199</a> has leaves and a stem covered with a prickly -down; the same is the case, too, with the acorna,<a id="FNanchor_2200_2200"></a><a href="#Footnote_2200_2200" class="fnanchor">2200</a> the leucacanthos,<a id="FNanchor_2201_2201"></a><a href="#Footnote_2201_2201" class="fnanchor">2201</a> -the chalceos,<a id="FNanchor_2202_2202"></a><a href="#Footnote_2202_2202" class="fnanchor">2202</a> the cnecos,<a id="FNanchor_2203_2203"></a><a href="#Footnote_2203_2203" class="fnanchor">2203</a> the polyacanthos,<a id="FNanchor_2204_2204"></a><a href="#Footnote_2204_2204" class="fnanchor">2204</a> the -onopyxos,<a id="FNanchor_2205_2205"></a><a href="#Footnote_2205_2205" class="fnanchor">2205</a> the helxine,<a id="FNanchor_2206_2206"></a><a href="#Footnote_2206_2206" class="fnanchor">2206</a> and the scolymos;<a id="FNanchor_2207_2207"></a><a href="#Footnote_2207_2207" class="fnanchor">2207</a> the chamæleon,<a id="FNanchor_2208_2208"></a><a href="#Footnote_2208_2208" class="fnanchor">2208</a> -however, has no prickles upon the leaves. There is, however, -this difference among these plants, that some of them have -numerous stems and branches, such as the carduus, for instance; -while others, again, have a single stem and no branches, -the cnecos, for example. Some, again, such as the erynge,<a id="FNanchor_2209_2209"></a><a href="#Footnote_2209_2209" class="fnanchor">2209</a> -are prickly at the head only; and some blossom in the summer, -the tetralix and the helxine, for instance. The scolymos -blossoms late, and remains a considerable period in flower: -the acorna being distinguished only for its red colour and its -unctuous juice. The atractylis would be similar in every -respect to the last, were it not that it is somewhat whiter, -and produces a juice the colour of blood, a circumstance to -which it owes the name of “phonos,”<a id="FNanchor_2210_2210"></a><a href="#Footnote_2210_2210" class="fnanchor">2210</a> given to it by some.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_354">354</a></span> -The smell of this plant is powerful, and the seed only ripens -at a late period, and never before autumn, although the same -may be said of all the prickly plants, in fact. All of them -are capable, however, of being reproduced from either seed -or root.</p> - -<p>The scolymos, which belongs to the thistle<a id="FNanchor_2211_2211"></a><a href="#Footnote_2211_2211" class="fnanchor">2211</a> genus, differs -from the rest of them in the circumstance that the root of it -is boiled and eaten. It is a singular fact that this genus of -plants bears blossoms, buds, and fruit the whole of the summer -through, without any interruption: when the leaf is dried, -the prickles lose their pungency. The helxine is a plant but -rarely seen, and in some countries only. It throws out leaves -at the root, from the middle of which there is a protuberance -in the shape of an apple, covered with leaves of its own: the -head of it contains a thick juice of a sweet flavour, the name -given to which is “acanthice mastiche.”<a id="FNanchor_2212_2212"></a><a href="#Footnote_2212_2212" class="fnanchor">2212</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_57"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 57.—THE CACTOS; THE PTERNIX, PAPPUS, AND -ASCALIAS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The cactos,<a id="FNanchor_2213_2213"></a><a href="#Footnote_2213_2213" class="fnanchor">2213</a> too, is a plant that grows only in Sicily, having -peculiar characteristics of its own: the root throws out stalks -which creep along the ground, the leaves being broad and -thorny. The name given to these stalks is “cactos,” and they -are not disliked as an article of food,<a id="FNanchor_2214_2214"></a><a href="#Footnote_2214_2214" class="fnanchor">2214</a> even when old. The -plant, however, has one stem which grows upright, and is -known by the name of “pternix;” it has the same sweet -flavour as the other parts, though it will not keep. The seed -of it is covered with a kind of down, known as “pappus:”<a id="FNanchor_2215_2215"></a><a href="#Footnote_2215_2215" class="fnanchor">2215</a> -when this is removed, as well as the rind<a id="FNanchor_2216_2216"></a><a href="#Footnote_2216_2216" class="fnanchor">2216</a> of the fruit, it is -tender, and like the pith of the palm: the name given to it is -“ascalias.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_355">355</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_58"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 58.—THE TRIBULUS: THE ANONIS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The tribulus<a id="FNanchor_2217_2217"></a><a href="#Footnote_2217_2217" class="fnanchor">2217</a> grows nowhere except in marshy places: -though held in abomination elsewhere,<a id="FNanchor_2218_2218"></a><a href="#Footnote_2218_2218" class="fnanchor">2218</a> it is employed on the -banks of the Nilus and Strymon as an article of food. It -always bends towards the water, and has a leaf like that of -the elm, with a long stalk. In other parts of the world there -are two varieties of this plant; the one<a id="FNanchor_2219_2219"></a><a href="#Footnote_2219_2219" class="fnanchor">2219</a> with leaves like those -of the chicheling vetch, the other with leaves protected by -prickles. This last variety blossoms also at a later period -than the other, and is mostly found in the hedge-rows about -farm-houses. The seed of it is black, rounder than that of the -other, and enclosed in pods: that of the other variety bears a -resemblance to sand.</p> - -<p>Among the prickly plants there is also another kind, known -as the “anonis:”<a id="FNanchor_2220_2220"></a><a href="#Footnote_2220_2220" class="fnanchor">2220</a> indeed, it has thorns upon the branches, -to which leaves are attached similar to those of rue, the stem -being entirely covered also with leaves, in form resembling a -garland. It comes up in land that has been newly ploughed, -being highly prejudicial to the corn, and long-lived in the -extreme.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_59"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 59.—PLANTS CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR STEMS: THE -CORONOPUS, THE ANCHUSA, THE ANTHEMIS, THE PHYLLANTHES, -THE CREPIS, AND THE LOTUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Some, again, among the prickly plants have a stem which -creeps along the ground, that, for instance, known as the -“coronopus.”<a id="FNanchor_2221_2221"></a><a href="#Footnote_2221_2221" class="fnanchor">2221</a> On the other hand, the anchusa,<a id="FNanchor_2222_2222"></a><a href="#Footnote_2222_2222" class="fnanchor">2222</a> the root of -which is employed for dyeing wood and wax, has an upright -stem; which is the case also with some of the plants that are -prickly in a less degree, the anthemis,<a id="FNanchor_2223_2223"></a><a href="#Footnote_2223_2223" class="fnanchor">2223</a> for example, the phyllanthes,<a id="FNanchor_2224_2224"></a><a href="#Footnote_2224_2224" class="fnanchor">2224</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_356">356</a></span> -the anemone, and the aphace:<a id="FNanchor_2225_2225"></a><a href="#Footnote_2225_2225" class="fnanchor">2225</a> the crepis,<a id="FNanchor_2226_2226"></a><a href="#Footnote_2226_2226" class="fnanchor">2226</a> again, -and the lotus,<a id="FNanchor_2227_2227"></a><a href="#Footnote_2227_2227" class="fnanchor">2227</a> have a foliated stem.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_60"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 60.—PLANTS CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR LEAVES. -PLANTS WHICH NEVER LOSE THEIR LEAVES: PLANTS WHICH -BLOSSOM A LITTLE AT A TIME: THE HELIOTROPIUM AND THE -ADIANTUM, THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WHICH WILL BE -MENTIONED IN THE FOLLOWING BOOK.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leaves of plants, as well as those of trees, differ from -one another in the length of the footstalk, and in the breadth -or narrowness of the leaf, and the angles and indentations perceptible -on its edge. Other differences are also constituted in -respect of their smell and blossom. The blossom remains on -longer in some of those plants which flower only a little at a -time, such as the ocimum,<a id="FNanchor_2228_2228"></a><a href="#Footnote_2228_2228" class="fnanchor">2228</a> the heliotropium,<a id="FNanchor_2229_2229"></a><a href="#Footnote_2229_2229" class="fnanchor">2229</a> the aphace, and -the onochilis,<a id="FNanchor_2230_2230"></a><a href="#Footnote_2230_2230" class="fnanchor">2230</a> for example.</p> - -<p>(17.) Many of these plants, the same as certain among the -trees, never lose their leaves, the heliotropium,<a id="FNanchor_2231_2231"></a><a href="#Footnote_2231_2231" class="fnanchor">2231</a> the adiantum<a id="FNanchor_2232_2232"></a><a href="#Footnote_2232_2232" class="fnanchor">2232</a> -and the polium,<a id="FNanchor_2233_2233"></a><a href="#Footnote_2233_2233" class="fnanchor">2233</a> for instance.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_357">357</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_61"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 61.—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF EARED PLANTS: THE STANYOPS; -THE ALOPECUROS; THE STELEPHUROS, ORTYX, OR PLANTAGO; -THE THRYALLIS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The eared<a id="FNanchor_2234_2234"></a><a href="#Footnote_2234_2234" class="fnanchor">2234</a> plants form another variety: among them we -find the cynops,<a id="FNanchor_2235_2235"></a><a href="#Footnote_2235_2235" class="fnanchor">2235</a> the alopecuros,<a id="FNanchor_2236_2236"></a><a href="#Footnote_2236_2236" class="fnanchor">2236</a> the stelephuros,<a id="FNanchor_2237_2237"></a><a href="#Footnote_2237_2237" class="fnanchor">2237</a> also -known to some persons as the ortyx,<a id="FNanchor_2238_2238"></a><a href="#Footnote_2238_2238" class="fnanchor">2238</a> and to others as the -plantago, of which last we shall have occasion<a id="FNanchor_2239_2239"></a><a href="#Footnote_2239_2239" class="fnanchor">2239</a> to speak more -at length among the medicinal plants, and the thryallis.<a id="FNanchor_2240_2240"></a><a href="#Footnote_2240_2240" class="fnanchor">2240</a> -The alopecuros, among these, has a soft ear and a thick down, -not unlike a fox’s tail in fact, to which resemblance it owes -its name. The plant most like<a id="FNanchor_2241_2241"></a><a href="#Footnote_2241_2241" class="fnanchor">2241</a> it is the stelephuros, were it -not that it blossoms only a little at a time. In the cichorium -and similar plants, the leaves are near the ground, the buds -springing from the root just after the rising of the Vergiliæ.<a id="FNanchor_2242_2242"></a><a href="#Footnote_2242_2242" class="fnanchor">2242</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_62"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 62—THE PERDICIUM. THE ORNITHOGALE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is not in Egypt only that the perdicium<a id="FNanchor_2243_2243"></a><a href="#Footnote_2243_2243" class="fnanchor">2243</a> is eaten; it owes -its name to the partridge,<a id="FNanchor_2244_2244"></a><a href="#Footnote_2244_2244" class="fnanchor">2244</a> which bird is extremely fond of -digging it up. The roots of it are thick and very numerous: -and so, too, with the ornithogale,<a id="FNanchor_2245_2245"></a><a href="#Footnote_2245_2245" class="fnanchor">2245</a> which has a tender white -stalk, and a root half a foot in thickness, bulbous, soft, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_358">358</a></span> -provided with three or four other offsets attached to it. It is -generally used boiled in pottage.<a id="FNanchor_2246_2246"></a><a href="#Footnote_2246_2246" class="fnanchor">2246</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_63"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 63.—PLANTS WHICH ONLY MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE AT -THE END OF A YEAR. PLANTS WHICH BEGIN TO BLOSSOM AT -THE TOP. PLANTS WHICH BEGIN TO BLOSSOM AT THE LOWER -PART.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is a remarkable thing that the herb lotus<a id="FNanchor_2247_2247"></a><a href="#Footnote_2247_2247" class="fnanchor">2247</a> and the ægilops<a id="FNanchor_2248_2248"></a><a href="#Footnote_2248_2248" class="fnanchor">2248</a> -never make their appearance above ground till the end of -a year after the seed has been sown. The anthemis,<a id="FNanchor_2249_2249"></a><a href="#Footnote_2249_2249" class="fnanchor">2249</a> too, offers -the singular peculiarity that it begins to blossom at the top, -while in all the other plants which flower gradually, it is at -the lower part that the blossom first makes its appearance.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_64"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 64.—THE LAPPA, A PLANT WHICH PRODUCES WITHIN ITSELF. -THE OPUNTIA, WHICH THROWS OUT A ROOT FROM THE LEAF.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In the lappa,<a id="FNanchor_2250_2250"></a><a href="#Footnote_2250_2250" class="fnanchor">2250</a> too, which clings so tenaciously, there is this -remarkable peculiarity, that within it there grows a flower, -which does not make its appearance, but remains concealed -and there produces the seed, like those among the animals -which produce within themselves. In the vicinity of Opus -there grows a plant<a id="FNanchor_2251_2251"></a><a href="#Footnote_2251_2251" class="fnanchor">2251</a> which is very pleasant eating to man, -and the leaf of which, a most singular thing, gives birth to a -root by means of which it reproduces itself.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_65"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 65.—THE IASIONE. THE CHONDRYLLA. THE PICRIS, WHICH -REMAINS IN FLOWER THE WHOLE YEAR THROUGH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The iasione<a id="FNanchor_2252_2252"></a><a href="#Footnote_2252_2252" class="fnanchor">2252</a> has a single leaf only, but that so folded and -involved, as to have all the appearance of being several in -number. The chondrylla<a id="FNanchor_2253_2253"></a><a href="#Footnote_2253_2253" class="fnanchor">2253</a> is bitter, and the juice of the root<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_359">359</a></span> -is of an acrid taste. The aphace, too, is bitter, and so is the -plant called “picris,”<a id="FNanchor_2254_2254"></a><a href="#Footnote_2254_2254" class="fnanchor">2254</a> which also remains in flower the whole -year through: it is to this bitterness that it is indebted for its -name.<a id="FNanchor_2255_2255"></a><a href="#Footnote_2255_2255" class="fnanchor">2255</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_66"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 66.—PLANTS IN WHICH THE BLOSSOM MAKES ITS APPEARANCE -BEFORE THE STEM. PLANTS IN WHICH THE STEM APPEARS -BEFORE THE BLOSSOM. PLANTS WHICH BLOSSOM THREE TIMES -IN THE YEAR.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The peculiarities also of the squill and saffron deserve remark; -for while all other plants put forth their leaves first, -and then a round stem, these show the stem before the leaf -makes its appearance: in the saffron, however, the blossom is -protruded by the stem, but in the squill it is the stem that -first makes its appearance, and then the flower emerges from -it. This plant blossoms three times in the year, indicating -thereby, as previously stated,<a id="FNanchor_2256_2256"></a><a href="#Footnote_2256_2256" class="fnanchor">2256</a> the three seasons for ploughing.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_67"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 67.—THE CYPIROS. THE THESION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Some authors reckon among the bulbs the root of the cypiros, -or gladiolus;<a id="FNanchor_2257_2257"></a><a href="#Footnote_2257_2257" class="fnanchor">2257</a> it is a pleasant food, and when boiled and -kneaded up with bread, makes it more agreeable to the taste, -and at the same time more weighty. Not unlike it in appearance -is the plant known to us as the “thesion,”<a id="FNanchor_2258_2258"></a><a href="#Footnote_2258_2258" class="fnanchor">2258</a> but it is of an -acrid flavour.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_68"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 68.—THE ASPHODEL, OR ROYAL SPEAR. THE ANTHERICUS -OR ALBUCUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Other plants of the bulbous kind differ in the leaf: that of -the asphodel<a id="FNanchor_2259_2259"></a><a href="#Footnote_2259_2259" class="fnanchor">2259</a> is long and narrow, that of the squill broad and -supple, and the form of that of the gladiolus is bespoken by its -name.<a id="FNanchor_2260_2260"></a><a href="#Footnote_2260_2260" class="fnanchor">2260</a> The asphodel is used as an article of food, the seed of -it being parched, and the bulb roasted;<a id="FNanchor_2261_2261"></a><a href="#Footnote_2261_2261" class="fnanchor">2261</a> this last, however,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_360">360</a></span> -should be cooked in hot ashes, and then eaten with salt and -oil. It is beaten up also with figs, and forms, as Hesiod assures -us, a very delicate dish. It is said, too, that the asphodel, -planted before the doors of a farm-house, will act as a preservative -against the effects of noxious spells.</p> - -<p>Homer,<a id="FNanchor_2262_2262"></a><a href="#Footnote_2262_2262" class="fnanchor">2262</a> too, makes mention of the asphodel. The bulbs -of it are like moderately-sized turnips, and there is no plant -the root of which has more of them, as many as eighty bulbs -being often grouped together. Theophrastus, and nearly all -the Greek writers, with Pythagoras at the head of them, have -given the name of “anthericos” to its stem, which is one cubit, -and often two, in length, the leaves being very similar to those -of the wild leek; it is to the root, or in other words, the bulbs, -that they have given the name of asphodel. The people of our -country call this plant<a id="FNanchor_2263_2263"></a><a href="#Footnote_2263_2263" class="fnanchor">2263</a> “albucus,” and they give the name -of “royal<a id="FNanchor_2264_2264"></a><a href="#Footnote_2264_2264" class="fnanchor">2264</a> spear” to the asphodel the stem of which bears -berries,<a id="FNanchor_2265_2265"></a><a href="#Footnote_2265_2265" class="fnanchor">2265</a> thus distinguishing two<a id="FNanchor_2266_2266"></a><a href="#Footnote_2266_2266" class="fnanchor">2266</a> varieties of it. The albucus -has a stalk a cubit in length, large, naked, and smooth, in -reference to which, Mago recommends that it should be cut at -the end of March and the beginning of April, the period at -which it blossoms, and before the seed has begun to swell; he -says, too, that the stalks should be split, and exposed on the -fourth day in the sun, after which, when dry, they should be -made up into bundles.</p> - -<p>The same author states, also, that the Greeks give the name -of “pistana” to the aquatic plant known to us as the “sagitta;”<a id="FNanchor_2267_2267"></a><a href="#Footnote_2267_2267" class="fnanchor">2267</a> -and he recommends that it should be stripped of its -bark, and dried in a mild sun, between the ides of May<a id="FNanchor_2268_2268"></a><a href="#Footnote_2268_2268" class="fnanchor">2268</a> and -the end of October. He says, too, that it is usual to cut down -to the root, throughout all the month of July, the variety of -the gladiolus called “cypiros,” which is a marsh-plant also, -and at the end of three days to dry it in the sun, until it turns -white; but that care must be taken every day to carry it under -cover before sunset, the night dews being very injurious to -marsh plants when cut.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_361">361</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_69"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 69. (18.)—SIX VARIETIES OF THE RUSH: FOUR REMEDIES -DERIVED FROM THE CYPIROS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Mago has likewise given similar recommendations as to the -rush known to us as the “mariscus,”<a id="FNanchor_2269_2269"></a><a href="#Footnote_2269_2269" class="fnanchor">2269</a> and which is so extensively -employed for weaving mats. He says that it should be -gathered in the month of June, up to the middle of July, and -for drying it he gives the same precepts that have been already<a id="FNanchor_2270_2270"></a><a href="#Footnote_2270_2270" class="fnanchor">2270</a> -mentioned, in the appropriate place, when speaking of -sedge. He describes a second kind, also, which I find is -generally called the “marine” rush, and is known to the -Greeks as the “oxyschœnos.”<a id="FNanchor_2271_2271"></a><a href="#Footnote_2271_2271" class="fnanchor">2271</a></p> - -<p>Generally speaking, there are three varieties of this last -rush: the pointed rush, which is barren, and by the Greeks -is called the male rush and the “oxys:”<a id="FNanchor_2272_2272"></a><a href="#Footnote_2272_2272" class="fnanchor">2272</a> the female rush,<a id="FNanchor_2273_2273"></a><a href="#Footnote_2273_2273" class="fnanchor">2273</a> -which bears a black seed, and is called the “melancranis,”<a id="FNanchor_2274_2274"></a><a href="#Footnote_2274_2274" class="fnanchor">2274</a> -thicker and more bushy than the preceding one: and a third -kind, called the “holoschœnus,”<a id="FNanchor_2275_2275"></a><a href="#Footnote_2275_2275" class="fnanchor">2275</a> which is larger still. Of -these varieties, the melancranis grows separately from the -others, but the oxys and the holoschœnus will grow upon the -self-same clod. The holoschœnus is the most useful for all -kinds of basket-work, being of a particularly supple and fleshy -nature; it bears a fruit, which resembles eggs attached to one -another. The rush, again, which we have spoken of as the -male rush,<a id="FNanchor_2276_2276"></a><a href="#Footnote_2276_2276" class="fnanchor">2276</a> is reproduced from itself, the summit of it being -bent down into the earth; the melancranis, however, is propagated -from seed. Beyond this, the roots of all the varieties of -the rush die every year.</p> - -<p>The rush is in general use for making kipes<a id="FNanchor_2277_2277"></a><a href="#Footnote_2277_2277" class="fnanchor">2277</a> for sea-fishing,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_362">362</a></span> -the more light and elegant kinds of basket-work, and the -wicks of lamps, for which last purpose the pith is more particularly -employed.<a id="FNanchor_2278_2278"></a><a href="#Footnote_2278_2278" class="fnanchor">2278</a> In the vicinity of the maritime Alps, -the rushes grow to such a vast size, that when split they measure -nearly an inch in diameter; while in Egypt, on the other -hand, they are so extremely fine, that the people there make -sieves of them, for which, indeed, there can be nothing better.</p> - -<p>Some authors, again, distinguish another kind of rush, of a -triangular shape, to which they give the name of cyperos,<a id="FNanchor_2279_2279"></a><a href="#Footnote_2279_2279" class="fnanchor">2279</a> -though many persons make no distinction between it and the -“cypiros,” in consequence of the resemblance of the names; -for our own part, however, we shall observe the distinction. -The cypiros, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_2280_2280"></a><a href="#Footnote_2280_2280" class="fnanchor">2280</a> stated, is identical with the -gladiolus, a plant with a bulbous root, the most esteemed being -those grown in the Isle of Crete, the next best those of Naxos, -and the next those of Phœnicia. The cypiros of Crete is -white, with an odour strongly resembling that of nard; the -produce of Naxos has a more pungent smell, that of Phœnicia -but little odour of any kind, and that of Ægypt none at all; -for it grows in that country as well.</p> - -<p>This plant disperses hard tumours of the body—for we shall -here begin to speak of the remedies derived from the various -flowers and odoriferous plants, they being, all of them, of very -considerable utility in medicine. As to the cypiros, then, I -shall follow Apollodorus, who forbids it to be taken in drink, -though at the same time he admits that it is extremely useful -for calculi of the bladder, and recommends it in fomentations -for the face. He entertains no doubt, however, that it is productive -of abortion, and he mentions, as a remarkable fact, -that the barbarians,<a id="FNanchor_2281_2281"></a><a href="#Footnote_2281_2281" class="fnanchor">2281</a> by inhaling the fumes of this plant at -the mouth, thereby diminish the volume of the spleen. They -never go out of the house, he says, till they have inhaled these<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_363">363</a></span> -fumes, through the agency of which they daily become stronger -and stronger, and more robust. He states, also, that the cypiros, -employed as a liniment with oil, is an undoubted remedy -for chafing of the skin, and offensive odours of the arm-pits.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_70"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 70.—THE CYPEROS: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. THE CYPERIS. -THE CYPIRA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The cyperos, as we have just stated, is a rush of angular shape, -white near the ground, and black and solid at the top. The -lower leaves are more slender than those of the leek, and those -at the top are small, with the seed of the plant lying between -them. The root resembles a black olive,<a id="FNanchor_2282_2282"></a><a href="#Footnote_2282_2282" class="fnanchor">2282</a> and when it is of -an oblong shape, the plant is known as the “cyperis,”<a id="FNanchor_2283_2283"></a><a href="#Footnote_2283_2283" class="fnanchor">2283</a> being -employed in medicine to a great extent. The cyperos most -highly esteemed is that of the vicinity of the Temple of Jupiter -Hammon, the next best being that of Rhodes, the next -that of Theræ, and the worst of all that of Egypt, a circumstance -which tends greatly to add to the misunderstanding on the -subject, as that country produces the cypiros as well: but the -cypiros which grows there is extremely hard, and has hardly -any smell at all, while all the other<a id="FNanchor_2284_2284"></a><a href="#Footnote_2284_2284" class="fnanchor">2284</a> varieties of it have an -odour strongly resembling that of nard.</p> - -<p>There is also an Indian plant, called the “cypira,”<a id="FNanchor_2285_2285"></a><a href="#Footnote_2285_2285" class="fnanchor">2285</a> of a -totally different character, and similar to ginger in appearance; -when chewed, it has exactly the flavour of saffron.</p> - -<p>The cyperos, employed medicinally, is possessed of certain -depilatory properties. It is used in liniments for hang-nails -and ulcerous sores of the genitals and of all parts of the body -which are of a humid nature, ulcers of the mouth, for instance. -The root of it is a very efficacious remedy for the stings of serpents -and scorpions. Taken in drink, it removes obstructions -of the uterus, but if employed in too large doses, it is liable to -cause prolapsus of that organ. It acts also as a diuretic, and -expels calculi of the bladder; properties which render it extremely -useful in dropsy. It is employed topically, also, for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_364">364</a></span> -serpiginous ulcers, those of the throat more particularly, being -usually applied with wine or vinegar.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_71"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 71.—THE HOLOSCHŒNUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The root of the rush, boiled down to one third in three -heminæ of water, is a cure for cough; the seed of it, parched -and taken in water, arrests looseness of the bowels and the -menstrual discharge, though at the same time it causes headache. -The name given to this rush is holoschœnus; the parts -of it nearest the root are chewed, as a cure for the bites of -spiders.</p> - -<p>I find mention made, also, of one other kind of rush, the -name of which is “euripice;”<a id="FNanchor_2286_2286"></a><a href="#Footnote_2286_2286" class="fnanchor">2286</a> the seed, they say, is narcotic, -but the greatest care is necessary, not to throw the patient into -a lethargy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_72"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 72.—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SWEET-SCENTED -RUSH, OR TEUCHITES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We will also take this opportunity of mentioning the medicinal -properties of the sweet-scented rush, which is found -in Cœle-Syria, as already stated by us in the appropriate -place.<a id="FNanchor_2287_2287"></a><a href="#Footnote_2287_2287" class="fnanchor">2287</a> The most esteemed kind, however, is that which -grows in the country of the Nabatæi, and is known as the -“teuchites;”<a id="FNanchor_2288_2288"></a><a href="#Footnote_2288_2288" class="fnanchor">2288</a> the next best being the produce of Babylonia, -and the very worst that of Africa, which is entirely destitute -of smell. This rush is round, and when applied to the tongue, -has a pungent, vinous flavour. The genuine kind, when -rubbed, gives out an odour like that of the rose, and when -broken asunder it is red within. It dispels flatulency, and -hence it is very good for the stomach, and for persons when -vomiting the bile or blood. It arrests hiccup also, promotes -eructations, acts as a diuretic, and is curative of affections of -the bladder. A decoction of it is used for female complaints; -and in cases of opisthotony, it is applied in plasters with dry -resin, these being highly valued for their warming properties.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_73"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 73.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE FLOWERS BEFORE MENTIONED: -THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ROSE. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The rose is of an astringent and refreshing nature. For<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_365">365</a></span> -medicinal purposes the petals, the flowers, and the heads are -used. Those portions of the petals which are quite white are -known as the unglets.<a id="FNanchor_2289_2289"></a><a href="#Footnote_2289_2289" class="fnanchor">2289</a> In the flower there is the seed, as -distinguished from the filaments, and in the head there is the -bud,<a id="FNanchor_2290_2290"></a><a href="#Footnote_2290_2290" class="fnanchor">2290</a> as well as the calyx. The petals are dried, or else the -juice is extracted from them, by one of the three following -methods: Either the leaves are employed whole for the purpose, -the unglets not being removed—for these are the parts, -in fact, that contain the most juice—or else the unglets are -first taken off and the residue is then macerated with oil or -wine, in glass vessels placed in the sun. Some persons add -salt as well, and others alkanet,<a id="FNanchor_2291_2291"></a><a href="#Footnote_2291_2291" class="fnanchor">2291</a> or else aspalathus or sweet-scented -rush; as it is, when thus prepared, a very valuable remedy -for diseases of the uterus and for dysentery. According -to the third process, the unglets are removed from the petals, -and pounded, after which they are subjected to pressure in a -coarse linen cloth, the juice being received in a copper vessel; -it is then boiled on a slow fire, until it has acquired the consistence -of honey; for this purpose, however, the most odoriferous -of the petals should be selected.</p> - -<p>(19.) We have already stated,<a id="FNanchor_2292_2292"></a><a href="#Footnote_2292_2292" class="fnanchor">2292</a> when speaking of the various -kinds of wines, how rose wine is made. Rose juice is -much used in injections for the ears, and as a gargle for ulcerations -of the mouth, and for the gums and tonsils; it is employed -also for the stomach, maladies of the uterus, diseases -of the rectum, and for head-ache. In fevers, it is used, either -by itself or in combination with vinegar, as a remedy for -sleeplessness and nausea. The petals, charred, are used as a -cosmetic for the eyebrows;<a id="FNanchor_2293_2293"></a><a href="#Footnote_2293_2293" class="fnanchor">2293</a> and the thighs, when chafed, are -rubbed with them dried; reduced to powder, too, they are -soothing for defluxions of the eyes. The flower of the rose is -soporific, and taken in oxycrate it arrests fluxes in females, -the white flux in particular; also spitting of blood, and pains -in the stomach, if taken in three cyathi of wine, in sufficient -quantity to flavour it.</p> - -<p>As to the seed of the rose, the best is that which is of a saffron -colour, and not more than a year old; it should be dried,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_366">366</a></span> -too, in the shade. The black seed is worthless. In cases of -tooth-ache, the seed is employed in the form of a liniment; it -acts also as a diuretic, and is used as a topical application for -the stomach, as also in cases of erysipelas which are not inveterate: -inhaled at the nostrils, it has the effect of clearing -the brain. The heads of roses, taken in drink, arrest looseness of -the bowels and hæmorrhage. The unglets of the rose are -wholesome in cases of defluxion of the eyes; but the rose is -very apt to taint all ulcerous sores of the eyes, if it is not applied -at the very beginning of the defluxion, dried, and in -combination with bread. The petals, too, taken internally, are -extremely wholesome for gnawing pains of the stomach, and -for maladies of the abdomen or intestines; as also for the thoracic -organs, if applied externally even: they are preserved, too, -for eating, in a similar manner to lapathum. Great care must -be taken in drying rose-leaves, as they are apt to turn mouldy -very quickly.</p> - -<p>The petals, too, from which the juice has been extracted, -may be put to some use when dried: powders,<a id="FNanchor_2294_2294"></a><a href="#Footnote_2294_2294" class="fnanchor">2294</a> for instance, -may be made from them, for the purpose of checking the perspiration. -These powders are sprinkled on the body, upon -leaving the bath, and are left to dry on it, after which they are -washed off with cold water. The little excrescences<a id="FNanchor_2295_2295"></a><a href="#Footnote_2295_2295" class="fnanchor">2295</a> of -the wild rose, mixed with bears’-grease,<a id="FNanchor_2296_2296"></a><a href="#Footnote_2296_2296" class="fnanchor">2296</a> are a good remedy -for alopecy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_74"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 74.—TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE LILY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The roots of the lily<a id="FNanchor_2297_2297"></a><a href="#Footnote_2297_2297" class="fnanchor">2297</a> ennoble that flower in manifold ways -by their utility in a medicinal point of view. Taken in wine, -they are good for the stings of serpents, and in cases of poisoning -by fungi. For corns on the feet, they are applied boiled<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_367">367</a></span> -in wine, not being taken off before the end of three days. A -decoction of them with grease or oil, has the effect of making -the hair grow again upon burns. Taken with honied wine, -they carry off corrupt blood by stool; they are good, also, for -the spleen and for hernia, and act as an emmenagogue. Boiled -in wine and applied with honey, they are curative of wounds -of the sinews. They are good, too, for lichens, leprous sores, -and scurf upon the face, and they efface wrinkles of the body.</p> - -<p>The petals of the lily are boiled in vinegar, and applied, in -combination with polium,<a id="FNanchor_2298_2298"></a><a href="#Footnote_2298_2298" class="fnanchor">2298</a> to wounds; if it should happen, -however, to be a wound of the testes, it is the best plan to -apply the other ingredients with henbane and wheat-meal. -Lily-seed is applied in cases of erysipelas, and the flowers and -leaves are used as a cataplasm for inveterate ulcers. The -juice which is extracted from the flower is called “honey”<a id="FNanchor_2299_2299"></a><a href="#Footnote_2299_2299" class="fnanchor">2299</a> -by some persons, and “syrium” by others; it is employed as -an emollient for the uterus, and is also used for the purpose of -promoting perspirations, and for bringing suppurations to a -head.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_75"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 75.—SIXTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE NARCISSUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Two varieties of the narcissus are employed in medicine, -the one with a purple<a id="FNanchor_2300_2300"></a><a href="#Footnote_2300_2300" class="fnanchor">2300</a> flower, and the herbaceous narcissus.<a id="FNanchor_2301_2301"></a><a href="#Footnote_2301_2301" class="fnanchor">2301</a> -This last is injurious to the stomach, and hence it is that it -acts both as an emetic and as a purgative: it is prejudicial, -also, to the sinews, and produces dull, heavy pains in the head: -hence it is that it has received its name, from “narce,”<a id="FNanchor_2302_2302"></a><a href="#Footnote_2302_2302" class="fnanchor">2302</a> and -not from the youth Narcissus, mentioned in fable. The roots of -both kinds of narcissus have a flavour resembling that of wine -mixed with honey. This plant is very useful, applied to -burns with a little honey, as also to other kinds of wounds, -and sprains. Applied topically, too, with honey and oatmeal, -it is good for tumours, and it is similarly employed for the -extraction of foreign substances from the body.</p> - -<p>Beaten up in polenta and oil it effects the cure of contusions -and blows inflicted by stones; and, mixed with meal,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_368">368</a></span> -it effectually cleanses wounds, and speedily removes black -morphews from the skin. Of this flower oil of narcissus is -made, good for softening indurations of the skin, and for warming -parts of the body that have been frost-bitten. It is very -beneficial, also, for the ears, but is very apt to produce -head-ache.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_76"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 76.—SEVENTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VIOLET. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are both wild and cultivated violets.<a id="FNanchor_2303_2303"></a><a href="#Footnote_2303_2303" class="fnanchor">2303</a> The purple -violet is of a cooling nature: for inflammations they are applied -to the stomach in the burning heats, and for pains in the -head they are applied to the forehead. Violets, in particular, -are used for defluxions of the eyes, prolapsus of the fundament -and uterus, and suppurations. Worn in chaplets upon the -head, or even smelt at, they dispel the fumes of wine and head-ache; -and, taken in water, they are a cure for quinsy. The -purple violet, taken in water, is a remedy for epilepsy, in -children more particularly: violet seed is good for the stings -of scorpions.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, the flower of the white violet opens suppurations, -and the plant itself disperses them. Both the white -and the yellow violet check the menstrual discharge, and act -as diuretics. When fresh gathered, they have less virtue, and -hence it is that they are mostly used dry, after being kept a -year. The yellow violet, taken in doses of half a cyathus to -three cyathi of water, promotes the catamenia; and the roots -of it, applied with vinegar, assuage affections of the spleen, as -also the gout. Mixed with myrrh and saffron, they are good -for inflammation of the eyes. The leaves, applied with honey, -cleanse ulcerous sores of the head, and, combined with cerate,<a id="FNanchor_2304_2304"></a><a href="#Footnote_2304_2304" class="fnanchor">2304</a> -they are good for chaps of the fundament and other moist parts -of the body. Employed with vinegar, they effect the cure of -abscesses.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_77"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 77.—SEVENTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE BACCHAR. -ONE REMEDY DERIVED FROM THE COMBRETUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The bacchar that is used in medicine is by some of our -writers called the “perpressa.” It is very useful for the stings -of serpents, head-ache and burning heats in the head, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_369">369</a></span> -for defluxions of the eyes. It is applied topically for swellings -of the mamillæ after delivery, as also incipient fistulas<a id="FNanchor_2305_2305"></a><a href="#Footnote_2305_2305" class="fnanchor">2305</a> of the -eyes, and erysipelas; the smell of it induces sleep. It is -found very beneficial to administer a decoction of the root for -spasms, falls with violence, convulsions, and asthma. For an -inveterate cough, three or four roots of this plant are boiled -down to one-third; this decoction acting also as a purgative -for women after miscarriage, and removing stitch in the side, -and calculi of the bladder. Drying powders<a id="FNanchor_2306_2306"></a><a href="#Footnote_2306_2306" class="fnanchor">2306</a> for perspiration -are prepared also from this plant; and it is laid among garments -for the smell.<a id="FNanchor_2307_2307"></a><a href="#Footnote_2307_2307" class="fnanchor">2307</a> The combretum which we have spoken<a id="FNanchor_2308_2308"></a><a href="#Footnote_2308_2308" class="fnanchor">2308</a> -of as resembling the bacchar, beaten up with axle-grease, is a -marvellous cure for wounds.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_78"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 78.—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM ASARUM. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is generally stated that asarum<a id="FNanchor_2309_2309"></a><a href="#Footnote_2309_2309" class="fnanchor">2309</a> is good for affections of -the liver, taken in doses of one ounce to a semisextarius of -honied wine mixed with water. It purges the bowels like -hellebore, and is good for dropsy and affections of the thoracic -organs and uterus, as also for jaundice. When mixed with -must, it makes a wine with strongly diuretic qualities. It -is taken up as soon as it begins to put forth its leaves, and is -dried in the shade. It is apt however to turn mouldy very -speedily.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_79"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 79. (20.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM GALLIC NARD.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Some authors, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_2310_2310"></a><a href="#Footnote_2310_2310" class="fnanchor">2310</a> stated, having given the -name of “field nard” to the root of the bacchar, we will here -mention the medicinal properties of Gallic nard, of which we -have<a id="FNanchor_2311_2311"></a><a href="#Footnote_2311_2311" class="fnanchor">2311</a> already spoken, when treating of the foreign trees, -deferring further notice of it till the present occasion. In -doses of two drachmæ, taken in wine, it is good for the stings -of serpents; and taken in water or in wine it is employed for -inflations of the colon, maladies of the liver or kidneys, and -suffusions of the gall. Employed by itself or in combination<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_370">370</a></span> -with wormwood it is good for dropsy. It has the property, -also, of arresting excessive discharges of the catamenia.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_80"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 80.—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE PLANT CALLED -“PHU.”</span></h3></div> - -<p>The root of the plant which we have mentioned in the same -place under the name of “phu,”<a id="FNanchor_2312_2312"></a><a href="#Footnote_2312_2312" class="fnanchor">2312</a> is given in drink, either -bruised or boiled, in cases of hysterical suffocation, and for -pains of the chest or sides. It acts as an emmenagogue, and is -generally taken in wine.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_81"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 81.—TWENTY REMEDIES DERIVED FROM SAFFRON.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Saffron does not blend well with honey, or, indeed, with any -sweet substance, though very readily with wine or water: it -is extremely useful in medicine, and is generally kept in horn -boxes. Applied with egg it disperses all kinds of inflammation, -those of the eyes in particular: it is employed also for -hysterical suffocations, and for ulcerations of the stomach, chest, -kidneys, liver, lungs, and bladder. It is particularly useful -also in cases of inflammation of those parts, and for cough and -pleurisy. It likewise removes itching<a id="FNanchor_2313_2313"></a><a href="#Footnote_2313_2313" class="fnanchor">2313</a> sensations, and acts as -a diuretic. Persons who have used the precaution of first -taking saffron in drink will never experience surfeit or head-ache, -and will be proof against inebriation. Chaplets too, -made of saffron, and worn on the head, tend to dispel the fumes -of wine. The flower of it is employed topically with Cimolian<a id="FNanchor_2314_2314"></a><a href="#Footnote_2314_2314" class="fnanchor">2314</a> -chalk for erysipelas. It is used also in the composition -of numerous other medicaments.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_82"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 82.—SYRIAN CROCOMAGNA: TWO REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is also an eye-salve<a id="FNanchor_2315_2315"></a><a href="#Footnote_2315_2315" class="fnanchor">2315</a> which is indebted to this plant -for its name. The lees<a id="FNanchor_2316_2316"></a><a href="#Footnote_2316_2316" class="fnanchor">2316</a> of the extract of saffron, employed in -the saffron unguent known as “crocomagma,” have their own -peculiar utility in cases of cataract and strangury. These lees<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_371">371</a></span> -are of a more warming nature than saffron itself; the best -kind is that which, when put into the mouth, stains the teeth -and saliva the colour of saffron.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_83"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 83.—FORTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE IRIS: TWO -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SALIUNCA. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The red iris is better than the white one. It is very beneficial -to attach this plant to the bodies of infants more particularly -when they are cutting their teeth, or are suffering -from cough; it is equally good, too, to inject a few drops of it -when children are suffering from tape-worm. The other properties -of it differ but very little from those of honey. It -cleanses ulcerous sores of the head, and inveterate abscesses -more particularly. Taken in doses of two drachmæ with honey, -it relaxes the bowels; and an infusion of it is good for cough, -gripings of the stomach, and flatulency: taken with vinegar, -too, it cures affections of the spleen. Mixed with oxycrate it -is good for the bites of serpents and spiders, and, in doses of -two drachmæ with bread or water, it is employed for the cure -of the stings of scorpions. It is applied also topically with oil -to the bites of dogs, and to parts that are excoriated: employed -in a similar manner, too, it is good for pains in the sinews, and -in combination with resin it is used as a liniment for lumbago -and sciatica. The properties of this plant are of a warming -nature. Inhaled at the nostrils, it produces sneezing and -cleanses the brain, and in cases of head-ache it is applied topically -in combination with the quince or the strutheum.<a id="FNanchor_2317_2317"></a><a href="#Footnote_2317_2317" class="fnanchor">2317</a> It -dispels the fumes of wine also, and difficulties of breathing<a id="FNanchor_2318_2318"></a><a href="#Footnote_2318_2318" class="fnanchor">2318</a> -and taken in doses of two oboli it acts as an emetic: applied -as a plaster with honey, it extracts splinters of broken bones. -Powdered iris is employed also for whitlows, and, mixed with -wine, for corns and warts, in which case it is left for three days -on the part affected.</p> - -<p>Chewed, it is a corrective of bad breath and offensive exhalations -of the arm-pits, and the juice of it softens all kinds of -indurations of the body. This plant acts as a soporific, but it -wastes the seminal fluids: it is used also for the treatment of -chaps of the fundament and condylomata, and it heals all sorts -of excrescences on the body.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_372">372</a></span></p> - -<p>Some persons give the name of “xyris”<a id="FNanchor_2319_2319"></a><a href="#Footnote_2319_2319" class="fnanchor">2319</a> to the wild iris. -This plant disperses scrofulous sores, as well as tumours and -inguinal swellings; but it is generally recommended that when -wanted for these purposes it should be pulled up with the left -hand, the party gathering it mentioning the name of the patient -and of the disease for which it is intended to be employed. -While speaking of this subject, I will take the opportunity of -disclosing the criminal practices of some herbalists—they -keep back a portion of the iris, and of some other plants as -well, the plantago for instance, and, if they think that they -have not been sufficiently well paid and wish to be employed -a second time, bury the part they have kept back in the same -place; their object being, I suppose,<a id="FNanchor_2320_2320"></a><a href="#Footnote_2320_2320" class="fnanchor">2320</a> to revive the malady -which has just been cured.</p> - -<p>The root of the saliunca<a id="FNanchor_2321_2321"></a><a href="#Footnote_2321_2321" class="fnanchor">2321</a> boiled in wine, arrests vomiting -and strengthens the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_84"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 84.—EIGHTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE POLIUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Those persons, according to Musæus and Hesiod, who are -desirous of gaining honour and glory, should rub the body -all over with polium,<a id="FNanchor_2322_2322"></a><a href="#Footnote_2322_2322" class="fnanchor">2322</a> and handle and cultivate it as much -as possible. They say, too, that it should be kept about the -person as an antidote to poison, and that to keep serpents away it -should be strewed beneath the bed, burnt, or else carried on the -person; decoctions of it in wine, either fresh-gathered or dried, -should be used too as a liniment for the body. Medical men -prescribe it in vinegar for affections of the spleen, and in wine -for the jaundice; a decoction of it in wine is recommended -also for incipient dropsy; and in this way too, it is employed as a -liniment for wounds. This plant has the effect of bringing -away the after-birth and the dead fœtus, and of dispelling -pains in various parts of the body: it empties the bladder also, -and is employed in liniments for defluxions of the eyes. Indeed,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_373">373</a></span> -there is no plant known that better deserves to form an -ingredient in the medicament known to us as the “alexipharmacon:”<a id="FNanchor_2323_2323"></a><a href="#Footnote_2323_2323" class="fnanchor">2323</a> -though there are some who say that it is injurious to -the stomach and is apt to stuff the head, and that it produces -abortion—assertions which<a id="FNanchor_2324_2324"></a><a href="#Footnote_2324_2324" class="fnanchor">2324</a> others, again, totally deny.</p> - -<p>There is a superstitious observance also, to the effect that, -for cataract, it ought to be attached to the neck the moment -it is found, every precaution being taken not to let it touch the -ground. The same persons state too that the leaves of it are -similar to those of thyme, except that they are softer and more -white and downy. Beaten up with wild rue in rain water, it -is said to assuage the pain of the sting of the asp; it is quite -as astringent too as the flower<a id="FNanchor_2325_2325"></a><a href="#Footnote_2325_2325" class="fnanchor">2325</a> of the pomegranate, and as -efficacious for closing wounds and preventing them from -spreading.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_85"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 85.—THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HOLOCHRYSOS. -SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CHRYSOCOME.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The holochrysos,<a id="FNanchor_2326_2326"></a><a href="#Footnote_2326_2326" class="fnanchor">2326</a> taken in wine, is a cure for strangury, -and it is employed in liniments for defluxions of the eyes. -Mixed with burnt lees of wine and polenta, it is curative of -lichens.</p> - -<p>The root of the chrysocome<a id="FNanchor_2327_2327"></a><a href="#Footnote_2327_2327" class="fnanchor">2327</a> is warming and astringent; it -is taken in drink for affections of the liver and lungs, and a -decoction of it in hydromel is good for pains of the uterus. It -acts as an emmenagogue also, and, administered raw, draws off -the water in dropsy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_86"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 86.—TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MELISSOPHYLLUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>If the bee-hives are rubbed all over with melissophyllum<a id="FNanchor_2328_2328"></a><a href="#Footnote_2328_2328" class="fnanchor">2328</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_374">374</a></span> -or melittæna, the bees will never desert them; for there is no -flower in which they take greater delight. If branches<a id="FNanchor_2329_2329"></a><a href="#Footnote_2329_2329" class="fnanchor">2329</a> of -this plant are used, the bees may be kept within bounds without -any difficulty. It is an excellent remedy, also, for the -stings of bees, wasps, and similar insects, as also for wounds -made by spiders and scorpions; it is used, too, for hysterical -suffocations, in combination with nitre, and for gripings of the -bowels, with wine. The leaves of it are employed topically -for scrofulous sores, and, in combination with salt, for maladies -of the fundament. A decoction of the juice promotes the menstrual -discharge, dispels inflammations, and heals ulcerous -sores: it is good, too, for diseases of the joints and the bites -of dogs, and is beneficial in cases of inveterate dysentery, and -for cœliac affections, hardness of breathing, diseases of the -spleen, and ulcerations of the thoracic organs. For films on -the eyes, it is considered a most excellent plan to anoint them -with the juice of this plant mixed with honey.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_87"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 87.—THIRTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED PROM THE MELILOTE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The melilote,<a id="FNanchor_2330_2330"></a><a href="#Footnote_2330_2330" class="fnanchor">2330</a> again, applied with the yolk of an egg, or -else linseed, effects the cure of diseases of the eyes. It assuages -pains, too, in the jaws and head, applied with rose oil; and, -employed with raisin wine, it is good for pains in the ears, and -all kinds of swellings or eruptions on the hands. A decoction -of it in wine, or else the plant itself beaten up raw, is good -for pains in the stomach. It is equally beneficial, too, for -maladies of the uterus; and for diseases of the testes, prolapsus -of the fundament, and all other diseases of those parts, a decoction -is made of it, fresh-gathered, in water or in raisin wine. -With the addition of rose oil, it is used as a liniment for carcinoma. -Boiled in sweet wine, it is particularly useful for the -treatment of the ulcers known as “melicerides.”<a id="FNanchor_2331_2331"></a><a href="#Footnote_2331_2331" class="fnanchor">2331</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_88"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 88. (21.)—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED PROM TREFOIL.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The trefoil,<a id="FNanchor_2332_2332"></a><a href="#Footnote_2332_2332" class="fnanchor">2332</a> I know, is generally looked upon as being particularly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_375">375</a></span> -good for the stings of serpents and scorpions, the seed -being taken in doses of twenty grains, with either wine or -oxycrate; or else the leaves and the plant itself are boiled together, -and a decoction made of them; indeed, it is stated, that -a serpent is never to be seen among trefoil. Celebrated authors, -too, I find, have asserted that twenty-five grains of the seed of -the kind of trefoil which we have<a id="FNanchor_2333_2333"></a><a href="#Footnote_2333_2333" class="fnanchor">2333</a> spoken of as the “minyanthes,” -are a sufficient antidote for all kinds of poisons: in addition -to which, there are numerous other remedial virtues -ascribed to it.</p> - -<p>But these notions, in my opinion, are counterbalanced by -the authority of a writer of the very highest repute: for we -find the poet Sophocles asserting that the trefoil is a venomous -plant. Simus, too, the physician, maintains that a decoction -of it, or the juice, poured upon the human body, is productive -of burning sensations similar to those experienced by persons -when they have been stung by a serpent and have trefoil applied -to the wound. It is my opinion, then, that trefoil should -never be used in any other capacity than as a counter-poison; -for it is not improbable that the venom of this plant has a -natural antipathy to all other kinds of poisons, a phænomenon -which has been observed in many other cases as well. I find -it stated, also, that the seed of the trefoil with an extremely -diminutive leaf, applied in washes to the face, is extremely -beneficial for preserving the freshness of the skin in females.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_89"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 89.—TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THYME.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Thyme<a id="FNanchor_2334_2334"></a><a href="#Footnote_2334_2334" class="fnanchor">2334</a> should be gathered while it is in flower, and dried -in the shade. There are two kinds of thyme: the white thyme -with a ligneous root, which grows upon declivities, and is the -most esteemed of the two, and another variety, which is of a -darker colour, and bears a swarthy flower. They are, both of -them, considered to be extremely beneficial to the sight, whether -used as an article of food or as a medicament, and to be -good for inveterate coughs. Used as an electuary, with vinegar -and salt, they facilitate expectoration, and taken with -honey, they prevent the blood from coagulating. Applied externally<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_376">376</a></span> -with mustard, they dispel chronic fluxes of the fauces, -as well as various affections of the stomach and bowels. Still, -however, these plants must be used in moderation, as they are -of a heating nature, for which reason it is that they act so -astringently upon the bowels. In cases of ulceration of the -intestines, the dose should be one denarius of thyme to one -sextarius of oxymel; the same proportions, too, should be taken -for pains in the sides, between the shoulder-blades, or in the -thoracic organs. Taken with oxymel, these plants are used for -the cure of intestinal diseases, and a similar draught is administered -in cases of alienation of the senses and melancholy.</p> - -<p>Thyme is given also for epilepsy, when the fits come on, the -smell of it reviving the patient; it is said, too, that epileptic -persons should sleep upon soft thyme. It is good, also, for -hardness of breathing, and for asthma and obstructions of the -catamenia. A decoction of thyme in water, boiled down to -one-third, brings away the dead fœtus, and it is given to males -with oxymel, as a remedy for flatulency, and in cases of swelling -of the abdomen or testes and of pains in the bladder. Applied -with wine, it removes tumours and fluxes, and, in combination -with vinegar, callosities and warts. Mixed with wine, -it is used as an external application for sciatica; and, beaten -up with oil and sprinkled upon wool, it is employed for diseases -of the joints, and for sprains. It is applied, also, to burns, -mixed with hogs’ lard. For maladies of the joints of recent -date, thyme is administered in drink, in doses of three oboli to -three cyathi of oxymel. For loss of appetite, it is given, beaten -up with salt.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_90"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 90.—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HEMEROCALLES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The hemerocalles<a id="FNanchor_2335_2335"></a><a href="#Footnote_2335_2335" class="fnanchor">2335</a> has a soft, pale green leaf, with an odoriferous, -bulbous root. This root, applied with honey to the -abdomen, draws off the aqueous humours and all corrupt blood. -The leaves of it are applied for defluxions of the eyes, and for -pains in the mamillæ, after childbirth.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_91"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 91.—FIVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HELENIUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The helenium, which springs, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_2336_2336"></a><a href="#Footnote_2336_2336" class="fnanchor">2336</a> stated,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_377">377</a></span> -from the tears of Helena, is generally thought to have been -produced for improving the appearance, and to maintain unimpaired -the freshness of the skin in females, both of the face -and of other parts of the body. Besides this, it is generally -supposed that the use of it confers additional graces on the -person, and ensures universal attraction. They say, too, that, -taken with wine, it promotes gaiety of spirit, having, in fact, a -similar effect to the nepenthes, which has been so much vaunted -by Homer,<a id="FNanchor_2337_2337"></a><a href="#Footnote_2337_2337" class="fnanchor">2337</a> as producing forgetfulness of all sorrow. The -juice of this plant is remarkably sweet, and the root of it, taken -fasting in water, is good for hardness of breathing; it is white -within, and sweet. An infusion of it is taken in wine for the -stings of serpents; and the plant, bruised, it is said, will kill -mice.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_92"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 92.—TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE -ABROTONUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We find two varieties of abrotonum<a id="FNanchor_2338_2338"></a><a href="#Footnote_2338_2338" class="fnanchor">2338</a> mentioned, the field, -and the mountain kind; this last, it is generally understood, -is the female plant, the other the male. They are both of them -bitter, like wormwood. That of Sicily is the most esteemed, -and next to it, that of Galatia. The leaves of it are sometimes -employed, but it is the seed that possesses the most warming<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_378">378</a></span> -properties; hence it is, that it is so beneficial for maladies of -the sinews,<a id="FNanchor_2339_2339"></a><a href="#Footnote_2339_2339" class="fnanchor">2339</a> for cough, hardness of breathing, convulsions, ruptures, -lumbago, and strangury. Several handfuls of this plant -are boiled down to one-third, and the decoction of it, in doses -of four cyathi, is administered in drink. The seed is given, -pounded, in water, in doses of one drachma; it is very good -for affections of the uterus.</p> - -<p>Mixed with barley-meal, this plant brings tumours to a -head, and boiled with quinces, it is employed as a liniment for -inflammations of the eyes. It keeps away serpents, and for -their stings it is either taken in wine, or else employed in -combination with it as a liniment. It is extremely efficacious, -also, for the stings of those noxious insects by which shivering -fits and chills are produced, such as the scorpion and the spider -called “phalangium,”<a id="FNanchor_2340_2340"></a><a href="#Footnote_2340_2340" class="fnanchor">2340</a> for example; taken in a potion, it is -good for other kinds of poison, as also for shivering fits, however -produced, and for the extraction of foreign substances adhering -to the flesh; it has the effect, also, of expelling intestinal -worms. It is stated that a sprig of this plant, if put beneath -the pillow, will act as an aphrodisiac, and that it is of -the very greatest efficacy against all those charms and spells by -which impotence is produced.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_93"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 93. (22.)—ONE REMEDY DERIVED FROM THE LEUCANTHEMUM. -NINE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE AMARACUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leucanthemum,<a id="FNanchor_2341_2341"></a><a href="#Footnote_2341_2341" class="fnanchor">2341</a> mixed with two-thirds of vinegar, is -curative of asthma. The sampsuchum or amaracus,<a id="FNanchor_2342_2342"></a><a href="#Footnote_2342_2342" class="fnanchor">2342</a>—that of -Cyprus being the most highly esteemed, and possessed of the -finest smell—is a remedy for the stings of scorpions, applied -to the wound with vinegar and salt. Used as a pessary, too, -it is very beneficial in cases of menstrual derangement; but -when taken in drink, its properties are not so powerfully developed. -Used with polenta, it heals defluxions of the eyes; -and the juice of it, boiled, dispels gripings of the stomach. It -is useful, too, for strangury and dropsy; and in a dry state, it -promotes sneezing. There is an oil extracted from it, known<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_379">379</a></span> -as “sampsuchinum,” or “amaracinum,” which is very good -for warming and softening the sinews; it has a warming effect, -also, upon the uterus. The leaves are good for bruises, beaten -up with honey, and, mixed with wax, for sprains.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_94"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 94. (23.)—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ANEMONE OR -PHRENION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have as yet spoken<a id="FNanchor_2343_2343"></a><a href="#Footnote_2343_2343" class="fnanchor">2343</a> only of the anemone used for making -chaplets; we will now proceed to describe those kinds which -are employed for medicinal purposes. Some persons give the -name of “phrenion” to this plant: there are two species of -it; one of which is wild,<a id="FNanchor_2344_2344"></a><a href="#Footnote_2344_2344" class="fnanchor">2344</a> and the other grows on cultivated<a id="FNanchor_2345_2345"></a><a href="#Footnote_2345_2345" class="fnanchor">2345</a> -spots; though they are, both of them, attached to a sandy -soil. Of the cultivated anemone there are numerous varieties; -some, and these are the most abundant, have a scarlet flower, -while others, again, have a flower that is purple or else milk-white. -The leaves of all these three kinds bear a strong resemblance -to parsley, and it is not often that they exceed half -a foot in height, the head being very similar to that of asparagus. -The flower never opens, except while the wind is -blowing, a circumstance to which it owes its name.<a id="FNanchor_2346_2346"></a><a href="#Footnote_2346_2346" class="fnanchor">2346</a> The wild -anemone is larger than the cultivated one, and has broader -leaves, with a scarlet flower.</p> - -<p>Some persons erroneously take the wild anemone to be the -same as the argemone,<a id="FNanchor_2347_2347"></a><a href="#Footnote_2347_2347" class="fnanchor">2347</a> while others, again, identify it with -the poppy which we have mentioned<a id="FNanchor_2348_2348"></a><a href="#Footnote_2348_2348" class="fnanchor">2348</a> under the name of -“rhœas:” there is, however, a great difference between them, -as these two other plants blossom later than the anemone, nor -does the anemone possess a juice or a calyx like theirs; besides -which, it terminates in a head like that of asparagus.</p> - -<p>The various kinds of anemone are good for pains and inflammations -of the head, diseases of the uterus, and stoppage -of the milk in females; taken, too, in a ptisan, or applied as a -pessary in wool, they promote the menstrual discharge. The -root, chewed, has a tendency to bring away the phlegm, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_380">380</a></span> -is a cure for tooth-ache: a decoction of it is good, too, for -defluxions of the eyes,<a id="FNanchor_2349_2349"></a><a href="#Footnote_2349_2349" class="fnanchor">2349</a> and effaces the scars left by wounds. -The Magi have attributed many very wonderful properties to -these plants: they recommend it to be gathered at the earliest -moment in the year that it is seen, and certain words to be -repeated, to the effect that it is being gathered as a remedy for -tertian and quartan fevers; after which the flower must be -wrapped up in red cloth and kept in the shade, in order to be -attached to the person when wanted. The root of the anemone -with a scarlet flower, beaten up and applied to the body -of any animated being,<a id="FNanchor_2350_2350"></a><a href="#Footnote_2350_2350" class="fnanchor">2350</a> produces an ulcer there by the agency -of its acrid qualities; hence it is that it is so much employed -as a detergent for ulcerous sores.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_95"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 95. (24.)—SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ŒNANTHE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The œnanthe<a id="FNanchor_2351_2351"></a><a href="#Footnote_2351_2351" class="fnanchor">2351</a> is a plant which is found growing upon -rocks, has the leaf of the parsnip, and a large root with numerous -fibres. The stalk of it and the leaves, taken with -honey and black wine, facilitate delivery and bring away the -after-birth: taken with honey, also, they are a cure for cough, -and act as a powerful diuretic. The root of this plant is curative -of diseases of the bladder.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_96"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 96. (25.)—ELEVEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE -HELICHRYSOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The helichrysos is by some persons called the “chrysanthemon.”<a id="FNanchor_2352_2352"></a><a href="#Footnote_2352_2352" class="fnanchor">2352</a> -It has small, white branches, with leaves of a -whitish colour, similar to those of the abrotonum. The clusters, -disposed around it, and glistening like gold in the rays of the -sun, are never known to fade; hence it is that they make -chaplets of it for the gods, a custom which was most faithfully -observed by Ptolemæus, the king of Egypt. This plant grows -in shrubberies: taken in wine, it acts as a diuretic and emmenagogue, -and, in combination with honey, it is employed topically -for burns. It is taken also in potions for the stings of -serpents, and for pains in the loins; and, with honied wine, it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_381">381</a></span> -removes coagulated blood in the abdominal regions and the -bladder. The leaves of it, beaten up and taken in doses of -three oboli, in white wine, arrest the menstrual discharge -when in excess.</p> - -<p>The smell of this plant is far from disagreeable, and hence -it is kept with clothes, to protect them from the attacks of -vermin.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_97"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 97. (26.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HYACINTH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The hyacinth<a id="FNanchor_2353_2353"></a><a href="#Footnote_2353_2353" class="fnanchor">2353</a> grows in Gaul more particularly, where it -is employed for the dye called “hysginum.”<a id="FNanchor_2354_2354"></a><a href="#Footnote_2354_2354" class="fnanchor">2354</a> The root of it -is bulbous, and is well known among the dealers in slaves: -applied to the body, with sweet wine, it retards the signs of -puberty,<a id="FNanchor_2355_2355"></a><a href="#Footnote_2355_2355" class="fnanchor">2355</a> and prevents them from developing themselves. It -is curative, also, of gripings of the stomach, and of the bites of -spiders, and it acts as a diuretic. The seed is administered, -with abrotonum, for the stings of serpents and scorpions, and -for jaundice.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_98"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 98.—SEVEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE LYCHNIS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The seed of the lychnis,<a id="FNanchor_2356_2356"></a><a href="#Footnote_2356_2356" class="fnanchor">2356</a> too, which is just the colour of -fire, is beaten up and taken in drink for the stings of serpents, -scorpions, hornets, and other insects of similar nature: the -wild variety, however, is prejudicial to the stomach. It acts -as a laxative to the bowels; and, taken in doses of two -drachmæ, is remarkably efficacious for carrying off the bile. -So extremely baneful is it to scorpions, that if they so much -as see it, they are struck with torpor. The people of Asia -call the root of it “bolites,” and they say that if it is attached -to the body it will effectually disperse albugo.<a id="FNanchor_2357_2357"></a><a href="#Footnote_2357_2357" class="fnanchor">2357</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_382">382</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_99"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 99. (27.)—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VINCAPERVINCA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The vincapervinca,<a id="FNanchor_2358_2358"></a><a href="#Footnote_2358_2358" class="fnanchor">2358</a> too, or chamædaphne,<a id="FNanchor_2359_2359"></a><a href="#Footnote_2359_2359" class="fnanchor">2359</a> is dried and -pounded, and given to dropsical patients in water, in doses of -one spoonful; a method of treatment which speedily draws off -the water. A decoction of it, in ashes, with a sprinkling of -wine, has the effect of drying tumours: the juice, too, is employed -as a remedy for diseases of the ears. Applied to the -regions of the stomach, this plant is said to be remarkably -good for diarrhœa.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_100"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 100.—THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUTCHER’S BROOM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>A decoction of the root of butcher’s broom<a id="FNanchor_2360_2360"></a><a href="#Footnote_2360_2360" class="fnanchor">2360</a> is recommended to -be taken every other day for calculus in the bladder, strangury, -and bloody urine. The root, however, should be taken up -one day, and boiled the next, the proportion of it being one -sextarius to two cyathi of wine. Some persons beat up the -root raw, and take it in water: it is generally considered, too, -that there is nothing in existence more beneficial to the male -organs than the young stalks of the plant, beaten up and used -with vinegar.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_101"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 101.—TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE BATIS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The batis,<a id="FNanchor_2361_2361"></a><a href="#Footnote_2361_2361" class="fnanchor">2361</a> too, relaxes the bowels, and, beaten up raw, -it is employed topically for the gout. The people of Egypt -cultivate the acinos,<a id="FNanchor_2362_2362"></a><a href="#Footnote_2362_2362" class="fnanchor">2362</a> too, both as an article of food and for -making chaplets. This plant would be the same thing as -ocimum, were it not that the leaves and branches of it are -rougher, and that it has a powerful smell. It promotes the -catamenia, and acts as a diuretic.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_102"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 102. (28.)—TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE COLOCASIA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The colocasia,<a id="FNanchor_2363_2363"></a><a href="#Footnote_2363_2363" class="fnanchor">2363</a> according to Glaucias, softens the acridity of -humours of the body, and is beneficial to the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_383">383</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_103"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 103. (29.)—SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ANTHYLLIUM -OR ANTHYLLUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The people of Egypt eat the anthalium,<a id="FNanchor_2364_2364"></a><a href="#Footnote_2364_2364" class="fnanchor">2364</a> but I cannot find -that they make any other use of it; but there is another plant -called the “anthyllium,”<a id="FNanchor_2365_2365"></a><a href="#Footnote_2365_2365" class="fnanchor">2365</a> or, by some persons, the “anthyllum,” -of which there are two kinds: one, similar in its leaves -and branches to the lentil, a palm in height, growing in sandy -soils exposed to the sun, and of a somewhat saltish taste; the -other, bearing a strong resemblance to the chamæpitys,<a id="FNanchor_2366_2366"></a><a href="#Footnote_2366_2366" class="fnanchor">2366</a> but -smaller and more downy, with a purple flower, a strong smell, -and growing in stony spots.</p> - -<p>The first kind, mixed with rose-oil and applied with milk, -is extremely good for affections of the uterus and all kinds of -sores: it is taken as a potion for strangury and gravel in the -kidneys, in doses of three drachmæ. The other kind is taken -in drink, with oxymel, in doses of four drachmæ, for indurations -of the uterus, gripings of the bowels, and epilepsy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_104"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 104. (30.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE PARTHENIUM, -LEUCANTHES, OR AMARACUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The parthenium<a id="FNanchor_2367_2367"></a><a href="#Footnote_2367_2367" class="fnanchor">2367</a> is by some persons called the “leucanthes,” -and by others the “amaracus.” Celsus, among the -Latin writers, gives it the names of “perdicium”<a id="FNanchor_2368_2368"></a><a href="#Footnote_2368_2368" class="fnanchor">2368</a> and “muralis.” -It grows in the hedge-rows of gardens, and has the -smell of an apple, with a bitter taste. With the decoction of -it, fomentations are made for maladies of the fundament, and -for inflammations and indurations of the uterus: dried and -applied with honey and vinegar, it carries off black bile, for -which reason it is considered good for vertigo and calculus in -the bladder. It is employed as a liniment, also, for erysipelas, -and, mixed with stale axle-grease, for scrofulous sores. -For tertian fevers the Magi recommend that it should be -taken up with the left hand, it being mentioned at the time -for whom it is gathered, care being also taken not to look back<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_384">384</a></span> -while doing so: a leaf of it should be laid beneath the patient’s -tongue, after which it must be eaten in a cyathus of water.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_105"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 105. (31.)—EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE TRYCHNUM -OR STRYCHNUM, HALICACABUM, CALLIAS, DORCYNION, -MANICON, NEURAS, MORIO, OR MOLY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The trychnon<a id="FNanchor_2369_2369"></a><a href="#Footnote_2369_2369" class="fnanchor">2369</a> is by some called “strychnon;” I only wish -that the garland-makers of Egypt would never use this plant -in making their chaplets, being deceived as they are by the -resemblance in the leaves of both kinds to those of ivy. One -of these kinds, bearing scarlet berries with a stone, enclosed -in follicules, is by some persons called the “halicacabum,”<a id="FNanchor_2370_2370"></a><a href="#Footnote_2370_2370" class="fnanchor">2370</a> by -others the “callion,” and by the people of our country, the -“vesicaria,” from the circumstance of its being highly beneficial -to the bladder<a id="FNanchor_2371_2371"></a><a href="#Footnote_2371_2371" class="fnanchor">2371</a> and in cases of calculus.</p> - -<p>The trychnon is more of a woody shrub than a herb, with -large follicules, broad and turbinated, and a large berry within, -which ripens in the month of November. A third<a id="FNanchor_2372_2372"></a><a href="#Footnote_2372_2372" class="fnanchor">2372</a> kind, -again, has a leaf resembling that of ocimum—but it is not my -intention to give an exact description of it, as I am here speaking -of remedies, and not of poisons; for a few drops of the -juice, in fact, are quite sufficient to produce insanity. The -Greek writers, however, have even turned this property into -matter for jesting; for, according to them, taken in doses of -one drachma, this plant is productive of delusive and prurient -fancies, and of vain, fantastic visions, which vividly present all -the appearance of reality: they say, too, that if the dose is -doubled, it will produce downright madness, and that any further -addition to it, will result in instant death.</p> - -<p>This is the same plant which the more well-meaning writers -have called in their innocence “dorycnion,”<a id="FNanchor_2373_2373"></a><a href="#Footnote_2373_2373" class="fnanchor">2373</a> from the circumstance -that weapons used in battle are poisoned with it—for it -grows everywhere—while others, again, who have treated of it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_385">385</a></span> -more at length,<a id="FNanchor_2374_2374"></a><a href="#Footnote_2374_2374" class="fnanchor">2374</a> have given it the surname of “manicon.”<a id="FNanchor_2375_2375"></a><a href="#Footnote_2375_2375" class="fnanchor">2375</a> -Those, on the other hand, who have iniquitously concealed its -real qualities, give it the name of “erythron” or “neuras,” -and others “perisson”—details, however, which need not be -entered into more fully, except for the purpose of putting -persons upon their guard.</p> - -<p>There is another kind, again, also called “halicacabum,” -which possesses narcotic qualities, and is productive of death -even more speedily than opium: by some persons it is called -“morio,” and by others “moly.”<a id="FNanchor_2376_2376"></a><a href="#Footnote_2376_2376" class="fnanchor">2376</a> It has, however, been -highly extolled by Diocles and Evenor, and, indeed, Timaristus -has gone so far as to sing its praises in verse. With a wonderful -obliviousness of remedies really harmless, they tell us, forsooth, -that it is an instantaneous remedy for loose teeth to -rinse them with halicacabum steeped in wine: but at the same -time they add the qualification that it must not be kept in the -mouth too long, or else delirium will be the result. This, however, -is pointing out remedies with a vengeance, the employment -of which will be attended with worse results than the -malady itself.</p> - -<p>There is a third kind<a id="FNanchor_2377_2377"></a><a href="#Footnote_2377_2377" class="fnanchor">2377</a> of halicacabum, that is esteemed as an -article of food; but even though the flavour of it may be preferred -to garden plants, and although Xenocrates assures us that -there is no bodily malady for which the trychnos is not highly -beneficial, they are none of them so valuable as to make me -think it proper to speak more at length upon the subject, more -particularly as there are so many other remedies, which are -unattended with danger. Persons who wish to pass themselves -off for true prophets, and who know too well how to impose -upon the superstitions of others, take the root of the halicacabum -in drink. The remedy against this poison—and it is with -much greater pleasure that I state it—is to drink large quantities -of honied wine made hot. I must not omit the fact, -too, that this plant is naturally so baneful to the asp, that when -the root is placed near that reptile, the very animal which -kills others by striking them with torpor, is struck with torpor<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_386">386</a></span> -itself; hence it is, that, beaten up with oil, it is used as a cure -for the sting of the asp.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_106"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 106.—SIX MEDICINES DERIVED FROM THE CORCHORUS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The corchorus<a id="FNanchor_2378_2378"></a><a href="#Footnote_2378_2378" class="fnanchor">2378</a> is a plant which is used at Alexandria as an -article of food: the leaves of it are rolled up, one upon the -other, like those of the mulberry, and it is wholesome, it is -said, for the viscera, and in cases of alopecy, being good also -for the removal of freckles. I find it stated also, that it cures -the scab in cattle very rapidly: and, according to Nicander,<a id="FNanchor_2379_2379"></a><a href="#Footnote_2379_2379" class="fnanchor">2379</a> -it is a remedy for the stings of serpents, if gathered before it -blossoms.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_107"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 107.—THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CNECOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There would be no necessity to speak at any length of the -cnecos or atractylis,<a id="FNanchor_2380_2380"></a><a href="#Footnote_2380_2380" class="fnanchor">2380</a> an Egyptian plant, were it not for the fact -that it offers a most efficacious remedy for the stings of venomous -animals, as also in cases of poisoning by fungi. It is -a well-known fact, that persons, when stung by the scorpion, -are not sensible of any painful effects so long as they hold this -plant in their hand.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_108"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 108. (33.)—ONE REMEDY DERIVED FROM THE -PESOLUTA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Egyptians also cultivate the pesoluta<a id="FNanchor_2381_2381"></a><a href="#Footnote_2381_2381" class="fnanchor">2381</a> in their gardens, -for chaplets. There are two kinds of this plant, the male and -the female: either of them, it is said, placed beneath the person, -when in bed, acts as an antaphrodisiac, upon the male sex -more particularly.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXI_CHAP_109"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 109. (34.)—AN EXPLANATION OF GREEK TERMS RELATIVE -TO WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As we have occasion to make use of Greek names very frequently -when speaking of weights and measures,<a id="FNanchor_2382_2382"></a><a href="#Footnote_2382_2382" class="fnanchor">2382</a> I shall here -subjoin, once for all, some explanation of them.</p> - -<p>The Attic drachma—for it is generally the Attic reckoning<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_387">387</a></span> -that medical men employ—is much the same in weight as the -silver denarius, and is equivalent to six oboli, the obolus being -ten chalci; the cyathus is equal in weight to ten drachmæ. -When the measure of an acetabulum is spoken of, it is the -same as one fourth part of a hemina, or fifteen drachmæ in -weight. The Greek mna, or, as we more generally call it, -“mina,” equals one hundred Attic drachmæ in weight.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Summary.</span>—Remedies, narratives, and observations, seven -hundred and thirty.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Roman authors quoted.</span>—Cato the Censor,<a id="FNanchor_2383_2383"></a><a href="#Footnote_2383_2383" class="fnanchor">2383</a> M. Varro,<a id="FNanchor_2384_2384"></a><a href="#Footnote_2384_2384" class="fnanchor">2384</a> Antias,<a id="FNanchor_2385_2385"></a><a href="#Footnote_2385_2385" class="fnanchor">2385</a> -Cæpio,<a id="FNanchor_2386_2386"></a><a href="#Footnote_2386_2386" class="fnanchor">2386</a> Vestinus,<a id="FNanchor_2387_2387"></a><a href="#Footnote_2387_2387" class="fnanchor">2387</a> Vibius Rufus,<a id="FNanchor_2388_2388"></a><a href="#Footnote_2388_2388" class="fnanchor">2388</a> Hyginus,<a id="FNanchor_2389_2389"></a><a href="#Footnote_2389_2389" class="fnanchor">2389</a> Pomponius -Mela,<a id="FNanchor_2390_2390"></a><a href="#Footnote_2390_2390" class="fnanchor">2390</a> Pompeius Lenæus,<a id="FNanchor_2391_2391"></a><a href="#Footnote_2391_2391" class="fnanchor">2391</a> Cornelius Celsus,<a id="FNanchor_2392_2392"></a><a href="#Footnote_2392_2392" class="fnanchor">2392</a> Calpurnius -Bassus,<a id="FNanchor_2393_2393"></a><a href="#Footnote_2393_2393" class="fnanchor">2393</a> C. Valgius,<a id="FNanchor_2394_2394"></a><a href="#Footnote_2394_2394" class="fnanchor">2394</a> Licinius Macer,<a id="FNanchor_2395_2395"></a><a href="#Footnote_2395_2395" class="fnanchor">2395</a> Sextius Niger<a id="FNanchor_2396_2396"></a><a href="#Footnote_2396_2396" class="fnanchor">2396</a> who -wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus<a id="FNanchor_2397_2397"></a><a href="#Footnote_2397_2397" class="fnanchor">2397</a> who wrote in Greek, Antonius -Castor.<a id="FNanchor_2398_2398"></a><a href="#Footnote_2398_2398" class="fnanchor">2398</a></p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Foreign authors quoted.</span>—Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_2399_2399"></a><a href="#Footnote_2399_2399" class="fnanchor">2399</a> Democritus,<a id="FNanchor_2400_2400"></a><a href="#Footnote_2400_2400" class="fnanchor">2400</a> -Orpheus,<a id="FNanchor_2401_2401"></a><a href="#Footnote_2401_2401" class="fnanchor">2401</a> Pythagoras,<a id="FNanchor_2402_2402"></a><a href="#Footnote_2402_2402" class="fnanchor">2402</a> Mago,<a id="FNanchor_2403_2403"></a><a href="#Footnote_2403_2403" class="fnanchor">2403</a> Menander<a id="FNanchor_2404_2404"></a><a href="#Footnote_2404_2404" class="fnanchor">2404</a> who wrote the -Biochresta, Nicander,<a id="FNanchor_2405_2405"></a><a href="#Footnote_2405_2405" class="fnanchor">2405</a> Homer, Hesiod,<a id="FNanchor_2406_2406"></a><a href="#Footnote_2406_2406" class="fnanchor">2406</a> Musæus,<a id="FNanchor_2407_2407"></a><a href="#Footnote_2407_2407" class="fnanchor">2407</a> Sophocles,<a id="FNanchor_2408_2408"></a><a href="#Footnote_2408_2408" class="fnanchor">2408</a> -Anaxilaüs.<a id="FNanchor_2409_2409"></a><a href="#Footnote_2409_2409" class="fnanchor">2409</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_388">388</a></span></p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Medical authors quoted.</span>—Mnesitheus<a id="FNanchor_2410_2410"></a><a href="#Footnote_2410_2410" class="fnanchor">2410</a> who wrote on -Chaplets, Callimachus<a id="FNanchor_2411_2411"></a><a href="#Footnote_2411_2411" class="fnanchor">2411</a> who wrote on Chaplets, Phanias<a id="FNanchor_2412_2412"></a><a href="#Footnote_2412_2412" class="fnanchor">2412</a> the -physician, Simus,<a id="FNanchor_2413_2413"></a><a href="#Footnote_2413_2413" class="fnanchor">2413</a> Timaristus,<a id="FNanchor_2414_2414"></a><a href="#Footnote_2414_2414" class="fnanchor">2414</a> Hippocrates,<a id="FNanchor_2415_2415"></a><a href="#Footnote_2415_2415" class="fnanchor">2415</a> Chrysippus,<a id="FNanchor_2416_2416"></a><a href="#Footnote_2416_2416" class="fnanchor">2416</a> -Diocles,<a id="FNanchor_2417_2417"></a><a href="#Footnote_2417_2417" class="fnanchor">2417</a> Ophelion,<a id="FNanchor_2418_2418"></a><a href="#Footnote_2418_2418" class="fnanchor">2418</a> Heraclides,<a id="FNanchor_2419_2419"></a><a href="#Footnote_2419_2419" class="fnanchor">2419</a> Hicesius,<a id="FNanchor_2420_2420"></a><a href="#Footnote_2420_2420" class="fnanchor">2420</a> Dionysius,<a id="FNanchor_2421_2421"></a><a href="#Footnote_2421_2421" class="fnanchor">2421</a> Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_2422_2422"></a><a href="#Footnote_2422_2422" class="fnanchor">2422</a> -of Citium, Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_2423_2423"></a><a href="#Footnote_2423_2423" class="fnanchor">2423</a> of Tarentum, Praxagoras,<a id="FNanchor_2424_2424"></a><a href="#Footnote_2424_2424" class="fnanchor">2424</a> -Plistonicus,<a id="FNanchor_2425_2425"></a><a href="#Footnote_2425_2425" class="fnanchor">2425</a> Medius,<a id="FNanchor_2426_2426"></a><a href="#Footnote_2426_2426" class="fnanchor">2426</a> Dieuches,<a id="FNanchor_2427_2427"></a><a href="#Footnote_2427_2427" class="fnanchor">2427</a> Cleophantus,<a id="FNanchor_2428_2428"></a><a href="#Footnote_2428_2428" class="fnanchor">2428</a> Philistio,<a id="FNanchor_2429_2429"></a><a href="#Footnote_2429_2429" class="fnanchor">2429</a> -Asclepiades,<a id="FNanchor_2430_2430"></a><a href="#Footnote_2430_2430" class="fnanchor">2430</a> Crateuas,<a id="FNanchor_2431_2431"></a><a href="#Footnote_2431_2431" class="fnanchor">2431</a> Petronius Diodotus,<a id="FNanchor_2432_2432"></a><a href="#Footnote_2432_2432" class="fnanchor">2432</a> Iollas,<a id="FNanchor_2433_2433"></a><a href="#Footnote_2433_2433" class="fnanchor">2433</a> Erasistratus,<a id="FNanchor_2434_2434"></a><a href="#Footnote_2434_2434" class="fnanchor">2434</a> -Diagoras,<a id="FNanchor_2435_2435"></a><a href="#Footnote_2435_2435" class="fnanchor">2435</a> Andreas,<a id="FNanchor_2436_2436"></a><a href="#Footnote_2436_2436" class="fnanchor">2436</a> Mnesides,<a id="FNanchor_2437_2437"></a><a href="#Footnote_2437_2437" class="fnanchor">2437</a></p> - - -<p>Epicharmus,<a id="FNanchor_2438_2438"></a><a href="#Footnote_2438_2438" class="fnanchor">2438</a> Damion,<a id="FNanchor_2439_2439"></a><a href="#Footnote_2439_2439" class="fnanchor">2439</a> -Dalion,<a id="FNanchor_2440_2440"></a><a href="#Footnote_2440_2440" class="fnanchor">2440</a> Sosimenes,<a id="FNanchor_2441_2441"></a><a href="#Footnote_2441_2441" class="fnanchor">2441</a> Tlepolemus,<a id="FNanchor_2442_2442"></a><a href="#Footnote_2442_2442" class="fnanchor">2442</a> Metrodorus,<a id="FNanchor_2443_2443"></a><a href="#Footnote_2443_2443" class="fnanchor">2443</a> Solo,<a id="FNanchor_2444_2444"></a><a href="#Footnote_2444_2444" class="fnanchor">2444</a> -Lycus,<a id="FNanchor_2445_2445"></a><a href="#Footnote_2445_2445" class="fnanchor">2445</a> Olympias<a id="FNanchor_2446_2446"></a><a href="#Footnote_2446_2446" class="fnanchor">2446</a> of Thebes, Philinus,<a id="FNanchor_2447_2447"></a><a href="#Footnote_2447_2447" class="fnanchor">2447</a> Petrichus,<a id="FNanchor_2448_2448"></a><a href="#Footnote_2448_2448" class="fnanchor">2448</a> Micton,<a id="FNanchor_2449_2449"></a><a href="#Footnote_2449_2449" class="fnanchor">2449</a> -Glaucias,<a id="FNanchor_2450_2450"></a><a href="#Footnote_2450_2450" class="fnanchor">2450</a> Xenocrates.<a id="FNanchor_2451_2451"></a><a href="#Footnote_2451_2451" class="fnanchor">2451</a></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_389">389</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="BOOK_XXII">BOOK XXII.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="small">THE PROPERTIES OF PLANTS AND FRUITS.</span></h2></div> - -<h3 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_1"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 1.—THE PROPERTIES OF PLANTS.</span></h3> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">Nature</span> and the earth might have well filled the measure of -our admiration, if we had nothing else to do but to consider -the properties enumerated in the preceding Book, and the numerous -varieties of plants that we find created for the wants -or the enjoyment of mankind. And yet, how much is there -still left for us to describe, and how many discoveries of a still -more astonishing nature! The greater part, in fact, of the -plants there mentioned recommend themselves to us by their -taste, their fragrance, or their beauty, and so invite us to -make repeated trials of their virtues: but, on the other hand, -the properties of those which remain to be described, furnish -us with abundant proof that nothing has been created by Nature -without some purpose to fulfil, unrevealed to us though it -may be.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_2"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 2. (1.)—PLANTS USED BY NATIONS FOR THE ADORNMENT OF -THE PERSON.</span></h3></div> - -<p>I remark, in the first place, that there are some foreign nations -which, in obedience to long-established usage, employ -certain plants for the embellishment of the person. That, -among some barbarous peoples, the females<a id="FNanchor_2452_2452"></a><a href="#Footnote_2452_2452" class="fnanchor">2452</a> stain the face by -means of various plants, there can be little doubt, and among -the Daci and the Sarmatæ we find the men even marking<a id="FNanchor_2453_2453"></a><a href="#Footnote_2453_2453" class="fnanchor">2453</a> their -bodies. There is a plant in Gaul, similar to the plantago in -appearance, and known there by the name of “glastum:”<a id="FNanchor_2454_2454"></a><a href="#Footnote_2454_2454" class="fnanchor">2454</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_390">390</a></span> -with it both matrons and girls<a id="FNanchor_2455_2455"></a><a href="#Footnote_2455_2455" class="fnanchor">2455</a> among the people of Britain -are in the habit of staining the body all over, when taking -part in the performance of certain sacred rites; rivalling -hereby the swarthy hue of the Æthiopians, they go in a state -of nature.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_3"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 3. (2.)—EMPLOYMENT OF PLANTS FOR DYEING. EXPLANATION -OF THE TERMS SAGMEN, VERBENA, AND CLARIGATIO.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We know, too, that from plants are extracted admirable -colours for dyeing; and, not to mention the berries<a id="FNanchor_2456_2456"></a><a href="#Footnote_2456_2456" class="fnanchor">2456</a> of Galatia,<a id="FNanchor_2457_2457"></a><a href="#Footnote_2457_2457" class="fnanchor">2457</a> -Africa, and Lusitania, which furnish the coccus, a dye reserved -for the military costume<a id="FNanchor_2458_2458"></a><a href="#Footnote_2458_2458" class="fnanchor">2458</a> of our generals, the people of -Gaul beyond the Alps produce the Tyrian colours, the conchyliated,<a id="FNanchor_2459_2459"></a><a href="#Footnote_2459_2459" class="fnanchor">2459</a> -and all the other hues, by the agency of plants<a id="FNanchor_2460_2460"></a><a href="#Footnote_2460_2460" class="fnanchor">2460</a> alone. -They have not there to seek the murex at the bottom of the -sea, or to expose themselves to be the prey of the monsters of -the deep, while tearing it from their jaws, nor have they to go -searching in depths to which no anchor has penetrated—and -all this for the purpose of finding the means whereby some -mother of a family may appear more charming in the eyes of -her paramour, or the seducer may make himself more captivating -to the wife of another man. Standing on dry land, the -people there gather in their dyes just as we do our crops of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_391">391</a></span> -corn—though one great fault in them is, that they wash<a id="FNanchor_2461_2461"></a><a href="#Footnote_2461_2461" class="fnanchor">2461</a> out; -were it not for which, luxury would have the means of bedecking -itself with far greater magnificence, or, at all events, -at the price of far less danger.</p> - -<p>It is not my purpose, however, here to enter further into -these details, nor shall I make the attempt, by substituting -resources attended with fewer risks, to circumscribe luxury -within the limits of frugality; though, at the same time, I -shall have to speak on another occasion how that vegetable -productions are employed for staining stone and imparting -their colours to walls.<a id="FNanchor_2462_2462"></a><a href="#Footnote_2462_2462" class="fnanchor">2462</a> Still, however, I should not have -omitted to enlarge upon the art of dyeing, had I found that it -had ever been looked upon as forming one of our liberal<a id="FNanchor_2463_2463"></a><a href="#Footnote_2463_2463" class="fnanchor">2463</a> arts. -Meantime, I shall be actuated by higher considerations, and -shall proceed to show in what esteem we are bound to hold -the mute<a id="FNanchor_2464_2464"></a><a href="#Footnote_2464_2464" class="fnanchor">2464</a> plants even, or in other words, the plants of little -note. For, indeed, the authors and founders of the Roman -sway have derived from these very plants even almost boundless -results; as it was these same plants, and no others, that -afforded them the “sagmen,”<a id="FNanchor_2465_2465"></a><a href="#Footnote_2465_2465" class="fnanchor">2465</a> employed in seasons of public -calamity, and the “verbena” of our sacred rites and embassies. -These two names, no doubt, originally signified the same thing,—a -green turf torn up from the citadel with the earth attached -to it; and hence, when envoys were dispatched to the enemy -for the purpose of clarigation, or, in other words, with the -object of <i>clearly</i><a id="FNanchor_2466_2466"></a><a href="#Footnote_2466_2466" class="fnanchor">2466</a> demanding restitution of property that had -been carried off, one of these officers was always known as -the “verbenarius.”<a id="FNanchor_2467_2467"></a><a href="#Footnote_2467_2467" class="fnanchor">2467</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_392">392</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_4"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 4. (3.)—THE GRASS CROWN: HOW RARELY IT HAS BEEN -AWARDED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of all the crowns with which, in the days of its majesty, -the all-sovereign people, the ruler of the earth, recompensed -the valour of its citizens, there was none attended with higher -glory than the crown of grass.<a id="FNanchor_2468_2468"></a><a href="#Footnote_2468_2468" class="fnanchor">2468</a> The crowns<a id="FNanchor_2469_2469"></a><a href="#Footnote_2469_2469" class="fnanchor">2469</a> bedecked with -gems of gold, the vallar, mural, rostrate, civic, and triumphal -crowns, were, all of them, inferior to this: great, indeed, was -the difference between them, and far in the background were -they thrown by it. As to all the rest, a single individual -could confer them, a general or commander on his soldiers for -instance, or, as on some occasions, on his colleague: the senate, -too, exempt from the cares and anxieties of war, and the people -in the enjoyment of repose, could award them, together with -the honours of a triumph.</p> - -<p>(4.) But as for the crown of grass, it was never conferred -except at a crisis of extreme desperation, never voted except -by the acclamation of the whole army, and never to any one -but to him who had been its preserver. Other crowns were -awarded by the generals to the soldiers, this alone by the -soldiers, and to the general. This crown is known also as the -“obsidional” crown, from the circumstance of a beleaguered -army being delivered, and so preserved from fearful disaster. -If we are to regard as a glorious and a hallowed reward the -civic crown, presented for preserving the life of a single citizen, -and him, perhaps, of the very humblest rank, what, pray, ought -to be thought of a whole army being saved, and indebted for its -preservation to the valour of a single individual?</p> - -<p>The crown thus presented was made of green grass,<a id="FNanchor_2470_2470"></a><a href="#Footnote_2470_2470" class="fnanchor">2470</a> -gathered on the spot where the troops so rescued had been -beleaguered. Indeed, in early times, it was the usual token of -victory for the vanquished to present to the conqueror a handful -of grass; signifying thereby that they surrendered<a id="FNanchor_2471_2471"></a><a href="#Footnote_2471_2471" class="fnanchor">2471</a> their native -soil, the land that had nurtured them, and the very right -even there to be interred—a usage which, to my own knowledge, -still exists among the nations of Germany.<a id="FNanchor_2472_2472"></a><a href="#Footnote_2472_2472" class="fnanchor">2472</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_393">393</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_5"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 5. (5.)—THE ONLY PERSONS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED -WITH THIS CROWN.</span></h3></div> - -<p>L. Siccius Dentatus<a id="FNanchor_2473_2473"></a><a href="#Footnote_2473_2473" class="fnanchor">2473</a> was presented with this crown but -once, though he gained as many as fourteen civic crowns, and -fought one hundred and twenty battles, in all of which he was -victorious—so rarely is it that an army has to thank a single -individual only for its preservation! Some generals, however, -have been presented with more than one of these crowns, -P. Decius Mus,<a id="FNanchor_2474_2474"></a><a href="#Footnote_2474_2474" class="fnanchor">2474</a> the military tribune, for example, who received -one from his own army, and another from the troops -which he had rescued<a id="FNanchor_2475_2475"></a><a href="#Footnote_2475_2475" class="fnanchor">2475</a> when surrounded. He testified by an -act of devoutness in what high esteem he held such an honour -as this, for, adorned with these insignia, he sacrificed a white -ox to Mars, together with one hundred red oxen, which had -been presented to him by the beleaguered troops as the recompense -of his valour: it was this same Decius, who afterwards, -when consul, with Imperiosus<a id="FNanchor_2476_2476"></a><a href="#Footnote_2476_2476" class="fnanchor">2476</a> for his colleague, devoted his -life to secure victory to his fellow-citizens.</p> - -<p>This crown was presented also by the senate and people of -Rome—a distinction than which I know of nothing in existence -more glorious—to that same Fabius<a id="FNanchor_2477_2477"></a><a href="#Footnote_2477_2477" class="fnanchor">2477</a> who restored the -fortunes of Rome by avoiding a battle; not, however, on the -occasion when he preserved the master of the horse<a id="FNanchor_2478_2478"></a><a href="#Footnote_2478_2478" class="fnanchor">2478</a> and his -army; for then it was deemed preferable by those who were -indebted to him for their preservation to present him with a -crown under a new title, that of “father.” The crown of -grass was, however, awarded to him, with that unanimity -which I have mentioned, after Hannibal had been expelled -from Italy; being the only crown, in fact, that has hitherto -been placed upon the head of a citizen by the hands of the -state itself, and, another remarkable distinction, the only one -that has ever been conferred by the whole of Italy united.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_394">394</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_6"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 6. (6.)—THE ONLY CENTURION THAT HAS BEEN THUS -HONOURED. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>In addition to the persons already mentioned, the honour -of this crown has been awarded to M. Calpurnius Flamma,<a id="FNanchor_2479_2479"></a><a href="#Footnote_2479_2479" class="fnanchor">2479</a> -then a military tribune in Sicily; but up to the present time -it has been given to a single centurion only, Cneius Petreius -Atinas, during the war with the Cimbri. This soldier, while -acting as primipilus<a id="FNanchor_2480_2480"></a><a href="#Footnote_2480_2480" class="fnanchor">2480</a> under Catulus, on finding all retreat for -his legion cut off by the enemy, harangued the troops, and -after slaying his tribune who hesitated to cut a way through the -encampment of the enemy, brought away the legion in safety. -I find it stated also by some authors, that, in addition to this -honour, this same Petreius, clad in the prætexta, offered sacrifice -at the altar, to the sound of the pipe,<a id="FNanchor_2481_2481"></a><a href="#Footnote_2481_2481" class="fnanchor">2481</a> in presence of the -then consuls,<a id="FNanchor_2482_2482"></a><a href="#Footnote_2482_2482" class="fnanchor">2482</a> Marius and Catulus.</p> - -<p>The Dictator Sylla has also stated in his memoirs, that when -legatus in the Marsic War he was presented with this crown -by the army, at Nola; an event which he caused to be commemorated -in a painting at his Tusculan villa, which afterwards -became the property of Cicero. If there is any truth -in this statement, I can only say that it renders his memory -all the more execrable, and that, by his proscriptions, with his -own hand he tore this crown from his brow, for few indeed -were the citizens whom he thus preserved, in comparison with -those he slaughtered at a later period. And let him even add -to this high honour his proud surname of “Felix,”<a id="FNanchor_2483_2483"></a><a href="#Footnote_2483_2483" class="fnanchor">2483</a> if he will; -all the glories of this crown he surrendered to Sertorius, from -the moment that he put his proscribed fellow-citizens in a -stage of siege throughout the whole world.</p> - -<p>Varro, too, relates that Scipio Æmilianus was awarded the -obsidional crown in Africa, under the consul Manilius,<a id="FNanchor_2484_2484"></a><a href="#Footnote_2484_2484" class="fnanchor">2484</a> for the -preservation of three cohorts, by bringing as many to their -rescue; an event commemorated by an inscription upon the -base of the statue erected in honour of him by the now deified -Emperor Augustus, in the Forum which bears his name. Augustus<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_395">395</a></span> -himself was also presented by the senate with the obsidional -crown, upon the ides<a id="FNanchor_2485_2485"></a><a href="#Footnote_2485_2485" class="fnanchor">2485</a> of September, in the consulship<a id="FNanchor_2486_2486"></a><a href="#Footnote_2486_2486" class="fnanchor">2486</a> -of M. Cicero the Younger, the civic crown being looked upon -as not commensurate with his deserts. Beyond these, I do not -find any one mentioned as having been rewarded with this -honour.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_7"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 7.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM OTHER CHAPLET PLANTS. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>No plant<a id="FNanchor_2487_2487"></a><a href="#Footnote_2487_2487" class="fnanchor">2487</a> in particular was employed in the composition of -this crown, such only being used as were found growing on -the spot so imperilled; and thus did they become the means, -however humble and unnoted themselves, of conferring high -honour and renown. All this, however, is but little known -among us at the present day; a fact which I am the less surprised -at, when I reflect that those plants even are treated -with the same indifference, the purpose of which it is to preserve -our health, to allay our bodily pains, and to repel the -advances of death! And who is there that would not visit -with censure, and justly visit, the manners of the present day? -Luxury and effeminacy have augmented the price at which -we live, and never was life more hankered after, or worse -cared<a id="FNanchor_2488_2488"></a><a href="#Footnote_2488_2488" class="fnanchor">2488</a> for, than it is at present. This, however, we look upon -as the business of others, forsooth; other persons must see to it, -without our troubling ourselves to request them, and the physicians -must exercise the necessary providence in our behalves.<a id="FNanchor_2489_2489"></a><a href="#Footnote_2489_2489" class="fnanchor">2489</a> -As for ourselves, we go on enjoying our pleasures, and are content -to live—a thing that in my opinion reflects the highest -possible disgrace—by putting faith in others.<a id="FNanchor_2490_2490"></a><a href="#Footnote_2490_2490" class="fnanchor">2490</a></p> - -<p>Nay, even more than this, we ourselves are held in derision -by many, for undertaking these researches, and are charged -with busying ourselves with mere frivolities! It is some -solace, however, in the prosecution of these our boundless -labours, to have Nature as our sharer in this contempt: Nature -who, as we will prove beyond a doubt, has never failed -in coming to the assistance of man, and has implanted<a id="FNanchor_2491_2491"></a><a href="#Footnote_2491_2491" class="fnanchor">2491</a> remedies<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_396">396</a></span> -for our use in the most despised even of the vegetable productions, -medicaments in plants which repel us with their -thorns.</p> - -<p>It is of these, in fact, that it remains for us now to speak, as -next in succession to those which we have mentioned in the -preceding Book; and here we cannot sufficiently admire, and, -indeed, adore,<a id="FNanchor_2492_2492"></a><a href="#Footnote_2492_2492" class="fnanchor">2492</a> the wondrous providence displayed by Nature. -She had given us, as already<a id="FNanchor_2493_2493"></a><a href="#Footnote_2493_2493" class="fnanchor">2493</a> shewn, plants soft to the touch, -and agreeable to the palate; in the flowers she had painted -the remedies for our diseases with her varied tints, and, while -commingling the useful with the delicious, had attracted our -attention by means of the pleasures of the eye. Here, however, -she has devised another class of plants, bristling and repulsive -to the sight, and dangerous to the touch; so much so, -indeed, that we fancy we all but hear the voice of her who -made them as she reveals to us her motives for so doing. It is -her wish, she says, that no ravening cattle may browse upon -them, that no wanton hand may tear them up, that no heedless -footstep may tread them down, that no bird, perching there, -may break them: and in thus fortifying them with thorns, and -arming them with weapons, it has been her grand object -to save and protect the remedies which they afford to man. -Thus we see, the very qualities even which we hold in such -aversion, have been devised by Nature for the benefit and advantage -of mankind.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_8"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 8. (7.)—THE ERYNGE OR ERYNGIUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In the first rank of the plants armed with prickles, the -erynge<a id="FNanchor_2494_2494"></a><a href="#Footnote_2494_2494" class="fnanchor">2494</a> or eryngion stands pre-eminent, a vegetable production -held in high esteem as an antidote formed for the poison of serpents -and all venomous substances. For stings and bites of -this nature, the root is taken in wine in doses of one drachma, -or if, as generally is the case, the wound is attended with -fever, in water. It is employed also, in the form of a liniment,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_397">397</a></span> -for wounds, and is found to be particularly efficacious -for those inflicted by water-snakes or frogs. The physician -Heraclides states it as his opinion that, boiled in goose-broth, -it is a more valuable remedy than any other known, for aconite<a id="FNanchor_2495_2495"></a><a href="#Footnote_2495_2495" class="fnanchor">2495</a> -and other poisons.<a id="FNanchor_2496_2496"></a><a href="#Footnote_2496_2496" class="fnanchor">2496</a> Apollodorus recommends that, in -cases of poisoning, it should be boiled with a frog, and other -authorities, in water only. It is a hardy plant, having much -the appearance of a shrub, with prickly leaves and a jointed -stem; it grows a cubit or more in height. Sometimes it is -found of a whitish colour, and sometimes black,<a id="FNanchor_2497_2497"></a><a href="#Footnote_2497_2497" class="fnanchor">2497</a> the root of it -being odoriferous. It is cultivated in gardens, but it is frequently -to be found growing<a id="FNanchor_2498_2498"></a><a href="#Footnote_2498_2498" class="fnanchor">2498</a> spontaneously in rugged and -craggy localities. It grows, too, on the sea-shore, in which case -it is tougher and darker than usual, the leaf resembling that of -parsley.<a id="FNanchor_2499_2499"></a><a href="#Footnote_2499_2499" class="fnanchor">2499</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_9"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 9. (8.)—THE ERYNGIUM, CALLED CENTUM CAPITA: THIRTY -REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The white variety of the eryngium is known in our language -as the “centum capita.”<a id="FNanchor_2500_2500"></a><a href="#Footnote_2500_2500" class="fnanchor">2500</a> It has all the properties above-mentioned, -and the Greeks employ both the stalk and the root -as an article of food,<a id="FNanchor_2501_2501"></a><a href="#Footnote_2501_2501" class="fnanchor">2501</a> either boiled or raw. There are some -marvellous facts related in connexion with this plant; the root<a id="FNanchor_2502_2502"></a><a href="#Footnote_2502_2502" class="fnanchor">2502</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_398">398</a></span> -of it, it is said, bears a strong resemblance to the organs of -either sex; it is but rarely found, but if a root resembling the -male organs should happen to fall in the way of a man, it -will ensure him woman’s love; hence it is that Phaon the -Lesbian was so passionately beloved<a id="FNanchor_2503_2503"></a><a href="#Footnote_2503_2503" class="fnanchor">2503</a> by Sappho. Upon this -subject, too, there have been numerous other reveries, not only -on the part of the Magi, but of Pythagorean philosophers even -as well.</p> - -<p>So far as its medicinal properties are concerned, in addition -to those already mentioned, this plant, taken in hydromel, is -good for flatulency, gripings of the bowels, diseases of the -heart, stomach, liver, and thoracic organs, and, taken in oxycrate, -for affections of the spleen. Mixed with hydromel, it is -recommended also for diseases of the kidneys, strangury, opisthotony, -spasms, lumbago, dropsy, epilepsy, suppression or excess of -the catamenia, and all maladies of the uterus. Applied with -honey, it extracts foreign substances from the body, and, with -salted axle-grease and cerate, it disperses scrofulous sores, imposthumes -of the parotid glands, inflamed tumours, denudations -of the bones, and fractures. Taken before drinking, it prevents -the fumes of wine from rising to the head, and it arrests -looseness of the bowels. Some of our authors have recommended -that this plant should be gathered at the period of -the summer solstice, and that it should be applied, in combination -with rain water, for all kinds of maladies of the neck. -They say too, that, attached as an amulet to the person, it is a -cure for albugo.<a id="FNanchor_2504_2504"></a><a href="#Footnote_2504_2504" class="fnanchor">2504</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_10"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 10. (9.)—THE ACANOS; ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are some authors, too, who make the acanos<a id="FNanchor_2505_2505"></a><a href="#Footnote_2505_2505" class="fnanchor">2505</a> to be a -species of eryngium. It is a thorny plant, stunted, and -spreading, with prickles of a considerable size. Applied topically, -they say, it arrests hæmorrhage in a most remarkable -degree.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_399">399</a></span></p> - -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_11"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 11.—THE GLYCYRRHIZA OR ADIPSOS: FIFTEEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Other authors, again, have erroneously taken the glycyrrhiza<a id="FNanchor_2506_2506"></a><a href="#Footnote_2506_2506" class="fnanchor">2506</a> -to be a kind of eryngium: it will, therefore, be as well -to take this opportunity of making some further mention of it. -There can be no doubt, however, that this is one of the thorny -plants, the leaves of it being covered with prickles,<a id="FNanchor_2507_2507"></a><a href="#Footnote_2507_2507" class="fnanchor">2507</a> substantial, -and viscous and gummy to the touch: it has much the -appearance of a shrub, is a couple of cubits in height, and -bears a flower like that of the hyacinth, and a fruit the size -of the little round balls<a id="FNanchor_2508_2508"></a><a href="#Footnote_2508_2508" class="fnanchor">2508</a> of the plane. The best kind is that -grown in Cilicia, and the next best that of Pontus; the root -of it is sweet, and this is the only part that is used. It is -gathered at the setting of the Vergiliæ,<a id="FNanchor_2509_2509"></a><a href="#Footnote_2509_2509" class="fnanchor">2509</a> the root of it being -long, like that of the vine.<a id="FNanchor_2510_2510"></a><a href="#Footnote_2510_2510" class="fnanchor">2510</a> That which is yellow, the colour -of boxwood in fact, is superior to the darker kind, and -the flexible is better than the brittle. Boiled down to one-third, -it is employed for pessaries; but, for general purposes, -a decoction is made of it of the consistency of honey. Sometimes, -also, it is used pounded, and it is in this form that it is -applied as a liniment for wounds and all affections of the -throat. The juice<a id="FNanchor_2511_2511"></a><a href="#Footnote_2511_2511" class="fnanchor">2511</a> of it is also very good for the voice, for -which purpose it is thickened and then placed beneath the -tongue: it is good, too, for the chest and liver.</p> - -<p>We have already stated<a id="FNanchor_2512_2512"></a><a href="#Footnote_2512_2512" class="fnanchor">2512</a> that this plant has the effect of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_400">400</a></span> -allaying hunger and thirst: hence it is that some authors -have given it the name of “adipsos,”<a id="FNanchor_2513_2513"></a><a href="#Footnote_2513_2513" class="fnanchor">2513</a> and have prescribed it -for dropsical patients, to allay thirst. It is for this reason, -too, that it is chewed as a stomatic,<a id="FNanchor_2514_2514"></a><a href="#Footnote_2514_2514" class="fnanchor">2514</a> and that the powder of it -is often sprinkled on ulcerous sores of the mouth and films<a id="FNanchor_2515_2515"></a><a href="#Footnote_2515_2515" class="fnanchor">2515</a> on -the eyes: it heals, too, excrescences<a id="FNanchor_2516_2516"></a><a href="#Footnote_2516_2516" class="fnanchor">2516</a> of the bladder, pains in -the kidneys, condylomata,<a id="FNanchor_2517_2517"></a><a href="#Footnote_2517_2517" class="fnanchor">2517</a> and ulcerous sores of the genitals. -Some persons have given it in potions for quartan fevers, the -doses being two drachmæ, mixed with pepper in one hemina -of water. Chewed, and applied to wounds, it arrests hæmorrhage:<a id="FNanchor_2518_2518"></a><a href="#Footnote_2518_2518" class="fnanchor">2518</a> -some authors have asserted, also, that it expels calculi -of the bladder.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_12"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 12. (10.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE TRIBULUS; TWELVE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of the two<a id="FNanchor_2519_2519"></a><a href="#Footnote_2519_2519" class="fnanchor">2519</a> kinds of tribulus, the one is a garden plant, -the other grows in rivers only. There is a juice extracted from -them which is employed for diseases of the eyes, it being of a -cool and refreshing nature, and, consequently, useful for inflammations -and abscesses. Used with honey, this juice is -curative of spontaneous ulcerations, those of the mouth in particular; -it is good also for affections of the tonsils. Taken in -a potion, it breaks calculi of the bladder.</p> - -<p>The Thracians who dwell on the banks of the river Strymon -feed their horses<a id="FNanchor_2520_2520"></a><a href="#Footnote_2520_2520" class="fnanchor">2520</a> on the leaves of the tribulus, and employ the -kernels as an article of food, making of them a very agreeable -kind of bread, which acts astringently<a id="FNanchor_2521_2521"></a><a href="#Footnote_2521_2521" class="fnanchor">2521</a> upon the bowels. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_401">401</a></span> -root, if gathered by persons in a state of chastity and purity,<a id="FNanchor_2522_2522"></a><a href="#Footnote_2522_2522" class="fnanchor">2522</a> -disperses scrofulous sores: and the seed, used as an amulet, -allays the pains attendant upon varicose veins: pounded and -mixed with water, it destroys fleas.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_13"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 13. (11.)—THE STŒBE OR PHEOS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The stœbe,<a id="FNanchor_2523_2523"></a><a href="#Footnote_2523_2523" class="fnanchor">2523</a> by some persons known as the “pheos,” boiled -in wine, is particularly good for the cure of suppurations of the -ears, and for extravasations of blood in the eyes from the effects -of a blow. It is employed also in injections for hæmorrhage -and dysentery.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_14"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 14. (12.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE HIPPOPHAES: TWO -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The hippophaes<a id="FNanchor_2524_2524"></a><a href="#Footnote_2524_2524" class="fnanchor">2524</a> grows in sandy soils, and on the sea-shore. -It is a plant with white thorns, and covered with clusters, like -the ivy, the berries being white, and partly red. The root of -it is full of a juice which is either used by itself, or else is made -up into lozenges with meal of fitches: taken in doses of one -obolus, it carries off bile, and it is extremely beneficial if -used with honied wine. There is another<a id="FNanchor_2525_2525"></a><a href="#Footnote_2525_2525" class="fnanchor">2525</a> hippophaes, without -either stalk or flowers, and consisting only of diminutive -leaves: the juice of this also is wonderfully useful for dropsy.</p> - -<p>These plants would appear, too, to be remarkably well -adapted to the constitution of the horse, as it can be for no -other reason than this that they have received their name.<a id="FNanchor_2526_2526"></a><a href="#Footnote_2526_2526" class="fnanchor">2526</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_402">402</a></span> -For, in fact, there are certain plants which have been created -as remedies for the diseases of animals, the Divinity being -bounteously lavish of his succours and resources; so much -so, indeed, that we cannot sufficiently admire the wisdom with -which he has arranged them according to the classes of animated -beings which they are to serve, the causes which give -rise to their various maladies, and the times at which they are -likely to be in requisition: hence it is that there is no class -of beings, no season, and, so to speak, no day, that is without -its remedy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_15"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 15. (13.)—THE NETTLE: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>What plant can there possibly be that is more an object of -our aversion than the nettle?<a id="FNanchor_2527_2527"></a><a href="#Footnote_2527_2527" class="fnanchor">2527</a> And yet, in addition to the -oil which we have already mentioned<a id="FNanchor_2528_2528"></a><a href="#Footnote_2528_2528" class="fnanchor">2528</a> as being extracted from -it in Egypt, it abounds in medicinal properties. The seed of -it, according to Nicander, is an antidote to the poison of hemlock,<a id="FNanchor_2529_2529"></a><a href="#Footnote_2529_2529" class="fnanchor">2529</a> -of fungi, and of quicksilver.<a id="FNanchor_2530_2530"></a><a href="#Footnote_2530_2530" class="fnanchor">2530</a> Apollodorus prescribes -it, too, taken in the broth of a boiled tortoise,<a id="FNanchor_2531_2531"></a><a href="#Footnote_2531_2531" class="fnanchor">2531</a> for the bite of -the salamander,<a id="FNanchor_2532_2532"></a><a href="#Footnote_2532_2532" class="fnanchor">2532</a> and as an antidote for the poison of henbane, -serpents, and scorpions. The stinging pungency even of the -nettle has its uses; for, by its contact, it braces the uvula, and -effects the cure of prolapsus of the uterus, and of procidence -of the anus in infants. By touching the legs of persons in a -lethargy, and the forehead more particularly, with nettles,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_403">403</a></span> -they are awakened.<a id="FNanchor_2533_2533"></a><a href="#Footnote_2533_2533" class="fnanchor">2533</a> Applied with salt, the nettle is used to -heal the bites of dogs, and beaten up and applied topically, it -arrests bleeding<a id="FNanchor_2534_2534"></a><a href="#Footnote_2534_2534" class="fnanchor">2534</a> at the nostrils, the root in particular. Mixed -with salt, also, it is employed for the cure of cancers and foul -ulcers; and, applied in a similar manner, it cures sprains and -inflamed tumours, as well as imposthumes of the parotid glands -and denudations of the bones. The seed of it, taken with -boiled must, dispels hysterical suffocations, and, applied topically, -it arrests mucous discharges of the nostrils. Taken with -hydromel, after dinner, in doses of two oboli, the seed produces -a gentle vomit;<a id="FNanchor_2535_2535"></a><a href="#Footnote_2535_2535" class="fnanchor">2535</a> and a dose of one obolus, taken in -wine, has the effect of dispelling lassitude. The seed is prescribed -also, parched, and in doses of one acetabulum, for -affections of the uterus; and, taken in boiled<a id="FNanchor_2536_2536"></a><a href="#Footnote_2536_2536" class="fnanchor">2536</a> must, it is a -remedy for flatulency of the stomach. Taken in an electuary, -with honey, it gives relief in hardness of breathing, and -clears the chest by expectoration: applied with linseed, it is a -cure for pains in the side, with the addition of some hyssop -and a little pepper. The seed is employed also in the form of -a liniment for affections of the spleen, and, parched and taken -with the food, it acts as a laxative in constipation of the bowels. -Hippocrates<a id="FNanchor_2537_2537"></a><a href="#Footnote_2537_2537" class="fnanchor">2537</a> says that the seed, taken in drink, acts as a purgative -upon the uterus; and that taken, parched, with sweet -wine, in doses of one acetabulum, or applied externally with -juice of mallows, it alleviates pains in that organ. He -states also that, used with hydromel and salt, it expels intestinal -worms, and that a liniment made of the seed will restore -the hair when falling off. Many persons, too, employ the seed -topically, with old oil, for diseases of the joints, and for gout, -or else the leaves beaten up with bears’-grease: the root, too, -pounded in vinegar, is no less useful for the same purposes, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_404">404</a></span> -also for affections of the spleen. Boiled in wine, and applied -with stale axle-grease and salt, the root disperses inflamed tumours, -and, dried, it is used as a depilatory.</p> - -<p>Phanias, the physician, has enlarged upon the praises of the -nettle, and he assures us that, taken with the food, either -boiled or preserved, it is extremely beneficial for affections of -the trachea, cough, fluxes of the bowels, stomachic complaints, -inflamed tumours, imposthumes of the parotid glands, and chilblains; -that, taken with oil, it acts as a sudorific; and that, -boiled with shell-fish, it relaxes the bowels. He says, too, -that taken with a ptisan,<a id="FNanchor_2538_2538"></a><a href="#Footnote_2538_2538" class="fnanchor">2538</a> it facilitates expectoration and acts -as an emmenagogue, and that, applied with salt, it prevents -ulcers from spreading. The juice of the nettle is also used: -applied to the forehead, it arrests bleeding at the nose, taken -in drink it acts as a diuretic and breaks calculi in the bladder, -and, used as a gargle, it braces the uvula when relaxed.</p> - -<p>Nettle-seed should be gathered at harvest-time: that of -Alexandria is the most highly esteemed. For all these different -purposes the milder and more tender plants are the -best, the wild nettle<a id="FNanchor_2539_2539"></a><a href="#Footnote_2539_2539" class="fnanchor">2539</a> in particular: this last, taken in wine, -has the additional property of removing leprous spots on the -face. When animals refuse to couple, it is recommended to -rub the sexual organs with nettles.<a id="FNanchor_2540_2540"></a><a href="#Footnote_2540_2540" class="fnanchor">2540</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_16"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 16. (14.)—THE LAMIUM: SEVEN REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The variety of nettle, too, which we have already<a id="FNanchor_2541_2541"></a><a href="#Footnote_2541_2541" class="fnanchor">2541</a> spoken -of under the name of “lamium,”<a id="FNanchor_2542_2542"></a><a href="#Footnote_2542_2542" class="fnanchor">2542</a> the most innoxious of them -all, the leaves not having the property of stinging, is used -for the cure of bruises and contusions, with a sprinkling<a id="FNanchor_2543_2543"></a><a href="#Footnote_2543_2543" class="fnanchor">2543</a> of salt, -as also for burns and scrofulous sores, tumours, gout, and -wounds. The middle of the leaf is white, and is used for -the cure of erysipelas. Some of our authors have distinguished -the various species of this plant according to their -respective seasons; thus, for instance, the root of the autumn -nettle, they say, carried on the person as an amulet, is a cure -for tertian fevers, if due care is taken, when pulling up the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_405">405</a></span> -root, to mention the patient’s name, and to state who he is and -who are his parents. They say, too, that this plant is productive -of similar results in quartan fever: and they pretend -that the root of the nettle, with the addition of salt, will extract -foreign substances from the body; and that the leaves, -mixed with stale axle-grease, will disperse scrofulous sores, or -if they suppurate, cauterize them and cause them to fill up -with new flesh.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_17"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 17. (15.)—THE SCORPIO, TWO KINDS OF IT: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The scorpio<a id="FNanchor_2544_2544"></a><a href="#Footnote_2544_2544" class="fnanchor">2544</a> has received its appellation from the animal of -that name, in consequence of the resemblance of its seeds to a -scorpion’s tail. The leaves of it are few in number, and it is -efficacious for the sting<a id="FNanchor_2545_2545"></a><a href="#Footnote_2545_2545" class="fnanchor">2545</a> of the animal from which it derives -its name. There is also another plant<a id="FNanchor_2546_2546"></a><a href="#Footnote_2546_2546" class="fnanchor">2546</a> known by the same -name, and possessed of similar properties; it is destitute of -leaves, has a stem like that of asparagus,<a id="FNanchor_2547_2547"></a><a href="#Footnote_2547_2547" class="fnanchor">2547</a> and a sharp point -at the top, to which it owes its appellation.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_18"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 18. (16.)—THE LEUCACANTHA, PHYLLOS, ISCHIAS, OR -POLYGONATOS: FOUR REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leucacantha,<a id="FNanchor_2548_2548"></a><a href="#Footnote_2548_2548" class="fnanchor">2548</a> known also as the phyllos, ischias, or -polygonatos,<a id="FNanchor_2549_2549"></a><a href="#Footnote_2549_2549" class="fnanchor">2549</a> has a root like that of the cypirus, which, when -chewed, has the effect of curing<a id="FNanchor_2550_2550"></a><a href="#Footnote_2550_2550" class="fnanchor">2550</a> tooth-ache; as also pains in -the sides and loins, according to Hicesius, the seed or juice -being taken in drink, in doses of eight drachmæ.—This plant -is employed also for the cure of ruptures and convulsions.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_406">406</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_19"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 19. (17).—THE HELXINE: TWELVE REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The helxine<a id="FNanchor_2551_2551"></a><a href="#Footnote_2551_2551" class="fnanchor">2551</a> is called by some, “perdicium,” from the circumstance -of its forming the principal food of partridges.<a id="FNanchor_2552_2552"></a><a href="#Footnote_2552_2552" class="fnanchor">2552</a> -Other persons, however, give it the name of “sideritis,” and -to some it is known as “parthenium.” It has leaves, the -shape of which is a mixture of those of the plantago and the -marrubium;<a id="FNanchor_2553_2553"></a><a href="#Footnote_2553_2553" class="fnanchor">2553</a> the stalks are slight and closely packed, and are -of a light red colour. The seeds, enclosed in heads resembling -those of the lappa,<a id="FNanchor_2554_2554"></a><a href="#Footnote_2554_2554" class="fnanchor">2554</a> adhere to the clothes, a circumstance, it is -said, to which it owes its name<a id="FNanchor_2555_2555"></a><a href="#Footnote_2555_2555" class="fnanchor">2555</a> of “helxine.” We have -already stated in the preceding Book<a id="FNanchor_2556_2556"></a><a href="#Footnote_2556_2556" class="fnanchor">2556</a> what are the characteristics -of the plant properly so called.</p> - -<p>The one of which we are now speaking is used for dyeing<a id="FNanchor_2557_2557"></a><a href="#Footnote_2557_2557" class="fnanchor">2557</a> -wool, and is employed for the cure of erysipelas, tumours, all -kinds of abscesses, and burns. The juice of it, taken in doses -of one cyathus with white lead, is a cure for inflamed tumours, -incipient swellings of the throat, and inveterate coughs.<a id="FNanchor_2558_2558"></a><a href="#Footnote_2558_2558" class="fnanchor">2558</a> It -is good, too, for all maladies of the humid parts of the body, -the tonsillary glands, for instance; and, in combination with -rose oil, it is useful for varicose veins. It is employed topically -for the gout, with goat suet and Cyprian wax.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_407">407</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_20"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 20.—THE PERDICIUM, PARTHENIUM, URCEOLARIS, OR -ASTERCUM: ELEVEN REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The perdicium or parthenium<a id="FNanchor_2559_2559"></a><a href="#Footnote_2559_2559" class="fnanchor">2559</a>—for<a id="FNanchor_2560_2560"></a><a href="#Footnote_2560_2560" class="fnanchor">2560</a> the sideritis is, in reality, -a different plant—is known to the people of our country -as the herb urceolaris,<a id="FNanchor_2561_2561"></a><a href="#Footnote_2561_2561" class="fnanchor">2561</a> and to some persons as the “astercum.” -The leaf of it is similar to that of ocimum, but -darker, and it is found growing on tiled roofs and walls. -Beaten up with a sprinkling of salt, it has all the medicinal -properties of the lamium,<a id="FNanchor_2562_2562"></a><a href="#Footnote_2562_2562" class="fnanchor">2562</a> and is used in a similar manner. -The juice of it, taken warm, is good, too, for suppurated abscesses; -but for the cure of convulsions, ruptures, bruises, -and the effects of falls from a height, or of the overturning of -vehicles, it is possessed of singular virtues.</p> - -<p>A slave, who was held in high esteem by Pericles,<a id="FNanchor_2563_2563"></a><a href="#Footnote_2563_2563" class="fnanchor">2563</a> the ruler -of the Athenians, being engaged upon the buildings of a temple -in the citadel, while creeping along the top of the roof, happened -to fall; from the effects of which he was relieved, it is -said, by this plant, the virtues whereof had been disclosed to -Pericles by Minerva in a dream. Hence it is that it was first -called “parthenium,”<a id="FNanchor_2564_2564"></a><a href="#Footnote_2564_2564" class="fnanchor">2564</a> and was consecrated to that goddess. -It is this slave of whom there is a famous statue in molten -bronze, well known as the Splanchnoptes.<a id="FNanchor_2565_2565"></a><a href="#Footnote_2565_2565" class="fnanchor">2565</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_21"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 21. (18.)—THE CHAMÆLEON, IXIAS, ULOPHONON, OR -CYNOZOLON; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The chamæleon<a id="FNanchor_2566_2566"></a><a href="#Footnote_2566_2566" class="fnanchor">2566</a> is spoken of as the “ixias,” by some -authors. There are two species of this plant; the white kind -has a rougher leaf than the other, and creeps along the ground, -erecting its prickles like the quills of a hedgehog; the root of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_408">408</a></span> -it is sweet, and the odour very powerful. In some places -it secretes, just as they say incense<a id="FNanchor_2567_2567"></a><a href="#Footnote_2567_2567" class="fnanchor">2567</a> is produced, a white viscous -substance beneath the axils of the leaves, about the rising -of the Dog-star more particularly. To this viscous nature it -owes its name of “ixias;”<a id="FNanchor_2568_2568"></a><a href="#Footnote_2568_2568" class="fnanchor">2568</a> females<a id="FNanchor_2569_2569"></a><a href="#Footnote_2569_2569" class="fnanchor">2569</a> make use of it as a substitute -for mastich. As to its name of “chamæleon,”<a id="FNanchor_2570_2570"></a><a href="#Footnote_2570_2570" class="fnanchor">2570</a> that -is given to it from the varying tints of the leaves; for it -changes its colours, in fact, just according to the soil, being -black in one place, green in another, blue in a third, yellow -elsewhere, and of various other colours as well.</p> - -<p>A decoction of the root of the white chamæleon is employed -for the cure<a id="FNanchor_2571_2571"></a><a href="#Footnote_2571_2571" class="fnanchor">2571</a> of dropsy, being taken in doses of one -drachma in raisin wine. This decoction, taken in doses of -one acetabulum, in astringent wine, with some sprigs of origanum -in it, has the effect of expelling intestinal worms: it is -good, too, as a diuretic. Mixed with polenta, the juice of it -will kill dogs and swine; with the addition of water and oil, -it will attract mice to it and destroy<a id="FNanchor_2572_2572"></a><a href="#Footnote_2572_2572" class="fnanchor">2572</a> them, unless they immediately -drink water to counteract its effects. Some persons -recommend the root of it to be kept, cut in small pieces, and -suspended from the ceiling; when wanted, it must be boiled -and taken with the food, for the cure of those fluxes to which -the Greeks have given the name of “rheumatismi.”<a id="FNanchor_2573_2573"></a><a href="#Footnote_2573_2573" class="fnanchor">2573</a></p> - -<p>In reference to the dark kind, some writers say that the one -which bears a purple flower is the male, and that with a violet -flower, the female. They grow together, upon a stem, a cubit -in length, and a finger in thickness. The root of these plants, -boiled with sulphur and bitumen, is employed for the cure of -lichens; and they are chewed, or a decoction of them made -in vinegar, to fasten loose teeth. The juice of them is employed -for the cure of scab in animals, and it has the property -of killing ticks upon dogs. Upon steers it takes effect like a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_409">409</a></span> -sort of quinsy; from which circumstance it has received the -name of “ulophonon”<a id="FNanchor_2574_2574"></a><a href="#Footnote_2574_2574" class="fnanchor">2574</a> from some, as also that of cynozolon<a id="FNanchor_2575_2575"></a><a href="#Footnote_2575_2575" class="fnanchor">2575</a> -from its offensive smell. These plants produce also a viscus, -which is a most excellent remedy for ulcers. The roots of all -the different kinds are an antidote to the sting of the scorpion.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_22"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 22. (19.)—THE CORONOPUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The coronopus<a id="FNanchor_2576_2576"></a><a href="#Footnote_2576_2576" class="fnanchor">2576</a> is an elongated plant, with fissures in the -leaves. It is sometimes cultivated, as the root, roasted in -hot ashes, is found to be an excellent remedy for cœliac complaints.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_23"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 23. (20.)—THE ANCHUSA: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The root of the anchusa,<a id="FNanchor_2577_2577"></a><a href="#Footnote_2577_2577" class="fnanchor">2577</a> too, is made use of, a plant a -finger in thickness. It is split into leaves like the papyrus, -and when touched it stains the hands the colour of blood; it -is used for imparting rich colours to wool. Applied with -cerate it heals ulcerous sores, those of aged people in particular: -it is employed also for the cure of burns. It is insoluble -in water, but dissolves in oil, this being, in fact, the -test of its genuineness. It is administered also, in doses of -one drachma, in wine, for nephretic pains, or else, if there is -fever, in a decoction of balanus;<a id="FNanchor_2578_2578"></a><a href="#Footnote_2578_2578" class="fnanchor">2578</a> it is employed in a similar -manner, also, for affections of the liver and spleen, and for enlarged -secretions of the bile. Applied with vinegar, it is used -for the cure of leprosy and the removal of freckles. The -leaves, beaten up with honey and meal, are applied topically for -sprains; and taken in honied wine, in doses of two drachmæ, -they arrest looseness of the bowels.<a id="FNanchor_2579_2579"></a><a href="#Footnote_2579_2579" class="fnanchor">2579</a> A decoction of the root -in water, it is said, kills fleas.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_410">410</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_24"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 24.—THE PSEUDOANCHUSA, ECHIS, OR DORIS: THREE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another plant, similar to the preceding one, and -hence known as the “pseudoanchusa,”<a id="FNanchor_2580_2580"></a><a href="#Footnote_2580_2580" class="fnanchor">2580</a> though by some it is -called “echis,”<a id="FNanchor_2581_2581"></a><a href="#Footnote_2581_2581" class="fnanchor">2581</a> or “doris,” as well as by many other names. -It is more downy than the other plant, however, and not so -substantial; the leaves, too, are thinner, and more drooping. -The root of it, treated with oil, does not give out any red juice, -a sign by which it is distinguished from the genuine anchusa. -The leaves of this plant, or the seed, taken in drink, are extremely -efficacious for the stings of serpents; the leaves, too, -are applied topically to the wound; and the powerful smell of -them will keep serpents at a distance. A preparation of this -plant is taken, also, as a potion, for affections of the vertebræ. -The Magi recommend that the leaves of it should be plucked -with the left hand, it being mentioned at the same time for -whom they are being gathered: after which, they are to be -worn as an amulet, attached to the person, for the cure of tertian -fevers.<a id="FNanchor_2582_2582"></a><a href="#Footnote_2582_2582" class="fnanchor">2582</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_25"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 25. (21.)—THE ONOCHILON, ARCHEBION, ONOCHELIS, -RHEXIA, OR ENCHRYSA: THIRTY REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another plant, too, the proper name of which is -“onochilon,”<a id="FNanchor_2583_2583"></a><a href="#Footnote_2583_2583" class="fnanchor">2583</a> but which some people call “anchusa,” others -“archebion,” and others, again, “onochelis,” or “rhexia,” -and, more universally, “enchrysa.” This plant has a diminutive -stem, a purple flower, rough leaves and branches, and a -root the colour of blood at harvest-time, though dark and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_411">411</a></span> -swarthy at other times. It grows in sandy soils, and is extremely -efficacious for the stings of serpents, vipers in particular, -the roots or leaves of it being taken indifferently with the -food, or in the drink. It developes its virtues at harvest-time, -more especially: the leaves of it, when bruised, have just the -smell of a cucumber. This plant is prescribed, in doses of -three cyathi, for prolapsus of the uterus, and, taken with hyssop, -it expels tape-worms. For pains in the liver or kidneys, -it is taken in hydromel, if the patient shows symptoms of fever, -but if not, in wine. With the root of it a liniment is made, -for the removal of freckles and leprous sores; and it is asserted -that persons who carry this root about them will never be attacked -by serpents.</p> - -<p>There is another<a id="FNanchor_2584_2584"></a><a href="#Footnote_2584_2584" class="fnanchor">2584</a> plant, again, very similar to this, with a -red flower, and somewhat smaller. It is applied to the same -uses as the other; it is asserted, too, that if it is chewed, and -then spit out upon a serpent, it will cause its instantaneous -death.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 26.—THE ANTHEMIS, LEUCANTHEMIS, LEUCANTHEMUM, -CHAMÆMELUM, OR MELANTHIUM; THREE VARIETIES OF IT: -ELEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The anthemis has been highly extolled by Asclepiades. -Some persons call it “leucanthemis,”<a id="FNanchor_2585_2585"></a><a href="#Footnote_2585_2585" class="fnanchor">2585</a> some leucanthemum, -others, again, “eranthemis,”<a id="FNanchor_2586_2586"></a><a href="#Footnote_2586_2586" class="fnanchor">2586</a> from its flowering in spring, and -others “chamæmelon,”<a id="FNanchor_2587_2587"></a><a href="#Footnote_2587_2587" class="fnanchor">2587</a> because it has a smell like that of an -apple: sometimes, too, it is called “melanthion.”<a id="FNanchor_2588_2588"></a><a href="#Footnote_2588_2588" class="fnanchor">2588</a> There are -three varieties of this plant, which only differ from one another -in the flower; they do not exceed a palm in height, and they -bear small blossoms like those of rue, white, yellow,<a id="FNanchor_2589_2589"></a><a href="#Footnote_2589_2589" class="fnanchor">2589</a> or purple.</p> - -<p>This plant is mostly found in thin, poor soils, or growing -near foot-paths. It is usually gathered in spring, and put by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_412">412</a></span> -for the purpose of making chaplets. At the same season, too, -medical men pound the leaves, and make them up into lozenges, -the same being done with the flowers also, and the root. All -the parts of this plant are administered together, in doses of one -drachma, for the stings of serpents of all kinds. Taken in drink, -too, they bring away the dead fœtus, act as an emmenagogue -and diuretic, and disperse calculi of the bladder. The anthemis -is employed, also, for the cure of flatulency, affections of -the liver, excessive secretions of the bile, and fistulas of the -eye; chewed, it heals running sores. Of all the different -varieties, the one that is most efficacious for the treatment of -calculi is that with the purple flower,<a id="FNanchor_2590_2590"></a><a href="#Footnote_2590_2590" class="fnanchor">2590</a> the leaves and stem<a id="FNanchor_2591_2591"></a><a href="#Footnote_2591_2591" class="fnanchor">2591</a> of -which are somewhat larger than those of the other kinds. -Some persons, and with strict propriety, give to this last the -name of “eranthemis.”</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_27"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 27.—THE LOTUS PLANT: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Those who think that the lotus is nothing but a tree only, -can easily be refuted, if upon the authority of Homer<a id="FNanchor_2592_2592"></a><a href="#Footnote_2592_2592" class="fnanchor">2592</a> only; -for that poet names the lotus first of all among the herbs which -grow to administer to the pleasures of the gods. The leaves -of this plant,<a id="FNanchor_2593_2593"></a><a href="#Footnote_2593_2593" class="fnanchor">2593</a> mixed with honey, disperse the marks of sores, -argema,<a id="FNanchor_2594_2594"></a><a href="#Footnote_2594_2594" class="fnanchor">2594</a> and films upon the eyes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_28"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 28.—THE LOTOMETRA: TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The lotometra<a id="FNanchor_2595_2595"></a><a href="#Footnote_2595_2595" class="fnanchor">2595</a> is a cultivated lotus; with the seed of it, -which resembles millet, the shepherds in Egypt make a coarse -bread, which they mostly knead with water or milk. It is -said, however, that there is nothing lighter or more wholesome -than this bread, so long as it is eaten warm; but that when it -gets cold, it becomes heavy and more difficult of digestion. -It is a well-known fact, that persons who use it as a diet are<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_413">413</a></span> -never attacked by dysentery, tenesmus, or other affections of -the bowels; hence it is, that this plant is reckoned among the -remedies for that class of diseases.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_29"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 29.—THE HELIOTROPIUM, HELIOSCOPIUM, OR VERRUCARIA: -TWELVE REMEDIES. THE HELIOTROPIUM, TRICOCCUM, OR SCORPIURON: -FOURTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have spoken more than once<a id="FNanchor_2596_2596"></a><a href="#Footnote_2596_2596" class="fnanchor">2596</a> of the marvels of the heliotropium, -which turns<a id="FNanchor_2597_2597"></a><a href="#Footnote_2597_2597" class="fnanchor">2597</a> with the sun, in cloudy weather even, -so great is its sympathy with that luminary. At night, as -though in regret, it closes its blue flower.</p> - -<p>There are two species of heliotropium, the tricoccum<a id="FNanchor_2598_2598"></a><a href="#Footnote_2598_2598" class="fnanchor">2598</a> and -the helioscopium,<a id="FNanchor_2599_2599"></a><a href="#Footnote_2599_2599" class="fnanchor">2599</a> the latter being the taller of the two, -though they neither of them exceed half<a id="FNanchor_2600_2600"></a><a href="#Footnote_2600_2600" class="fnanchor">2600</a> a foot in height. The -helioscopium throws out branches from the root, and the seed -of it, enclosed in follicules,<a id="FNanchor_2601_2601"></a><a href="#Footnote_2601_2601" class="fnanchor">2601</a> is gathered at harvest-time. It -grows nowhere but in a rich soil, a highly-cultivated one more -particularly; the tricoccum, on the other hand, is to be found -growing everywhere. I find it stated, that the helioscopium, -boiled, is considered an agreeable food, and that taken in milk, -it is gently laxative<a id="FNanchor_2602_2602"></a><a href="#Footnote_2602_2602" class="fnanchor">2602</a> to the bowels; while, again, a decoction of -it, taken as a potion, acts as a most effectual purgative. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_414">414</a></span> -juice of this plant is collected in summer, at the sixth<a id="FNanchor_2603_2603"></a><a href="#Footnote_2603_2603" class="fnanchor">2603</a> hour -of the day; it is usually mixed with wine, which makes<a id="FNanchor_2604_2604"></a><a href="#Footnote_2604_2604" class="fnanchor">2604</a> it -keep all the better. Combined with rose-oil, it alleviates -head-ache. The juice extracted from the leaves, combined -with salt, removes warts; from which circumstance our people -have given this plant the name of “verrucaria,”<a id="FNanchor_2605_2605"></a><a href="#Footnote_2605_2605" class="fnanchor">2605</a> although, -from its various properties, it fully merits a better name. For, -taken in wine or hydromel, it is an antidote to the venom of -serpents and scorpions,<a id="FNanchor_2606_2606"></a><a href="#Footnote_2606_2606" class="fnanchor">2606</a> as Apollophanes and Apollodorus state. -The leaves, too, employed topically, are a cure for the cerebral -affections of infants, known as “siriasis,”<a id="FNanchor_2607_2607"></a><a href="#Footnote_2607_2607" class="fnanchor">2607</a> as also for convulsions, -even when they are epileptic. It is very wholesome, -too, to gargle the mouth with a decoction of this plant. Taken -in drink, it expels tapeworm and gravel, and, with the addition -of cummin, it will disperse calculi. A decoction of the plant -with the root, mixed with the leaves and some suet of a he-goat, -is applied topically for the cure of gout.</p> - -<p>The other kind, which we have spoken<a id="FNanchor_2608_2608"></a><a href="#Footnote_2608_2608" class="fnanchor">2608</a> of as being called -the “tricoccum,” and which also bears the name of “scorpiuron,”<a id="FNanchor_2609_2609"></a><a href="#Footnote_2609_2609" class="fnanchor">2609</a> -has leaves that are not only smaller than those of -the other kind, but droop downwards towards the ground: the -seed of it resembles a scorpion’s tail, to which, in fact, it owes -its latter appellation. It is of great efficacy for injuries received -from all kinds of venomous insects and the spider known as -the “phalangium,” but more particularly for the stings of -scorpions, if applied topically.<a id="FNanchor_2610_2610"></a><a href="#Footnote_2610_2610" class="fnanchor">2610</a> Those who carry it about their -person are never stung by a scorpion, and it is said that if a -circle is traced on the ground around a scorpion with a sprig -of this plant, the animal will never move out of it, and that if -a scorpion is covered with it, or even sprinkled with the water -in which it has been steeped, it will die that instant. Four<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_415">415</a></span> -grains of the seed, taken in drink, are said to be a cure for the -quartan fever, and three for the tertian; a similar effect being -produced by carrying the plant three times round the patient, -and then laying it under his head. The seed, too, acts as an -aphrodisiac, and, applied with honey, it disperses inflamed -tumours. This kind of heliotropium, as well as the other, extracts -warts radically,<a id="FNanchor_2611_2611"></a><a href="#Footnote_2611_2611" class="fnanchor">2611</a> and excrescences of the anus. Applied -topically, the seed draws off corrupt blood from the vertebræ -and loins; and a similar effect is produced by taking a decoction -of it in chicken broth, or with beet and lentils. The -husks<a id="FNanchor_2612_2612"></a><a href="#Footnote_2612_2612" class="fnanchor">2612</a> of the seed restore the natural colour to lividities of -the skin. According to the Magi, the patient himself should -make four knots in the heliotropium for a quartan, and three -for a tertian fever, at the same time offering a prayer that he -may recover to untie them, the plant being left in the ground -meanwhile.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_30"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 30.—THE ADIANTUM, CALLITRICHOS, TRICHOMANES, POLYTRICHOS, -OR SAXIFRAGUM; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: TWENTY-EIGHT -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Equally marvellous, too, in other respects, is the adiantum;<a id="FNanchor_2613_2613"></a><a href="#Footnote_2613_2613" class="fnanchor">2613</a> -it is green in summer, never dies in the winter, manifests -an aversion to water, and, when sprinkled with water or -dipped in it, has all the appearance of having been dried, so -great is its antipathy to moisture; a circumstance to which it -owes the name of “adiantum,”<a id="FNanchor_2614_2614"></a><a href="#Footnote_2614_2614" class="fnanchor">2614</a> given to it by the Greeks. -In other respects, it is a shrub which might be well employed -in ornamental gardening.<a id="FNanchor_2615_2615"></a><a href="#Footnote_2615_2615" class="fnanchor">2615</a> Some persons give it the name of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_416">416</a></span> -“callitrichos,”<a id="FNanchor_2616_2616"></a><a href="#Footnote_2616_2616" class="fnanchor">2616</a> and others of “polytrichos,” both of them -bearing reference to its property of imparting colour to the -hair. For this purpose, a decoction of it is made in wine -with parsley-seed, large quantities of oil being added, if it is -desired to make the hair thick and curly as well: it has also -the property of preventing the hair from coming off.</p> - -<p>There are two kinds of this plant, one being whiter than -the other, which last is swarthy and more stunted. It is the -larger kind that is known as the “polytrichos,” or, as some -call it, the “trichomanes.” Both plants have tiny branches -of a bright black colour, and leaves like those of fern, the -lower ones being rough and tawny, and all of them lying close -together and attached to footstalks arranged on either side of -the stem: of root, so to say, there is nothing.<a id="FNanchor_2617_2617"></a><a href="#Footnote_2617_2617" class="fnanchor">2617</a> This plant -frequents umbrageous rocks, walls sprinkled with the spray -of running water, grottoes of fountains more particularly, and -crags surrounded with streamlets, a fact that is all the more -remarkable in a plant which derives no benefit from water.</p> - -<p>The adiantum is of singular efficacy in expelling and breaking -calculi of the bladder, the dark kind in particular; and it -is for this reason, in my opinion, rather than because it grows -upon stones, that it has received from the people of our -country its name of “saxifragum.”<a id="FNanchor_2618_2618"></a><a href="#Footnote_2618_2618" class="fnanchor">2618</a> It is taken in wine, the -usual dose being a pinch of it in three fingers. Both these -plants are diuretics, and act as an antidote to the venom of serpents -and spiders: a decoction of them in wine arrests looseness -of the bowels. A wreath of them, worn on the head, alleviates -head-ache. For the bite of the scolopendra they are applied -topically, but they must be removed every now and then, to -prevent them from cauterizing the flesh:<a id="FNanchor_2619_2619"></a><a href="#Footnote_2619_2619" class="fnanchor">2619</a> they are employed -in a similar manner also for alopecy.<a id="FNanchor_2620_2620"></a><a href="#Footnote_2620_2620" class="fnanchor">2620</a> They disperse -scrofulous sores, scurf on the face, and running ulcers of the -head. A decoction of them is useful also for asthma, affections -of the liver and spleen, enlarged secretions of the gall,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_417">417</a></span> -and dropsy. In combination with wormwood, they form a -liniment for strangury and affections of the kidneys; they -have the effect also of bringing away the after-birth, and act -as an emmenagogue. Taken with vinegar or juice of bramble-berries, -they arrest hæmorrhage. Combined with rose-oil -they are employed as a liniment for excoriations on infants, -the parts affected being first fomented with wine. The leaves, -steeped in the urine of a youth who has not arrived at puberty, -and beaten up with saltpetre, compose a liniment which, it is -said, prevents wrinkles from forming on the abdomen in -females. It is a general belief that partridges and cocks are -rendered more pugnacious if this plant is mixed with their -food; and it is looked upon as particularly beneficial for -cattle.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_31"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 31. (22.)—THE PICRIS; ONE REMEDY. THE THESION; -ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The picris<a id="FNanchor_2621_2621"></a><a href="#Footnote_2621_2621" class="fnanchor">2621</a> derives its name from its intense bitterness, as -we have previously stated. The leaf of it is round; it is remarkably -efficacious for the removal of warts.</p> - -<p>The thesium,<a id="FNanchor_2622_2622"></a><a href="#Footnote_2622_2622" class="fnanchor">2622</a> too, has a bitterness not unlike it: it is a -powerful purgative, for which purpose it is employed bruised -in water.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_32"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 32.—THE ASPHODEL; FIFTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The asphodel<a id="FNanchor_2623_2623"></a><a href="#Footnote_2623_2623" class="fnanchor">2623</a> is one of the most celebrated of all the plants, -so much so, indeed, that by some persons it has been called -“heroum.”<a id="FNanchor_2624_2624"></a><a href="#Footnote_2624_2624" class="fnanchor">2624</a> Hesiod has mentioned the fact of its growing in -rivers, and Dionysius distinguishes it into male and female.<a id="FNanchor_2625_2625"></a><a href="#Footnote_2625_2625" class="fnanchor">2625</a> -It has been observed that the bulbs of it, boiled with a ptisan, -are remarkably good for consumption and phthisis,<a id="FNanchor_2626_2626"></a><a href="#Footnote_2626_2626" class="fnanchor">2626</a> and that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_418">418</a></span> -bread in which they have been kneaded up with the meal, is -extremely wholesome. Nicander<a id="FNanchor_2627_2627"></a><a href="#Footnote_2627_2627" class="fnanchor">2627</a> recommends also, for the -stings of serpents and scorpions, either the stalk, which we -have already<a id="FNanchor_2628_2628"></a><a href="#Footnote_2628_2628" class="fnanchor">2628</a> spoken of under the name of “anthericus,” or -else the seed or bulbs, to be taken in wine, in doses of three -drachmæ; and he says that these should be strewed beneath -the bed, if there is any apprehension of their presence. The -asphodel is prescribed also for wounds inflicted by marine -animals of a venomous nature, and the bite of the land scolopendra. -It is quite wonderful how the snails, in Campania, -seek the stalk of this plant, and dry it by extracting the -inside. The leaves, too, are applied with wine to wounds -made by venomous animals, and the bulbs are beaten up with -polenta and similarly used for affections of the sinews and -joints. It is also a very good plan to rub lichens with them -chopped up and mixed with vinegar, and to apply them in -water to putrid sores, as also to inflammations of the testes or -mamillæ. Boiled in lees of wine, and applied in a linen pledget, -they are used for the cure of defluxions of the eyes.</p> - -<p>Whatever the malady may happen to be, it is generally in -a boiled<a id="FNanchor_2629_2629"></a><a href="#Footnote_2629_2629" class="fnanchor">2629</a> state that the bulbs are employed; but for foul -ulcers of the legs and for chaps upon any part of the body, -they are dried and reduced to powder. The bulbs are usually -gathered in autumn,<a id="FNanchor_2630_2630"></a><a href="#Footnote_2630_2630" class="fnanchor">2630</a> a period when their medicinal properties -are most fully developed. The juice extracted from them -pounded, or else a decoction of them, is good, mixed with honey, -for pains in the body: it is employed also with dried iris and a -little salt by those who wish to impart an agreeable odour to -the person. The leaves are used for the cure of the various -maladies above mentioned, as also, boiled in wine, for scrofulous -sores, inflamed tumours, and ulcers of the face. The ashes -of the root are a remedy for alopecy and chaps on the feet; -and an extract of the root, boiled in oil, is good for burns and -chilblains. It is injected also into the ears for deafness, and, -for tooth-ache, it is poured into the ear opposite to the part -affected. A moderate dose of the root, taken in drink, acts as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_419">419</a></span> -a diuretic and emmenagogue; it is good also for pains in the -sides, ruptures, convulsions, and coughs, in doses of one drachma, -taken in wine. Chewed, the root promotes vomiting, but the -seed, taken internally, disorders the bowels.</p> - -<p>Chrysermus used to employ a decoction of the root, in wine, -for imposthumes of the parotid glands; and he has prescribed -it, in combination with cachrys,<a id="FNanchor_2631_2631"></a><a href="#Footnote_2631_2631" class="fnanchor">2631</a> in wine, for the cure of -scrofulous sores. Some persons say that if, after applying the -root to the sores, a part of it is hung up in the smoke to dry, -and not taken down till the end of four days, the sores -will gradually dry up with this portion of the root. Sophocles<a id="FNanchor_2632_2632"></a><a href="#Footnote_2632_2632" class="fnanchor">2632</a> -used to employ it both ways, boiled and raw, for the cure of -gout; and he prescribes it, boiled in oil, for chilblains, and, -in vinegar, for jaundice and dropsy. It has been stated, -also, that, used as a friction with wine and honey, or taken in -drink, it acts as an aphrodisiac. Xenocrates assures us, too, -that a decoction of the root in vinegar removes lichens, itch-scabs, -and leprous sores; and that a decoction of it, with henbane -and tar, has a similar effect, and is good also for the removal -of bad odours<a id="FNanchor_2633_2633"></a><a href="#Footnote_2633_2633" class="fnanchor">2633</a> of the armpits and thighs: he states, -also, that if the head is well rubbed with the root, being first -shaved, the hair will curl all the better for it. Simus prescribes -a decoction of it, in wine, to be taken for calculi in -the kidneys; and Hippocrates recommends the seed for obstructions -of the spleen. The root, or else a decoction of it, -applied topically, restores the hair in beasts of burden, where it -has been lost by ulcerations or scab. It has the effect, too, of -driving away rats and mice, and of exterminating them, if -placed before their holes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_33"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 33.—THE HALIMON: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Some authors have thought that it is the asphodel that is -called “halimon” by Hesiod, an opinion which appears to me -ill-founded; halimon<a id="FNanchor_2634_2634"></a><a href="#Footnote_2634_2634" class="fnanchor">2634</a> being the name of a distinct plant,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_420">420</a></span> -which has been the occasion of no few mistakes committed by -writers. According to some, it is a tufted shrub, white, destitute -of thorns, and with leaves like those of the olive, only -softer; which eaten boiled, are an agreeable food. The root, -they say, taken in doses of one drachma in hydromel, allays -gripings of the bowels, and is a cure for ruptures and convulsions. -Others, again, pronounce it to be a vegetable growing -near the sea-shore,<a id="FNanchor_2635_2635"></a><a href="#Footnote_2635_2635" class="fnanchor">2635</a> of a salt taste—to which, in fact, it -owes its name—with leaves somewhat round but elongated, -and much esteemed as an article of food. They say, too, that -there are two species of it, the wild and the cultivated,<a id="FNanchor_2636_2636"></a><a href="#Footnote_2636_2636" class="fnanchor">2636</a> and -that, mixed with bread, they are good, both of them, for dysentery, -even if ulceration should have supervened, and are -useful for stomachic affections, in combination with vinegar. -They state, also, that this plant is applied raw to ulcers of long -standing, and that it modifies the inflammation of recent -wounds, and the pain attendant upon sprains of the feet and -affections of the bladder. The wild halimon, they tell us, -has thinner leaves than the other, but is more effectual as a -medicament in all the above cases, as also for the cure of itch, -whether in man or beast. The root, too, according to them, -employed as a friction, renders the skin more clear, and the -teeth whiter; and they assert that if the seed of it is put -beneath the tongue, no thirst will be experienced. They -state, also, that this kind is eaten as well as the other, and that -they are, both of them, preserved.</p> - -<p>Crateuas has spoken of a third<a id="FNanchor_2637_2637"></a><a href="#Footnote_2637_2637" class="fnanchor">2637</a> kind also, with longer -leaves than the others, and more hairy: it has the smell of -the cypress, he says, and grows beneath the ivy more particularly. -He states that this plant is extremely good for -opisthotony and contractions of the sinews, taken in doses of -three oboli to one sextarius of water.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_421">421</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_34"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 34.—THE ACANTHUS, PÆDEROS, OR MELAMPHYLLOS: FIVE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The acanthus<a id="FNanchor_2638_2638"></a><a href="#Footnote_2638_2638" class="fnanchor">2638</a> is a plant that grows in cities, and is used -in ornamental gardening. It has a broad, long leaf, and is -used as a covering for the margins of ornamental waters and of -parterres in gardens.<a id="FNanchor_2639_2639"></a><a href="#Footnote_2639_2639" class="fnanchor">2639</a> There are two varieties of it; the one -that is thorny<a id="FNanchor_2640_2640"></a><a href="#Footnote_2640_2640" class="fnanchor">2640</a> and crisped is the shorter of the two; the -other, which is smooth,<a id="FNanchor_2641_2641"></a><a href="#Footnote_2641_2641" class="fnanchor">2641</a> is by some persons called “pæderos,”<a id="FNanchor_2642_2642"></a><a href="#Footnote_2642_2642" class="fnanchor">2642</a> -and by others “melamphyllos.”<a id="FNanchor_2643_2643"></a><a href="#Footnote_2643_2643" class="fnanchor">2643</a> The root of this -last is remarkably good for burns and sprains; and, boiled with -the food, a ptisan more particularly, it is equally good for -ruptures, spasms, and patients who are in apprehension of -phthisis. The root is also beaten up and applied warm for -hot gout.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_35"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 35.—THE BUPLEURON: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The bupleuron<a id="FNanchor_2644_2644"></a><a href="#Footnote_2644_2644" class="fnanchor">2644</a> is reckoned by the Greeks in the number -of the leguminous plants which grow spontaneously. The -stem of it is a cubit in height, the leaves are long and numerous, -and the head resembles that of dill. It has been -extolled as an aliment by Hippocrates, and for its medicinal -properties by Glaucon and Nicander. The seed of it is good -for the stings of serpents; and the leaves, or else the juice, applied -as a liniment with wine, bring away the after-birth. The -leaves, also, in combination with salt and wine, are applied to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_422">422</a></span> -scrofulous sores. The root is prescribed in wine for the stings -of serpents, and as a diuretic.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_36"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 36.—THE BUPRESTIS: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>With a remarkable degree of inconsistency, the Greek writers, -while praising the buprestis<a id="FNanchor_2645_2645"></a><a href="#Footnote_2645_2645" class="fnanchor">2645</a> as an aliment, point out certain -antidotes<a id="FNanchor_2646_2646"></a><a href="#Footnote_2646_2646" class="fnanchor">2646</a> to it, as though it were a poison. The very name, -however, proves to a certainty that it is poisonous to cattle, -and it is generally admitted that, on tasting it, they burst<a id="FNanchor_2647_2647"></a><a href="#Footnote_2647_2647" class="fnanchor">2647</a> -asunder: we shall, therefore, say no more about it. Is there -any reason, in fact, why, when we are speaking of the materials -employed in making our grass crowns, we should describe -a poison? or really ought we to enlarge upon it only to -please the libidinous fancies of those who imagine that there is -not a more powerful aphrodisiac in existence than this, when -taken in drink?</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_37"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 37.—THE ELAPHOBOSCON: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The elaphoboscon<a id="FNanchor_2648_2648"></a><a href="#Footnote_2648_2648" class="fnanchor">2648</a> is a ferulaceous plant, articulated, and -about a finger in thickness. The seed of it is like that of dill, -hanging in umbels resembling those of hart-wort in appearance, -but not bitter. The leaves are very like those of olusatrum.<a id="FNanchor_2649_2649"></a><a href="#Footnote_2649_2649" class="fnanchor">2649</a> -This plant, too, is highly spoken of as an article of food; in -addition to which, it is preserved and kept as a diuretic<a id="FNanchor_2650_2650"></a><a href="#Footnote_2650_2650" class="fnanchor">2650</a> and -for the purpose of assuaging pains in the sides, curing ruptures -and convulsions, and dispelling flatulency and colic. It<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_423">423</a></span> -is used, too, for the cure of wounds inflicted by serpents and all -kinds of animals that sting; so much so, indeed, that, as the -story goes, stags, by eating of it, fortify themselves against the -attacks of serpents. The root, too, applied topically, with the -addition of nitre, is a cure for fistula, but, when wanted for -this purpose, it must be dried first, so as to retain none of the -juice; though, on the other hand, this juice does not at all -impair its efficacy as an antidote to the poison of serpents.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_38"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 38.—THE SCANDIX: NINE REMEDIES. THE ANTHRISCUM: -TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The scandix,<a id="FNanchor_2651_2651"></a><a href="#Footnote_2651_2651" class="fnanchor">2651</a> too, is reckoned by the Greeks in the number -of the wild vegetables, as we learn from Opion and Erasistratus. -Boiled, it arrests<a id="FNanchor_2652_2652"></a><a href="#Footnote_2652_2652" class="fnanchor">2652</a> looseness of the bowels; and the -seed of it, administered with vinegar, immediately stops -hiccup. It is employed topically for burns, and acts as a diuretic; -a decoction of it is good, too, for affections of the stomach, -liver, kidneys, and bladder. It is this plant that furnished -Aristophanes with his joke<a id="FNanchor_2653_2653"></a><a href="#Footnote_2653_2653" class="fnanchor">2653</a> against the poet Euripides, that -his mother used to sell not real vegetables, but only scandix.</p> - -<p>The anthriscum<a id="FNanchor_2654_2654"></a><a href="#Footnote_2654_2654" class="fnanchor">2654</a> would be exactly the same plant as the -scandix, if its leaves were somewhat thinner and more odoriferous. -Its principal virtue is that it reinvigorates the body -when exhausted by sexual excesses, and acts as a stimulant -upon the enfeebled powers of old age. It arrests leucorrhœa -in females.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_39"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 39.—THE IASIONE: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The iasione,<a id="FNanchor_2655_2655"></a><a href="#Footnote_2655_2655" class="fnanchor">2655</a> which is also looked upon as a wild vegetable, -is a creeping plant, full of a milky juice: it bears a white<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_424">424</a></span> -flower, the name given to which is “concilium.” The chief -recommendation of this plant, too, is that it acts as an aphrodisiac. -Eaten with the food, raw, in vinegar, it promotes the -secretion of the milk in nursing women. It is salutary also -for patients who are apprehensive of phthisis; and, applied to -the head of infants, it makes the hair grow, and renders the -scalp more firm.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_40"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 40.—THE CAUCALIS: TWELVE REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The caucalis,<a id="FNanchor_2656_2656"></a><a href="#Footnote_2656_2656" class="fnanchor">2656</a> too, is an edible plant. It resembles fennel in -appearance, and has a short stem with a white flower;<a id="FNanchor_2657_2657"></a><a href="#Footnote_2657_2657" class="fnanchor">2657</a> it is -usually considered a good cordial.<a id="FNanchor_2658_2658"></a><a href="#Footnote_2658_2658" class="fnanchor">2658</a> The juice, too, of this plant -is taken as a potion, being particularly recommended as a stomachic, -a diuretic, an expellent of calculi and gravel, and for the -cure of irritations of the bladder. It has the effect, also, of -attenuating morbid secretions<a id="FNanchor_2659_2659"></a><a href="#Footnote_2659_2659" class="fnanchor">2659</a> of the spleen, liver, and kidneys. -The seed of it acts as an emmenagogue, and dispels the bilious -secretions after child-birth: it is prescribed also, for males, in -cases of seminal weakness. Chrysippus is of opinion that this -plant promotes conception; for which purpose it is taken by -women in wine, fasting. It is employed in the form of a liniment, -for wounds inflicted by marine animals of a venomous nature, -at least we find it so stated by Petrichus in his poem.<a id="FNanchor_2660_2660"></a><a href="#Footnote_2660_2660" class="fnanchor">2660</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_41"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 41.—THE SIUM: ELEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among these plants there is reckoned also the sium:<a id="FNanchor_2661_2661"></a><a href="#Footnote_2661_2661" class="fnanchor">2661</a> it -grows in the water, has a leaf broader than that of parsley, -thicker, and of a more swarthy colour, bears a considerable -quantity of seed, and has the taste of nasturtium. It is an -active diuretic, is very good for the kidneys and spleen, and acts -as an emmenagogue, either eaten by itself as an aliment,<a id="FNanchor_2662_2662"></a><a href="#Footnote_2662_2662" class="fnanchor">2662</a> or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_425">425</a></span> -taken in the form of a decoction; the seed of it is taken in -wine, in doses of two drachmæ. It disperses calculi in the bladder, -and neutralizes the action of water which tends to their -formation. Used in the form of an injection, it is good for dysentery, -and applied topically, for the removal of freckles. It -is applied by females, at night, for the removal of spots on the -face, a result which it produces almost instantaneously. It -has the effect also of assuaging hernia, and is good for the scab -in horses.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_42"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 42.—THE SILLYBUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The sillybum<a id="FNanchor_2663_2663"></a><a href="#Footnote_2663_2663" class="fnanchor">2663</a> resembles the white chamæleon, and is a -plant quite as prickly. In Cilicia, Syria, and Phœnicia, the -countries where it grows, it is not thought worth while to -boil it, the cooking of it being so extremely troublesome, it is -said. It is of no use whatever in medicine.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_43"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 43.—THE SCOLYMOS OR LIMONIA: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The scolymos,<a id="FNanchor_2664_2664"></a><a href="#Footnote_2664_2664" class="fnanchor">2664</a> too, is used as an aliment<a id="FNanchor_2665_2665"></a><a href="#Footnote_2665_2665" class="fnanchor">2665</a> in the East, where -it has also the name of “limonia.”<a id="FNanchor_2666_2666"></a><a href="#Footnote_2666_2666" class="fnanchor">2666</a> This is a shrub-like plant, -which never exceeds a cubit in height, with tufted leaves and -a black root, but sweet. Eratosthenes speaks highly of it as -a diet used by the poor. It is said to possess diuretic properties -in a very high degree, and to heal lichens and leprous sores, -applied with vinegar. Taken in wine it acts as an aphrodisiac, -according to the testimony of Hesiod<a id="FNanchor_2667_2667"></a><a href="#Footnote_2667_2667" class="fnanchor">2667</a> and Alcæus; who have -stated in their writings, that while it is in blossom, the song -of the grasshopper is louder than at other times, women more -inflamed with desire, and men less inclined to amorous intercourse; -and that it is by a kind of foresight on the part of -Nature that this powerful stimulant is then in its greatest perfection. -The root, too, used without the pith, corrects the -noisome odour of the armpits, in doses of one ounce to two -heminæ of Falernian wine; the mixture being boiled down to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_426">426</a></span> -one third, and taken fasting after the bath, as also after meals, a -cyathus at a time. It is a remarkable thing, but Xenocrates -assures us that he has ascertained it experimentally, that these -bad odours are carried off by the urine.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_44"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 44.—THE SONCHOS; TWO VARIETIES: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The sonchos,<a id="FNanchor_2668_2668"></a><a href="#Footnote_2668_2668" class="fnanchor">2668</a> too, is edible—at least, it was this that, according -to Callimachus, Hecale<a id="FNanchor_2669_2669"></a><a href="#Footnote_2669_2669" class="fnanchor">2669</a> set before Theseus. There are two -kinds, the white<a id="FNanchor_2670_2670"></a><a href="#Footnote_2670_2670" class="fnanchor">2670</a> and the black:<a id="FNanchor_2671_2671"></a><a href="#Footnote_2671_2671" class="fnanchor">2671</a> they are, both of them, -similar to the lettuce, except that they are prickly, with a stem -a cubit in height, angular, and hollow within; when broken, -the stem gives out an abundance of milky juice. The white -kind, which derives its colour from the milk it contains, is good -for hardness of breathing, if eaten dressed with seasoning like -the lettuce. Erasistratus says that it carries off calculi by -the urine, and that, chewed, it is a corrective of bad breath. -The juice of it, taken warm in doses of three cyathi, with -white wine and oil, facilitates delivery, but the patient must -be careful to walk about immediately after drinking it: it -is also given in broth.</p> - -<p>A decoction of the stalk renders the milk more abundant in -nursing women, and improves the complexion of the infants -suckled by them; it is also remarkably beneficial for females -when the milk coagulates. The juice of it is used as an injection -for the ears, and is taken warm in doses of one cyathus, for strangury, -as also for gnawing pains of the stomach, with cucumber -seed and pine nuts. It is employed topically for abscesses of -the rectum, and is taken in drink for the stings of serpents -and scorpions, the root also being applied to the wounds. -The root, boiled in oil, with the rind of a pomegranate, is a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_427">427</a></span> -remedy for diseases of the ears—all these remedies, however, -be it remembered, are derived from the white kind.</p> - -<p>As to the black sonchos, Cleemporus forbids it to be eaten, -as being productive of diseases, but at the same time he approves -of the use of the white. Agathocles, however, goes so -far as to assert that the juice of the black kind is an antidote -for poisoning by bulls’ blood; and, indeed, it is generally agreed -that the black sonchos has certain refreshing properties; for -which reason cataplasms of it may be advantageously applied -with polenta. Zeno recommends the root of the white kind -for strangury.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_45"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 45.—THE CONDRION OR CHONDRYLLA: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The condrion,<a id="FNanchor_2672_2672"></a><a href="#Footnote_2672_2672" class="fnanchor">2672</a> or chondrylla, has leaves, eaten away, as it -were, at the edges, and similar to those of endive, a -stalk less than a foot in length and full of a bitter juice, -and a root resembling that of the bean, and occasionally very -ramified. It produces, near the surface of the earth, a sort -of mastich,<a id="FNanchor_2673_2673"></a><a href="#Footnote_2673_2673" class="fnanchor">2673</a> in a tubercular form, the size of a bean; this -mastich, it is said, employed as a pessary, promotes the menstrual -discharge. This plant, pounded whole with the roots, -is divided into lozenges, which are employed for the stings of -serpents, and probably with good effect; for field mice, it is -said, when injured by those reptiles, are in the habit of eating -this plant. A decoction of it in wine arrests looseness of the -bowels, and makes a most excellent substitute for gum, as a -bandoline for the eye-lashes,<a id="FNanchor_2674_2674"></a><a href="#Footnote_2674_2674" class="fnanchor">2674</a> even when the hairs are most -stubborn. Dorotheus says, in his poems, that it is extremely -good for the stomach and the digestive organs. Some persons, -however, have been of opinion that it is unwholesome for females, -bad for the eyesight, and productive of impotence in -the male sex.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_428">428</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_46"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 46.—MUSHROOMS: PECULIARITIES OF THEIR GROWTH.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among those vegetable productions which are eaten with -risk, I shall, with good reason, include mushrooms;<a id="FNanchor_2675_2675"></a><a href="#Footnote_2675_2675" class="fnanchor">2675</a> a very -dainty food, it is true, but deservedly held in disesteem since -the notorious crime committed by Agrippina, who, through -their agency, poisoned her husband, the Emperor Claudius, -and at the same moment, in the person of his son Nero, inflicted -another poisonous curse upon the whole world, herself<a id="FNanchor_2676_2676"></a><a href="#Footnote_2676_2676" class="fnanchor">2676</a> -in particular.</p> - -<p>Some of the poisonous mushrooms are easily known, being -of a rank, unwholesome look, light red without and livid -within, with the clefts<a id="FNanchor_2677_2677"></a><a href="#Footnote_2677_2677" class="fnanchor">2677</a> considerably enlarged, and a pale, -sickly margin to the head.<a id="FNanchor_2678_2678"></a><a href="#Footnote_2678_2678" class="fnanchor">2678</a> These characteristics, however, -are not presented by others of the poisonous kinds; but being -dry to all appearance and strongly resembling the genuine -ones, they present white spots upon the head, on the surface -of the outer coat. The earth, in fact, first produces the -uterus<a id="FNanchor_2679_2679"></a><a href="#Footnote_2679_2679" class="fnanchor">2679</a> or receptacle for the mushroom, and then the mushroom -within, like the yolk in the egg. Nor is this envelope -less conducive to the nutrition of the young mushroom [than -is the albumen of the egg to that of the chicken.] Bursting -forth from the envelope at the moment of its first appearance, -as it gradually increases it becomes transformed into a substantial -stalk; it is but very rarely, too, that we find two growing -from a single foot-stalk. The generative<a id="FNanchor_2680_2680"></a><a href="#Footnote_2680_2680" class="fnanchor">2680</a> principle of -the mushroom is in the slime and the fermenting juices of the -damp earth, or of the roots of most of the glandiferous trees. -It appears at first in the shape of a sort of viscous foam, and -then assumes a more substantial but membranous form, after -which, as already stated, the young mushroom appears.</p> - -<p>In general, these plants are of a pernicious nature, and the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_429">429</a></span> -use of them should be altogether rejected; for if by chance -they should happen to grow near a hob-nail,<a id="FNanchor_2681_2681"></a><a href="#Footnote_2681_2681" class="fnanchor">2681</a> a piece of rusty -iron, or a bit of rotten cloth, they will immediately imbibe all -these foreign emanations and flavours, and transform them into -poison. Who, in fact, is able to distinguish them, except those -who dwell in the country, or the persons<a id="FNanchor_2682_2682"></a><a href="#Footnote_2682_2682" class="fnanchor">2682</a> that are in the habit -of gathering them? There are other circumstances, too, which -render them noxious; if they grow near the hole of a serpent,<a id="FNanchor_2683_2683"></a><a href="#Footnote_2683_2683" class="fnanchor">2683</a> -for instance, or if they should happen to have been breathed -upon by one when just beginning to open; being all the more -disposed to imbibe the venom from their natural affinity to -poisonous substances.</p> - -<p>It will therefore be as well to be on our guard during the -season at which the serpents have not as yet retired to their -holes for the winter. The best sign to know this by is a multitude -of herbs, of trees, and of shrubs, which remain green -from the time that these reptiles leave their holes till their return; -indeed, the ash alone will be quite sufficient for the -purpose, the leaves of it never coming out after the serpents -have made their appearance, or beginning to fall before they -have retired to their holes. The entire existence of the mushroom, -from its birth to its death, is never more than seven -days.<a id="FNanchor_2684_2684"></a><a href="#Footnote_2684_2684" class="fnanchor">2684</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_47"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 47. (23.)—FUNGI; SIGNS BY WHICH THE VENOMOUS KINDS -MAY BE RECOGNIZED: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Fungi are of a more humid nature than the last, and are divided -into numerous kinds, all of which are derived solely from -the pituitous humours<a id="FNanchor_2685_2685"></a><a href="#Footnote_2685_2685" class="fnanchor">2685</a> of trees. The safest are those, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_430">430</a></span> -flesh of which is red,<a id="FNanchor_2686_2686"></a><a href="#Footnote_2686_2686" class="fnanchor">2686</a> the colour being more pronounced than -that of the mushroom. The next best are the white<a id="FNanchor_2687_2687"></a><a href="#Footnote_2687_2687" class="fnanchor">2687</a> ones, the -stems of which have a head very similar to the apex<a id="FNanchor_2688_2688"></a><a href="#Footnote_2688_2688" class="fnanchor">2688</a> worn by -the Flamens; and a third kind are the suilli,<a id="FNanchor_2689_2689"></a><a href="#Footnote_2689_2689" class="fnanchor">2689</a> very conveniently -adapted for poisoning. Indeed, it is but very recently -that they have carried off whole families, and all the guests at -a banquet; Annæus Serenus,<a id="FNanchor_2690_2690"></a><a href="#Footnote_2690_2690" class="fnanchor">2690</a> for instance, the prefect of Nero’s -guard, together with all the tribunes and centurions. What -great pleasure, then, can there be in partaking of a dish of so -doubtful<a id="FNanchor_2691_2691"></a><a href="#Footnote_2691_2691" class="fnanchor">2691</a> a character as this? Some persons have classified -these fungi according to the trees to which they are indebted -for their formation, the fig, for instance, the fennel-giant, and -the gummiferous trees; those belonging to the beech, the robur, -and the cypress, not being edible, as already mentioned.<a id="FNanchor_2692_2692"></a><a href="#Footnote_2692_2692" class="fnanchor">2692</a> But -who is there to give us a guarantee when they come to market, -that these distinctions have been observed?</p> - -<p>All the poisonous fungi are of a livid colour; and the degree -of similarity borne by the sap of the tree itself to that of the -fig will afford an additional indication whether they are venomous -or not. We have already mentioned<a id="FNanchor_2693_2693"></a><a href="#Footnote_2693_2693" class="fnanchor">2693</a> various remedies -for the poison of fungi, and shall have occasion to make mention -of others; but in the mean time, it will be as well to observe -that they themselves also have some medicinal<a id="FNanchor_2694_2694"></a><a href="#Footnote_2694_2694" class="fnanchor">2694</a> uses. Glaucias<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_431">431</a></span> -is of opinion that mushrooms are good for the stomach. The -suilli are dried and strung upon a rush, as we see done with those -brought from Bithynia. They are employed as a remedy for -the fluxes known as “rheumatismi,”<a id="FNanchor_2695_2695"></a><a href="#Footnote_2695_2695" class="fnanchor">2695</a> and for excrescences of -the fundament, which they diminish and gradually consume. -They are used, also, for freckles and spots on women’s faces. -A wash, too, is made of them, as is done with lead,<a id="FNanchor_2696_2696"></a><a href="#Footnote_2696_2696" class="fnanchor">2696</a> for maladies -of the eyes. Steeped in water, they are applied topically -to foul ulcers, eruptions of the head, and bites inflicted by -dogs.</p> - -<p>I would here also give some general directions for the cooking -of mushrooms, as this is the only article of food that the -voluptuaries of the present day are in the habit of dressing -with their own hands, and so feeding upon it in anticipation, -being provided with amber-handled<a id="FNanchor_2697_2697"></a><a href="#Footnote_2697_2697" class="fnanchor">2697</a> knives and silver plates -and dishes for the purpose. Those fungi may be looked upon -as bad which become hard in cooking; while those, on the other -hand, are comparatively innoxious, which admit of being thoroughly -boiled, with the addition of some nitre. They will -be all the safer if they are boiled with some meat or the stalks -of pears: it is a very good plan, too, to eat pears directly after -them. Vinegar, too, being of a nature diametrically opposed -to them, neutralizes<a id="FNanchor_2698_2698"></a><a href="#Footnote_2698_2698" class="fnanchor">2698</a> their dangerous qualities.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_48"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 48.—SILPHIUM: SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>All these productions owe their origin to rain,<a id="FNanchor_2699_2699"></a><a href="#Footnote_2699_2699" class="fnanchor">2699</a> and by rain -is silphium produced. It originally came from Cyrenæ, as -already<a id="FNanchor_2700_2700"></a><a href="#Footnote_2700_2700" class="fnanchor">2700</a> stated: at the present day, it is mostly imported from -Syria, the produce of which country, though better than that -of Media, is inferior to the Parthian kind. As already observed,<a id="FNanchor_2701_2701"></a><a href="#Footnote_2701_2701" class="fnanchor">2701</a> -the silphium of Cyrenæ no longer exists. It is of -considerable use in medicine, the leaves of it being employed -to purge the uterus, and as an expellent of the dead fœtus; -for which purposes a decoction of them is made in white<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_432">432</a></span> -aromatic wine, and taken in doses of one acetabulum, immediately -after the bath. The root of it is good for irritations of -the trachea, and is employed topically for extravasated blood; -but, used as an aliment, it is difficult of digestion, being productive -of flatulency and eructations: it is injurious, also, to -the urinary secretions. Combined with wine and oil, it is extremely -good for bruises, and, with wax, for the cure of scrofulous -sores. Repeated fumigations with the root cause excrescences -of the anus to subside.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_49"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 49.—LASER: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Laser, a juice which distils from silphium, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_2702_2702"></a><a href="#Footnote_2702_2702" class="fnanchor">2702</a> -stated, and reckoned among the most precious gifts -presented to us by Nature, is made use of in numerous medicinal -preparations. Employed by itself, it warms and revives -persons benumbed with cold, and, taken in drink, it alleviates -affections of the sinews. It is given to females in wine, and -is used with soft wool as a pessary to promote the menstrual -discharge. Mixed with wax, it extracts corns on the feet, -after they have been first loosened with the knife: a piece of -it, the size of a chick-pea, melted in water, acts as a diuretic. -Andreas assures us that, taken in considerable doses even, it is -never productive of flatulency, and that it greatly promotes -the digestion, both in aged people and females; he says, too, -that it is better used in winter than in summer, and that even -then, it is best suited for those whose beverage is water: but -due care must be taken that there is no internal ulceration. -Taken with the food, it is very refreshing for patients just recovering -from an illness; indeed, if it is used at the proper -time, it has all the virtues of a desiccatory,<a id="FNanchor_2703_2703"></a><a href="#Footnote_2703_2703" class="fnanchor">2703</a> though it is more -wholesome for persons who are in the habit of using it than -for those who do not ordinarily employ it.</p> - -<p>As to external maladies, the undoubted virtues of this medicament -are universally acknowledged: taken in drink, it has<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_433">433</a></span> -the effect, also, of neutralizing the venom of serpents and of -poisoned weapons, and, applied with water, it is in general use -for the cure of wounds. In combination with oil, it is only -used as a liniment for the stings of scorpions, and with barley-meal -or dried figs, for the cure of ulcers that have not come to -a head. It is applied topically, also, to carbuncles, with rue -or honey, or else by itself, with some viscous substance to -make it adhere; for the bites of dogs, also, it is similarly employed. -A decoction of it in vinegar, with pomegranate rind, -is used for excrescences<a id="FNanchor_2704_2704"></a><a href="#Footnote_2704_2704" class="fnanchor">2704</a> of the fundament, and, mixed with -nitre, for the corns commonly known as “morticini.”<a id="FNanchor_2705_2705"></a><a href="#Footnote_2705_2705" class="fnanchor">2705</a> In -cases of alopecy which have been first treated with nitre, it -makes the hair grow again, applied with wine and saffron, or -else pepper or mouse-dung and vinegar. For chilblains, fomentations -are made of it with wine, or liniments with oil; -as also for callosities and indurations. For corns on the feet, -if pared first, it is particularly useful, as also as a preservative -against the effects of bad water, and of unhealthy climates or -weather. It is prescribed for cough, too, affections of the -uvula, jaundice of long standing, dropsy, and hoarseness, having -the effect of instantly clearing the throat and restoring the -voice. Diluted in oxycrate, and applied with a sponge, it -assuages the pains in gout.</p> - -<p>It is given also in broth<a id="FNanchor_2706_2706"></a><a href="#Footnote_2706_2706" class="fnanchor">2706</a> to patients suffering from pleurisy, -when about to take wine; and it is prescribed for convulsions -and opisthotony, in pills about as large as a chick-pea, coated -with wax. For quinsy, it is used as a gargle, and to patients -troubled with asthma or inveterate cough, it is given with -leeks in vinegar; it is prescribed, also, with vinegar, after -drinking butter-milk.<a id="FNanchor_2707_2707"></a><a href="#Footnote_2707_2707" class="fnanchor">2707</a> It is recommended with wine for consumptive -affections of the viscera and epilepsy, and with hydromel -for paralysis of the tongue; with a decoction of honey, -it forms a liniment for sciatica and lumbago.</p> - -<p>For my own part, I should not recommend,<a id="FNanchor_2708_2708"></a><a href="#Footnote_2708_2708" class="fnanchor">2708</a> what some -authors advise, to insert a pill of laser, covered with wax, in -a hollow tooth, for tooth-ache; being warned to the contrary<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_434">434</a></span> -by a remarkable case of a man, who, after doing so, threw -himself headlong from the top of a house. Besides, it is a -well-known fact, that if it is rubbed on the muzzle of a bull, it -irritates him to an extraordinary degree; and that if it is mixed -with wine, it will cause serpents to burst—those reptiles being -extremely fond of wine. In addition to this, I should not -advise any one to rub the gums with Attic honey, although -that practice is recommended by some.</p> - -<p>It would be an endless task to enumerate all the uses to -which laser is put, in combination with other substances; and -the more so, as it is only our object to treat of simple remedies, -it being these in which Nature displays her resources. -In the compound remedies, too, we often find our judgment -deceived, and quite at fault, from our comparative inattention -to the sympathy or antipathy which naturally exists between -the ingredients employed—on this subject, however, we shall -have to enlarge on a future occasion.<a id="FNanchor_2709_2709"></a><a href="#Footnote_2709_2709" class="fnanchor">2709</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_50"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 50. (24.)—PROPOLIS: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Honey would be held in no less esteem than laser, were it -not for the fact that nearly every country produces it.<a id="FNanchor_2710_2710"></a><a href="#Footnote_2710_2710" class="fnanchor">2710</a> Laser -is the production of Nature herself; but, for the formation of -honey, she has created an insect, as already described.<a id="FNanchor_2711_2711"></a><a href="#Footnote_2711_2711" class="fnanchor">2711</a> -The uses to which honey is put are quite innumerable, if we -only consider the vast number of compositions in which it -forms an ingredient. First of all, there is the propolis,<a id="FNanchor_2712_2712"></a><a href="#Footnote_2712_2712" class="fnanchor">2712</a> -which we find in the hives, as already<a id="FNanchor_2713_2713"></a><a href="#Footnote_2713_2713" class="fnanchor">2713</a> mentioned. This -substance has the property of extracting stings and all foreign -bodies from the flesh, dispersing tumours, ripening indurations, -allaying pains of the sinews, and cicatrizing ulcers of the most -obstinate nature.</p> - -<p>As to honey itself, it is of so peculiar a nature, that it prevents -putrefaction<a id="FNanchor_2714_2714"></a><a href="#Footnote_2714_2714" class="fnanchor">2714</a> from supervening, by reason of its sweetness<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_435">435</a></span> -solely, and not any inherent acridity, its natural properties -being altogether different from those of salt. It is -employed with the greatest success for affections<a id="FNanchor_2715_2715"></a><a href="#Footnote_2715_2715" class="fnanchor">2715</a> of the throat -and tonsils, for quinsy and all ailments of the mouth, as also -in fever, when the tongue is parched. Decoctions of it are -used also for peripneumony and pleurisy, for wounds inflicted -by serpents, and for the poison of fungi. For paralysis, it is -prescribed in honied wine, though that liquor also has its own -peculiar virtues. Honey is used with rose-oil, as an injection -for the ears; it has the effect also of exterminating nits and -foul vermin of the head. It is the best plan always to skim -it before using it.</p> - -<p>Still, however, honey has a tendency to inflate<a id="FNanchor_2716_2716"></a><a href="#Footnote_2716_2716" class="fnanchor">2716</a> the stomach; -it increases the bilious secretions also, produces qualmishness, -and, according to some, if employed by itself, is injurious<a id="FNanchor_2717_2717"></a><a href="#Footnote_2717_2717" class="fnanchor">2717</a> to -the sight: though, on the other hand, there are persons who -recommend ulcerations at the corners of the eyes to be touched -with honey.</p> - -<p>As to the elementary principles of honey, the different -varieties of it, the countries where it is found, and its characteristic -features, we have enlarged upon them on previous -occasions: first,<a id="FNanchor_2718_2718"></a><a href="#Footnote_2718_2718" class="fnanchor">2718</a> when treating of the nature of bees, and -secondly, when speaking<a id="FNanchor_2719_2719"></a><a href="#Footnote_2719_2719" class="fnanchor">2719</a> of that of flowers; the plan of this -work compelling us to separate subjects which ought properly -to be united, if we would arrive at a thorough knowledge of -the operations of Nature.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_51"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 51.—THE VARIOUS INFLUENCES OF DIFFERENT ALIMENTS -UPON THE DISPOSITION.</span></h3></div> - -<p>While speaking of the uses of honey, we ought also to treat -of the properties of hydromel.<a id="FNanchor_2720_2720"></a><a href="#Footnote_2720_2720" class="fnanchor">2720</a> There are two kinds of hydromel, -one of which is prepared at the moment, and taken -while fresh,<a id="FNanchor_2721_2721"></a><a href="#Footnote_2721_2721" class="fnanchor">2721</a> the other being kept to ripen. The first,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_436">436</a></span> -which is made of skimmed honey, is an extremely wholesome -beverage for invalids who take nothing but a light diet, -such as strained alica for instance: it reinvigorates the body, -is soothing to the mouth and stomach, and by its refreshing -properties allays feverish heats. I find it stated,<a id="FNanchor_2722_2722"></a><a href="#Footnote_2722_2722" class="fnanchor">2722</a> too, by -some authors, that to relax the bowels it should be taken cold, -and that it is particularly well-suited for persons of a chilly -temperament, or of a weak and pusillanimous<a id="FNanchor_2723_2723"></a><a href="#Footnote_2723_2723" class="fnanchor">2723</a> constitution, -such as the Greeks, for instance, call “micropsychi.”</p> - -<p>For there is a theory,<a id="FNanchor_2724_2724"></a><a href="#Footnote_2724_2724" class="fnanchor">2724</a> remarkable for its extreme ingenuity, -first established by Plato, according to which the primary atoms -of bodies, as they happen to be smooth or rough, angular or -round, are more or less adapted to the various temperaments -of individuals: and hence it is, that the same substances are -not universally sweet or bitter to all. So, when affected with -lassitude or thirst, we are more prone to anger than at other -times.<a id="FNanchor_2725_2725"></a><a href="#Footnote_2725_2725" class="fnanchor">2725</a> These asperities, however, of the disposition, or rather -I should say of the mind,<a id="FNanchor_2726_2726"></a><a href="#Footnote_2726_2726" class="fnanchor">2726</a> are capable of being modified by -the sweeter beverages; as they tend to lubricate the passages -for the respiration, and to mollify the channels, the work of -inhalation and exhalation being thereby unimpeded by any -rigidities. Every person must be sensible of this experimentally, -in his own case: there is no one in whom anger, affliction, -sadness, and all the emotions of the mind may not, in -some degree, be modified by diet. It will therefore be worth -our while to observe what aliments they are which exercise a -physical effect, not only upon the body, but the disposition -as well.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_52"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 52.—HYDROMEL: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Hydromel is recommended, too, as very good for a cough:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_437">437</a></span> -taken warm, it promotes vomiting. With the addition of oil -it counteracts the poison of white lead;<a id="FNanchor_2727_2727"></a><a href="#Footnote_2727_2727" class="fnanchor">2727</a> of henbane, also, -and of the halicacabum, as already stated,<a id="FNanchor_2728_2728"></a><a href="#Footnote_2728_2728" class="fnanchor">2728</a> if taken in milk, -asses’ milk in particular. It is used as an injection for diseases -of the ears, and in cases of fistula of the generative -organs. With crumb of bread it is applied as a poultice to -the uterus, as also to tumours suddenly formed, sprains, and -all affections which require soothing applications. The more -recent writers have condemned the use of fermented hydromel, -as being not so harmless as water, and less strengthening -than wine. After it has been kept a considerable time, it -becomes transformed into a wine,<a id="FNanchor_2729_2729"></a><a href="#Footnote_2729_2729" class="fnanchor">2729</a> which, it is universally -agreed, is extremely prejudicial to the stomach, and injurious -to the nerves.<a id="FNanchor_2730_2730"></a><a href="#Footnote_2730_2730" class="fnanchor">2730</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_53"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 53.—HONIED WINE: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to honied<a id="FNanchor_2731_2731"></a><a href="#Footnote_2731_2731" class="fnanchor">2731</a> wine, that is always the best which has been -made with old wine: honey, too, incorporates with it very -readily, which is never the case with sweet<a id="FNanchor_2732_2732"></a><a href="#Footnote_2732_2732" class="fnanchor">2732</a> wine. When -made with astringent wine, it does not clog the stomach, nor -has it that effect when the honey has been boiled: in this last -case, too, it causes less flatulency, an inconvenience generally -incidental to this beverage. It acts as a stimulant also upon -a failing appetite; taken cold it relaxes the bowels, but used -warm it acts astringently, in most cases, at least. It has a -tendency also to make flesh. Many persons have attained an -extreme old age, by taking bread soaked in honied wine, and -no other diet—the famous instance of Pollio Romilius, for example. -This man was more than one hundred years old when -the late Emperor Augustus, who was then his host,<a id="FNanchor_2733_2733"></a><a href="#Footnote_2733_2733" class="fnanchor">2733</a> asked<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_438">438</a></span> -him by what means in particular he had retained such remarkable -vigour of mind and body.—“Honied wine within, oil -without,”<a id="FNanchor_2734_2734"></a><a href="#Footnote_2734_2734" class="fnanchor">2734</a> was his answer. According to Varro, the jaundice -has the name of “royal disease”<a id="FNanchor_2735_2735"></a><a href="#Footnote_2735_2735" class="fnanchor">2735</a> given to it, because its -cure is effected with honied wine.<a id="FNanchor_2736_2736"></a><a href="#Footnote_2736_2736" class="fnanchor">2736</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_54"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 54.—MELITITES: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already described how melitites<a id="FNanchor_2737_2737"></a><a href="#Footnote_2737_2737" class="fnanchor">2737</a> is prepared, of -must and honey, when speaking on the subject of wines. It -is, I think, some ages, however, since this kind of beverage -was made, so extremely productive as it was found to be of -flatulency. It used, however, to be given in fever, to relieve -inveterate costiveness of the bowels, as also for gout and affections -of the sinews. It was prescribed also for females who -were not in the habit of taking wine.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_55"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 55.—WAX: EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>To an account of honey, that of wax is naturally appended, -of the origin, qualities, and different kinds of which, we have -previously made mention<a id="FNanchor_2738_2738"></a><a href="#Footnote_2738_2738" class="fnanchor">2738</a> on the appropriate occasions. -Every kind of wax is emollient and warming, and tends to -the formation of new flesh; fresh wax is, however, the best. -It is given in broth to persons troubled with dysentery, and -the combs themselves are sometimes used in a pottage made of -parched alica. Wax counteracts the bad effects<a id="FNanchor_2739_2739"></a><a href="#Footnote_2739_2739" class="fnanchor">2739</a> of milk; -and ten pills of wax, the size of a grain of millet, will prevent -milk from coagulating in the stomach. For swellings in -the groin, it is found beneficial to apply a plaster of white wax -to the pubes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_439">439</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_56"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 56.—REMARKS IN DISPARAGEMENT OF MEDICINAL -COMPOSITIONS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to the different uses to which wax is applied, in combination -with other substances in medicine, we could no more -make an enumeration of them than we could of all the other -ingredients which form part of our medicinal compositions. -These preparations, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_2740_2740"></a><a href="#Footnote_2740_2740" class="fnanchor">2740</a> observed, are the results -of human invention. Cerates, poultices,<a id="FNanchor_2741_2741"></a><a href="#Footnote_2741_2741" class="fnanchor">2741</a> plasters, eye-salves, -antidotes,—none of these have been formed by Nature, -that parent and divine framer of the universe; they are merely -the inventions of the laboratory, or rather, to say the truth, -of human avarice.<a id="FNanchor_2742_2742"></a><a href="#Footnote_2742_2742" class="fnanchor">2742</a> The works of Nature are brought into -existence complete and perfect in every respect, her ingredients -being but few in number, selected as they are from a -due appreciation of cause and effect, and not from mere guesswork; -thus, for instance, if a dry substance is wanted to assume -a liquefied form, a liquid, of course, must be employed as -a vehicle, while liquids, on the other hand, must be united with -a dry substance to render them consistent. But as for man, -when he pretends, with balance in<a id="FNanchor_2743_2743"></a><a href="#Footnote_2743_2743" class="fnanchor">2743</a> hand, to unite and combine -the various elementary substances, he employs himself -not merely upon guesswork, but proves himself guilty of downright -impudence.</p> - -<p>It is not my intention to touch upon the medicaments afforded -by the drugs of India, or Arabia and other foreign -climates: I have no liking for drugs that come from so great a -distance;<a id="FNanchor_2744_2744"></a><a href="#Footnote_2744_2744" class="fnanchor">2744</a> they are not produced for us, no, nor yet for the -natives of those countries, or else they would not be so ready -to sell them to us. Let people buy them if they please, as -ingredients in perfumes, unguents, and other appliances of -luxury; let them buy them as adjuncts to their superstitions -even, if incense and costus we must have to propitiate the -gods; but as to health, we can enjoy that blessing without<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_440">440</a></span> -their assistance, as we can easily prove—the greater reason -then has luxury to blush at its excesses.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_57"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 57.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM GRAIN. SILIGO: ONE REMEDY. -WHEAT: ONE REMEDY. CHAFF: TWO REMEDIES. SPELT: -ONE REMEDY. BRAN: ONE REMEDY. OLYRA, OR ARINCA: TWO -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Having now described the remedies derived from flowers, both -those which enter into the composition of garlands, and the -ordinary garden ones, as well as from the vegetable productions, -how could we possibly omit those which are derived from the -cereals?</p> - -<p>(25.) It will be only proper then, to make some mention of -these as well. In the first place, however, let us remark that -it is a fact universally acknowledged, that it is the most intelligent -of the animated beings that derive their subsistence -from grain. The grain of siligo<a id="FNanchor_2745_2745"></a><a href="#Footnote_2745_2745" class="fnanchor">2745</a> highly roasted and pounded -in Aminean<a id="FNanchor_2746_2746"></a><a href="#Footnote_2746_2746" class="fnanchor">2746</a> wine, applied to the eyes, heals defluxions of -those organs;<a id="FNanchor_2747_2747"></a><a href="#Footnote_2747_2747" class="fnanchor">2747</a> and the grain of wheat, parched on a plate of -iron, is an instantaneous remedy for frost-bite in various parts -of the body. Wheat-meal, boiled in vinegar, is good for contractions -of the sinews, and bran,<a id="FNanchor_2748_2748"></a><a href="#Footnote_2748_2748" class="fnanchor">2748</a> mixed with rose-oil, dried -figs, and myxa<a id="FNanchor_2749_2749"></a><a href="#Footnote_2749_2749" class="fnanchor">2749</a> plums boiled down together, forms an excellent -gargle<a id="FNanchor_2750_2750"></a><a href="#Footnote_2750_2750" class="fnanchor">2750</a> for the tonsillary glands and throat.</p> - -<p>Sextus Pomponius, who had a son prætor, and who was -himself the first citizen of Nearer Spain, was on one occasion -attacked with gout, while superintending the winnowing in -his granaries; upon which, he immediately thrust his legs, -to above the knees, in a heap of wheat. He found himself relieved, -the swelling in the legs subsided in a most surprising -degree, and from that time he always employed this remedy: -indeed, the action of grain in masses is so extremely powerful -as to cause the entire evaporation of the liquor in a cask. Men of -experience in these matters recommend warm chaff of wheat -or barley, as an application for hernia, and fomentations with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_441">441</a></span> -the water in which it has been boiled. In the grain -known<a id="FNanchor_2751_2751"></a><a href="#Footnote_2751_2751" class="fnanchor">2751</a> as spelt, there is a small worm found, similar in appearance -to the teredo:<a id="FNanchor_2752_2752"></a><a href="#Footnote_2752_2752" class="fnanchor">2752</a> if this is put with wax into the hollow -of carious teeth, they will come out, it is said, or, indeed, -if the teeth are only rubbed with it. Another name given -to olyra, as already<a id="FNanchor_2753_2753"></a><a href="#Footnote_2753_2753" class="fnanchor">2753</a> mentioned, is “arinca:” with a decoction -of it a medicament is made, known in Egypt as “athera,” -and extremely good for infants. For adult persons it is employed -in the form of a liniment.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_58"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 58.—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF MEAL: TWENTY-EIGHT -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Barley<a id="FNanchor_2754_2754"></a><a href="#Footnote_2754_2754" class="fnanchor">2754</a>-meal, raw or boiled, disperses, softens, or ripens gatherings -and inflammatory tumours; and for other purposes -a decoction of it is made in hydromel, or with dried figs. If -required for pains in the liver, it must be boiled with oxycrate -in wine. When it is a matter of doubt whether an abscess -should be made to suppurate or be dispersed, it is a better -plan to boil the meal in vinegar, or lees of vinegar, or else -with a decoction of quinces or pears. For the bite of the -millepede,<a id="FNanchor_2755_2755"></a><a href="#Footnote_2755_2755" class="fnanchor">2755</a> it is employed with honey, and for the stings of -serpents, and to prevent suppurations, with vinegar. To promote -suppuration, it should be used with oxycrate, with the -addition of Gallic resin. For gatherings, also, that have come -to a head, and ulcers of long standing, it must be employed -in combination with resin, and for indurations, with pigeons’ -dung, dried figs, or ashes. For inflammation of the tendons, -or of the intestines and sides, or for pains in the male organs and -denudations of the bones, it is used with poppies, or melilote; -and for scrofulous sores, it is used with pitch and oil, mixed -with the urine of a youth who has not reached the years of puberty. -It is employed also with fenugreek for tumours of -the thoracic organs, and in fevers, with honey, or stale grease.</p> - -<p>For suppurations, however, wheat-meal is much more soothing;<a id="FNanchor_2756_2756"></a><a href="#Footnote_2756_2756" class="fnanchor">2756</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_442">442</a></span> -it is applied topically also for affections of the sinews, -mixed with the juice of henbane, and for the cure of freckles, -with vinegar and honey. The meal of zea,<a id="FNanchor_2757_2757"></a><a href="#Footnote_2757_2757" class="fnanchor">2757</a> from which, as -already<a id="FNanchor_2758_2758"></a><a href="#Footnote_2758_2758" class="fnanchor">2758</a> stated, an alica is made, appears to be more efficacious -than that of barley even; but that of the three month<a id="FNanchor_2759_2759"></a><a href="#Footnote_2759_2759" class="fnanchor">2759</a> kind -is the most emollient. It is applied warm, in red wine, to -the stings of scorpions, as also for affections of the trachea, -and spitting of blood: for coughs, it is employed in combination -with goat suet or butter.</p> - -<p>The meal of fenugreek,<a id="FNanchor_2760_2760"></a><a href="#Footnote_2760_2760" class="fnanchor">2760</a> however, is the most soothing of -them all: boiled with wine and nitre, it heals running ulcers, -eruptions on the body, and diseases of the feet and mamillæ. -The meal of æra<a id="FNanchor_2761_2761"></a><a href="#Footnote_2761_2761" class="fnanchor">2761</a> is more detergent than the other kinds, for -inveterate ulcers and gangrenes: in combination with radishes, -salt, and vinegar, it heals lichens, and with virgin sulphur, -leprosy: for head-ache, it is applied to the forehead -with goose-grease. Boiled in wine, with pigeons’ dung and -linseed, it ripens inflamed tumours and scrofulous sores.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_59"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 59.—POLENTA: EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of the various kinds of polenta we have already treated -sufficiently<a id="FNanchor_2762_2762"></a><a href="#Footnote_2762_2762" class="fnanchor">2762</a> at length, when speaking of the places where it -is made. It differs from barley meal, in being parched, a process -which renders it more wholesome for the stomach. It -arrests looseness of the bowels, and heals inflammatory eruptions; -and it is employed as a liniment for the eyes, and for -head-ache, combined with mint or some other refreshing herb. -It is used in a similar manner also for chilblains and wounds -inflicted by serpents; and with wine, for burns. It has the -effect also of checking pustular eruptions.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_60"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 60.—FINE FLOUR: FIVE REMEDIES. PULS: ONE REMEDY. -MEAL USED FOR PASTING PAPYRUS: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The flour<a id="FNanchor_2763_2763"></a><a href="#Footnote_2763_2763" class="fnanchor">2763</a> of bolted meal, kneaded into a paste, has the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_443">443</a></span> -property of drawing<a id="FNanchor_2764_2764"></a><a href="#Footnote_2764_2764" class="fnanchor">2764</a> out the humours of the body: hence it -is applied to bruises gorged with blood, to extract the corrupt -matter, even to soaking the bandages<a id="FNanchor_2765_2765"></a><a href="#Footnote_2765_2765" class="fnanchor">2765</a> employed: used with -boiled must, it is still more efficacious. It is used as an application -also for callosities of the feet and corns; boiled with -old oil and pitch, and applied as hot as possible, it cures condylomata -and all other maladies of the fundament in a most -surprising manner. Puls<a id="FNanchor_2766_2766"></a><a href="#Footnote_2766_2766" class="fnanchor">2766</a> is a very feeding diet. The meal<a id="FNanchor_2767_2767"></a><a href="#Footnote_2767_2767" class="fnanchor">2767</a> -used for pasting the sheets of papyrus is given warm to patients -for spitting of blood, and is found to be an effectual -cure.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_61"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 61.—ALICA: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Alica is quite a Roman invention, and not a very ancient -one: for otherwise<a id="FNanchor_2768_2768"></a><a href="#Footnote_2768_2768" class="fnanchor">2768</a> the Greeks would never have written in -such high terms of the praises of ptisan in preference. I do -not think that it was yet in use in the days of Pompeius -Magnus, a circumstance which will explain why hardly any -mention has been made of it in the works of the school of -Asclepiades. That it is a most excellent preparation no one -can have a doubt, whether it is used strained in hydromel, or -whether it is boiled and taken in the form of broth or puls. To -arrest flux of the bowels, it is first parched and then boiled -with honeycomb, as already mentioned:<a id="FNanchor_2769_2769"></a><a href="#Footnote_2769_2769" class="fnanchor">2769</a> but it is more particularly -useful when there is a tendency to phthisis after a -long illness, the proper proportions being three cyathi of it to -one sextarius of water. This mixture is boiled till all the -water has gone off by evaporation, after which one sextarius -of sheep’ or goats’ milk is added: it is then taken by the -patient daily, and after a time some honey is added. By this -kind of nutriment a deep decline may be cured.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_444">444</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_62"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 62.—MILLET: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Millet<a id="FNanchor_2770_2770"></a><a href="#Footnote_2770_2770" class="fnanchor">2770</a> arrests looseness of the bowels and dispels gripings -of the stomach, for which purposes it is first parched. For -pains in the sinews, and of various other descriptions, it is -applied hot, in a bag, to the part affected. Indeed, there is -no better topical application known, as it is extremely light -and emollient, and retains heat for a very long time: hence it -is that it is so much employed in all those cases in which the -application of heat is necessary. The meal of it, mixed with -tar, is applied to wounds inflicted by serpents and millepedes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_63"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 63.—PANIC: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Diocles, the physician, has given to panic<a id="FNanchor_2771_2771"></a><a href="#Footnote_2771_2771" class="fnanchor">2771</a> the name of -“honey of corn.”<a id="FNanchor_2772_2772"></a><a href="#Footnote_2772_2772" class="fnanchor">2772</a> It has the same properties as millet, and, -taken in wine, it is good for dysentery. In a similar manner, -too, it is applied to such parts of the body as require to be -treated with heat. Boiled in goats’-milk, and taken twice -a-day, it arrests looseness of the bowels; and, used in a similar -manner, it is very good for gripings of the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_64"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 64.—SESAME: SEVEN REMEDIES. SESAMOIDES: THREE -REMEDIES. ANTICYRICUM: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Sesame,<a id="FNanchor_2773_2773"></a><a href="#Footnote_2773_2773" class="fnanchor">2773</a> pounded and taken in wine, arrests vomiting: it -is applied also topically to inflammations of the ears, and burns. -It has a similar effect even while in the blade; and in that -state, a decoction of it in wine is used as a liniment for the -eyes. As an aliment it is injurious to the stomach, and imparts -a bad odour to the breath. It is an antidote to the bite -of the spotted lizard, and heals the cancerous sore known as -“cacoethes.”<a id="FNanchor_2774_2774"></a><a href="#Footnote_2774_2774" class="fnanchor">2774</a> The oil made from it, as already<a id="FNanchor_2775_2775"></a><a href="#Footnote_2775_2775" class="fnanchor">2775</a> mentioned, is -good for the ears.</p> - -<p>Sesamoïdes<a id="FNanchor_2776_2776"></a><a href="#Footnote_2776_2776" class="fnanchor">2776</a> owes its name to its resemblance to sesame;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_445">445</a></span> -the grain<a id="FNanchor_2777_2777"></a><a href="#Footnote_2777_2777" class="fnanchor">2777</a> of it, however, is bitter, and the leaf more diminutive: -it is found growing in sandy soils. Taken in water, -it carries off bile, and, with the seed, a liniment is made for -erysipelas: it disperses inflamed swellings also. Besides this, -there is another<a id="FNanchor_2778_2778"></a><a href="#Footnote_2778_2778" class="fnanchor">2778</a> sesamoïdes, which grows at Anticyra, and, -for that reason, is known by some as “anticyricon.” In -other respects, it is similar to the plant erigeron, of which we -shall have to speak<a id="FNanchor_2779_2779"></a><a href="#Footnote_2779_2779" class="fnanchor">2779</a> on a future occasion; but the seed of it -is like that of sesame. It is given in sweet wine as an evacuant, -in doses of a pinch in three fingers, mixed with an -obolus and a half of white hellebore; this preparation being -employed principally as a purgative, in cases of insanity, melancholy, -epilepsy, and gout. Taken alone, in doses of one -drachma, it purges by stool.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_65"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 65.—BARLEY: NINE REMEDIES. MOUSE-BARLEY, BY THE -GREEKS CALLED PHŒNICE: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The whitest barley is the best. Boiled<a id="FNanchor_2780_2780"></a><a href="#Footnote_2780_2780" class="fnanchor">2780</a> in rain-water, the -pulp of it is divided into lozenges, which are used in injections -for ulcerations of the intestines and the uterus. The -ashes of barley are applied to burns, to bones denuded of the -flesh, to purulent eruptions, and to the bite of the shrew-mouse: -sprinkled with salt and honey they impart whiteness -to the teeth, and sweetness to the breath. It is alleged that -persons who are in the habit of eating barley-bread are never -troubled with gout in the feet: they say, too, that if a person -takes nine grains of barley, and traces three times round a -boil, with each of them in the left hand, and then throws -them all into the fire, he will experience an immediate cure. -There is another plant, too, known as “phœnice” by the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_446">446</a></span> -Greeks, and as “mouse-barley”<a id="FNanchor_2781_2781"></a><a href="#Footnote_2781_2781" class="fnanchor">2781</a> by us: pounded and taken -in wine, it acts remarkably well as an emmenagogue.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_66"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 66.—PTISAN: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>To ptisan,<a id="FNanchor_2782_2782"></a><a href="#Footnote_2782_2782" class="fnanchor">2782</a> which is a preparation of barley, Hippocrates<a id="FNanchor_2783_2783"></a><a href="#Footnote_2783_2783" class="fnanchor">2783</a> -has devoted a whole treatise; praises, however, which at the -present day are all transferred to “alica,” being, as it is, a -much more wholesome preparation. Hippocrates, however, -recommends it as a pottage, for the comparative ease with -which, from its lubricous nature, it is swallowed; as also, because -it allays thirst, never swells in the stomach, passes easily -through the intestines, and is the only food that admits of -being given twice a-day in fever, at least to patients who are -in the habit of taking two meals—so opposed is his method -to that of those physicians who are for famishing their patients. -He forbids it to be given, however, without being -first strained; for no part, he says, of the ptisan, except the -water,<a id="FNanchor_2784_2784"></a><a href="#Footnote_2784_2784" class="fnanchor">2784</a> should be used. He says, too, that it must never be -taken while the feet are cold, and, indeed, that no drink of -any kind should be taken then. With wheat a more viscous -kind of ptisan is made, which is found to be still more efficacious -for ulcerations of the trachea.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_67"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 67.—AMYLUM: EIGHT REMEDIES. OATS: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Amylum<a id="FNanchor_2785_2785"></a><a href="#Footnote_2785_2785" class="fnanchor">2785</a> weakens the eyesight,<a id="FNanchor_2786_2786"></a><a href="#Footnote_2786_2786" class="fnanchor">2786</a> and is bad for the throat, -whatever opinions may be held to the contrary. It has the -effect also of arresting looseness of the bowels, and curing defluxions -and ulcerations of the eyes, as also pustules and congestions -of the blood. It mollifies indurations of the eyelids, -and is given with egg to persons when they vomit blood. For -pains of the bladder, half an ounce of it is prescribed with an -egg, and as much raisin wine as three egg-shells will hold, -the mixture to be made lukewarm and taken immediately -after the bath. Oatmeal, boiled in vinegar, removes moles.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_447">447</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_68"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 68.—BREAD: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Bread,<a id="FNanchor_2787_2787"></a><a href="#Footnote_2787_2787" class="fnanchor">2787</a> too, which forms our ordinary nutriment, possesses -medicinal properties, almost without number. Applied with -water and oil, or else rose-oil, it softens abscesses; and, with -hydromel, it is remarkably soothing for indurations. It is prescribed -with wine to produce delitescence, or when a defluxion -requires to be checked; or, if additional activity is required, -with vinegar. It is employed also for the morbid defluxions of -rheum, known to the Greeks as “rheumatismi,” and for -bruises and sprains. For all these purposes, however, bread -made with leaven, and known as “autopyrus,”<a id="FNanchor_2788_2788"></a><a href="#Footnote_2788_2788" class="fnanchor">2788</a> is the best.</p> - -<p>It is applied also to whitlows, in vinegar, and to callosities of -the feet. Stale bread, or sailors’-bread,<a id="FNanchor_2789_2789"></a><a href="#Footnote_2789_2789" class="fnanchor">2789</a> beaten up and baked -again, arrests looseness of the bowels. For persons who wish to -improve the voice, dry bread is very good, taken fasting; it -is useful also as a preservative against catarrhs. The bread -called “sitanius,” and which is made of three-month<a id="FNanchor_2790_2790"></a><a href="#Footnote_2790_2790" class="fnanchor">2790</a> wheat, -applied with honey, is a very efficient cure for contusions of -the face and scaly eruptions. White bread, steeped in hot or -cold water, furnishes a very light and wholesome aliment for -patients. Soaked in wine, it is applied as a poultice for -swellings of the eyes, and used in a similar manner, or with -the addition of dried myrtle, it is good for pustules on the -head. Persons troubled with palsy are recommended to take -bread soaked in water, fasting, immediately after the bath. -Burnt bread modifies the close smell of bedrooms, and, used -in the strainers,<a id="FNanchor_2791_2791"></a><a href="#Footnote_2791_2791" class="fnanchor">2791</a> it neutralizes bad odours in wine.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_69"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 69.—BEANS: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Beans,<a id="FNanchor_2792_2792"></a><a href="#Footnote_2792_2792" class="fnanchor">2792</a> too, furnish us with some remedies. Parched whole, -and thrown hot into strong vinegar, they are a cure for gripings<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_448">448</a></span> -of the bowels. Bruised, and boiled with garlic, they are -taken with the daily food for inveterate coughs, and for suppurations -of the chest. Chewed by a person fasting, they are -applied topically to ripen boils, or to disperse them; and, -boiled in wine, they are employed for swellings of the testes -and diseases of the genitals. Bean-meal, boiled in vinegar, -ripens tumours and breaks them, and heals contusions and -burns. M. Varro assures us that beans are very good for the -voice. The ashes of bean stalks and shells, with stale hogs’-lard, -are good for sciatica and inveterate pains of the sinews. -The husks, too, boiled down, by themselves, to one-third, -arrest looseness of the bowels.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_70"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 70.—LENTILS: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Those lentils<a id="FNanchor_2793_2793"></a><a href="#Footnote_2793_2793" class="fnanchor">2793</a> are the best which boil the most easily, and -those in particular which absorb the most water. They injure -the eye-sight,<a id="FNanchor_2794_2794"></a><a href="#Footnote_2794_2794" class="fnanchor">2794</a> no doubt, and inflate the stomach; but taken -with the food, they act astringently upon the bowels, more -particularly if they are thoroughly boiled in rain-water: if, -on the other hand, they are lightly boiled, they are laxative.<a id="FNanchor_2795_2795"></a><a href="#Footnote_2795_2795" class="fnanchor">2795</a> -They break purulent ulcers, and they cleanse and cicatrize -ulcerations of the mouth. Applied topically, they allay all -kinds of abscesses, when ulcerated and chapped more particularly; -with melilote or quinces they are applied to defluxions -of the eyes, and with polenta they are employed topically for -suppurations. A decoction of them is used for ulcerations of -the mouth and genitals, and, with rose-oil or quinces, for -diseases of the fundament. For affections which demand a -more active remedy, they are used with pomegranate rind, -and the addition of a little honey; to prevent the composition -from drying too quickly, beet leaves are added. They are applied -topically, also, to scrofulous sores, and to tumours, whether -ripe or only coming to a head, being thoroughly boiled first -in vinegar. Mixed with hydromel they are employed for the -cure of chaps, and with pomegranate rind for gangrenes. -With polenta they are used for gout, for diseases of the -uterus and kidneys, for chilblains, and for ulcerations which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_449">449</a></span> -cicatrize with difficulty. For a disordered stomach, thirty -grains should be eaten.</p> - -<p>For cholera,<a id="FNanchor_2796_2796"></a><a href="#Footnote_2796_2796" class="fnanchor">2796</a> however, and dysentery, it is the best plan to -boil the lentils in three waters, in which case they should -always be parched first, and then pounded as fine as possible, -either by themselves, or else with quinces, pears, myrtle, wild -endive, black beet, or plantago. Lentils are bad for the -lungs, head-ache, all nervous affections, and bile, and are very -apt to cause restlessness at night. They are useful, however, -for pustules, erysipelas, and affections of the mamillæ, boiled -in sea-water; and, applied with vinegar, they disperse indurations -and scrofulous sores. As a stomachic, they are mixed, -like polenta, with the drink given to patients. Parboiled in -water, and then pounded and bolted through a sieve to disengage -the bran, they are good for burns, care being taken to -add a little honey as they heal: they are boiled, also, with -oxycrate for diseases of the throat.<a id="FNanchor_2797_2797"></a><a href="#Footnote_2797_2797" class="fnanchor">2797</a></p> - -<p>There is a marsh-lentil<a id="FNanchor_2798_2798"></a><a href="#Footnote_2798_2798" class="fnanchor">2798</a> also, which grows spontaneously -in stagnant waters. It is of a cooling nature, for which reason -it is employed topically for abscesses, and for gout in particular, -either by itself or with polenta. Its glutinous properties -render it a good medicine for intestinal hernia.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_71"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 71.—THE ELELISPHACOS, SPHACOS, OR SALVIA: THIRTEEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The plant called by the Greeks “elelisphacos,”<a id="FNanchor_2799_2799"></a><a href="#Footnote_2799_2799" class="fnanchor">2799</a> or “sphacos,” -is a species of wild lentil, lighter than the cultivated one, -and with a leaf, smaller, drier, and more odoriferous. There -is also another<a id="FNanchor_2800_2800"></a><a href="#Footnote_2800_2800" class="fnanchor">2800</a> kind of it, of a wilder nature, and possessed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_450">450</a></span> -of a powerful smell, the other one being milder. It<a id="FNanchor_2801_2801"></a><a href="#Footnote_2801_2801" class="fnanchor">2801</a> has leaves -the shape of a quince, but white and smaller: they are generally -boiled with the branches. This plant acts as an emmenagogue -and a diuretic: and it affords a remedy for wounds -inflicted by the sting-ray,<a id="FNanchor_2802_2802"></a><a href="#Footnote_2802_2802" class="fnanchor">2802</a> having the property of benumbing -the part affected. It is taken in drink with wormwood for -dysentery: employed with wine it accelerates the catamenia -when retarded, a decoction of it having the effect of arresting -them when in excess: the plant, applied by itself, stanches -the blood of wounds. It is a cure, too, for the stings of serpents, -and a decoction of it in wine allays prurigo of the -testes.</p> - -<p>Our herbalists of the present day take for the “elelisphacos” -of the Greeks the “salvia”<a id="FNanchor_2803_2803"></a><a href="#Footnote_2803_2803" class="fnanchor">2803</a> of the Latins, a plant similar in -appearance to mint, white and aromatic. Applied externally, -it expels the dead fœtus, as also worms which breed in ulcers -and in the ears.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_72"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 72.—THE CHICKPEA AND THE CHICHELING VETCH: -TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a wild chickpea also, which resembles in its leaf the -cultivated kind,<a id="FNanchor_2804_2804"></a><a href="#Footnote_2804_2804" class="fnanchor">2804</a> and has a powerful smell. Taken in considerable -quantities, it relaxes the bowels, and produces griping -pains and flatulency; parched, however, it is looked upon as -more wholesome. The chicheling vetch,<a id="FNanchor_2805_2805"></a><a href="#Footnote_2805_2805" class="fnanchor">2805</a> again, acts more beneficially -upon the bowels. The meal of both kinds heals running -sores of the head—that of the wild sort being the more efficacious -of the two—as also epilepsy, swellings of the liver, and -stings inflicted by serpents. It acts as an emmenagogue and -a diuretic, used in the grain more particularly, and it is a cure -for lichens, inflammations of the testes, jaundice, and dropsy. -All these kinds, however, exercise an injurious effect upon -ulcerations of the bladder and kidneys: but in combination -with honey they are very good for gangrenous sores, and the -cancer known as “cacoethes.” The following is a method<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_451">451</a></span> -adopted for the cure of all kinds of warts: on the first day of -the moon, each wart must be touched with a single chickpea, -after which, the party must tie up the pease in a linen cloth, -and throw it behind him; by adopting this plan, it is thought, -the warts will be made to disappear.</p> - -<p>Our authors recommend the plant known as the “arietinum”<a id="FNanchor_2806_2806"></a><a href="#Footnote_2806_2806" class="fnanchor">2806</a> -to be boiled in water with salt, and two cyathi of the decoction -to be taken for strangury. Employed in a similar manner, it -expels calculi, and cures jaundice. The water in which the -leaves and stalks of this plant have been boiled, applied as a -fomentation as hot as possible, allays gout in the feet, an effect -equally produced by the plant itself, beaten up and applied -warm. A decoction of the columbine<a id="FNanchor_2807_2807"></a><a href="#Footnote_2807_2807" class="fnanchor">2807</a> chickpea, it is thought, -moderates the shivering fits in tertian or quartan fevers; and -the black kind, beaten up with half a nut-gall, and applied -with raisin wine, is a cure for ulcers of the eyes.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_73"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 73.—THE FITCH: TWENTY REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In speaking of the fitch,<a id="FNanchor_2808_2808"></a><a href="#Footnote_2808_2808" class="fnanchor">2808</a> we have mentioned certain properties -belonging to it; and, indeed, the ancients have attributed -to it no fewer virtues than they have to the cabbage. -For the stings of serpents, it is employed with vinegar; as -also for bites inflicted by crocodiles and human beings. If a -person eats of it, fasting, every day, according to authors of -the very highest authority, the spleen will gradually diminish. -The meal of it removes spots on the face and other parts of the -body. It prevents ulcers from spreading also, and is extremely -efficacious for affections of the mamillæ: mixed with wine, it -makes carbuncles break. Parched, and taken with a piece of -honey the size of a hazel nut, it cures dysuria, flatulency, -affections of the liver, tenesmus, and that state of the body in -which no nourishment is derived from the food, generally known -as “atrophy.” For cutaneous eruptions, plasters are made of -it boiled with honey, being left to remain four days on the part -affected. Applied with honey, it prevents inflamed tumours -from suppurating. A decoction of it, employed as a fomentation,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_452">452</a></span> -cures chilblains and prurigo; and it is thought by some, -that if it is taken daily, fasting, it will improve the complexion -of all parts of the body.</p> - -<p>Used as an aliment, this pulse is far from wholesome,<a id="FNanchor_2809_2809"></a><a href="#Footnote_2809_2809" class="fnanchor">2809</a> being -apt to produce vomiting, disorder the bowels, and stuff the -head and stomach. It weakens the knees also; but the effects -of it may be modified by keeping it in soak for several days, in -which case it is remarkably beneficial for oxen and beasts of -burden. The pods of it, beaten up green with the stalks and -leaves, before they harden, stain the hair black.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_74"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 74.—LUPINES: THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are wild lupines,<a id="FNanchor_2810_2810"></a><a href="#Footnote_2810_2810" class="fnanchor">2810</a> also, inferior in every respect to -the cultivated kinds, except in their bitterness. Of all the -alimentary substances, there are none which are less heavy or -more useful<a id="FNanchor_2811_2811"></a><a href="#Footnote_2811_2811" class="fnanchor">2811</a> than dried lupines. Their bitterness is considerably -modified by cooking them on hot ashes, or steeping them -in hot water. Employed frequently as an article of food, they -impart freshness to the colour; the bitter lupine, too, is good for -the sting of the asp. Dried lupines, stripped of the husk and -pounded, are applied in a linen cloth to black ulcers, in which -they make new flesh: boiled in vinegar, they disperse scrofulous -sores and imposthumes of the parotid glands. A decoction -of them, with rue and pepper, is given in fever even, as -an expellent of intestinal worms,<a id="FNanchor_2812_2812"></a><a href="#Footnote_2812_2812" class="fnanchor">2812</a> to patients under thirty -years of age. For children, also, they are applied to the stomach -as a vermifuge, the patient fasting in the meantime: and, -according to another mode of treatment, they are parched and -taken in boiled must or in honey.</p> - -<p>Lupines have the effect of stimulating the appetite, and of -dispelling nausea. The meal of them, kneaded up with vinegar, -and applied in the bath, removes pimples and prurigo; -employed alone, it dries up ulcerous sores. It cures bruises -also, and, used with polenta, allays inflammations. The wild -lupine is found to be the most efficacious for debility of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_453">453</a></span> -hips and loins. A decoction of them, used as a fomentation, -removes freckles and improves the skin; and lupines, -either wild or cultivated, boiled down to the consistency of -honey, are a cure for black eruptions and leprosy. An application -of cultivated lupines causes carbuncles to break, and reduces -inflamed tumours and scrofulous sores, or else brings them -to a head: boiled in vinegar, they restore the flesh when cicatrized -to its proper colour. Thoroughly boiled in rain-water, -the decoction of them furnishes a detersive medicine, of which -fomentations are made for gangrenes, purulent eruptions, and -running ulcers. This decoction is very good, taken in drink, -for affections of the spleen, and with honey, for retardations of -the catamenia. Beaten up raw, with dried figs, lupines are -applied externally to the spleen. A decoction of the root acts -as a diuretic.</p> - -<p>The herb chamæleon,<a id="FNanchor_2813_2813"></a><a href="#Footnote_2813_2813" class="fnanchor">2813</a> also, is boiled with lupines, and the -water of it strained off, to be used as a potion for cattle. -Lupines boiled in amurca,<a id="FNanchor_2814_2814"></a><a href="#Footnote_2814_2814" class="fnanchor">2814</a> or a decoction of them mixed with -amurca, heals the itch in beasts. The smoke of lupines kills<a id="FNanchor_2815_2815"></a><a href="#Footnote_2815_2815" class="fnanchor">2815</a> -gnats.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_75"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 75.—IRIO, OR ERYSIMUM, BY THE GAULS CALLED VELA: -FIFTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>When treating of the cereals, we have already stated<a id="FNanchor_2816_2816"></a><a href="#Footnote_2816_2816" class="fnanchor">2816</a> that -the irio, which strongly resembles sesame, is also called “erysimon” -by the Greeks: the Gauls give it the name of “vela.” -It is a branchy plant, with leaves like those of rocket, but a -little narrower, and a seed similar to that of nasturtium. With -honey, it is extremely good for cough and purulent expectorations: -it is given, also, for jaundice and affections of the loins, -pleurisy, gripings of the bowels, and cœliac affections, and is -used in liniments for imposthumes of the parotid glands and carcinomatous -affections. Employed with water, or with honey, -it is useful for inflammations of the testes, and is extremely -beneficial for the diseases of infants. Mixed with honey and -figs, it is good for affections of the fundament and diseases of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_454">454</a></span> -the joints; and taken in drink, it is an excellent antidote to -poisons. It is used, also, for asthma,<a id="FNanchor_2817_2817"></a><a href="#Footnote_2817_2817" class="fnanchor">2817</a> and with stale axle-grease -for fistulas; but it must not be allowed to touch the -interior of them.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_76"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 76.—HORMINUM: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Horminum resembles cummin, as already stated,<a id="FNanchor_2818_2818"></a><a href="#Footnote_2818_2818" class="fnanchor">2818</a> in its -seed; but in other respects, it is like the leek.<a id="FNanchor_2819_2819"></a><a href="#Footnote_2819_2819" class="fnanchor">2819</a> It grows to -some nine inches in height, and there are two varieties of it. -In one of these the seed is oblong, and darker than that of the -other, and the plant itself is in request as an aphrodisiac, and -for the cure of argema and albugo in the eyes: of the other -kind the seed is whiter, and of a rounder form. Both kinds, -pounded and applied with water, are used for the extraction -of thorns from the body. The leaves, steeped in vinegar, disperse -tumours, either used by themselves, or in combination -with honey; they are employed, also, to disperse boils, before -they have come to a head, and other collections of acrid humours.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_77"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 77.—DARNEL: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Even more than this—the very plants which are the bane of -the corn-field are not without their medicinal uses. Darnel<a id="FNanchor_2820_2820"></a><a href="#Footnote_2820_2820" class="fnanchor">2820</a> -has received from Virgil<a id="FNanchor_2821_2821"></a><a href="#Footnote_2821_2821" class="fnanchor">2821</a> the epithet of “unhappy;” and yet, -ground and boiled with vinegar, it is used as an application for -the cure of impetigo, which is the more speedily effected the -oftener the application is renewed. It is employed, also, with -oxymel, for the cure of gout and other painful diseases. The -following is the mode of treatment: for one sextarius of vinegar, -two ounces of honey is the right proportion; three sextarii -having been thus prepared, two sextarii of darnel meal -are boiled down in it to a proper consistency, the mixture being -applied warm to the part affected. This meal, too, is used for -the extraction of splinters of broken bones.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_78"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 78.—THE PLANT MILIARIA: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>“Miliaria”<a id="FNanchor_2822_2822"></a><a href="#Footnote_2822_2822" class="fnanchor">2822</a> is the name given to a plant which kills millet: -this plant, it is said, is a cure for gout in beasts of burden, -beaten up and administered in wine, with the aid of a horn.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_79"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 79.—BROMOS: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Bromos<a id="FNanchor_2823_2823"></a><a href="#Footnote_2823_2823" class="fnanchor">2823</a> is the seed also of a plant which bears an ear. It -is a kind of oat which grows among corn, to which it is injurious; -the leaves and stalk of it resemble those of wheat, and -at the extremity it bears seeds, hanging down, something like -small locusts<a id="FNanchor_2824_2824"></a><a href="#Footnote_2824_2824" class="fnanchor">2824</a> in appearance. The seed of this plant is useful -for plasters, like barley and other grain of a similar nature. -A decoction of it is good for coughs.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_80"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 80.—OROBANCHE, OR CYNOMORION: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have mentioned<a id="FNanchor_2825_2825"></a><a href="#Footnote_2825_2825" class="fnanchor">2825</a> orobanche as the name of a plant -which kills the fitch and other leguminous plants. Some -persons have called it “cynomorion,” from the resemblance -which it bears to the genitals of a dog. The stem of it is -leafless, thick, and red. It is eaten either raw, or boiled in the -saucepan, while young and tender.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_81"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 81.—REMEDIES FOR INJURIES INFLICTED BY INSECTS WHICH -BREED AMONG LEGUMINOUS PLANTS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There are some venomous insects also, of the solipuga<a id="FNanchor_2826_2826"></a><a href="#Footnote_2826_2826" class="fnanchor">2826</a> kind, -which breed upon leguminous plants, and which, by stinging -the hands, endanger life. For these stings all those remedies -are efficacious which have been mentioned for the bite of the -spider and the phalangium.<a id="FNanchor_2827_2827"></a><a href="#Footnote_2827_2827" class="fnanchor">2827</a> Such, then, are the medicinal -properties for which the cereals are employed.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_456">456</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXII_CHAP_82"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 82.—THE USE MADE OF THE YEAST OF ZYTHUM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Different beverages, too, are made from the cereals, zythum -in Egypt, cælia and cerea in Spain, cervesia<a id="FNanchor_2828_2828"></a><a href="#Footnote_2828_2828" class="fnanchor">2828</a> and numerous -liquors in Gaul and other provinces. The yeast<a id="FNanchor_2829_2829"></a><a href="#Footnote_2829_2829" class="fnanchor">2829</a> of all of these -is used by women as a cosmetic for the face.—But as we are -now speaking of beverages, it will be the best plan to pass on -to the various uses of wine, and to make a beginning with the -vine of our account of the medicinal properties of the trees.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Summary.</span>—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine -hundred and six.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Authors quoted.</span>—All those mentioned in the preceding -Book; and, in addition to them, Chrysermus,<a id="FNanchor_2830_2830"></a><a href="#Footnote_2830_2830" class="fnanchor">2830</a> Eratosthenes,<a id="FNanchor_2831_2831"></a><a href="#Footnote_2831_2831" class="fnanchor">2831</a> -and Alcæus.<a id="FNanchor_2832_2832"></a><a href="#Footnote_2832_2832" class="fnanchor">2832</a></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_457">457</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="BOOK_XXIII">BOOK XXIII.<br /> -<br /> -<span class="small">THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CULTIVATED TREES.</span></h2></div> - -<h3 class="nobreak" id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_1"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 1. (1.)—INTRODUCTION.</span></h3> - -<p class="noindent"><span class="smcap">We</span> have now set forth the various properties, medicinal or -otherwise, as well of the cereals as of the other productions -which lie upon<a id="FNanchor_2833_2833"></a><a href="#Footnote_2833_2833" class="fnanchor">2833</a> the surface of the earth, for the purpose either -of serving us for food, or for the gratification of our senses -with their flowers or perfumes. In the trees, however, -Pomona has entered the lists with them, and has imparted -certain medicinal properties to the fruits as they hang. Not content -with protecting and nourishing, under the shadow of the -trees, the various plants which we have<a id="FNanchor_2834_2834"></a><a href="#Footnote_2834_2834" class="fnanchor">2834</a> already described, -she would even appear to be indignant, as it were, at the -thought that we should derive more succour from those productions -which are further removed from the canopy of heaven, -and which have only come into use in times comparatively recent. -For she bids man bear in mind that it was the fruits of -the trees which formed his first nourishment, and that it was -these which first led him to look upwards towards the heavens: -and not only this, but she reminds him, too, that even still it -is quite possible for him to derive his aliment from the trees, -without being indebted to grain for his subsistence.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_2"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 2.—THE VINE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>But, by Hercules! it is the vine more particularly to which -she has accorded these medicinal properties, as though she -were not contented with her generosity in providing it with -such delicious flavours, and perfumes, and essences, in its omphacium, -its œnanthe, and its massaris, preparations upon -which we have already<a id="FNanchor_2835_2835"></a><a href="#Footnote_2835_2835" class="fnanchor">2835</a> enlarged. “It is to me,” she says, -“that man is indebted for the greater part of his enjoyments,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_458">458</a></span> -it is I that produce for him the flowing wine and the trickling -oil, it is I that ripen the date and other fruits in numbers so -varied; and all this, not insisting, like the earth, on their purchase -at the cost of fatigues and labours. No necessity do I -create for ploughing with the aid of oxen, for beating out -upon the threshing-floor, or for bruising under the millstone, -and all in order that man may earn his food at some indefinite -time by this vast expenditure of toil. As for me, all my gifts -are presented to him ready prepared: for no anxieties or -fatigues do they call, but, on the contrary, they offer themselves -spontaneously, and even fall to the ground, if man -should be too indolent to reach them as they hang.” Vying -even with herself, Pomona has done still more for our practical -advantage than for the mere gratification of our pleasures -and caprices.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_3"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 3.—THE LEAVES AND SHOOTS OF THE VINE: SEVEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p><a id="FNanchor_2836_2836"></a><a href="#Footnote_2836_2836" class="fnanchor">2836</a> -The leaves and shoots of the vine, employed with polenta, -allay head-ache and reduce inflammations:<a id="FNanchor_2837_2837"></a><a href="#Footnote_2837_2837" class="fnanchor">2837</a> the leaves, too, -applied by themselves with cold water, are good for burning -pains in the stomach; and, used with barley-meal, are excellent -applications for diseases of the joints. The shoots, beaten -up and applied, have the property of drying up all kinds of -running tumours, and the juice extracted from them is used -as an injection for the cure of dysentery. The tears of the -vine, which would appear to be a sort of gum, will heal leprous -sores, lichens, and itch-scabs, if treated first with nitre: -used with oil, and applied frequently to superfluous hairs, they -act as a depilatory, those more particularly which exude from -the vine when burnt in a green state: this last liquid has the -effect, too, of removing warts. An infusion of the shoots in -water, taken in drink, is good for persons troubled with spitting -of blood, and for the fainting fits which sometimes ensue upon -conception.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_459">459</a></span></p> - -<p>The bark of the vine and the dried leaves arrest the flowing -of blood from wounds, and make the sores cicatrize more -rapidly. The juice of the white vine,<a id="FNanchor_2838_2838"></a><a href="#Footnote_2838_2838" class="fnanchor">2838</a> extracted from it while -green, effectually removes cutaneous<a id="FNanchor_2839_2839"></a><a href="#Footnote_2839_2839" class="fnanchor">2839</a> eruptions. The ashes<a id="FNanchor_2840_2840"></a><a href="#Footnote_2840_2840" class="fnanchor">2840</a> -of the cuttings of vines, and of the husks of the grapes, applied -with vinegar, are curative of condylomata and diseases -of the fundament; as also of sprains, burns, and swellings of -the spleen, applied with rose-oil, rue, and vinegar. Used with -wine, but without oil, they make a fomentation for erysipelas -and parts of the body which are chafed; they act as a depilatory -also.<a id="FNanchor_2841_2841"></a><a href="#Footnote_2841_2841" class="fnanchor">2841</a> For affections of the spleen the ashes of vine-cuttings, -moistened with vinegar, are administered in drink, -being taken in doses of two cyathi in warm water; after which -the patient must take due care to lie upon the side in which -the spleen is situate.</p> - -<p>The tendrils, too, which the vine throws out as it climbs, -beaten up in water and drunk, have the effect of arresting -habitual vomiting. The ashes of the vine, used with stale -axle-grease, are good for tumours, act as a detergent upon fistulas, -and speedily effect a radical cure; the same, too, with -pains and contractions of the sinews, occasioned by cold. Applied -with oil, they are useful for contusions, and with vinegar -and nitre, for fleshy excrescences upon the bones: in combination -with oil, they are good, too, for wounds inflicted by scorpions -and dogs. The ashes of the bark, employed by themselves, -restore the hair to such parts of the body as have suffered -from the action of fire.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_4"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 4.—OMPHACIUM EXTRACTED FROM THE VINE: FOURTEEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already<a id="FNanchor_2842_2842"></a><a href="#Footnote_2842_2842" class="fnanchor">2842</a> mentioned, when speaking of the composition -of unguents, how omphacium is made from the grape, -when it is just beginning to form: we shall now proceed to -speak of its medicinal properties. Omphacium heals ulcerations -of the humid parts of the body, such as the mouth, tonsillary<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_460">460</a></span> -glands, and generative organs, for example; it is very good, -too, for the sight, for rough spots upon the eyelids, ulcers at the -corners of the eyes, films upon the eyes, running sores on all -parts of the body, cicatrizations<a id="FNanchor_2843_2843"></a><a href="#Footnote_2843_2843" class="fnanchor">2843</a> slow in forming, and purulent -discharges from the ears. The powerful action of omphacium -is modified by the admixture of honey or raisin wine. It is -very useful, too, for dysentery, spitting of blood, and quinsy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_5"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 5.—ŒNANTHE: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next to omphacium comes œnanthe, a product of the wild -vine, described by us already<a id="FNanchor_2844_2844"></a><a href="#Footnote_2844_2844" class="fnanchor">2844</a> when treating of the unguents. -The most esteemed kind is that of Syria, the produce of the -white vine<a id="FNanchor_2845_2845"></a><a href="#Footnote_2845_2845" class="fnanchor">2845</a> in the vicinity of the mountains of Antiochia and -Laodicea in particular. Being of a cooling, astringent nature, -it is used for sprinkling upon sores, and is employed as a topical -application for diseases of the stomach. It acts also as a -diuretic, and is good for maladies of the liver, head-ache, -dysentery, cœliac affections, and attacks of cholera: for nausea, -it is taken in doses of one obolus in vinegar. It acts as a desiccative -upon running eruptions of the head, and is extremely -efficacious for maladies of the humid parts of the body; hence -it is that it is employed, with honey and saffron, for ulcers of -the mouth, and for diseases of the generative organs and the -fundament. It arrests looseness of the bowels, and heals eruptions -of the eyelids and runnings at the eyes: taken with wine, -it cures derangements of the stomach, and with cold water, -spitting of blood.</p> - -<p>The ashes of œnanthe are highly esteemed as an ingredient -in eye-salves, and as a detergent for ulcers, whitlows, and -hang-nails;<a id="FNanchor_2846_2846"></a><a href="#Footnote_2846_2846" class="fnanchor">2846</a> to obtain these ashes, it is put into an oven, and -left there till the bread is thoroughly baked.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_461">461</a></span></p> - -<p>As to massaris,<a id="FNanchor_2847_2847"></a><a href="#Footnote_2847_2847" class="fnanchor">2847</a> it is used as a perfume only. The renown -attached to all these preparations is due solely to the innate -greediness of mankind, which has racked its invention to gather -the productions of the earth before they have arrived at maturity.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_6"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 6.—GRAPES, FRESH GATHERED.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to grapes when allowed to gain maturity, the black ones -have more marked properties<a id="FNanchor_2848_2848"></a><a href="#Footnote_2848_2848" class="fnanchor">2848</a> than the others; and hence it -is, that the wine made from them is not so agreeable. The -white grapes, on the other hand, are sweeter, for, being transparent, -the air penetrates them with greater facility.</p> - -<p>Grapes fresh gathered are productive of flatulency, and disturb -the stomach and bowels; hence it is that they are avoided -in fevers, in large quantities more particularly. Indeed, they -are very apt to produce oppression of the head, and to bring on -the malady known as lethargy.<a id="FNanchor_2849_2849"></a><a href="#Footnote_2849_2849" class="fnanchor">2849</a> Grapes which have been -gathered, and left to hang for some time, are much less<a id="FNanchor_2850_2850"></a><a href="#Footnote_2850_2850" class="fnanchor">2850</a> injurious, -the exposure to the air rendering them beneficial even to -the stomach, and refreshing to the patient, as they are slightly -cooling, and tend to remove nausea and qualmishness.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_7"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 7.—VARIOUS KINDS OF PRESERVED GRAPES: ELEVEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Grapes which have been preserved in wine or in must are -trying to the head. Next to the grapes which have been left -to hang in the air, are those which have been kept in chaff; -but as to those which have been preserved among grape husks, -they are injurious<a id="FNanchor_2851_2851"></a><a href="#Footnote_2851_2851" class="fnanchor">2851</a> to the head, the bladder, and the stomach,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_462">462</a></span> -though at the same time they arrest looseness of the bowels, -and are extremely good for patients troubled with spitting of -blood. When preserved in must, they are worse even in their -effects than when kept among husks; boiled<a id="FNanchor_2852_2852"></a><a href="#Footnote_2852_2852" class="fnanchor">2852</a> must, too, renders -them injurious to the stomach. It is the opinion of medical -writers, that grapes kept<a id="FNanchor_2853_2853"></a><a href="#Footnote_2853_2853" class="fnanchor">2853</a> in rain-water are the most wholesome -of all, even though they are by no means agreeable eating; -for the benefit of them is particularly experienced in burning -pains of the stomach, biliousness arising from a disordered liver, -vomiting of bile, and attacks of cholera, as also dropsy and -burning fevers.</p> - -<p>Grapes kept in earthen pots sharpen the taste, the stomach, -and the appetite; it is thought, however, that they are rendered -a little heavy<a id="FNanchor_2854_2854"></a><a href="#Footnote_2854_2854" class="fnanchor">2854</a> by the exhalations from the husks with -which they are covered.<a id="FNanchor_2855_2855"></a><a href="#Footnote_2855_2855" class="fnanchor">2855</a> If vine-blossoms are given to -poultry, mixed with their food, they will never touch the -grapes.<a id="FNanchor_2856_2856"></a><a href="#Footnote_2856_2856" class="fnanchor">2856</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_8"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 8.—CUTTINGS OF THE VINE: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Such cuttings of the vine as have borne grapes, have an -astringent effect, when they are preserved in earthen<a id="FNanchor_2857_2857"></a><a href="#Footnote_2857_2857" class="fnanchor">2857</a> pots, -more particularly.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_9"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 9.—GRAPE-STONES: SIX REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Grape-stones, also, have a similar<a id="FNanchor_2858_2858"></a><a href="#Footnote_2858_2858" class="fnanchor">2858</a> property; it is through -them that wine is so apt to produce head-ache. Parched and -then pounded, they are beneficial for the stomach; and this -powder is sprinkled, like polenta, in the beverage of patients -suffering from dysentery, cœliac affections, and derangements -of the stomach. A decoction of them is useful, also, as a fomentation -for itch-scabs and prurigo.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_463">463</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_10"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 10.—GRAPE-HUSKS: EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Grape-husks, used by themselves, are less injurious to the -head and bladder than grape-stones are: beaten up with salt, -they form an excellent liniment for inflammations of the mamillæ. -A decoction of them, taken in drink, or employed as -a fomentation, is good for inveterate dysentery, and cœliac affections.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_11"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 11.—THE GRAPES OF THE THERIACA: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The grape of the theriaca, of which we have already made -mention<a id="FNanchor_2859_2859"></a><a href="#Footnote_2859_2859" class="fnanchor">2859</a> on the appropriate occasion, is eaten by way of antidote -to the stings of serpents. It is recommended, too, to eat -the young shoots of this tree, and to apply them topically. -The wine and vinegar made from these grapes are productive -of a similar salutary effect.<a id="FNanchor_2860_2860"></a><a href="#Footnote_2860_2860" class="fnanchor">2860</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_12"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 12.—RAISINS, OR ASTAPHIS: FOURTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Raisins, the name given to which is “astaphis,” would be -injurious to the stomach, abdomen, and intestines, were it not -for the stones within them, which act as a corrective.<a id="FNanchor_2861_2861"></a><a href="#Footnote_2861_2861" class="fnanchor">2861</a> When -the stones are removed, raisins, it is thought, are beneficial to -the bladder, and good for cough:<a id="FNanchor_2862_2862"></a><a href="#Footnote_2862_2862" class="fnanchor">2862</a> in the last case, the raisin -of the white grape is considered the best. Raisins are good -also for the trachea and the kidneys, and the wine made from -them is particularly efficacious for the sting of the serpent -called hæmorrhoïs.<a id="FNanchor_2863_2863"></a><a href="#Footnote_2863_2863" class="fnanchor">2863</a> In combination with meal of cummin or -coriander, they are employed topically for inflammations of the -testes. For carbuncles and diseases of the joints, the stones -are removed, and the raisins are pounded with rue; if used -for ulcers, the sores must be first fomented with wine.</p> - -<p>Used with the stones, raisins are a cure for epinyctis, honeycomb -ulcers,<a id="FNanchor_2864_2864"></a><a href="#Footnote_2864_2864" class="fnanchor">2864</a> and dysentery; and for gangrenes they are applied -topically with radish rind and honey, being first boiled in oil. -They are used with panax,<a id="FNanchor_2865_2865"></a><a href="#Footnote_2865_2865" class="fnanchor">2865</a> for gout and loose nails; and they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_464">464</a></span> -are sometimes eaten by themselves, in combination with pepper, -for the purpose of cleansing the mouth and clearing the -brain.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_13"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 13.—THE ASTAPHISAGRIA, OTHERWISE CALLED STAPHIS OR -TAMINIA: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The wild astaphis, otherwise called staphis,<a id="FNanchor_2866_2866"></a><a href="#Footnote_2866_2866" class="fnanchor">2866</a> is by some persons -erroneously called “uva taminia;”<a id="FNanchor_2867_2867"></a><a href="#Footnote_2867_2867" class="fnanchor">2867</a> for it is altogether a -distinct plant from the other. It has a black, upright stem, with -leaves resembling those of the labrusca,<a id="FNanchor_2868_2868"></a><a href="#Footnote_2868_2868" class="fnanchor">2868</a> and bears what we may -call a pod,<a id="FNanchor_2869_2869"></a><a href="#Footnote_2869_2869" class="fnanchor">2869</a> rather than a grape, green, similar to a chick-pea -in appearance, and enclosing a kernel of triangular form. The -fruit of it ripens with the vintage and turns black, while the -berries of the taminia,<a id="FNanchor_2870_2870"></a><a href="#Footnote_2870_2870" class="fnanchor">2870</a> as is well known, are red; this last, -too, as we are aware, grows only in shaded spots, while the -wild astaphis, on the other hand, loves a site that is exposed -to the sun.</p> - -<p>I would not recommend any one to use the kernels<a id="FNanchor_2871_2871"></a><a href="#Footnote_2871_2871" class="fnanchor">2871</a> of the -wild astaphis as a purgative, as it is very doubtful whether they -might not choke the patient; nor would I advise them to be -employed for the purpose of attenuating the phlegm, as they -are extremely irritating to the throat. Beaten up, however, and -applied topically, they kill vermin<a id="FNanchor_2872_2872"></a><a href="#Footnote_2872_2872" class="fnanchor">2872</a> in the head and other parts -of the body, more particularly if they are used with sandarach; -they are very useful, too, for itch-scabs and prurigo. A -decoction of the kernels is made with vinegar, for the cure of -tooth-ache, diseases of the ears, cicatrices<a id="FNanchor_2873_2873"></a><a href="#Footnote_2873_2873" class="fnanchor">2873</a> that are slow in -healing, and running sores.</p> - -<p>The blossoms of the plant are beaten up and taken in wine<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_465">465</a></span> -for stings<a id="FNanchor_2874_2874"></a><a href="#Footnote_2874_2874" class="fnanchor">2874</a> inflicted by serpents; but, as to the seed, I would -strongly recommend its rejection, on account of its extremely -pungent properties. Some persons give to this plant the name -of “pituitaria,”<a id="FNanchor_2875_2875"></a><a href="#Footnote_2875_2875" class="fnanchor">2875</a> and use it as a common application for -stings inflicted by serpents.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_14"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 14.—THE LABRUSCA, OR WILD VINE: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The labrusca, too, produces an œnanthe, which has been -described at sufficient length already:<a id="FNanchor_2876_2876"></a><a href="#Footnote_2876_2876" class="fnanchor">2876</a> by the Greeks the labrusca -is known as the wild vine.<a id="FNanchor_2877_2877"></a><a href="#Footnote_2877_2877" class="fnanchor">2877</a> The leaves of it are thick -and of a whitish colour, the stem is jointed, and the bark full -of fissures: it bears grapes of a scarlet<a id="FNanchor_2878_2878"></a><a href="#Footnote_2878_2878" class="fnanchor">2878</a> hue, like the coccus, -which are made use of by females for the purpose of improving -the complexion, and removing spots upon the face. Pounded -with the leaves and the juice extracted from the tree, these -grapes are usefully employed for the treatment of lumbago -and sciatica. A decoction of the root<a id="FNanchor_2879_2879"></a><a href="#Footnote_2879_2879" class="fnanchor">2879</a> in water, taken in two -cyathi of Coan wine, promotes an alvine evacuation of aqueous -secretions; for which reason it is prescribed for dropsy.</p> - -<p>I am inclined to think that this is the plant that is commonly -known as the “uva taminia;”<a id="FNanchor_2880_2880"></a><a href="#Footnote_2880_2880" class="fnanchor">2880</a> it is in great request as -an amulet, and is employed, though as a gargle only, in cases -of spitting blood; for which purpose, salt, thyme, and oxymel -are added to it, care being taken not to swallow any of the -mixture. It is generally looked upon as unsafe to employ it as -a purgative.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_15"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 15.—THE SALICASTRUM: TWELVE REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is another plant,<a id="FNanchor_2881_2881"></a><a href="#Footnote_2881_2881" class="fnanchor">2881</a> similar to the labrusca, but found<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_466">466</a></span> -growing in willow-beds; for which reason it is known by a -distinct name, though the uses to which it is applied are just -the same. The name given to it is “salicastrum;” beaten up -with oxymel, it displays marvellous efficacy in the removal of -itch-scab and prurigo in men and cattle.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_16"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 16.—THE WHITE VINE, OTHERWISE CALLED AMPELOLEUCE, -STAPHYLE, MELOTHRON, PSILOTRUM, ARCHEZOSTIS, CEDROSTIS, -OR MADON: THIRTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The white vine<a id="FNanchor_2882_2882"></a><a href="#Footnote_2882_2882" class="fnanchor">2882</a> is known to the Greeks by the various -names of ampeloleuce, staphyle, melothron, psilotrum, archezostis, -cedrostis, and madon. The twigs of this tree are -jointed, thin, and climbing, with considerable interstices between -the knots.<a id="FNanchor_2883_2883"></a><a href="#Footnote_2883_2883" class="fnanchor">2883</a> The leaves, attached to the numerous -shoots, and about the size of an ivy leaf, are jagged at the -edges, like that of the vine. The root of it is large and white, -and very like a radish<a id="FNanchor_2884_2884"></a><a href="#Footnote_2884_2884" class="fnanchor">2884</a> at first; from it issue several stems, -similar to asparagus in appearance. These stems, eaten boiled, -are both purgative and diuretic. The leaves, too, as well as -the stems, are possessed of caustic<a id="FNanchor_2885_2885"></a><a href="#Footnote_2885_2885" class="fnanchor">2885</a> properties; for which -reason they are employed topically with salt, for phagedænic -sores, gangrenes, and putrid ulcers of the legs. The fruit of -the tree is in the form of grapes thinly scattered, the juice of -which is red at first, and afterwards of a saffron colour. This -fruit<a id="FNanchor_2886_2886"></a><a href="#Footnote_2886_2886" class="fnanchor">2886</a> is well known to curriers, who are in the habit of using -it in preparing leather. It is employed also in the form of a -liniment for itch-scabs and leprous spots; and a decoction of -it with wheat, taken in drink, increases the milk in women -when nursing. The root of this tree, so renowned for -the numerous medicinal purposes to which it is applied, is -pounded and taken in wine, in doses of two drachmæ, for the -cure of stings inflicted by serpents:<a id="FNanchor_2887_2887"></a><a href="#Footnote_2887_2887" class="fnanchor">2887</a> it has the effect, also, of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_467">467</a></span> -removing spots upon the face, moles and freckles, as well as -scars and bruises: a decoction of it in oil is productive of a -similar effect. A decoction of it is given to drink for epilepsy,<a id="FNanchor_2888_2888"></a><a href="#Footnote_2888_2888" class="fnanchor">2888</a> -and to persons troubled with a disordered mind or -suffering from vertigo, the dose being one drachma daily, for a -whole year: taken in larger quantities, it is apt sometimes to -disorder<a id="FNanchor_2889_2889"></a><a href="#Footnote_2889_2889" class="fnanchor">2889</a> the senses. It is possessed, also, of one very remarkable -property, applied with water in the same manner as -bryonia, of extracting splintered bones, for which reason it is -known to some persons by the name of white bryonia: the -other kind, however, which is black, is found to answer -the purpose better, in combination with honey and frankincense.</p> - -<p>The white vine disperses incipient suppurations, ripens -them when they are inveterate, and acts as a detergent: it -operates also as an emmenagogue and diuretic. An electuary -is prepared from it for asthma and pains in the sides, as -also for convulsions and ruptures. Taken in drink for thirty -days together, in doses of three oboli, it has the effect of reducing -the spleen; and it is used, in combination with figs, -for the cure of hangnails<a id="FNanchor_2890_2890"></a><a href="#Footnote_2890_2890" class="fnanchor">2890</a> on the fingers. Applied with wine, -it brings away the after-birth, and, taken in hydromel, in -doses of one drachma, it carries off phlegm. The juice of the -root should be extracted before the fruit ripens; applied either -by itself or with meal of fitches, it imparts an improved complexion -and a certain degree of suppleness to the skin: it has -the effect also of repelling serpents. The root itself, too, -beaten up with a pulpy fig, will remove wrinkles on the body, -if the person using it takes care to walk a couple of stadia immediately -after the application; otherwise it would leave marks -upon the skin, unless, indeed, it were washed off immediately -with cold water. The black vine, too, is better for this purpose -than the white one, as the latter is very apt to be productive -of itching.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_468">468</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_17"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 17.—THE BLACK VINE, OTHERWISE CALLED BRYONA, CHIRONIA, -GYNÆCANTHE, OR APRONIA: THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>For there is also a black vine, properly known as the “bryonia,”<a id="FNanchor_2891_2891"></a><a href="#Footnote_2891_2891" class="fnanchor">2891</a> -though by some persons it is called the “chironia,” -and by others the “gynæcanthe,” or “apronia.” It differs only -from the one previously mentioned in its colour, which, as -already stated,<a id="FNanchor_2892_2892"></a><a href="#Footnote_2892_2892" class="fnanchor">2892</a> is black. The shoots of this tree, which -resemble asparagus in appearance, are preferred by Diocles for -eating to real asparagus,<a id="FNanchor_2893_2893"></a><a href="#Footnote_2893_2893" class="fnanchor">2893</a> as a diuretic and for its property of -reducing the spleen. It is found growing in shrubberies or -reed-beds more particularly. The root of it, which is black -outside, and of the colour of box within, is even more efficacious -for the extraction of splintered bones than the plant last mentioned; -in addition to which, it has the property of being a -specific for excoriations of the neck in cattle. It is said, too, -that if a person plants it around a farm, it will be sure to -keep hawks away, and to preserve the poultry-yard<a id="FNanchor_2894_2894"></a><a href="#Footnote_2894_2894" class="fnanchor">2894</a> in perfect -safety. Attached to the ankles, it tends to disperse the blood, -congested or otherwise, which may have settled in those -parts of the body, whether in human beings or in beasts of -burden.</p> - -<p>Thus much with reference to the various species of vines.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_18"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 18.—MUST: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The various kinds of must<a id="FNanchor_2895_2895"></a><a href="#Footnote_2895_2895" class="fnanchor">2895</a> have different properties; some -of them being black, some white, and others of intermediate -shades of colour. There is a difference, too, between the kinds -of must from which wine is made, and those from which -raisin wine is prepared. The various degrees of care and attention -on the part of the maker, render the differences that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_469">469</a></span> -already exist, quite innumerable; we shall therefore content -ourselves with taking a general view only of their medicinal -uses.</p> - -<p>Every kind of must is unwholesome to the stomach, but of -a soothing nature to the venous system. Taken off at a draught, -immediately after the bath, must is fatal<a id="FNanchor_2896_2896"></a><a href="#Footnote_2896_2896" class="fnanchor">2896</a> in its effects. It -acts as an antidote<a id="FNanchor_2897_2897"></a><a href="#Footnote_2897_2897" class="fnanchor">2897</a> to cantharides and stings inflicted by serpents, -those of the hæmorrhois and the salamandra<a id="FNanchor_2898_2898"></a><a href="#Footnote_2898_2898" class="fnanchor">2898</a> in particular. -It is productive of head-ache, and is prejudicial to the -throat, but it is good for the kidneys, liver, and inner coat of -the bladder, by reason of its lubricating properties. It is particularly -effectual also in cases of injuries inflicted by the insect -known as the “buprestis.”<a id="FNanchor_2899_2899"></a><a href="#Footnote_2899_2899" class="fnanchor">2899</a></p> - -<p>Taken with oil as a vomit, it neutralizes the bad effects of -opium,<a id="FNanchor_2900_2900"></a><a href="#Footnote_2900_2900" class="fnanchor">2900</a> milk that has curdled upon the stomach, hemlock, dorycnium,<a id="FNanchor_2901_2901"></a><a href="#Footnote_2901_2901" class="fnanchor">2901</a> -and other poisons.<a id="FNanchor_2902_2902"></a><a href="#Footnote_2902_2902" class="fnanchor">2902</a> For all these purposes, however, -white must is not so efficacious, while must prepared -from raisins of the sun has a more pleasant flavour, and is -productive of a less degree of oppression to the head.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_19"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 19.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO WINE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already<a id="FNanchor_2903_2903"></a><a href="#Footnote_2903_2903" class="fnanchor">2903</a> described the various kinds of wine, the -numerous differences which exist between them, and most of -the properties which each kind possesses. There is no subject -that presents greater difficulties than this, or, indeed, a more -varied field for discussion, it being extremely difficult to pronounce -whether wine is more generally injurious in its effects, -or beneficial. And then, in addition to this, how very uncertain -is it, whether, the moment we have drunk it, it will be -productive of salutary results, or turn out no better than so -much poison! However, it is only with reference to its medicinal -properties, that we are now about to speak of it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_470">470</a></span></p> - -<p>Asclepiades has composed a whole treatise (which has -thence received its name<a id="FNanchor_2904_2904"></a><a href="#Footnote_2904_2904" class="fnanchor">2904</a>) on the proper methods of administering -wine; and the number of commentators who have since -written on this treatise, is almost innumerable. For my own -part, with all that gravity which becomes a Roman, and one -zealous for the furtherance of liberal pursuits, I shall enter into a -careful examination of this subject, not, indeed, in the character -of a physician, but as a careful investigator of the -effects which wine is likely to produce upon the health of mankind. -To treat, however, of the medicinal properties of each -individual kind, would be a labour without end, and quite inexhaustible; -the more so, as the opinions of medical men are -so entirely at variance upon the subject.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_20"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 20.—THE SURRENTINE WINES: THREE REMEDIES. THE -ALBAN WINES: TWO REMEDIES. THE FALERNIAN WINES: SIX -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Our ancestors set the highest value upon the wines of -Surrentum;<a id="FNanchor_2905_2905"></a><a href="#Footnote_2905_2905" class="fnanchor">2905</a> but at a later period the preference was given -to the Alban, or the Falernian wines. More recently, again, -other varieties of wine have come into fashion, quite in accordance -with that most unreasonable mode of proceeding, according -to which, each person, as he finds a wine most to his -taste, extols it as superior to all others. Suppose, now, that all -persons were quite agreed as to the superiority of some particular -kind of wine, how small a proportion of mankind -would be enabled to make use of it! As it is, even the rich never -drink it in an unsophisticated state; the morals of the age -being such, that it is the name only of a vintage that is sold, -the wines being adulterated the very moment they enter the -vat. Hence it is, by Hercules!—a thing truly astounding—that, -in reality, a wine is more innoxious in its effects, in proportion -as it enjoys a less extended renown. The three kinds, -however, of which we have made mention, appear to have -maintained, with the least diminution, their ancient repute.</p> - -<p>The Falernian wine, if a person should be desirous to know -the marked characteristics of wines according to age, is injurious -to the health, either too new or too old; at fifteen<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_471">471</a></span> -years it begins to be of medium age. Falernian wine of this -age, taken cold, is good for the stomach, but not when taken -warm. For an inveterate cough and for quartan fevers, it is -a good plan to drink it neat, fasting. There is no wine that -quickens the action of the venous system so much as this; it -acts astringently upon the bowels, and is feeding to the body. -It has been thought, however, that this wine is productive of -injury to the sight, and that it is far from beneficial to the -nerves<a id="FNanchor_2906_2906"></a><a href="#Footnote_2906_2906" class="fnanchor">2906</a> and the bladder.</p> - -<p>The Alban wines are more salutary to the nervous system, -but the sweet kinds are not so beneficial to the stomach. The -rough wines of Alba are even better than those of Falernum, -but they do not promote the digestion so well, and have a -slight tendency to overload the stomach.</p> - -<p>As to the Surrentine wines, they have no such effect upon -the stomach, nor are they at all trying to the head; they have -the property also of arresting defluxions of the stomach and -intestines. The Cæcuban wines are no longer grown.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_21"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 21.—THE SETINE WINES; ONE OBSERVATION UPON THEM. -THE STATAN WINES; ONE OBSERVATION UPON THEM. THE -SIGNIAN WINES; ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the wines, however, which still exist, those of Setia<a id="FNanchor_2907_2907"></a><a href="#Footnote_2907_2907" class="fnanchor">2907</a> -promote the digestion, having more strength than the Surrentine -wines, and more roughness than those of Alba. The -wines of Falernum are not so powerful. Those of Stata are -but very little inferior in quality to the wines already mentioned. -It is universally agreed that the wines of Signia are -extremely beneficial in cases of derangement of the bowels.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_22"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 22.—OTHER WINES: SIXTY-FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to the other wines, they may be spoken of in general -terms. By the use of wine, the human vigour, blood, and -complexion are improved. It is wine that makes up for all -the difference between the middle or temperate zone, and those -which lie on either side of it, the juice of the vine conferring -as much vigour and robustness upon the inhabitants of our -part of the earth as the rigorousness<a id="FNanchor_2908_2908"></a><a href="#Footnote_2908_2908" class="fnanchor">2908</a> of the climate does<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_472">472</a></span> -upon the people there. Milk, used as a beverage, strengthens, -the bones, liquids extracted from the cereals nourish the -sinews, and water imparts nutriment to the flesh: hence it is -that persons who confine themselves to these several liquids as -a beverage, are of a less ruddy complexion than the wine-drinker, -less robust, and less able to endure fatigue. By the -use of wine in moderation the sinews are strengthened, but -taken in excess it proves injurious to them; the same, too, -with the eyes. Wine refreshes the stomach, sharpens the -appetite, takes off the keen edge of sorrows and anxieties, -warms the body, acts beneficially as a diuretic, and invites -sleep. In addition to these properties, it arrests vomiting, and -we find that pledgets of wool, soaked in wine, and applied to -abscesses, are extremely beneficial. According to Asclepiades, -the virtues possessed by wine are hardly equalled by the majestic -attributes of the gods themselves.</p> - -<p>Old wine bears admixture with a larger quantity of water, and -acts more powerfully as a diuretic, though at the same time it -is less effectual for quenching thirst. Sweet wine, again, is -less inebriating, but stays longer on the stomach, while rough -wine is more easy of digestion. The wine that becomes mellow -with the greatest rapidity is the lightest, and that which -becomes sweeter the older it is, is not so injurious to the -nerves. Wines that are rich and black,<a id="FNanchor_2909_2909"></a><a href="#Footnote_2909_2909" class="fnanchor">2909</a> are not so beneficial -to the stomach; but, at the same time, they are more -feeding to the body. Thin-bodied rough wines are not so -feeding, but are more wholesome to the stomach, and pass -off more speedily by urine, though they are all the more -liable to fly to the head; a remark which will apply, once for -all, to liquids of every kind.</p> - -<p>Wine that has been mellowed by the agency of smoke is -extremely unwholesome—a fraudulent method of preparation -that has been invented in the wine-lofts<a id="FNanchor_2910_2910"></a><a href="#Footnote_2910_2910" class="fnanchor">2910</a> of the retail dealers. -At the present day, however, this plan is adopted in private -families even, when it is wished to give the appearance of maturity -to wines that have become carious.<a id="FNanchor_2911_2911"></a><a href="#Footnote_2911_2911" class="fnanchor">2911</a> Indeed, this term -carious has been used very appositely by the ancients with -reference to wines; for we find that in the case of wood even, -smoke exercises a caustic effect upon the carious parts, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_473">473</a></span> -eats them away; and yet we, on the other hand, persuade -ourselves that an adventitious age may he imparted to wines -by the bitter twang derived from smoke!<a id="FNanchor_2912_2912"></a><a href="#Footnote_2912_2912" class="fnanchor">2912</a></p> - -<p>Those wines which are extremely pale, become more wholesome -the older they are. The more generous<a id="FNanchor_2913_2913"></a><a href="#Footnote_2913_2913" class="fnanchor">2913</a> a wine is, the -thicker it becomes with age; while, at the same time, it -contracts a bitter flavour, which is far from exercising a beneficial -effect upon the health. To season another wine, that is -not so old, with this, is nothing less than to make an unwholesome -preparation. The more of its own natural flavour<a id="FNanchor_2914_2914"></a><a href="#Footnote_2914_2914" class="fnanchor">2914</a> a -wine possesses, the more wholesome it is; and the best age for -a wine is that which naturally belongs to it, a medium age -being the one that is the most generally esteemed.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_23"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 23.—SIXTY-ONE OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO WINE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Persons whose wish it is to make flesh, or to keep the bowels -relaxed, will do well to drink while taking their food. Those, -on the other hand, who wish to reduce themselves, or prevent -the bowels from being relaxed, should abstain from drinking -while taking their meals, and drink but a very little only -when they have done eating. To drink wine fasting is a -fashion of recent introduction<a id="FNanchor_2915_2915"></a><a href="#Footnote_2915_2915" class="fnanchor">2915</a> only, and an extremely bad -one for persons engaged in matters of importance, and requiring -a continued application of the mental faculties. Wine, no -doubt, was taken fasting in ancient times, but then it was as -a preparative for sleep and repose from worldly cares; and it -is for this reason that, in Homer,<a id="FNanchor_2916_2916"></a><a href="#Footnote_2916_2916" class="fnanchor">2916</a> we find Helen presenting -it to the guests before the repast. It is upon this fact, too, -that the common proverb is founded, which says that “wisdom -is obscured by wine.”<a id="FNanchor_2917_2917"></a><a href="#Footnote_2917_2917" class="fnanchor">2917</a> It is to wine that we men are -indebted for being the only animated beings that drink without -being thirsty. When drinking wine, it is a very good plan to -take a draught of water every now and then; and to take one -long draught of it at the last, cold water taken internally -having the effect of instantaneously dispelling inebriation.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_474">474</a></span></p> - -<p>It is strongly recommended by Hesiod<a id="FNanchor_2918_2918"></a><a href="#Footnote_2918_2918" class="fnanchor">2918</a> to drink undiluted -wine<a id="FNanchor_2919_2919"></a><a href="#Footnote_2919_2919" class="fnanchor">2919</a> for twenty days before the rising of the Dog-star, and -as many after. Pure wine, too, acts as an antidote to hemlock, -coriander,<a id="FNanchor_2920_2920"></a><a href="#Footnote_2920_2920" class="fnanchor">2920</a> henbane, mistletoe, opium, mercury, as also -to stings inflicted by bees, wasps, hornets, the phalangium, -serpents, and scorpions; all kinds of poison, in fact, which are -of a cold nature, the venom of the hæmorrhois and the -prester,<a id="FNanchor_2921_2921"></a><a href="#Footnote_2921_2921" class="fnanchor">2921</a> in particular, and the noxious effects of fungi. Undiluted -wine is good, too, in cases of flatulency, gnawing pains -in the thoracic organs, excessive vomitings at the stomach, -fluxes of the bowels and intestines, dysentery, excessive perspirations -after prolonged fits of coughing, and defluxions of -various kinds. In the cardiac<a id="FNanchor_2922_2922"></a><a href="#Footnote_2922_2922" class="fnanchor">2922</a> disease, it is a good plan to -apply a sponge soaked in neat wine to the left breast: in all -these cases, however, old white wine is the best. A fomentation -of hot wine applied to the genitals of beasts of burden is -found to be very beneficial; and, introduced into the mouth, -with the aid of a horn, it has the effect of removing all sensations -of fatigue.<a id="FNanchor_2923_2923"></a><a href="#Footnote_2923_2923" class="fnanchor">2923</a> It is asserted that in apes, and other quadrupeds -with toes, the growth will be impeded if they are -accustomed to drink undiluted wine.<a id="FNanchor_2924_2924"></a><a href="#Footnote_2924_2924" class="fnanchor">2924</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_24"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 24.—IN WHAT MALADIES WINE SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED; -HOW IT SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED, AND AT WHAT TIMES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We shall now proceed to speak of wine in relation to its -medicinal uses. The wines of Campania<a id="FNanchor_2925_2925"></a><a href="#Footnote_2925_2925" class="fnanchor">2925</a> which have the -least body, are the most wholesome beverage for persons of -rank and station; and for the lower classes<a id="FNanchor_2926_2926"></a><a href="#Footnote_2926_2926" class="fnanchor">2926</a> the best kind of -wine is that which is the most pleasant to the person who -drinks it, provided he is in robust health. For persons of all -ranks, however, the most serviceable wine is that the strength<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_475">475</a></span> -of which has been reduced by the strainer;<a id="FNanchor_2927_2927"></a><a href="#Footnote_2927_2927" class="fnanchor">2927</a> for we must bear -in mind that wine is nothing else but juice of grapes which -has acquired strength by the process of fermentation. A mixture -of numerous kinds of wine is universally bad, and the -most wholesome wine of all is that to which no ingredient has -been added when in a state of must; indeed, it is still better -if the vessels even in which it is kept have never been pitched.<a id="FNanchor_2928_2928"></a><a href="#Footnote_2928_2928" class="fnanchor">2928</a> -As to wines which have been treated with marble, gypsum, -or lime,<a id="FNanchor_2929_2929"></a><a href="#Footnote_2929_2929" class="fnanchor">2929</a> where is the man, however robust he may be, that -has not stood in dread of them?</p> - -<p>Wines which have been prepared with sea-water<a id="FNanchor_2930_2930"></a><a href="#Footnote_2930_2930" class="fnanchor">2930</a> are particularly -injurious to the stomach, nerves, and bladder. Those -which have been seasoned with resin are generally looked -upon as beneficial to a cold stomach, but are considered unsuitable -where there is a tendency to vomit: the same, too, with -must, boiled grape-juice,<a id="FNanchor_2931_2931"></a><a href="#Footnote_2931_2931" class="fnanchor">2931</a> and raisin wine. New wines seasoned -with resin are good for no one, being productive of -vertigo and head-ache: hence it is that the name of “crapula”<a id="FNanchor_2932_2932"></a><a href="#Footnote_2932_2932" class="fnanchor">2932</a> -has been given equally to new resined wines, and to -the surfeit and head-ache which they produce.</p> - -<p>The wines above mentioned<a id="FNanchor_2933_2933"></a><a href="#Footnote_2933_2933" class="fnanchor">2933</a> by name, are good for cough -and catarrh, as also for cœliac affections, dysentery, and -the catamenia. Those wines of this sort which are red<a id="FNanchor_2934_2934"></a><a href="#Footnote_2934_2934" class="fnanchor">2934</a> or -black,<a id="FNanchor_2935_2935"></a><a href="#Footnote_2935_2935" class="fnanchor">2935</a> are more astringent and more heating than the others. -Wines which have been seasoned with pitch only, are not so -injurious; but at the same time we must bear in mind that -pitch is neither more nor less than resin liquefied<a id="FNanchor_2936_2936"></a><a href="#Footnote_2936_2936" class="fnanchor">2936</a> by the action -of fire. These pitched wines are of a heating nature, promote -the digestion, and act as a purgative; they are good, also, for -the chest and the bowels, for pains in the uterus, if there are -no signs of fever, for inveterate fluxes, ulcerations, ruptures, -spasms, suppurated abscesses, debility of the sinews, flatulency,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_476">476</a></span> -cough, asthma, and sprains, in which last case they are applied -in uncleansed wool. For all these purposes the wine is preferred -which has naturally the flavour of pitch,<a id="FNanchor_2937_2937"></a><a href="#Footnote_2937_2937" class="fnanchor">2937</a> and is -thence known as “picatum:” it is generally agreed, however, -that the produce of the vine called “helvennaca,”<a id="FNanchor_2938_2938"></a><a href="#Footnote_2938_2938" class="fnanchor">2938</a> if taken in -too large a quantity, is trying to the head.</p> - -<p>In reference to the treatment of fever, it is well known that -wine should never be given, unless the patient is an aged person, -or the symptoms are beginning to abate. In cases of acute -fever, wine must never be given, under any circumstance, -except when there is an evident remission of the attack, and -more particularly if this takes place in the night, for then the -danger is diminished by one half, there being the probability -of the patient sleeping off the effects of the wine. It is equally -forbidden, also, to females just after delivery or a miscarriage, -and to patients suffering from over-indulgence of the sexual -passions; nor should it be given in cases of head-ache, of -maladies in which the attacks are attended with chills at the -extremities, of fever accompanied with cough, of tremulousness<a id="FNanchor_2939_2939"></a><a href="#Footnote_2939_2939" class="fnanchor">2939</a> -in the sinews, of pains in the fauces, or where the disease -is found to concentrate itself in the iliac regions. Wine is -strictly forbidden, too, in cases of induration of the thoracic -organs, violent throbbings of the veins, opisthotony, tetanus, -asthma, and hardness of breathing attended with fever.</p> - -<p>Wine is far from beneficial for a patient, when the eyes are -fixed and rigid, and when the eyelids are immoveable, or else -relaxed and heavy; in cases, too, where, with an incessant nictation, -the eyes are more than usually brilliant, or where the -eyelids refuse to close—the same, too, if that symptom -should occur in sleep—or where the eyes are suffused with -blood, or congealed matter makes its appearance in the corners -of those organs. The same rule should be observed, also, when -the tongue is heavy and swollen, or when there is an impediment -from time to time in the speech, when the urine is passed -with difficulty, or when a person has been seized with a sudden -fright, with spasms, or recurrent fits of torpor, or experiences -seminal discharges during sleep.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_477">477</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_25"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 25.—NINETY-ONE OBSERVATIONS WITH REFERENCE TO -WINE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It is a well-ascertained fact, that in the cardiac<a id="FNanchor_2940_2940"></a><a href="#Footnote_2940_2940" class="fnanchor">2940</a> disease the -only resource is wine. According to some authorities, however, -wine should only be given when the attacks come on, -while others, again, are of opinion, that it must only be administered -between the attacks; it being the object with the -former to arrest the profuse perspirations, while the latter base -their practice on an impression that it may be given with more -safety at a moment when the malady has diminished in intensity; -and this I find is the opinion entertained by most people. -In all cases, wine must only be administered just after taking -food, never after sleep, and under no circumstances after any -other kind of drink, or in other words, only when the patient -is thirsty; in no case whatever should it be given, except at the -very last extremity. Wine is better suited to males than to -females, to aged people than to youths, to youths than to children, -and to persons who are used to it than to those who are -not in the habit of taking it; winter, too, is a better time for -using it than summer. As to the quantity to be prescribed, -and the proportion of water to be mixed with it, that depends -entirely upon the strength of the wine; it is generally thought, -however, that the best proportions are one cyathus of wine and -two of water. If, however, there is a derangement of the -stomach, and if the food does not pass downward, the wine must -be given in a larger proportion.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_26"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 26.—ARTIFICIAL WINES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Among the artificial wines, the preparation of which we -have<a id="FNanchor_2941_2941"></a><a href="#Footnote_2941_2941" class="fnanchor">2941</a> described, [there are some which],<a id="FNanchor_2942_2942"></a><a href="#Footnote_2942_2942" class="fnanchor">2942</a> I think, are no -longer made; in addition to which, it would be a mere loss of -time to enlarge upon their medicinal effects, having expatiated -elsewhere upon the properties of the various elements of -which they are composed. And then, besides, the conceits of -the medical men in relation to these wines have really passed -all bounds; they pretend, for instance, that a wine extracted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_478">478</a></span> -from turnips<a id="FNanchor_2943_2943"></a><a href="#Footnote_2943_2943" class="fnanchor">2943</a> is good for recruiting the exhausted strength, -after exercises in arms or on horseback; and, not to speak of -other preparations, they attribute a similar effect to wine of -juniper.<a id="FNanchor_2944_2944"></a><a href="#Footnote_2944_2944" class="fnanchor">2944</a> Who is there, too, that would think of looking, -upon wormwood wine<a id="FNanchor_2945_2945"></a><a href="#Footnote_2945_2945" class="fnanchor">2945</a> as superior in its effects to wormwood -itself?</p> - -<p>I shall pass in silence the rest of these preparations, and -among them palm wine,<a id="FNanchor_2946_2946"></a><a href="#Footnote_2946_2946" class="fnanchor">2946</a> which is injurious to the head, and -is beneficial only as a laxative to the bowels, and as a cure for -spitting of blood. We cannot, however, look upon the liquor -which we have spoken of<a id="FNanchor_2947_2947"></a><a href="#Footnote_2947_2947" class="fnanchor">2947</a> under the name of “bion,” as being -an artificial wine; for the whole art of making it consists merely -in the employment of grapes before they have arrived at maturity. -This preparation is extremely good for a deranged -stomach or an imperfect digestion, as also for pregnancy, fainting -fits, paralysis, fits of trembling, vertigo, gripings of the -bowels, and sciatica. It is said, too, that in times of pestilence, -and for persons on a long journey, this liquid forms a -beverage of remarkable efficacy.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_27"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 27.—VINEGAR: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Wine, even when it has lost its vinous properties, still retains -some medicinal virtues. Vinegar possesses cooling properties -in the very highest degree, and is no less efficacious as -a resolvent; it has the property, too, of effervescing,<a id="FNanchor_2948_2948"></a><a href="#Footnote_2948_2948" class="fnanchor">2948</a> when -poured upon the ground. We have frequently had occasion, -and shall again have occasion, to mention the various medicinal -compositions in which it forms an ingredient. Taken by itself, -it dispels nausea and arrests hiccup, and if smelt at, it will -prevent sneezing: retained in the mouth, it prevents a person -from being inconvenienced by the heat<a id="FNanchor_2949_2949"></a><a href="#Footnote_2949_2949" class="fnanchor">2949</a> of the bath. It is used -as a beverage also, in combination with water,<a id="FNanchor_2950_2950"></a><a href="#Footnote_2950_2950" class="fnanchor">2950</a> and employed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_479">479</a></span> -as a gargle, it is found by many to be very wholesome to the -stomach, particularly convalescents and persons suffering from -sun-stroke; used as a fomentation, too, this mixture is extremely -beneficial to the eyes. Vinegar is used remedially -when a leech has been swallowed;<a id="FNanchor_2951_2951"></a><a href="#Footnote_2951_2951" class="fnanchor">2951</a> and it has the property of -healing leprous sores,<a id="FNanchor_2952_2952"></a><a href="#Footnote_2952_2952" class="fnanchor">2952</a> scorbutic eruptions, running ulcers, -wounds inflicted by dogs, scorpions, and scolopendræ, and the -bite of the shrew-mouse. It is good, too, as a preventive of the -itching sensations produced by the venom of all stinging animals, -and as an antidote to the bite of the millepede.</p> - -<p>Applied warm in a sponge, in the proportion of three sextarii -to two ounces of sulphur or a bunch of hyssop, vinegar -is a remedy for maladies of the fundament. To arrest the -hæmorrhage which ensues upon the operation<a id="FNanchor_2953_2953"></a><a href="#Footnote_2953_2953" class="fnanchor">2953</a> of lithotomy, -and, indeed, all other operations of a similar nature, it is usual -to apply vinegar in a sponge, and at the same time to administer -it internally in doses of two cyathi, the very strongest -possible being employed. Vinegar has the effect also of -dissolving coagulated blood; for the cure of lichens, it is used -both internally and externally. Used as an injection, it arrests -looseness of the bowels and fluxes of the intestines; it is -similarly employed, too, for procidence of the rectum and uterus.</p> - -<p>Vinegar acts as a cure for inveterate coughs, defluxions of -the throat, hardness of breathing, and looseness of the teeth: -but it acts injuriously upon the bladder and the sinews, when -relaxed. Medical men were for a long time in ignorance how -beneficial vinegar is for the sting of the asp; for it was only -recently that a man, while carrying a bladder<a id="FNanchor_2954_2954"></a><a href="#Footnote_2954_2954" class="fnanchor">2954</a> of vinegar, happening -to be stung by an asp upon which he trod, found to his -surprise that whenever he put down the bladder he felt the sting, -but that when he took it up again, he seemed as though he -had never been hurt; a circumstance which at once suggested -to him the remedial properties of the vinegar, upon drinking -some of which he experienced a cure. It is with vinegar, too,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_480">480</a></span> -and nothing else, that persons rinse the mouth after sucking -the poison from a wound. This liquid, in fact, exercises a -predominance not only upon various articles of food, but upon -many other substances as well. Poured upon rocks in considerable -quantities, it has the effect of splitting<a id="FNanchor_2955_2955"></a><a href="#Footnote_2955_2955" class="fnanchor">2955</a> them, when -the action of fire alone has been unable to produce any effect -thereon. As a seasoning, too, there is no kind that is more -agreeable than vinegar, or that has a greater tendency to -heighten the flavour of food. When it is employed for this -purpose, its extreme tartness is modified with burnt bread or -wine, or else it is heightened by the addition of pepper, and of -laser;<a id="FNanchor_2956_2956"></a><a href="#Footnote_2956_2956" class="fnanchor">2956</a> in all cases, too, salt modifies its strength.</p> - -<p>While speaking of vinegar, we must not omit to mention a -very remarkable case in connexion with it: in the latter years -of his life, M. Agrippa was dreadfully afflicted with gout, so -much so, in fact, that he was quite unable to endure the torments -to which he was subjected. Upon this, guided by the -ominous advice of one of his medical attendants, though unknown -to Augustus, at the moment of an extremely severe -attack he plunged his legs into hot vinegar, content to purchase -exemption from such cruel torments as he suffered, if -even at the price of all use and sensation in those limbs, -* * * * *.<a id="FNanchor_2957_2957"></a><a href="#Footnote_2957_2957" class="fnanchor">2957</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_28"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 28. (2.)—SQUILL VINEGAR: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Squill vinegar is the more esteemed, the older it is. In -addition to the properties which we have already<a id="FNanchor_2958_2958"></a><a href="#Footnote_2958_2958" class="fnanchor">2958</a> mentioned, -it is useful in cases where the food turns sour upon the stomach, -a mere taste of it being sufficient to act as a corrective. -It is good, too, when persons are seized with vomiting, while<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_481">481</a></span> -fasting, having the effect of indurating the passages of the -throat and stomach. It is a corrective, also, of bad breath, -strengthens the teeth and gums, and improves the complexion.</p> - -<p>Used as a gargle, squill vinegar remedies hardness of hearing, -and opens the passages of the ears, while at the same -time it tends to improve the sight. It is very good, too, for -epilepsy, melancholy, vertigo, hysterical suffocations, blows, -falls with violence, and extravasations of blood in consequence, -as also for debility of the sinews, and diseases of the kidneys. -In cases of internal ulceration, however, the use of it must be -avoided.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_29"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 29.—OXYMELI: SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The following, as we learn from Dieuches, was the manner -in which oxymeli<a id="FNanchor_2959_2959"></a><a href="#Footnote_2959_2959" class="fnanchor">2959</a> was prepared by the ancients. In a cauldron -they used to put ten minæ of honey, five heminæ of old -vinegar, a pound and a quarter of sea-salt, and five sextarii -of rain-water; the mixture was then boiled together till it -had simmered some ten times, after which it was poured off, -and put by for keeping. Asclepiades, however, condemned -this preparation, and put an end to the use of it, though before -his time it used to be given in fevers even. Still, however, -it is generally admitted that it was useful for the cure -of stings inflicted by the serpent known as the “seps”<a id="FNanchor_2960_2960"></a><a href="#Footnote_2960_2960" class="fnanchor">2960</a> and -that it acted as an antidote to opium<a id="FNanchor_2961_2961"></a><a href="#Footnote_2961_2961" class="fnanchor">2961</a> and mistletoe. It was -usefully employed also, warm, as a gargle for quinsy and -maladies of the ears, and for affections of the mouth and -throat; for all these purposes, however, at the present day, -oxalme is employed, the best kind of which is made with -salt and fresh vinegar.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_30"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 30.—SAPA: SEVEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Sapa<a id="FNanchor_2962_2962"></a><a href="#Footnote_2962_2962" class="fnanchor">2962</a> has a close affinity with wine, being nothing else<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_482">482</a></span> -but must boiled down to one third: that which is prepared -from white must is the best. It is used medicinally in cases -of injuries inflicted by cantharides, the buprestis,<a id="FNanchor_2963_2963"></a><a href="#Footnote_2963_2963" class="fnanchor">2963</a> the pine -caterpillars known as pityocampæ,<a id="FNanchor_2964_2964"></a><a href="#Footnote_2964_2964" class="fnanchor">2964</a> salamanders, and all venomous -bites and stings. Taken with onions it has the effect -of bringing away the dead fœtus and the after-birth. According -to Fabianus, it acts as a poison, if taken by a person fasting, -immediately after the bath.<a id="FNanchor_2965_2965"></a><a href="#Footnote_2965_2965" class="fnanchor">2965</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_31"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 31.—LEES OF WINE: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next in the natural order come the lees of these several -liquids. The lees of<a id="FNanchor_2966_2966"></a><a href="#Footnote_2966_2966" class="fnanchor">2966</a> wine are so extremely powerful as to -prove fatal to persons on descending into the vats.<a id="FNanchor_2967_2967"></a><a href="#Footnote_2967_2967" class="fnanchor">2967</a> The -proper precaution for preventing this, is to let down a light first, -which so long as it refuses to burn, is significant of danger. -Wine-lees, in an unrinsed<a id="FNanchor_2968_2968"></a><a href="#Footnote_2968_2968" class="fnanchor">2968</a> state, form an ingredient in several -medicinal preparations: with an equal proportion of iris,<a id="FNanchor_2969_2969"></a><a href="#Footnote_2969_2969" class="fnanchor">2969</a> a -liniment is prepared from them for purulent eruptions; and, -either moist or dried, they are used for stings inflicted by the -phalangium, and for inflammations<a id="FNanchor_2970_2970"></a><a href="#Footnote_2970_2970" class="fnanchor">2970</a> of the testes, mamillæ, -or other parts of the body. A decoction of wine-lees is prepared, -too, with barley-meal and powdered frankincense; after -which it is first parched and then dried. The test of its being -properly boiled, is its imparting, when cold, a burning sensation -to the tongue. When left exposed to the air, wine-lees -very rapidly lose their virtues; which, on the other hand, are -greatly heightened by the action of fire.</p> - -<p>Wine-lees are very useful, too, boiled with figs, for the cure<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_483">483</a></span> -of lichens and cutaneous eruptions; they are applied also in a -similar manner to leprous sores and running ulcers. Taken -in drink, they act as an antidote to the poison of fungi, and -more particularly if they are undiluted; boiled and then rinsed, -they are used in preparations for the eyes. They are employed -also topically for diseases of the testes and generative organs, -and are taken in wine for strangury. When wine-lees have -lost their strength, they are still useful for cleansing the body -and scouring clothes, in which case they act as a substitute -for gum acacia.<a id="FNanchor_2971_2971"></a><a href="#Footnote_2971_2971" class="fnanchor">2971</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_32"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 32.—LEES OF VINEGAR: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The lees of vinegar,<a id="FNanchor_2972_2972"></a><a href="#Footnote_2972_2972" class="fnanchor">2972</a> as a matter of course, considering the -material from which they are derived, are much more acrid -than those of wine, and more caustic in their effects. This -substance prevents the increase of suppuration, and, employed -topically, is good for the stomach, intestines, and regions of -the abdomen. It has the property also of arresting fluxes of -those parts, and the catamenia when in excess; it disperses -inflamed tumours which have not come to a head, and is a cure -for quinsy. Applied with wax, it is curative of erysipelas. -It reduces swellings of the mamillæ when gorged with milk, -and removes malformed nails. Employed with polenta, it is -very efficacious for the cure of stings inflicted by the serpent -called cerastes;<a id="FNanchor_2973_2973"></a><a href="#Footnote_2973_2973" class="fnanchor">2973</a> and in combination with melanthium,<a id="FNanchor_2974_2974"></a><a href="#Footnote_2974_2974" class="fnanchor">2974</a> it -heals bites inflicted by crocodiles and dogs.</p> - -<p>Vinegar lees, too, by being subjected to the action of fire, -acquire additional strength.<a id="FNanchor_2975_2975"></a><a href="#Footnote_2975_2975" class="fnanchor">2975</a> Mixed in this state with oil of -mastich, and applied to the hair, they turn<a id="FNanchor_2976_2976"></a><a href="#Footnote_2976_2976" class="fnanchor">2976</a> it red in a single -night. Applied with water in linen, as a pessary, they act as a -detergent upon the uterus.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_484">484</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_33"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 33.—LEES OF SAPA: FOUR REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>The lees<a id="FNanchor_2977_2977"></a><a href="#Footnote_2977_2977" class="fnanchor">2977</a> of sapa are used for the cure of burns, it being -the best plan to employ with them the down that grows on -the reed; a decoction too, of these lees, is good for the cure of -an inveterate cough. They are boiled also in a saucepan with -salt and grease as an ointment for tumours of the jaws and -neck.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_34"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 34. (3.)—THE LEAVES OF THE OLIVE: TWENTY-THREE -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The next rank, after the vine, clearly belongs to the olive. -The leaves of the olive-tree are astringent,<a id="FNanchor_2978_2978"></a><a href="#Footnote_2978_2978" class="fnanchor">2978</a> detergent, and -binding in the highest degree. Chewed and applied to sores, -they are of a healing nature; and applied topically with oil, -they are good for head-ache. A decoction of them with honey -makes a good liniment for such parts of the body as have been -subjected to cauterization, as also for inflammations of the gums, -whitlows, and foul and putrid ulcers: combined with honey, -they arrest discharges of blood from the nervous<a id="FNanchor_2979_2979"></a><a href="#Footnote_2979_2979" class="fnanchor">2979</a> parts of the a -body. The juice of olive leaves is efficacious for carbuncular -ulcers and pustules about the eyes, and for procidence of the -pupil; hence it is much employed in the composition of eye-salves, -having the additional property of healing inveterate -runnings of the eyes, and ulcerations of the eyelids.</p> - -<p>This juice is extracted by pouring wine and rain-water -upon the leaves, and then pounding them; after which the -pulp is dried and divided into lozenges. Used with wool, -as a pessary, this preparation arrests menstruation when in -excess, and is very useful for the treatment of purulent sores, -condylomata, erysipelas, spreading ulcers, and epinyctis.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_35"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 35.—THE BLOSSOM OF THE OLIVE: FOUR REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The blossom,<a id="FNanchor_2980_2980"></a><a href="#Footnote_2980_2980" class="fnanchor">2980</a> too, of the olive-tree possesses similar properties.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_485">485</a></span> -The young branches are burnt when just beginning -to blossom, and of the ashes a substitute for spodium<a id="FNanchor_2981_2981"></a><a href="#Footnote_2981_2981" class="fnanchor">2981</a> is -made, upon which wine is poured, and it is then burnt afresh. -To suppurations and inflamed tumours these ashes are applied, or -else the leaves, beaten up with honey; for the eyes, they are -used with polenta. The juice which exudes<a id="FNanchor_2982_2982"></a><a href="#Footnote_2982_2982" class="fnanchor">2982</a> from the wood, -when burnt in a green state, heals lichens, scaly eruptions, and -running ulcers.</p> - -<p>As to the juice<a id="FNanchor_2983_2983"></a><a href="#Footnote_2983_2983" class="fnanchor">2983</a> which exudes naturally from the olive-tree, -and more particularly that of Æthiopia, we cannot be -sufficiently surprised that authors should have been found to -recommend it as an application for tooth-ache, and to tell us -at the same time that it is a poison, and even that we must -have recourse to the wild olive for it. The bark of the roots -of the olive, as young and tender a tree as possible being -selected, scraped and taken every now and then in honey, is -good<a id="FNanchor_2984_2984"></a><a href="#Footnote_2984_2984" class="fnanchor">2984</a> for patients suffering from spitting of blood and purulent -expectorations. The ashes of the tree itself, mixed with -axle-grease, are useful for the cure of tumours, and heal -fistulas by the extraction of the vicious humours which they -contain.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_36"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 36.—WHITE OLIVES: FOUR REMEDIES. BLACK OLIVES: -THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>White olives are wholesome for the upper regions of the -stomach, but not so good for the bowels. Eaten by themselves, -habitually as a diet, quite fresh and before they are preserved, -they are remarkably serviceable, having the effect of -curing gravel,<a id="FNanchor_2985_2985"></a><a href="#Footnote_2985_2985" class="fnanchor">2985</a> and of strengthening the teeth when worn or -loosened by the use of meat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_486">486</a></span></p> - -<p>Black olives, on the other hand, are not so wholesome for -the upper regions of the stomach, but are better for the -bowels; they are not good, however, for the head or for the -eyes. Both kinds, pounded and applied topically, are good -for the cure of burns, but the black olive is sometimes chewed -first, and instantly applied to the sore, for the purpose of preventing -blisters from forming. Colymbades<a id="FNanchor_2986_2986"></a><a href="#Footnote_2986_2986" class="fnanchor">2986</a> act as a detergent -for foul ulcers, but they are bad for persons suffering -from strangury.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_37"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 37.—AMURCA OF OLIVES: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to the amurca of olives, we might appear to have said -enough on the subject already,<a id="FNanchor_2987_2987"></a><a href="#Footnote_2987_2987" class="fnanchor">2987</a> taking Cato as our guide; it -remains, however, to speak of the medicinal uses of this substance. -It is extremely serviceable as a strengthener of the -gums,<a id="FNanchor_2988_2988"></a><a href="#Footnote_2988_2988" class="fnanchor">2988</a> and for the cure of ulcers of the mouth; it has the -effect, also, of strengthening loose teeth in the sockets, and an -application of it is good for erysipelas and spreading ulcers. -For chilblains, the amurca of the black olive is the best, as -also as a fomentation for infants; that of the white olive is -used, with wool, as a pessary for affections of the uterus. Of -both kinds, however, the amurca is much more serviceable -when boiled; this being done in a vessel of Cyprian copper, to -the consistency of honey. Thus prepared, it is used, according -to the necessities of the case, with either vinegar, old -wine, or honied wine, for the treatment of maladies of the -mouth, teeth, and ears, and for running ulcers,<a id="FNanchor_2989_2989"></a><a href="#Footnote_2989_2989" class="fnanchor">2989</a> diseases of the -generative organs, and chaps on various parts of the body. It -is employed topically, for the cure of wounds, in a linen -pledget, and for sprains, in wool: as a medicament, it is of great -utility, more particularly when old, as in such case it effects -the cure of fistula.<a id="FNanchor_2990_2990"></a><a href="#Footnote_2990_2990" class="fnanchor">2990</a></p> - -<p>It is used as an injection for ulcerations of the fundament, -the generative organs, and the uterus, and is employed topically -for incipient gout and diseases of the joints. Boiled<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_487">487</a></span> -down again, with omphacium,<a id="FNanchor_2991_2991"></a><a href="#Footnote_2991_2991" class="fnanchor">2991</a> to the consistency of honey, -it extracts decayed teeth; and, in combination with a decoction -of lupines and the plant chamæleon,<a id="FNanchor_2992_2992"></a><a href="#Footnote_2992_2992" class="fnanchor">2992</a> it is a marvellous -cure for itch in beasts of burden.<a id="FNanchor_2993_2993"></a><a href="#Footnote_2993_2993" class="fnanchor">2993</a> Fomentations of amurca -in a raw state<a id="FNanchor_2994_2994"></a><a href="#Footnote_2994_2994" class="fnanchor">2994</a> are extremely good for gout.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_38"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 38. (4.)—THE LEAVES OF THE WILD OLIVE: SIXTEEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leaves of the wild olive are possessed of similar properties. -The spodium<a id="FNanchor_2995_2995"></a><a href="#Footnote_2995_2995" class="fnanchor">2995</a> that is made by burning the young -branches is of remarkable efficacy for arresting fluxes; it -allays inflammations of the eyes also, acts as a detergent upon -ulcerous sores, makes the flesh grow on wounds from which it -has been removed, and acts gently as a caustic upon fleshy -excrescences, drying them up and making them cicatrize. The -rest of its properties are similar to those of the cultivated olive. -There is, however, one peculiarity in it; the leaves, boiled -with honey, are given in doses of a spoonful for spitting of -blood.<a id="FNanchor_2996_2996"></a><a href="#Footnote_2996_2996" class="fnanchor">2996</a> The oil, too, of the wild olive is more acrid, and -possesses greater energy than that of the cultivated olive; -hence it is that it is usual to rinse the mouth with it for the -purpose of strengthening the teeth.<a id="FNanchor_2997_2997"></a><a href="#Footnote_2997_2997" class="fnanchor">2997</a></p> - -<p>The leaves, too, are applied topically, with wine, to whitlows, -carbuncles, and all kinds of gatherings; and, with -honey, to sores which require a detergent. Both a decoction -of the leaves and the natural juices of the wild olive form -ingredients in medicaments for the eyes; and the latter are -found useful as an injection for the ears, in the case of purulent -discharges even. From the blossom of the wild olive a -liniment is prepared for condylomata and epinyctis: it is applied -also to the abdomen, with barley-meal, for fluxes, and to -the head, with oil, for head-ache. In cases where the scalp -becomes detached from the cranium, the young branches,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_488">488</a></span> -boiled and applied with honey, have a healing effect. These -branches, too, when arrived at maturity, taken with the food, -arrest diarrhœa: parched and beaten up with honey, they -act as a detergent upon corroding sores, and bring carbuncles -to a head and dispers them.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_39"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 39.—OMPHACIUM: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to olive oil, we have abundantly treated of its nature -and elements already.<a id="FNanchor_2998_2998"></a><a href="#Footnote_2998_2998" class="fnanchor">2998</a> It now remains to speak of the medicinal -properties of the various kinds of oil. The most useful -of all is omphacium,<a id="FNanchor_2999_2999"></a><a href="#Footnote_2999_2999" class="fnanchor">2999</a> and next to that, green oil;<a id="FNanchor_3000_3000"></a><a href="#Footnote_3000_3000" class="fnanchor">3000</a> in addition -to which, we may remark that oil ought to be as fresh as -possible, except in cases where old oil is absolutely required. -For medicinal purposes, too, oil should be extremely fluid, -have an agreeable smell, and be free from<a id="FNanchor_3001_3001"></a><a href="#Footnote_3001_3001" class="fnanchor">3001</a> all taste, just the -converse, in fact, of the property which we look for in food. -Omphacium is good for the gums, and if kept from time to -time in the mouth, there is nothing better as a preservative of -the whiteness of the teeth. It checks profuse perspirations.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_40"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 40.—OIL OF ŒNANTHE: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Oil of œnanthe<a id="FNanchor_3002_3002"></a><a href="#Footnote_3002_3002" class="fnanchor">3002</a> has just the same properties as oil of roses. -Like oil in general, it makes the body supple, and imparts to -it strength and vigour; it is injurious to the stomach, promotes -the increase of ulcers, irritates the fauces, and deadens -the effect of all poisons, white-lead and gypsum in particular, -if taken in hydromel or a decoction of dried figs. Taken with -water, it is good as an antidote to the effects of opium, and to -injuries inflicted by cantharides, the buprestis, the salamandra, -and the pine caterpillar.<a id="FNanchor_3003_3003"></a><a href="#Footnote_3003_3003" class="fnanchor">3003</a> Taken pure as an emetic, it is -highly esteemed as an antidote in all the before-mentioned -cases. It is also a refreshing remedy for extreme lassitude, -and for fits of shivering from cold. Taken warm, in doses of -six cyathi, and more particularly when boiled with rue,<a id="FNanchor_3004_3004"></a><a href="#Footnote_3004_3004" class="fnanchor">3004</a> it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_489">489</a></span> -relieves gripings of the stomach and expels intestinal worms, -Taken in doses of one hemina with wine and warm water, or -else with barley water,<a id="FNanchor_3005_3005"></a><a href="#Footnote_3005_3005" class="fnanchor">3005</a> it acts as a purgative upon the bowels. -It is useful, also, in the composition of plasters for wounds, -and it cleanses the complexion of the face. Injected into the -nostrils of oxen, till it produces eructation, it cures attacks of -flatulency.</p> - -<p>When old it is of a more warming nature than when new, -and acts more energetically as a sudorific, and as a resolvent -for indurations. It is very efficacious<a id="FNanchor_3006_3006"></a><a href="#Footnote_3006_3006" class="fnanchor">3006</a> in cases of lethargy, -and more particularly in the decline of the disease. Mixed -with an equal proportion of honey which has not been smoked,<a id="FNanchor_3007_3007"></a><a href="#Footnote_3007_3007" class="fnanchor">3007</a> -it contributes in some degree to the improvement of the sight. -It is a remedy, also for head-ache; and, in combination with -water, for the burning attacks in fevers. If old oil should -happen not to be at hand, the new oil is boiled to act as a substitute -for it.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_41"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 41.—CASTOR OIL: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Castor<a id="FNanchor_3008_3008"></a><a href="#Footnote_3008_3008" class="fnanchor">3008</a> oil, taken with an equal quantity of warm water, acts -as a purgative<a id="FNanchor_3009_3009"></a><a href="#Footnote_3009_3009" class="fnanchor">3009</a> upon the bowels. It is said, too, that as a -purgative this oil acts more particularly upon the regions of -the diaphragm.<a id="FNanchor_3010_3010"></a><a href="#Footnote_3010_3010" class="fnanchor">3010</a> It is very useful for diseases of the joints, -all kinds of indurations, affections of the uterus and ears, and -for burns: employed with the ashes of the murex,<a id="FNanchor_3011_3011"></a><a href="#Footnote_3011_3011" class="fnanchor">3011</a> it heals -itch-scabs and inflammations of the fundament. It improves -the complexion also, and by its fertilizing tendencies promotes -the growth of the hair. The cicus, or seed from which this -oil is made, no animal will touch; and from these grape-like -seeds<a id="FNanchor_3012_3012"></a><a href="#Footnote_3012_3012" class="fnanchor">3012</a> wicks are made,<a id="FNanchor_3013_3013"></a><a href="#Footnote_3013_3013" class="fnanchor">3013</a> which burn with a peculiar brilliancy;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_490">490</a></span> -the light, however, that is produced by the oil is very dim, in -consequence of its extreme thickness. The leaves are applied -topically with vinegar for erysipelas, and fresh-gathered, they -are used by themselves for diseases of the mamillæ and defluxions; -a decoction of them in wine, with polenta and saffron, -is good for inflammations of various kinds. Boiled by -themselves, and applied to the face for three successive days, -they improve the complexion.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_42"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 42.—OIL OF ALMONDS: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Oil of almonds is of a purgative and emollient nature; it -effaces wrinkles on the skin, improves the complexion, and, in -combination with honey, removes spots on the face. A decoction -of it with oil of roses, honey, and pomegranate rind, is -good for the ears, and exterminates the small worms that breed -there; it has the effect also, of dispelling hardness of hearing, -recurrent tinglings and singing in the ears, and is curative of -head-ache and pains in the eyes. Used with wax, it cures -boils, and scorches by exposure to the sun;<a id="FNanchor_3014_3014"></a><a href="#Footnote_3014_3014" class="fnanchor">3014</a> in combination -with wine it heals running ulcers and scaly eruptions, and -with melilote, condylomatous swellings. Applied by itself to -the head, it invites sleep.<a id="FNanchor_3015_3015"></a><a href="#Footnote_3015_3015" class="fnanchor">3015</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_43"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 43.—OIL OF LAUREL: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>As to oil of laurel,<a id="FNanchor_3016_3016"></a><a href="#Footnote_3016_3016" class="fnanchor">3016</a> the fresher and greener it is, the more -valuable are its properties. It is of a heating nature, and is -consequently applied, warm, in a pomegranate rind, for paralysis, -spasms, sciatica, bruises, head-ache, catarrhs of long -standing, and diseases of the ears.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_44"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 44.—OIL OF MYRTLE: TWENTY REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Oil of myrtle has similar properties.<a id="FNanchor_3017_3017"></a><a href="#Footnote_3017_3017" class="fnanchor">3017</a> It is of an astringent -and indurative nature; mixed with the scoria of copper, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_491">491</a></span> -wax, it cures diseases of the gums, tooth-ache, dysentery, -ulcerations of the uterus, affections of the bladder, inveterate -or running ulcers, eruptions, and burns. It exercises a healing -effect also, upon excoriations, scaly eruptions, chaps, condylomata, -and sprains, and it neutralizes offensive odours of the -body. This oil is an antidote<a id="FNanchor_3018_3018"></a><a href="#Footnote_3018_3018" class="fnanchor">3018</a> to cantharides, the buprestis, -and other dangerous poisons of a corrosive nature.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_45"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 45.—OIL OF CHAMÆMYRSINE OR OXYMYRSINE; OIL OF -CYPRESS; OIL OF CITRUS; OIL OF WALNUTS; OIL OF CNIDIUM; -OIL OF MASTICH; OIL OF BALANUS; VARIOUS REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine,<a id="FNanchor_3019_3019"></a><a href="#Footnote_3019_3019" class="fnanchor">3019</a> possesses similar properties. -Oil of cypress<a id="FNanchor_3020_3020"></a><a href="#Footnote_3020_3020" class="fnanchor">3020</a> also, produces the same effects as oil -of myrtle, and the same as to oil of citrus.<a id="FNanchor_3021_3021"></a><a href="#Footnote_3021_3021" class="fnanchor">3021</a> Oil of walnuts, -which we have previously mentioned<a id="FNanchor_3022_3022"></a><a href="#Footnote_3022_3022" class="fnanchor">3022</a> as being called “caryinon,” -is good for alopecy, and is injected into the ears for the -cure of hardness of hearing. Used as a liniment, it relieves -head-ache; but in other respects it is of an inert nature and -disagreeable taste; indeed, if part only of one of the kernels -should happen to be decayed, the whole making is spoilt. -The oil extracted from the grain of Cnidos<a id="FNanchor_3023_3023"></a><a href="#Footnote_3023_3023" class="fnanchor">3023</a> has similar properties -to castor<a id="FNanchor_3024_3024"></a><a href="#Footnote_3024_3024" class="fnanchor">3024</a> oil. Oil of mastich<a id="FNanchor_3025_3025"></a><a href="#Footnote_3025_3025" class="fnanchor">3025</a> is very useful as an -ingredient in the medicinal preparation known as “acopum;”<a id="FNanchor_3026_3026"></a><a href="#Footnote_3026_3026" class="fnanchor">3026</a> -indeed it would be fully as efficacious as oil of roses, were it -not found to be somewhat too styptic in its effects. It is employed -in cases of too profuse perspiration, and for the cure -of pimples produced thereby. It is extremely efficacious also<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_492">492</a></span> -for itch in beasts of burden. Oil of balanus<a id="FNanchor_3027_3027"></a><a href="#Footnote_3027_3027" class="fnanchor">3027</a> removes spots -on the skin, boils, freckles, and maladies of the gums.<a id="FNanchor_3028_3028"></a><a href="#Footnote_3028_3028" class="fnanchor">3028</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_46"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 46.—THE CYPRUS, AND THE OIL EXTRACTED FROM IT; -SIXTEEN REMEDIES. GLEUCINUM: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already enlarged<a id="FNanchor_3029_3029"></a><a href="#Footnote_3029_3029" class="fnanchor">3029</a> upon the nature of the cyprus, -and the method of preparing oil of cyprus. This oil is naturally -warming, and relaxes the sinews. The leaves of the -tree are used as an application to the stomach,<a id="FNanchor_3030_3030"></a><a href="#Footnote_3030_3030" class="fnanchor">3030</a> and the juice -of them is applied in a pessary for irritations of the uterus. -Fresh gathered and chewed, the leaves are applied to running -ulcers of the head, ulcerations of the mouth, gatherings, and -condylomatous sores. A decoction of the leaves is very useful -also for burns and sprains. Beaten up and applied with the -juice of the strutheum,<a id="FNanchor_3031_3031"></a><a href="#Footnote_3031_3031" class="fnanchor">3031</a> they turn the hair red. The blossoms, -applied to the head with vinegar, relieve head-ache, -and the ashes of them, burnt in a pot of raw earth, are curative -of corrosive sores and putrid ulcers, either employed by -themselves, or in combination with honey. The odour<a id="FNanchor_3032_3032"></a><a href="#Footnote_3032_3032" class="fnanchor">3032</a> exhaled -by these blossoms induces sleep.</p> - -<p>The oil called “gleucinum”<a id="FNanchor_3033_3033"></a><a href="#Footnote_3033_3033" class="fnanchor">3033</a> has certain astringent and refreshing -properties similar to those of oil of œnanthe.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_47"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 47.—OIL OF BALSAMUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The oil of balsamum is by far the most valuable of them all, -as already stated<a id="FNanchor_3034_3034"></a><a href="#Footnote_3034_3034" class="fnanchor">3034</a> by us, when treating of the unguents. It -is extremely efficacious for the venom of all kinds of serpents,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_493">493</a></span> -is very beneficial to the eyesight, disperses films upon the eyes, -assuages hardness of breathing, and acts emolliently upon all -kinds of gatherings and indurations. It has the effect, also, -of preventing the blood from coagulating, acts as a detergent -upon ulcers, and is remarkably beneficial for diseases of the -ears, head-ache, trembling,<a id="FNanchor_3035_3035"></a><a href="#Footnote_3035_3035" class="fnanchor">3035</a> spasms, and ruptures. Taken in -milk, it is an antidote to the poison of aconite, and used as a -liniment upon the access of the shivering fits in fevers, it modifies -their violence. Still, however, it should be used but sparingly, -as it is of a very caustic nature, and, if not employed in -moderation, is apt to augment the malady.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_48"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 48.—MALOBATHRUM: FIVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already<a id="FNanchor_3036_3036"></a><a href="#Footnote_3036_3036" class="fnanchor">3036</a> spoken, also, of the nature of malobathrum, -and the various kinds of it. It acts as a diuretic, and, -sprinkled in wine upon the eyes, it is used very advantageously -for defluxions of those organs. It is applied also to the forehead, -for the purpose of promoting sleep; but it acts with -still greater efficacy, if the nostrils are rubbed with it, or if it -is taken in water. The leaves, placed beneath the tongue, -impart a sweetness to the mouth and breath, and put among -clothes, they produce a similar effect.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_49"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 49.—OIL OF HENBANE: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF LUPINES: -ONE REMEDY. OIL OF NARCISSUS: ONE REMEDY. OIL OF -RADISHES: FIVE REMEDIES. OIL OF SESAME: THREE REMEDIES. -OIL OF LILIES: THREE REMEDIES. OIL OF SELGA: ONE REMEDY. -OIL OF IGUVIUM: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Oil of henbane<a id="FNanchor_3037_3037"></a><a href="#Footnote_3037_3037" class="fnanchor">3037</a> is of an emollient nature, but it is bad for -the nerves; taken in drink, it disturbs the brain. Therminum,<a id="FNanchor_3038_3038"></a><a href="#Footnote_3038_3038" class="fnanchor">3038</a> -or oil of lupines, is emollient, and very similar to oil of -roses in its effects. As to oil of narcissus, we have already<a id="FNanchor_3039_3039"></a><a href="#Footnote_3039_3039" class="fnanchor">3039</a> -spoken of it when describing that flower. Oil of radishes,<a id="FNanchor_3040_3040"></a><a href="#Footnote_3040_3040" class="fnanchor">3040</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_494">494</a></span> -cures phthiriasis<a id="FNanchor_3041_3041"></a><a href="#Footnote_3041_3041" class="fnanchor">3041</a> contracted in a long illness, and removes -roughness of the skin upon the face. Oil of sesame is curative -of pains in the ears, spreading ulcers, and the cancer<a id="FNanchor_3042_3042"></a><a href="#Footnote_3042_3042" class="fnanchor">3042</a> known -as “cacoethes.” Oil of lilies, which we have previously<a id="FNanchor_3043_3043"></a><a href="#Footnote_3043_3043" class="fnanchor">3043</a> -mentioned as being called oil of Phaselis and oil of Syria, is -extremely good for the kidneys and for promoting perspiration, -as also as an emollient for the uterus, and as tending to bring -internal tumours to a head. As to oil of Selga, we have already<a id="FNanchor_3044_3044"></a><a href="#Footnote_3044_3044" class="fnanchor">3044</a> -spoken of it as being strengthening to the tendons; -which is the case, also, with the herbaceous<a id="FNanchor_3045_3045"></a><a href="#Footnote_3045_3045" class="fnanchor">3045</a> oil which the -people of Iguvium<a id="FNanchor_3046_3046"></a><a href="#Footnote_3046_3046" class="fnanchor">3046</a> sell, on the Flaminian Way.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_50"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 50.—ELÆOMELI: TWO REMEDIES. OIL OF PITCH: TWO -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Elæomeli, which, as we have already<a id="FNanchor_3047_3047"></a><a href="#Footnote_3047_3047" class="fnanchor">3047</a> stated, exudes from -the olive-trees of Syria, has a flavour like that of honey, but -not without a certain nauseous taste. It relaxes the bowels, -and carries off the bilious secretions more particularly, if taken -in doses of two cyathi, in a semisextarius of water. After -drinking it, the patient falls into a torpor, and requires to be -aroused every now and then. Persons, when about to drink -for a wager, are in the habit of taking<a id="FNanchor_3048_3048"></a><a href="#Footnote_3048_3048" class="fnanchor">3048</a> a cyathus of it, by way -of prelude. Oil of pitch<a id="FNanchor_3049_3049"></a><a href="#Footnote_3049_3049" class="fnanchor">3049</a> is employed for the cure of cough, -and of itch in cattle.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_51"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 51.—THE PALM: NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Next in rank after the vine and the olive comes the palm. -Dates fresh-gathered have an inebriating<a id="FNanchor_3050_3050"></a><a href="#Footnote_3050_3050" class="fnanchor">3050</a> effect, and are productive -of head-ache; when dried, they are not so injurious. -It would appear, too, that they are not wholesome to the stomach; -they have an irritating<a id="FNanchor_3051_3051"></a><a href="#Footnote_3051_3051" class="fnanchor">3051</a> effect on coughs, but are very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_495">495</a></span> -nourishing to the body. The ancients used to give a decoction -of them to patients, as a substitute for hydromel, with the view -of recruiting the strength and allaying thirst, the Thebaïc date -being held in preference for the purpose. Dates are very useful, -too, for persons troubled with spitting of blood, when taken -in the food more particularly. The dates called caryotæ,<a id="FNanchor_3052_3052"></a><a href="#Footnote_3052_3052" class="fnanchor">3052</a> in -combination with quinces, wax, and saffron, are applied topically -for affections of the stomach, bladder, abdomen, and intestines: -they are good for bruises also. Date-stones,<a id="FNanchor_3053_3053"></a><a href="#Footnote_3053_3053" class="fnanchor">3053</a> burnt -in a new earthen vessel, produce an ash which, when rinsed, -is employed as a substitute for spodium,<a id="FNanchor_3054_3054"></a><a href="#Footnote_3054_3054" class="fnanchor">3054</a> and is used as an ingredient -in eye-salves, and, with the addition of nard, in washes -for the eye-brows.<a id="FNanchor_3055_3055"></a><a href="#Footnote_3055_3055" class="fnanchor">3055</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_52"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 52. (5.)—THE PALM WHICH PRODUCES MYROBALANUM: -THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Of the palm which produces myrobalanum,<a id="FNanchor_3056_3056"></a><a href="#Footnote_3056_3056" class="fnanchor">3056</a> the most -esteemed kind is that grown in Egypt;<a id="FNanchor_3057_3057"></a><a href="#Footnote_3057_3057" class="fnanchor">3057</a> the dates of which, -unlike those of the other kinds, are without stones. Used with -astringent wine, they arrest<a id="FNanchor_3058_3058"></a><a href="#Footnote_3058_3058" class="fnanchor">3058</a> diarrhœa and the catamenia, and -promote the cicatrization of wounds.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_53"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 53.—THE PALM CALLED ELATE: SIXTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The palm called “elate,”<a id="FNanchor_3059_3059"></a><a href="#Footnote_3059_3059" class="fnanchor">3059</a> or “spathe,” furnishes its buds, -leaves, and bark for medicinal purposes. The leaves are applied -to the thoracic regions, stomach, and liver, and to spreading -ulcers, but they are adverse to cicatrization. The bark<a id="FNanchor_3060_3060"></a><a href="#Footnote_3060_3060" class="fnanchor">3060</a> of the -tree, while tender, mixed with wax and resin, heals itch-scab -in the course of twenty days: a decoction, also, is made of it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_496">496</a></span> -for diseases of the testes. Used as a fumigation, it turns the -hair black, and brings away the fœtus. It is given in drink, -also, for diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and thoracic organs; -but it acts injuriously upon the head and nerves. The decoction -of this bark has the effect, also, of arresting fluxes of the -uterus and the bowels: the ashes of it are used with white wine -for griping pains in the stomach, and form a very efficacious -remedy for affections of the uterus.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_54"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 54. (6.)—REMEDIES DERIVED PROM THE BLOSSOMS, LEAVES, -FRUIT, BRANCHES, BARK, JUICES, WOOD, ROOTS, AND ASHES OF -VARIOUS KINDS OF TREES. SIX OBSERVATIONS UPON APPLES. -TWENTY-TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON QUINCES. ONE OBSERVATION -UPON STRUTHEA.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We next come to the medicinal properties of the various -kinds of apples. The spring fruits, of this nature are sour and -unwholesome<a id="FNanchor_3061_3061"></a><a href="#Footnote_3061_3061" class="fnanchor">3061</a> to the stomach, disturb the bowels, contract the -bladder, and act injuriously upon the nerves; when cooked, -however, they are of a more harmless nature. Quinces are -more pleasant eating when cooked; still however, eaten -raw, provided they are ripe, they are very useful<a id="FNanchor_3062_3062"></a><a href="#Footnote_3062_3062" class="fnanchor">3062</a> for spitting -of blood, dysentery, cholera, and cœliac affections; indeed, -they are not of the same efficacy when cooked, as they then -lose the astringent properties which belong to their juice. -They are applied also to the breast in the burning attacks of -fever, and, in spite of what has been stated above, they are -occasionally boiled in rain-water for the various purposes before-mentioned. -For pains in the stomach they are applied<a id="FNanchor_3063_3063"></a><a href="#Footnote_3063_3063" class="fnanchor">3063</a> -like a cerate, either raw or boiled. The down upon them -heals<a id="FNanchor_3064_3064"></a><a href="#Footnote_3064_3064" class="fnanchor">3064</a> carbuncles.</p> - -<p>Boiled in wine, and applied with wax, they restore the hair, -when it has been lost by alopecy. A conserve of raw quinces -in honey relaxes the bowels: and they add very materially to -the sweetness of the honey, and render it more wholesome to -the stomach. Boiled quinces preserved in honey are beaten -up with a decoction of rose-leaves, and are taken as food by some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_497">497</a></span> -for the cure of affections of the stomach. The juice of raw quinces -is very good, also, for the spleen, hardness of breathing, dropsy, -affections of the mamillæ, condylomata, and varicose veins. -The blossoms, either fresh or dried, are useful for inflammations -of the eyes, spitting of blood, and irregularities of the -catamenia. By beating them up with sweet wine, a soothing -sirop is prepared, which is very beneficial for cœliac -affections and diseases of the liver: with a decoction of them -a fomentation is made for procidence of the uterus and intestines.</p> - -<p>From quinces an oil is also extracted, which we have spoken -of under the name of “melinum:”<a id="FNanchor_3065_3065"></a><a href="#Footnote_3065_3065" class="fnanchor">3065</a> in order to make it, the -fruit must not have been grown in a damp soil; hence it is -that the quinces which come from Sicily are so highly esteemed -for the purpose; while, on the other hand, the strutheum,<a id="FNanchor_3066_3066"></a><a href="#Footnote_3066_3066" class="fnanchor">3066</a> -though of a kindred kind, is not so good.</p> - -<p>A circle<a id="FNanchor_3067_3067"></a><a href="#Footnote_3067_3067" class="fnanchor">3067</a> is traced round the root of this tree, and the root -itself is then pulled up with the left hand, care being taken -by the person who does so to state at the same moment the -object for which it is so pulled up, and for whom. Worn as -an amulet, this root is a cure for scrofula.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_55"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 55.—THE SWEET APPLES CALLED MELIMELA: SIX OBSERVATIONS -UPON THEM. SOUR APPLES: FOUR OBSERVATIONS UPON -THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The apples known as “melimela,”<a id="FNanchor_3068_3068"></a><a href="#Footnote_3068_3068" class="fnanchor">3068</a> and the other sweet -apples, relax the stomach and bowels, but are productive of -heat and thirst,<a id="FNanchor_3069_3069"></a><a href="#Footnote_3069_3069" class="fnanchor">3069</a> though they do not act injuriously upon the -nervous system. The orbiculata<a id="FNanchor_3070_3070"></a><a href="#Footnote_3070_3070" class="fnanchor">3070</a> arrest diarrhœa and vomiting, -and act as a diuretic. Wild apples resemble the sour apples -of spring, and act astringently upon the bowels: indeed, for -this purpose they should always be used before they are ripe.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_498">498</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_56"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 56.—CITRONS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Citrons,<a id="FNanchor_3071_3071"></a><a href="#Footnote_3071_3071" class="fnanchor">3071</a> either the pulp of them or the pips, are taken in -wine as an antidote to poisons. A decoction of citrons, or the -juice extracted from them, is used as a gargle to impart sweetness -to the breath.<a id="FNanchor_3072_3072"></a><a href="#Footnote_3072_3072" class="fnanchor">3072</a> The pips of this fruit are recommended -for pregnant women to chew when affected with qualmishness. -Citrons are good, also, for a weak stomach, but it is not -easy to eat them except with vinegar.<a id="FNanchor_3073_3073"></a><a href="#Footnote_3073_3073" class="fnanchor">3073</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_57"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 57.—PUNIC APPLES OR POMEGRANATES: TWENTY-SIX -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It would be a mere loss of time to recapitulate the nine<a id="FNanchor_3074_3074"></a><a href="#Footnote_3074_3074" class="fnanchor">3074</a> -different varieties of the pomegranate. The sweet pomegranates, -or, in other words, those known by the name of -“apyrena,”<a id="FNanchor_3075_3075"></a><a href="#Footnote_3075_3075" class="fnanchor">3075</a> are generally considered to be injurious to the -stomach; they are productive, also, of flatulency, and are bad -for the teeth and gums. The kind which closely resembles the -last in flavour, and which we have spoken of as the “vinous” -pomegranate, has very diminutive pips, and is thought to be -somewhat more wholesome than the others. They have an -astringent effect upon the stomach and bowels, provided they -are taken in moderation, and not to satiety; but even these, -or, indeed, any other kind, should never be given in fevers, as -neither the substance nor the juice of the fruit acts otherwise -than injuriously under those circumstances. They should, -also, be equally<a id="FNanchor_3076_3076"></a><a href="#Footnote_3076_3076" class="fnanchor">3076</a> abstained from in cases of vomiting and -bilious evacuations.</p> - -<p>In this fruit Nature has revealed to us a grape, and, so to -say, not must, but a wine ready made, both grape and wine -being enclosed in a tougher skin.<a id="FNanchor_3077_3077"></a><a href="#Footnote_3077_3077" class="fnanchor">3077</a> The rind of the sour -pomegranate is employed for many purposes. It is in very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_499">499</a></span> -common use with curriers for tanning<a id="FNanchor_3078_3078"></a><a href="#Footnote_3078_3078" class="fnanchor">3078</a> leather, from which circumstance -it has received the name of “malicorium.”<a id="FNanchor_3079_3079"></a><a href="#Footnote_3079_3079" class="fnanchor">3079</a> Medical -men assure us that the rind is diuretic, and that, boiled -with nut-galls in vinegar, it strengthens loose teeth in the -sockets. It is prescribed also for pregnant women when suffering -from qualmishness, the flavour of it quickening the -fœtus. A pomegranate is cut, and left to soak in rain-water -for some three days; after which the infusion is given cold to -persons suffering from cœliac affections and spitting of blood.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_58"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 58.—THE COMPOSITION CALLED STOMATICE: FOURTEEN -REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>With the sour pomegranate a medicament is made, which is -known as “stomatice,” and is extremely good for affections of -the mouth, nostrils, and ears, dimness of sight, films upon the -eyes,<a id="FNanchor_3080_3080"></a><a href="#Footnote_3080_3080" class="fnanchor">3080</a> diseases of the generative organs, corrosive sores called -“nomæ,” and fleshy excrescences in ulcers; it is useful, also, -as an antidote to the venom of the sea-hare.<a id="FNanchor_3081_3081"></a><a href="#Footnote_3081_3081" class="fnanchor">3081</a> The following -is the method of making it: the rind is taken off the fruit, -and the pips are pounded, after which the juice is boiled -down to one-third, and then mixed with saffron, split alum,<a id="FNanchor_3082_3082"></a><a href="#Footnote_3082_3082" class="fnanchor">3082</a> -myrrh, and Attic honey, the proportions being half a pound -of each.</p> - -<p>Some persons have another way of making it: a number -of sour pomegranates are pounded, after which the juice is -boiled down in a new cauldron to the consistency of honey. -This composition is used for various affections of the generative -organs and fundament, and, indeed, all those diseases -which are treated with lycium.<a id="FNanchor_3083_3083"></a><a href="#Footnote_3083_3083" class="fnanchor">3083</a> It is employed, also, for -the cure of purulent discharges from the ears, incipient defluxions -of the eyes, and red spots upon the hands. Branches -of the pomegranate have the effect of repelling the attacks of -serpents.<a id="FNanchor_3084_3084"></a><a href="#Footnote_3084_3084" class="fnanchor">3084</a> Pomegranate rind, boiled in wine and applied, is -a cure for chilblains. A pomegranate, boiled down to one-third -in three heminæ of wine, is a cure for griping pains in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_500">500</a></span> -the bowels and for tape-worm.<a id="FNanchor_3085_3085"></a><a href="#Footnote_3085_3085" class="fnanchor">3085</a> A pomegranate, put in a new -earthen pot tightly covered and burnt in a furnace, and then -pounded and taken in wine, arrests looseness of the bowels, -and dispels griping pains in the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_59"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 59.—CYTINUS: EIGHT REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The Greeks have given the name of cytinus<a id="FNanchor_3086_3086"></a><a href="#Footnote_3086_3086" class="fnanchor">3086</a> to the first -germs of this tree when it is just beginning to blossom. -These germs have a singular property, which has been remarked -by many. If a person, after taking off everything -that is fastened upon the body, his girdle, for instance, shoes, -and even his ring, plucks one of them with two fingers of -the left hand, the thumb, namely, and the fourth finger, and, -after rubbing it gently round his eyes, puts it into his mouth -and swallows<a id="FNanchor_3087_3087"></a><a href="#Footnote_3087_3087" class="fnanchor">3087</a> it without letting it touch his teeth, he will -experience, it is said, no malady of the eyes throughout all -the year. These germs, dried and pounded, check the growth -of fleshy excrescences; they are good also for the gums and -teeth; and if the teeth are loose a decoction of the germs will -strengthen them.</p> - -<p>The young pomegranates<a id="FNanchor_3088_3088"></a><a href="#Footnote_3088_3088" class="fnanchor">3088</a> themselves are beaten up and -applied as a liniment to spreading or putrid sores; they are -used also for inflammations of the eyes and intestines, and -nearly all the purposes for which pomegranate-rind is used. -They are remedial also for the stings of scorpions.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_60"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 60.—BALAUSTIUM: TWELVE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We cannot sufficiently admire the care and diligence displayed -by the ancients, who, in their enquiries into every -subject, have left nothing untried. Within the cytinus, before -the pomegranate itself makes its appearance, there are diminutive -flowers, the name given to which, as already<a id="FNanchor_3089_3089"></a><a href="#Footnote_3089_3089" class="fnanchor">3089</a> stated,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_501">501</a></span> -is “balaustium.”<a id="FNanchor_3090_3090"></a><a href="#Footnote_3090_3090" class="fnanchor">3090</a> These blossoms, even, have not escaped -their enquiries; it having been ascertained by them that they -are an excellent remedy for stings inflicted by the scorpion. -Taken in drink, they arrest the catamenia, and are curative -of ulcers of the mouth, tonsillary glands, and uvula, as also of -spitting of blood, derangement of the stomach and bowels, -diseases of the generative organs, and running sores in all -parts of the body.</p> - -<p>The ancients also dried these blossoms, to try their efficacy -in that state, and made the discovery that, pulverized, they -cure patients suffering from dysentery when at the very point -of death even, and that they arrest looseness of the bowels. -They have not disdained, too, to make trial of the pips of the -pomegranate: parched and then pounded, these pips are good -for the stomach, sprinkled in the food or drink. To arrest -looseness of the bowels, they are taken in rain-water. A -decoction of the juices of the root, in doses of one victoriatus,<a id="FNanchor_3091_3091"></a><a href="#Footnote_3091_3091" class="fnanchor">3091</a> -exterminates tape-worm;<a id="FNanchor_3092_3092"></a><a href="#Footnote_3092_3092" class="fnanchor">3092</a> and the root itself, boiled -down in water to a thick consistency, is employed for the -same purposes as lycium.<a id="FNanchor_3093_3093"></a><a href="#Footnote_3093_3093" class="fnanchor">3093</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_61"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 61.—THE WILD POMEGRANATE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>There is a tree, also, which is called the wild pomegranate,<a id="FNanchor_3094_3094"></a><a href="#Footnote_3094_3094" class="fnanchor">3094</a> -on account of its strong resemblance to the cultivated pomegranate. -The roots of it have a red bark, which taken in -wine in doses of one denarius, promotes sleep. The seed of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_502">502</a></span> -it taken in drink is curative of dropsy. Gnats are kept at a -distance by the smoke of burnt pomegranate rind.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_62"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 62. (7.)—PEARS: TWELVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>All kinds of pears, as an aliment, are indigestible,<a id="FNanchor_3095_3095"></a><a href="#Footnote_3095_3095" class="fnanchor">3095</a> to -persons in robust health, even; but to invalids they are forbidden -as rigidly as wine. Boiled, however, they are remarkably -agreeable and wholesome, those of Crustumium<a id="FNanchor_3096_3096"></a><a href="#Footnote_3096_3096" class="fnanchor">3096</a> -in particular. All kinds of pears, too, boiled with honey, are -wholesome to the stomach. Cataplasms of a resolvent nature -are made with pears, and a decoction of them is used to disperse -indurations. They are efficacious, also, in cases of poisoning<a id="FNanchor_3097_3097"></a><a href="#Footnote_3097_3097" class="fnanchor">3097</a> -by mushrooms and fungi, as much by reason of their -heaviness, as by the neutralizing effects of their juice.</p> - -<p>The wild pear ripens but very slowly. Cut in slices and -hung in the air to dry, it arrests looseness of the bowels, -an effect which is equally produced by a decoction of it taken -in drink; in which case the leaves also are boiled up together -with the fruit. The ashes of pear-tree wood are even more -efficacious<a id="FNanchor_3098_3098"></a><a href="#Footnote_3098_3098" class="fnanchor">3098</a> as an antidote to the poison of fungi.</p> - -<p>A load of apples or pears, however small, is singularly -fatiguing<a id="FNanchor_3099_3099"></a><a href="#Footnote_3099_3099" class="fnanchor">3099</a> to beasts of burden; the best plan to counteract -this, they say, is to give the animals some to eat, or at least -to shew them the fruit before starting.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_63"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 63.—FIGS: ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN OBSERVATIONS -UPON THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The milky juice of the fig-tree possesses kindred properties -with vinegar;<a id="FNanchor_3100_3100"></a><a href="#Footnote_3100_3100" class="fnanchor">3100</a> hence it is, that, like rennet, it curdles milk. -This juice is collected before the fruit ripens, and dried in the -shade; being used with yolk of egg as a liniment, or else in -drink, with amylum,<a id="FNanchor_3101_3101"></a><a href="#Footnote_3101_3101" class="fnanchor">3101</a> to bring ulcers to a head and break<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_503">503</a></span> -them, and for the purposes of an emmenagogue. With meal -of fenugreek and vinegar, it is applied topically for gout; it -acts also as a depilatory,<a id="FNanchor_3102_3102"></a><a href="#Footnote_3102_3102" class="fnanchor">3102</a> heals eruptions of the eyelids, -lichens and itch-scabs, and relaxes the bowels. The milk of -the fig-tree is naturally curative of the stings of hornets, -wasps, and similar insects, and is remarkably useful for wounds -inflicted by scorpions. Mixed with axle-grease it removes -warts. With the leaves and figs still green an application is -made for scrofulous<a id="FNanchor_3103_3103"></a><a href="#Footnote_3103_3103" class="fnanchor">3103</a> and other sores of a nature which requires -emollients or resolvents. The leaves, too, used by themselves, -are productive of a similar effect. In addition to this, they -are employed for other purposes, as a friction for lichens, for -example, for alopecy, and other diseases which require caustic -applications. The young shoots of the branches are used as -an application to the skin in cases of bites inflicted by dogs. -With honey they are applied to the ulcers known as honeycomb -ulcers;<a id="FNanchor_3104_3104"></a><a href="#Footnote_3104_3104" class="fnanchor">3104</a> mixed with the leaves of wild poppies they extract<a id="FNanchor_3105_3105"></a><a href="#Footnote_3105_3105" class="fnanchor">3105</a> -splinters of bones; and the leaves beaten up in vinegar -are a cure for bites inflicted by dogs. The young white shoots -of the black<a id="FNanchor_3106_3106"></a><a href="#Footnote_3106_3106" class="fnanchor">3106</a> fig are applied topically, with wax, to boils, and -bites inflicted by the shrew-mouse: and the ashes of their -leaves are used for the cure of gangrenes and the reduction of -fleshy excrescences.</p> - -<p>Ripe figs are diuretic and laxative; they promote the perspiration, -and bring out pimples; hence it is that they are unwholesome -in autumn, the perspirations which they excite -being always attended with shivering. They are injurious -also to the stomach, though for a short time only; and it is -generally thought that they spoil the voice. The figs which -are the last to ripen are more wholesome than the first, but -those which are drugged<a id="FNanchor_3107_3107"></a><a href="#Footnote_3107_3107" class="fnanchor">3107</a> for the purpose of ripening them -are never wholesome. This fruit invigorates the young, and -improves the health of the aged and retards the formation of -wrinkles; it allays thirst, and is of a cooling nature, for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_504">504</a></span> -which reason it should never be declined in those fevers of an -astringent tendency which are known as “stegnæ.”</p> - -<p>Dried figs are injurious to the stomach,<a id="FNanchor_3108_3108"></a><a href="#Footnote_3108_3108" class="fnanchor">3108</a> but are beneficial -in a marvellous degree to the throat and fauces. They are of -a warming nature, are productive of thirst, and relax the bowels, -but are unwholesome in stomachic complaints and fluxes of the -bowels. In all cases they are beneficial for the bladder, hardness -of breathing, and asthma, as also for diseases of the liver, -kidneys, and spleen. They are nourishing and invigorating, -for which reason, the athletes in former times used them as -food: Pythagoras, the gymnast, being the first who introduced -among them a flesh diet.<a id="FNanchor_3109_3109"></a><a href="#Footnote_3109_3109" class="fnanchor">3109</a> Figs are extremely useful -for patients recovering from a long illness, and for persons -suffering from epilepsy or dropsy. They are applied topically -also in all cases where sores require to be brought to a head, -or dispersed; and they are still more efficacious when mixed -with lime or nitre. Boiled with hyssop they act as a purgative -on the pectoral organs, carry off the phlegm, and cure -inveterate coughs: boiled with wine they heal maladies of -the fundament, and tumours of the jaws. A decoction of them -is applied also to boils, inflamed tumours, and imposthumes -of the parotid glands. This decoction, too, is found very -useful as a fomentation for disorders incident to females.</p> - -<p>Boiled with fenugreek,<a id="FNanchor_3110_3110"></a><a href="#Footnote_3110_3110" class="fnanchor">3110</a> figs are very useful in cases of -pleurisy and peripneumony. A decoction of them with -rue is good for griping pains in the bowels; in combination -with verdigris,<a id="FNanchor_3111_3111"></a><a href="#Footnote_3111_3111" class="fnanchor">3111</a> they are used for ulcers of the legs and imposthumes -of the parotid glands; with pomegranates, for hang-nails;<a id="FNanchor_3112_3112"></a><a href="#Footnote_3112_3112" class="fnanchor">3112</a> -and with wax, for burns and chilblains. Boiled in -wine, with wormwood and barley-meal, they are employed -for dropsy. Eaten with nitre, they relax the bowels; and -beaten up with salt they are applied to stings inflicted by -scorpions. Boiled in wine, and applied topically, they bring -carbuncles to a head. In cases of carcinoma, unattended with -ulceration, it is a singularly good plan to apply to the part the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_505">505</a></span> -pulpiest fig that can be procured; the same, too, with phagedænic -sores.</p> - -<p>As to the ashes of the fig, those of no tree known are of a -more acrid character,<a id="FNanchor_3113_3113"></a><a href="#Footnote_3113_3113" class="fnanchor">3113</a> being of a detergent and astringent -nature, and tending to make new flesh and to promote the -cicatrization of wounds. They are also taken in drink, for -the purpose of dissolving coagulated blood, as also for bruises, -falls with violence, ruptures, convulsions * * * * in -one cyathus respectively of water and oil. They are administered -also for tetanus and spasms, and are used either in a -potion, or as an injection for cœliac affections and dysentery. -Employed as a liniment with oil, they have a warming effect; -and kneaded into a paste with wax and rose-oil, they heal -burns, leaving the slightest scar only. Applied in oil, as a -liniment, they are a cure for weakness of sight, and are used -as a dentifrice in diseases of the teeth.</p> - -<p>It is said, too, that if a patient draws downward a branch -of a fig-tree, and turns up his head and bites off some knot -or other of it, without being seen by any one, and then wears -it in a leather bag suspended by a string from his neck, it is a -certain cure for scrofulous sores and imposthumes of the parotid -glands. The bark of this tree, beaten up with oil, cures -ulcerations of the abdomen. Green figs, applied raw, with -the addition of nitre and meal, remove warts and wens.<a id="FNanchor_3114_3114"></a><a href="#Footnote_3114_3114" class="fnanchor">3114</a></p> - -<p>The ashes of the suckers which spring from the roots are used -as a substitute for spodium.<a id="FNanchor_3115_3115"></a><a href="#Footnote_3115_3115" class="fnanchor">3115</a> Burnt over a second time and -incorporated with white lead, they are divided into cakes -which are used for the cure of ulcerations of the eyes and -eruptions.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_64"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 64.—THE WILD FIG: FORTY-TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The wild fig, again, is even more efficacious in its properties -than the cultivated one. It has not so large a proportion of -milky juice as the other: a slip of it put into milk has the -effect of curdling it and turning it into cheese. This juice, -collected and indurated by being subjected to pressure, imparts<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_506">506</a></span> -a fine flavor<a id="FNanchor_3116_3116"></a><a href="#Footnote_3116_3116" class="fnanchor">3116</a> to meat, being steeped in vinegar for the -purpose, and then rubbed upon it. It is used also as an ingredient -in blisters, and taken internally it relaxes the bowels. -Used with amylum,<a id="FNanchor_3117_3117"></a><a href="#Footnote_3117_3117" class="fnanchor">3117</a> it opens the passages of the uterus, and -combined with the yolk of an egg it acts as an emmenagogue. -Mixed with meal of fenugreek it is applied topically for -gout, and is used for the dispersion of leprous sores, itch-scabs, -lichens, and freckles: it is an antidote also to the stings -of venomous animals, and to the bites of dogs. Applied to -the teeth in wool, or introduced into the cavity of a carious -tooth, this juice cures tooth-ache.<a id="FNanchor_3118_3118"></a><a href="#Footnote_3118_3118" class="fnanchor">3118</a> The young shoots and -the leaves, mixed with meal of fitches, act as an antidote to -the poison of marine animals, wine being added to the preparation. -In boiling beef a great saving of fire-wood may be -effected, by putting some of these shoots in the pot.<a id="FNanchor_3119_3119"></a><a href="#Footnote_3119_3119" class="fnanchor">3119</a></p> - -<p>The figs in a green state, applied topically, soften and disperse -scrofulous sores and all kinds of gatherings, and the leaves, to -a certain extent, have a similar effect. The softer leaves are -applied with vinegar for the cure of running ulcers, epinyctis, -and scaly eruptions. With the leaves, mixed with honey, honeycomb -ulcers<a id="FNanchor_3120_3120"></a><a href="#Footnote_3120_3120" class="fnanchor">3120</a> are treated, and wounds inflicted by dogs; the -leaves are applied, too, fresh, with wine, to phagedænic sores. -In combination with poppy-leaves, they extract splintered -bones. Wild figs, in a green state, employed as a fumigation, -dispel flatulency; and an infusion of them, used as a potion, -combats the deleterious effects of bullocks’ blood, white-lead, -and coagulated milk, taken internally. Boiled in water, and -employed as a cataplasm, they cure imposthumes of the parotid -glands. The shoots, or the green figs, gathered as young as -possible, are taken in wine for stings inflicted by scorpions. -The milky juice is also poured into the wound, and the leaves -are applied to it: the bite of the shrew-mouse is treated in a -similar manner. The ashes of the young branches are curative -of relaxations of the uvula; and the ashes of the tree itself, -mixed with honey, have the effect of healing chaps. A decoction<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_507">507</a></span> -of the root, boiled in wine, is good for tooth-ache. -The winter wild fig, boiled in vinegar and pounded, is a cure -for impetigo: the branches are first barked for the purpose -and then scraped; these scrapings, which are as fine as sawdust, -being applied topically to the parts affected.</p> - -<p>There is also one medicinal property of a marvellous nature -attributed to the wild fig: if a youth who has not arrived at -puberty breaks off a branch, and then with his teeth tears off -the bark swelling with the sap, the pith of this branch, we are -assured, attached as an amulet to the person before sunrise, -will prevent the formation of scrofulous sores. A branch of -this tree, attached to the neck of a bull, however furious, exercises -such a marvellous effect upon him as to restrain his -ferocity,<a id="FNanchor_3121_3121"></a><a href="#Footnote_3121_3121" class="fnanchor">3121</a> and render him quite immoveable.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_65"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 65.—THE HERB ERINEON: THREE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>It will be as well to speak here, in consequence of the similarity -of name,<a id="FNanchor_3122_3122"></a><a href="#Footnote_3122_3122" class="fnanchor">3122</a> of the herb which is known to the Greeks as -the “erineon.” This plant<a id="FNanchor_3123_3123"></a><a href="#Footnote_3123_3123" class="fnanchor">3123</a> is a palm in height, and has -mostly five small stems: in appearance it resembles ocimum, -and bears a white flower, with a small, black, seed. Beaten up -with Attic honey, it is a cure for defluxions of the eyes. In -whatever way it is gathered, it yields a considerable abundance -of sweet, milky, juice. With the addition of a little -nitre, this plant is extremely useful for pains in the ears. The -leaves of it have the property of neutralizing poisons.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_66"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 66.—PLUMS: FOUR OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The leaves<a id="FNanchor_3124_3124"></a><a href="#Footnote_3124_3124" class="fnanchor">3124</a> of the plum, boiled in wine, are useful for the -tonsillary glands, the gums, and the uvula, the mouth being -rinsed with the decoction every now and then. As for the -fruit itself, it is relaxing<a id="FNanchor_3125_3125"></a><a href="#Footnote_3125_3125" class="fnanchor">3125</a> to the bowels; but it is not very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_508">508</a></span> -wholesome to the stomach, though its bad effects are little -more than momentary.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_67"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 67.—PEACHES: TWO REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Peaches, again, are more wholesome than plums; and the -same is the case with the juice of the fruit, extracted, and -taken in either wine or vinegar. Indeed, what known fruit -is there that is more wholesome as an aliment than this? -There is none, in fact, that has a less powerful smell,<a id="FNanchor_3126_3126"></a><a href="#Footnote_3126_3126" class="fnanchor">3126</a> or a -greater abundance of juice, though it has a tendency to create -thirst.<a id="FNanchor_3127_3127"></a><a href="#Footnote_3127_3127" class="fnanchor">3127</a> The leaves of it, beaten up and applied topically, -arrest hæmorrhage: the kernels, mixed with oil and vinegar, -are used as a liniment for head-ache.<a id="FNanchor_3128_3128"></a><a href="#Footnote_3128_3128" class="fnanchor">3128</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_68"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 68.—WILD PLUMS: TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The fruit of the wild plum, or the bark of the root,<a id="FNanchor_3129_3129"></a><a href="#Footnote_3129_3129" class="fnanchor">3129</a> boiled -down to one-third in one hemina of astringent wine, arrests -looseness of the bowels and griping pains in the stomach: -the proper dose of the decoction is one cyathus.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_69"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 69.—THE LICHEN ON PLUM-TREES: TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Upon the bark of the wild and cultivated plums we find an -excrescence<a id="FNanchor_3130_3130"></a><a href="#Footnote_3130_3130" class="fnanchor">3130</a> growing, known to the Greeks by the name of -“lichen:” it is remarkably good for chaps and condylomatous -swellings.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_70"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 70.—MULBERRIES: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>In Egypt and in the Isle of Cyprus there are, as already<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_509">509</a></span> -stated,<a id="FNanchor_3131_3131"></a><a href="#Footnote_3131_3131" class="fnanchor">3131</a> mulberry-trees of a peculiar kind, being of a nature -that is truly marvellous; for, if the outer bark is peeled off, -they emit a great abundance of juice; but if a deeper incision -is made, they are found to be quite dry.<a id="FNanchor_3132_3132"></a><a href="#Footnote_3132_3132" class="fnanchor">3132</a> This juice is -an antidote to the venom of serpents, is good for dysentery, -disperses inflamed tumours and all kinds of gatherings, heals -wounds, and allays both head-ache and ear-ache: it is taken -in drink for affections of the spleen, and is used as a liniment -for the same purpose, as also for fits of shivering. This juice, -however, very soon breeds worms.</p> - -<p>Among ourselves, too, the juice which exudes from the -mulberry-tree is employed for an equal number of purposes: -taken in wine, it neutralizes the noxious effects of aconite<a id="FNanchor_3133_3133"></a><a href="#Footnote_3133_3133" class="fnanchor">3133</a> and -the venom of spiders, relaxes the bowels, and expels tapeworm -and other animals which breed in the intestines;<a id="FNanchor_3134_3134"></a><a href="#Footnote_3134_3134" class="fnanchor">3134</a> the -bark of the tree, pounded, has also a similar effect. The -leaves, boiled in rain-water with the bark of the black fig and -the vine, are used for dyeing the hair.</p> - -<p>The juice of the fruit has a laxative effect immediately upon -the bowels, though the fruit itself, for the moment, acts beneficially -upon the stomach, being of a refreshing nature, but productive -of thirst. If no other food is taken upon them, mulberries<a id="FNanchor_3135_3135"></a><a href="#Footnote_3135_3135" class="fnanchor">3135</a> -are of a swelling tendency. The juice of unripe mulberries -acts astringently upon the bowels. The marvels which -are presented by this tree, and of which we have made some -mention<a id="FNanchor_3136_3136"></a><a href="#Footnote_3136_3136" class="fnanchor">3136</a> when describing it, would almost appear to belong -to a creature gifted with animation.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_71"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 71.—THE MEDICAMENT CALLED STOMATICE, ARTERIACE, OR -PANCHRESTOS: FOUR REMEDIES. -</span></h3></div> -<p>From the fruit of the mulberry a medicament is prepared, -called “panchrestos,”<a id="FNanchor_3137_3137"></a><a href="#Footnote_3137_3137" class="fnanchor">3137</a> “stomatice,” or “arteriace:” the following -is the method employed. Three sextarii of the juice<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_510">510</a></span> -are reduced, at a slow heat, to the consistency of honey; two -denarii of dried omphacium<a id="FNanchor_3138_3138"></a><a href="#Footnote_3138_3138" class="fnanchor">3138</a> or one of myrrh, with one denarius -of saffron, are then added, the whole being beaten up together -and mixed with the decoction. There is no medicament -known that is more soothing than this, for affections of -the mouth, the trachea, the uvula, and the stomach. There -is also another mode of preparing it: two sextarii of mulberry -juice and one of Attic honey are boiled down in the manner -above stated.</p> - -<p>There are some other marvellous properties, also, which are -mentioned in reference to this tree. When the tree is in bud, -and before the appearance of the leaves, the germs of the fruit -must be gathered with the left hand—the Greeks give them -the name of “ricini.”<a id="FNanchor_3139_3139"></a><a href="#Footnote_3139_3139" class="fnanchor">3139</a> These germs, worn as an amulet -before they have touched the ground, have the effect of arresting -hæmorrhage, whether proceeding from a wound, from the -mouth, from the nostrils, or from piles; for which purposes -they are, accordingly, put away and kept. Similar virtues -are attributed to a branch just beginning to bear, broken off at -full moon, provided also it has not touched the ground: this -branch, it is said, attached to the arm, is peculiarly efficacious -for the suppression of the catamenia when in excess. The -same effect is produced, it is said, when the woman herself -pulls it off, whatever time it may happen to be, care being -taken not to let it touch the ground, and to wear it attached to -the body. The leaves of the mulberry-tree beaten up fresh, -or a decoction of them dried, are applied topically for stings -inflicted by serpents: an infusion of them, taken in drink, is -equally efficacious for that purpose. The juice extracted from -the bark of the root, taken in wine or oxycrate, counteracts -the venom of the scorpion.</p> - -<p>We must also give some account of the method of preparing -this medicament employed by the ancients: extracting the -juice from the fruit, both ripe and unripe, they mixed it together, -and then boiled it down in a copper vessel to the consistency<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_511">511</a></span> -of honey. Some persons were in the habit of adding -myrrh and cypress, and then left it to harden in the sun, mixing -it with a spatula three times a-day. Such was their receipt for -the stomatice, which was also employed by them to promote -the cicatrization of wounds. There was another method, also, -of dealing with the juice of this fruit: extracting the juice, -they used the dried fruit with various articles of food,<a id="FNanchor_3140_3140"></a><a href="#Footnote_3140_3140" class="fnanchor">3140</a> as -tending to heighten the flavour; and they were in the habit -of employing it medicinally<a id="FNanchor_3141_3141"></a><a href="#Footnote_3141_3141" class="fnanchor">3141</a> for corroding ulcers, pituitous -expectorations, and all cases in which astringents were required -for the viscera. They used it also for the purpose of -cleaning<a id="FNanchor_3142_3142"></a><a href="#Footnote_3142_3142" class="fnanchor">3142</a> the teeth. A third mode of employing the juices of -this tree is to boil down the leaves and root, the decoction -being used, with oil,<a id="FNanchor_3143_3143"></a><a href="#Footnote_3143_3143" class="fnanchor">3143</a> as a liniment for the cure of burns. -The leaves are also applied by themselves for the same -purpose.</p> - -<p>An incision made in the root at harvest-time, supplies a -juice that is extremely useful for tooth-ache, gatherings, and -suppurations; it acts, also, as a purgative upon the bowels. -Mulberry-leaves, macerated in urine, remove the hair from -hides.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_72"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 72.—CHERRIES: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Cherries are relaxing to the bowels and unwholesome<a id="FNanchor_3144_3144"></a><a href="#Footnote_3144_3144" class="fnanchor">3144</a> to -the stomach; in a dried state, however, they are astringent -and diuretic.<a id="FNanchor_3145_3145"></a><a href="#Footnote_3145_3145" class="fnanchor">3145</a> I find it stated by some authors, that if -cherries are taken early in the morning covered with dew, -the kernels being eaten with them, the bowels will be so -strongly acted upon as to effect a cure for gout in the feet.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_512">512</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_73"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 73.—MEDLARS: TWO REMEDIES. SORBS: TWO REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Medlars, the setania<a id="FNanchor_3146_3146"></a><a href="#Footnote_3146_3146" class="fnanchor">3146</a> excepted, which has pretty nearly -the same properties as the apple, act astringently upon the -stomach and arrest looseness of the bowels. The same is the -case, too, with dried sorbs;<a id="FNanchor_3147_3147"></a><a href="#Footnote_3147_3147" class="fnanchor">3147</a> but when eaten fresh, they are -beneficial to the stomach, and are good for fluxes of the bowels.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_74"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 74. (8.)—PINE-NUTS: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Pine-nuts,<a id="FNanchor_3148_3148"></a><a href="#Footnote_3148_3148" class="fnanchor">3148</a> with the resin in them, are slightly bruised, and -then boiled down in water to one-half, the proportion of water -being one sextarius to each nut. This decoction, taken in -doses of two cyathi, is used for the cure of spitting of blood. -The bark of the tree, boiled in wine, is given for griping pains -in the bowels. The kernels of the pine-nut allay thirst, and -assuage acridities and gnawing pains in the stomach; they -tend also to neutralize vicious humours in that region, recruit -the strength, and are salutary to the kidneys and the bladder. -They would seem, however, to exercise an irritating effect<a id="FNanchor_3149_3149"></a><a href="#Footnote_3149_3149" class="fnanchor">3149</a> -upon the fauces, and to increase cough. Taken in water, wine, -raisin wine, or a decoction of dates, they carry off bile. For -gnawing pains in the stomach of extreme violence, they are -mixed with cucumber-seed and juice of purslain; they are employed, -too, in a similar manner for ulcerations of the bladder -and kidneys,<a id="FNanchor_3150_3150"></a><a href="#Footnote_3150_3150" class="fnanchor">3150</a> having a diuretic effect.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_75"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 75.—ALMONDS: TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>A decoction of the root of the bitter almond<a id="FNanchor_3151_3151"></a><a href="#Footnote_3151_3151" class="fnanchor">3151</a> clears the -complexion, and gives the face a brighter colour.<a id="FNanchor_3152_3152"></a><a href="#Footnote_3152_3152" class="fnanchor">3152</a> Bitter almonds -are provocative of sleep,<a id="FNanchor_3153_3153"></a><a href="#Footnote_3153_3153" class="fnanchor">3153</a> and sharpen the appetite;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_513">513</a></span> -they act, also, as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue. They -are used topically for head-ache, when there is fever more particularly. -Should the head-ache proceed from inebriation,<a id="FNanchor_3154_3154"></a><a href="#Footnote_3154_3154" class="fnanchor">3154</a> -they are applied with vinegar, rose-oil, and one sextarius of -water. Used in combination with amylum<a id="FNanchor_3155_3155"></a><a href="#Footnote_3155_3155" class="fnanchor">3155</a> and mint, they -arrest hæmorrhage. They are useful, also, for lethargy and -epilepsy, and the head is anointed with them for the cure of -epinyctis. In combination with wine, they heal putrid ulcers -of an inveterate nature, and, with honey, bites inflicted by -dogs.<a id="FNanchor_3156_3156"></a><a href="#Footnote_3156_3156" class="fnanchor">3156</a> They are employed, also, for the cure of scaly eruptions -of the face, the parts affected being fomented first.</p> - -<p>Taken in water, or, as is often done, in an electuary, with -resin of terebinth,<a id="FNanchor_3157_3157"></a><a href="#Footnote_3157_3157" class="fnanchor">3157</a> they remove pains in the liver and kidneys; -used with raisin wine, they are good for calculus and strangury. -Bruised in hydromel, they are useful for cleansing the skin; -and taken in an electuary with the addition of a small proportion -of elelisphacus,<a id="FNanchor_3158_3158"></a><a href="#Footnote_3158_3158" class="fnanchor">3158</a> they are good for diseases of the liver, -cough, and colic, a piece about the size of a hazel-nut being -taken in honey. It is said that if five bitter almonds are taken -by a person before sitting down to drink, he will be proof -against inebriation;<a id="FNanchor_3159_3159"></a><a href="#Footnote_3159_3159" class="fnanchor">3159</a> and that foxes, if they eat bitter almonds,<a id="FNanchor_3160_3160"></a><a href="#Footnote_3160_3160" class="fnanchor">3160</a> -will be sure to die immediately, if they cannot find -water to lap.</p> - -<p>As to sweet almonds, their remedial properties are not<a id="FNanchor_3161_3161"></a><a href="#Footnote_3161_3161" class="fnanchor">3161</a> so -extensive; still, however, they are of a purgative nature, and -are diuretic. Eaten fresh, they are difficult<a id="FNanchor_3162_3162"></a><a href="#Footnote_3162_3162" class="fnanchor">3162</a> of digestion.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_76"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 76.—GREEK NUTS: ONE REMEDY.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Greek nuts,<a id="FNanchor_3163_3163"></a><a href="#Footnote_3163_3163" class="fnanchor">3163</a> taken in vinegar with wormwood seed, are said<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_514">514</a></span> -to be a cure for jaundice. Used alone, they are employed -topically for the treatment of diseases of the fundament, and -condylomata in particular, as also cough and spitting of blood.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_77"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 77.—WALNUTS: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. THE MITHRIDATIC -ANTIDOTE.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Walnuts<a id="FNanchor_3164_3164"></a><a href="#Footnote_3164_3164" class="fnanchor">3164</a> have received their name in Greek from being -oppressive<a id="FNanchor_3165_3165"></a><a href="#Footnote_3165_3165" class="fnanchor">3165</a> to the head; for, in fact, the emanations<a id="FNanchor_3166_3166"></a><a href="#Footnote_3166_3166" class="fnanchor">3166</a> from the -tree itself and the leaves penetrate to the brain. The kernels, -also, have a similar effect when eaten, though not in so marked -a degree. When fresh gathered, they are most agreeable -eating; for when dry, they are more oleaginous, unwholesome -to the stomach, difficult of digestion, productive of head-ache, -and bad for cough,<a id="FNanchor_3167_3167"></a><a href="#Footnote_3167_3167" class="fnanchor">3167</a> or for a person when about to take an emetic -fasting: they are good in cases of tenesmus only, as they carry -off the pituitous humours of the body. Eaten beforehand, they -deaden the effects of poison, and, employed with rue and oil, -they are a cure for quinsy. They act as a corrective, also, to -onions, and modify their flavour. They are applied to inflammations -of the ears, with a little honey, and with rue they are -used for affections of the mamillæ, and for sprains. With -onions, salt, and honey, they are applied to bites inflicted by -dogs or human beings. Walnut-shells are used for cauterizing<a id="FNanchor_3168_3168"></a><a href="#Footnote_3168_3168" class="fnanchor">3168</a> -carious teeth; and with these shells, burnt and then -beaten up in oil or wine, the heads of infants are anointed, -they having a tendency to make the hair grow; hence they -are used in a similar manner for alopecy also. These nuts, -eaten in considerable numbers, act as an expellent upon tapeworm.<a id="FNanchor_3169_3169"></a><a href="#Footnote_3169_3169" class="fnanchor">3169</a> -Walnuts, when very old, are<a id="FNanchor_3170_3170"></a><a href="#Footnote_3170_3170" class="fnanchor">3170</a> curative of gangrenous -sores and carbuncles, of bruises also. Green walnut-shells<a id="FNanchor_3171_3171"></a><a href="#Footnote_3171_3171" class="fnanchor">3171</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_515">515</a></span> -are employed for the cure of lichens and dysentery, and the -leaves are beaten up with vinegar as an application for ear-ache.<a id="FNanchor_3172_3172"></a><a href="#Footnote_3172_3172" class="fnanchor">3172</a></p> - -<p>After the defeat of that mighty monarch, Mithridates, Cneius -Pompeius found in his private cabinet a recipe for an antidote -in his own hand-writing; it was to the following effect:<a id="FNanchor_3173_3173"></a><a href="#Footnote_3173_3173" class="fnanchor">3173</a>—Take -two dried walnuts, two figs, and twenty leaves of rue; -pound them all together, with the addition of a grain of salt; -if a person takes this mixture fasting, he will be proof against -all poisons for that day.<a id="FNanchor_3174_3174"></a><a href="#Footnote_3174_3174" class="fnanchor">3174</a> Walnut kernels, chewed by a man -fasting, and applied to the wound, effect an instantaneous cure, -it is said, of bites inflicted by a mad dog.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_78"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 78.—HAZEL-NUTS: THREE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. -PISTACHIO-NUTS: EIGHT OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. CHESNUTS: -FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. -</span></h3></div> - -<p>Hazel-nuts<a id="FNanchor_3175_3175"></a><a href="#Footnote_3175_3175" class="fnanchor">3175</a> are productive of head-ache, and flatulency of -the stomach; they contribute, however, to the increase of flesh -more than would be imagined. Parched, they are remedial for -catarrhs, and beaten up and taken with hydromel,<a id="FNanchor_3176_3176"></a><a href="#Footnote_3176_3176" class="fnanchor">3176</a> they are -good for an inveterate cough. Some persons add grains of -pepper,<a id="FNanchor_3177_3177"></a><a href="#Footnote_3177_3177" class="fnanchor">3177</a> and others take them in raisin wine.</p> - -<p>Pistachio-nuts<a id="FNanchor_3178_3178"></a><a href="#Footnote_3178_3178" class="fnanchor">3178</a> have the same properties, and are productive -of the same effects, as pine-nuts; in addition to which, -they are used as an antidote to the venom<a id="FNanchor_3179_3179"></a><a href="#Footnote_3179_3179" class="fnanchor">3179</a> of serpents, eaten -or taken in drink.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_516">516</a></span></p> - -<p>Chesnuts<a id="FNanchor_3180_3180"></a><a href="#Footnote_3180_3180" class="fnanchor">3180</a> have a powerful effect in arresting fluxes of the -stomach and intestines, are relaxing to the bowels, are beneficial -in cases of spitting of blood, and have a tendency to make -flesh.<a id="FNanchor_3181_3181"></a><a href="#Footnote_3181_3181" class="fnanchor">3181</a></p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_79"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 79.—CAROBS: FIVE OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM. THE -CORNEL; ONE REMEDY. THE FRUIT OF THE ARBUTUS.</span></h3></div> - -<p>Fresh carobs<a id="FNanchor_3182_3182"></a><a href="#Footnote_3182_3182" class="fnanchor">3182</a> are unwholesome to the stomach, and relaxing -to the bowels;<a id="FNanchor_3183_3183"></a><a href="#Footnote_3183_3183" class="fnanchor">3183</a> in a dried state, however, they are astringent, -and are much more beneficial to the stomach; they are -diuretic also. For pains in the stomach, persons boil three -Syrian carobs<a id="FNanchor_3184_3184"></a><a href="#Footnote_3184_3184" class="fnanchor">3184</a> with one sextarius of water, down to one-half, -and drink the decoction.</p> - -<p>The juices which exude from the branches of the cornel<a id="FNanchor_3185_3185"></a><a href="#Footnote_3185_3185" class="fnanchor">3185</a> -are received on a plate of red-hot iron<a id="FNanchor_3186_3186"></a><a href="#Footnote_3186_3186" class="fnanchor">3186</a> without it touching the -wood; the rust of which is applied for the cure of incipient -lichens. The arbutus or unedo<a id="FNanchor_3187_3187"></a><a href="#Footnote_3187_3187" class="fnanchor">3187</a> bears a fruit that is difficult -of digestion, and injurious to the stomach.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_80"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 80.—THE LAUREL; SIXTY-NINE OBSERVATIONS UPON IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>All parts of the laurel, both the leaves, bark, and berries, -are of a warming<a id="FNanchor_3188_3188"></a><a href="#Footnote_3188_3188" class="fnanchor">3188</a> nature; and a decoction of them, the -leaves in particular, is very useful for affections of the bladder -and uterus.<a id="FNanchor_3189_3189"></a><a href="#Footnote_3189_3189" class="fnanchor">3189</a> The leaves, applied topically, neutralize the -poison of wasps, bees, and hornets, as also that of serpents, -the seps,<a id="FNanchor_3190_3190"></a><a href="#Footnote_3190_3190" class="fnanchor">3190</a> dipsas,<a id="FNanchor_3191_3191"></a><a href="#Footnote_3191_3191" class="fnanchor">3191</a> and viper, in particular. Boiled in oil,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_517">517</a></span> -they promote the catamenia; and the more tender of the leaves -beaten up with polenta, are used for inflammations of the eyes, -with rue for inflammations of the testes, and with rose-oil, or -oil of iris,<a id="FNanchor_3192_3192"></a><a href="#Footnote_3192_3192" class="fnanchor">3192</a> for head-ache. Three leaves, chewed and swallowed -for three days in succession, are a cure for cough, and -beaten up with honey, for asthma. The bark of the root is -dangerous to pregnant women; the root itself disperses calculi, -and taken in doses of three oboli in aromatic wine, it -acts beneficially on the liver. The leaves, taken in drink, act -as an emetic;<a id="FNanchor_3193_3193"></a><a href="#Footnote_3193_3193" class="fnanchor">3193</a> and the berries, pounded and applied as a pessary, -or else taken in drink, promote menstruation. Two of -the berries with the skin removed, taken in wine, are a cure -for inveterate cough and hardness of breathing; if, however, -this is accompanied with fever, they are given in water, or -else in an electuary with raisin wine, or boiled in hydromel. -Employed in a similar manner, they are good for phthisis, and -for all defluxions of the chest, as they have the effect of -detaching the phlegm and bringing it off.</p> - -<p>For stings inflicted by scorpions, four laurel-berries are -taken in wine. Applied with oil, they are a cure for epinyctis, -freckles, running sores, ulcers of the mouth, and scaly -eruptions. The juice of the berries is curative of porrigo -and phthiriasis; and for pains in the ears, or hardness of hearing, -it is injected into those organs with old wine and oil of -roses. All venomous creatures fly at the approach of persons -who have been anointed with this juice: taken in drink, the -juice of the small-leaved<a id="FNanchor_3194_3194"></a><a href="#Footnote_3194_3194" class="fnanchor">3194</a> laurel in particular, it is good for -stings inflicted by them. The berries,<a id="FNanchor_3195_3195"></a><a href="#Footnote_3195_3195" class="fnanchor">3195</a> used with wine, neutralize -the venom of serpents, scorpions, and spiders; they -are applied also, topically, with oil and vinegar, in diseases of -the spleen and liver, and with honey to gangrenous sores. In -cases of lassitude and shivering fits, it is a very good plan to -rub the body with juice of laurel-berries mixed with nitre. -Some persons are of opinion that delivery is accelerated by -taking laurel-root to the amount of one acetabulum, in water, -and that, used fresh, it is better than dried. It is recommended<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_518">518</a></span> -by some authorities, to take ten of the berries in drink, for -the sting of the scorpion; and in cases of relaxation of the -uvula, to boil a quarter of a pound of the berries, or leaves, -in three sextarii of water, down to one third, the decoction -being used warm, as a gargle. For head-ache, also, it is recommended -to bruise an uneven number of the berries in oil, -the mixture being warmed for use.</p> - -<p>The leaves of the Delphic laurel<a id="FNanchor_3196_3196"></a><a href="#Footnote_3196_3196" class="fnanchor">3196</a> bruised and applied to the -nostrils from time to time, are a preservative<a id="FNanchor_3197_3197"></a><a href="#Footnote_3197_3197" class="fnanchor">3197</a> against contagion -in pestilence, and more particularly if they are burnt. -The oil of the<a id="FNanchor_3198_3198"></a><a href="#Footnote_3198_3198" class="fnanchor">3198</a> Delphic laurel is employed in the preparation -of cerates and the medicinal composition known as “acopum,”<a id="FNanchor_3199_3199"></a><a href="#Footnote_3199_3199" class="fnanchor">3199</a> -and is used for fits of shivering occasioned by cold, for the -relaxation of the sinews, and for the cure of pains in the side -and the cold attacks in fevers.<a id="FNanchor_3200_3200"></a><a href="#Footnote_3200_3200" class="fnanchor">3200</a> Warmed in the rind of a -pomegranate, it is applied topically for the cure of ear-ache. A -decoction of the leaves boiled down in water to one third, used -as a gargle, braces the uvula, and taken in drink allays pains -in the bowels and intestines. The more tender leaves, bruised -in wine and applied at night, are a cure for pimples and -prurigo.</p> - -<p>The other varieties of the laurel possess properties which -are nearly analogous. The root of the laurel of Alexandria,<a id="FNanchor_3201_3201"></a><a href="#Footnote_3201_3201" class="fnanchor">3201</a> -or of Mount Ida,<a id="FNanchor_3202_3202"></a><a href="#Footnote_3202_3202" class="fnanchor">3202</a> accelerates delivery, being administered in -doses of three denarii to three cyathi of sweet wine; it acts -also as an emmenagogue, and brings away the after-birth. -Taken in drink in a similar manner, the wild laurel, known as -“daphnoides” and by the other names which we have mentioned,<a id="FNanchor_3203_3203"></a><a href="#Footnote_3203_3203" class="fnanchor">3203</a> -is productive of beneficial effects. The leaves of it, -either fresh or dried, taken in doses of three drachmæ, in -hydromel with salt, act as a purgative<a id="FNanchor_3204_3204"></a><a href="#Footnote_3204_3204" class="fnanchor">3204</a> upon the bowels.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_519">519</a></span> -The wood, chewed, brings off phlegm, and the leaves act as -an “emetic;” they are unwholesome, however, to the stomach. -The berries, too, are sometimes taken, fifteen in number, as a -purgative.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_81"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 81.—MYRTLE; SIXTY OBSERVATIONS UPON IT.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The white<a id="FNanchor_3205_3205"></a><a href="#Footnote_3205_3205" class="fnanchor">3205</a> cultivated myrtle is employed for fewer medicinal -purposes than the black one.<a id="FNanchor_3206_3206"></a><a href="#Footnote_3206_3206" class="fnanchor">3206</a> The berries<a id="FNanchor_3207_3207"></a><a href="#Footnote_3207_3207" class="fnanchor">3207</a> of it are -good for spitting of blood, and taken in wine, they neutralize -the poison of fungi. They impart an agreeable smell<a id="FNanchor_3208_3208"></a><a href="#Footnote_3208_3208" class="fnanchor">3208</a> to the -breath, even when eaten the day before; thus, for instance, in -Menander we find the Synaristosæ<a id="FNanchor_3209_3209"></a><a href="#Footnote_3209_3209" class="fnanchor">3209</a> eating them. They are -taken also for dysentery,<a id="FNanchor_3210_3210"></a><a href="#Footnote_3210_3210" class="fnanchor">3210</a> in doses of one denarius, in wine: -and they are employed lukewarm, in wine, for the cure of -obstinate ulcers on the extremities. Mixed with polenta, they -are employed topically in ophthalmia, and for the cardiac -disease<a id="FNanchor_3211_3211"></a><a href="#Footnote_3211_3211" class="fnanchor">3211</a> they are applied to the left breast. For stings inflicted -by scorpions, diseases of the bladder, head-ache, and -fistulas of the eye before suppuration, they are similarly employed; -and for tumours and pituitous eruptions, the kernels -are first removed and the berries are then pounded in old -wine. The juice of the berries<a id="FNanchor_3212_3212"></a><a href="#Footnote_3212_3212" class="fnanchor">3212</a> acts astringently upon the -bowels, and is diuretic: mixed with cerate it is applied topically -to blisters, pituitous eruptions, and wounds inflicted by -the phalangium; it imparts a black tint,<a id="FNanchor_3213_3213"></a><a href="#Footnote_3213_3213" class="fnanchor">3213</a> also, to the hair.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_520">520</a></span></p> - -<p>The oil of this myrtle is of a more soothing nature than the -juice, and the wine<a id="FNanchor_3214_3214"></a><a href="#Footnote_3214_3214" class="fnanchor">3214</a> which is extracted from it, and which -possesses the property of never inebriating, is even more so. -This wine, used when old, acts astringently upon the stomach -and bowels, cures griping pains in those regions, and dispels -nausea.</p> - -<p>The dried leaves, powdered and sprinkled upon the body, -check profuse perspirations, in fever even; they are good, too, -used as a fomentation, for cœliac affections, procidence of the -uterus, diseases of the fundament, running ulcers, erysipelas, -loss of the hair, scaly and other eruptions, and burns. This -powder is used as an ingredient, also, in the plasters known as -“liparæ;”<a id="FNanchor_3215_3215"></a><a href="#Footnote_3215_3215" class="fnanchor">3215</a> and for the same reason the oil of the leaves is -used for a similar purpose, being extremely efficacious as an -application to the humid parts of the body, the mouth and the -uterus, for example.</p> - -<p>The leaves themselves, beaten up with wine, neutralize<a id="FNanchor_3216_3216"></a><a href="#Footnote_3216_3216" class="fnanchor">3216</a> the -bad effects of fungi; and they are employed, in combination -with wax, for diseases of the joints, and gatherings. A decoction -of them, in wine, is taken for dysentery and dropsy. -Dried and reduced to powder, they are sprinkled upon ulcers -and hæmorrhages. They are useful, also, for the removal of -freckles, and for the cure of hang-nails,<a id="FNanchor_3217_3217"></a><a href="#Footnote_3217_3217" class="fnanchor">3217</a> whitlows, condylomata, -affections of the testes, and sordid ulcers. In combination -with cerate, they are used for burns.</p> - -<p>For purulent discharges from the ears, the ashes of the -leaves are employed, as well as the juice and the decoction: -the ashes are also used in the composition of antidotes. For a -similar purpose the blossoms are stripped from off the young -branches, which are burnt in a furnace, and then pounded in -wine. The ashes of the leaves, too, are used for the cure of -burns. To prevent ulcerations from causing swellings in the -inguinal glands, it will suffice for the patient to carry<a id="FNanchor_3218_3218"></a><a href="#Footnote_3218_3218" class="fnanchor">3218</a> a sprig -of myrtle about him which has never touched the ground or -any implement of iron.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_521">521</a></span></p> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_82"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 82.—MYRTIDANUM: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>We have already described the manner in which myrtidanum<a id="FNanchor_3219_3219"></a><a href="#Footnote_3219_3219" class="fnanchor">3219</a> -is made. Applied in a pessary, or as a fomentation or liniment, -it is good for affections of the uterus, being much more efficacious -than the bark of the tree, or the leaves and seed. There -is a juice also extracted from the more tender leaves, which -are pounded in a mortar for the purpose, astringent wine, or, -according to one method, rain-water, being poured upon them -a little at a time. This extract is used for the cure of ulcers of -the mouth, the fundament, the uterus, and the abdomen. -It is employed, also, for dyeing the hair black, the suppression -of exudations at the arm-pits,<a id="FNanchor_3220_3220"></a><a href="#Footnote_3220_3220" class="fnanchor">3220</a> the removal of freckles, and -other purposes in which astringents are required.</p> - -<div class="section"> -<h3 id="BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_83"><span class="inblk">CHAP. 83.—THE WILD MYRTLE, OTHERWISE CALLED OXYMYRSINE, -OR CHAMÆMYRSINE, AND THE RUSCUS: SIX REMEDIES.</span></h3></div> - -<p>The wild myrtle, oxymyrsine,<a id="FNanchor_3221_3221"></a><a href="#Footnote_3221_3221" class="fnanchor">3221</a> or chamæmyrsine, differs -from the cultivated myrtle in the redness of its berries and its -diminutive height. The root of it is held in high esteem; a -decoction of it, in wine, is taken for pains in the kidneys and -strangury, more particularly when the urine is thick and -fetid. Pounded in wine, it is employed for the cure of jaundice, -and as a purgative for the uterus. The same method is -adopted, also, with the young shoots, which are sometimes -roasted in hot ashes and eaten as a substitute for asparagus.<a id="FNanchor_3222_3222"></a><a href="#Footnote_3222_3222" class="fnanchor">3222</a></p> - -<p>The berries, taken with wine, or oil and vinegar, break -calculi<a id="FNanchor_3223_3223"></a><a href="#Footnote_3223_3223" class="fnanchor">3223</a> of the bladder: beaten up with rose-oil and vinegar, -they allay head-ache. Taken in drink, they are curative of -jaundice. Castor calls the wild myrtle with prickly leaves, -or oxymyrsine, from which brooms are made, by the name of -“ruscus”<a id="FNanchor_3224_3224"></a><a href="#Footnote_3224_3224" class="fnanchor">3224</a>—the medicinal properties of it are just the same.</p> - -<p>Thus much, then, with reference to the medicinal properties<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_522">522</a></span> -of the cultivated trees; let us now pass on to the wild -ones.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Summary.</span>—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine -hundred and eighteen.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Roman authors quoted.</span>—C. Valgius,<a id="FNanchor_3225_3225"></a><a href="#Footnote_3225_3225" class="fnanchor">3225</a> Pompeius Lenæus,<a id="FNanchor_3226_3226"></a><a href="#Footnote_3226_3226" class="fnanchor">3226</a> -Sextius Niger<a id="FNanchor_3227_3227"></a><a href="#Footnote_3227_3227" class="fnanchor">3227</a> who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus<a id="FNanchor_3228_3228"></a><a href="#Footnote_3228_3228" class="fnanchor">3228</a> who wrote -in Greek, Antonius Castor,<a id="FNanchor_3229_3229"></a><a href="#Footnote_3229_3229" class="fnanchor">3229</a> M. Varro,<a id="FNanchor_3230_3230"></a><a href="#Footnote_3230_3230" class="fnanchor">3230</a> Cornelius Celsus,<a id="FNanchor_3231_3231"></a><a href="#Footnote_3231_3231" class="fnanchor">3231</a> -Fabianus.<a id="FNanchor_3232_3232"></a><a href="#Footnote_3232_3232" class="fnanchor">3232</a></p> - - - -<p><span class="smcap">Foreign authors quoted.</span>—Theophrastus,<a id="FNanchor_3233_3233"></a><a href="#Footnote_3233_3233" class="fnanchor">3233</a> Democritus,<a id="FNanchor_3234_3234"></a><a href="#Footnote_3234_3234" class="fnanchor">3234</a> -Orpheus,<a id="FNanchor_3235_3235"></a><a href="#Footnote_3235_3235" class="fnanchor">3235</a> Pythagoras,<a id="FNanchor_3236_3236"></a><a href="#Footnote_3236_3236" class="fnanchor">3236</a> Mago,<a id="FNanchor_3237_3237"></a><a href="#Footnote_3237_3237" class="fnanchor">3237</a> Menander<a id="FNanchor_3238_3238"></a><a href="#Footnote_3238_3238" class="fnanchor">3238</a> who wrote the -“Biochresta,” Nicander,<a id="FNanchor_3239_3239"></a><a href="#Footnote_3239_3239" class="fnanchor">3239</a> Homer, Hesiod,<a id="FNanchor_3240_3240"></a><a href="#Footnote_3240_3240" class="fnanchor">3240</a> Musæus,<a id="FNanchor_3241_3241"></a><a href="#Footnote_3241_3241" class="fnanchor">3241</a> Sophocles,<a id="FNanchor_3242_3242"></a><a href="#Footnote_3242_3242" class="fnanchor">3242</a> -Anaxilaüs.<a id="FNanchor_3243_3243"></a><a href="#Footnote_3243_3243" class="fnanchor">3243</a></p> - - - -<p><span class="smcap">Medical authors quoted.</span>—Mnesitheus,<a id="FNanchor_3244_3244"></a><a href="#Footnote_3244_3244" class="fnanchor">3244</a> Callimachus,<a id="FNanchor_3245_3245"></a><a href="#Footnote_3245_3245" class="fnanchor">3245</a> -Phanias<a id="FNanchor_3246_3246"></a><a href="#Footnote_3246_3246" class="fnanchor">3246</a> the physician, Timaristus,<a id="FNanchor_3247_3247"></a><a href="#Footnote_3247_3247" class="fnanchor">3247</a> Simus,<a id="FNanchor_3248_3248"></a><a href="#Footnote_3248_3248" class="fnanchor">3248</a> Hippocrates,<a id="FNanchor_3249_3249"></a><a href="#Footnote_3249_3249" class="fnanchor">3249</a> -Chrysippus,<a id="FNanchor_3250_3250"></a><a href="#Footnote_3250_3250" class="fnanchor">3250</a> Diocles,<a id="FNanchor_3251_3251"></a><a href="#Footnote_3251_3251" class="fnanchor">3251</a> Ophelion,<a id="FNanchor_3252_3252"></a><a href="#Footnote_3252_3252" class="fnanchor">3252</a> Heraclides,<a id="FNanchor_3253_3253"></a><a href="#Footnote_3253_3253" class="fnanchor">3253</a> Hicesius,<a id="FNanchor_3254_3254"></a><a href="#Footnote_3254_3254" class="fnanchor">3254</a> -Dionysius,<a id="FNanchor_3255_3255"></a><a href="#Footnote_3255_3255" class="fnanchor">3255</a> Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_3256_3256"></a><a href="#Footnote_3256_3256" class="fnanchor">3256</a> of Citium, Apollodorus<a id="FNanchor_3257_3257"></a><a href="#Footnote_3257_3257" class="fnanchor">3257</a> of Tarentum, -Plistonicus,<a id="FNanchor_3258_3258"></a><a href="#Footnote_3258_3258" class="fnanchor">3258</a> Medius,<a id="FNanchor_3259_3259"></a><a href="#Footnote_3259_3259" class="fnanchor">3259</a> Dieuches,<a id="FNanchor_3260_3260"></a><a href="#Footnote_3260_3260" class="fnanchor">3260</a> Cleophantus,<a id="FNanchor_3261_3261"></a><a href="#Footnote_3261_3261" class="fnanchor">3261</a> Philistion,<a id="FNanchor_3262_3262"></a><a href="#Footnote_3262_3262" class="fnanchor">3262</a> -Asclepiades,<a id="FNanchor_3263_3263"></a><a href="#Footnote_3263_3263" class="fnanchor">3263</a> Crateuas,<a id="FNanchor_3264_3264"></a><a href="#Footnote_3264_3264" class="fnanchor">3264</a> Petronius Diodotus,<a id="FNanchor_3265_3265"></a><a href="#Footnote_3265_3265" class="fnanchor">3265</a> Iollas,<a id="FNanchor_3266_3266"></a><a href="#Footnote_3266_3266" class="fnanchor">3266</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_523">523</a></span> -Erasistratus,<a id="FNanchor_3267_3267"></a><a href="#Footnote_3267_3267" class="fnanchor">3267</a> Diagoras,<a id="FNanchor_3268_3268"></a><a href="#Footnote_3268_3268" class="fnanchor">3268</a> Andreas,<a id="FNanchor_3269_3269"></a><a href="#Footnote_3269_3269" class="fnanchor">3269</a> Mnesides,<a id="FNanchor_3270_3270"></a><a href="#Footnote_3270_3270" class="fnanchor">3270</a> Epicharmus,<a id="FNanchor_3271_3271"></a><a href="#Footnote_3271_3271" class="fnanchor">3271</a> -Damion,<a id="FNanchor_3272_3272"></a><a href="#Footnote_3272_3272" class="fnanchor">3272</a> Dalion,<a id="FNanchor_3273_3273"></a><a href="#Footnote_3273_3273" class="fnanchor">3273</a> Sosimenes,<a id="FNanchor_3274_3274"></a><a href="#Footnote_3274_3274" class="fnanchor">3274</a> Tlepolemus,<a id="FNanchor_3275_3275"></a><a href="#Footnote_3275_3275" class="fnanchor">3275</a> Metrodorus,<a id="FNanchor_3276_3276"></a><a href="#Footnote_3276_3276" class="fnanchor">3276</a> -Solo,<a id="FNanchor_3277_3277"></a><a href="#Footnote_3277_3277" class="fnanchor">3277</a> Lycus,<a id="FNanchor_3278_3278"></a><a href="#Footnote_3278_3278" class="fnanchor">3278</a> Olympias<a id="FNanchor_3279_3279"></a><a href="#Footnote_3279_3279" class="fnanchor">3279</a> of Thebes, Philinus,<a id="FNanchor_3280_3280"></a><a href="#Footnote_3280_3280" class="fnanchor">3280</a> Petrichus,<a id="FNanchor_3281_3281"></a><a href="#Footnote_3281_3281" class="fnanchor">3281</a> -Micton,<a id="FNanchor_3282_3282"></a><a href="#Footnote_3282_3282" class="fnanchor">3282</a> Glaucias,<a id="FNanchor_3283_3283"></a><a href="#Footnote_3283_3283" class="fnanchor">3283</a> Xenocrates.<a id="FNanchor_3284_3284"></a><a href="#Footnote_3284_3284" class="fnanchor">3284</a></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>FOOTNOTES:</h2></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">1</span></a> In B. ii. c. 63.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">2</span></a> Of course this is only mere declamation; it is not probable that the -animals have any notion at all of <i>sharpening</i> the weapons that nature has -given; in addition to which, this mode of sharpening them against hard -substances would only wear away the enamel, and ultimately destroy them. -The acts of animals in a moment of rage or frenzy have evidently been -mistaken here for the dictates of instinct, or even a superior intelligence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">3</span></a> See B. xxv. c. 25, and B. xxvii. c. 76.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">4</span></a> In B. viii. c. 36. 41, 42. The works of the ancients, Fée remarks, -are full of these puerilities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">5</span></a> This sentiment is not at all akin to the melancholy view which our -author takes of mankind at the beginning of B. vii. and in other parts of -this work. It is not improbable that his censures here are levelled against -some who had endeavoured to impede him in the progress of his work.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">6</span></a> “Arvorum sacerdotes,” the priests of the fields.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">7</span></a> Or foster-mother. It has been suggested that the Rogations of the -Roman church may have possibly originated in the Ambarvalia, or ceremonial -presided over by the Arval priesthood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">8</span></a> Made of salt and the meal or flour of spelt. Salt was the emblem of -wisdom, friendship, and other virtues.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">9</span></a> This, Fée observes, is not the case with any kind of wheat; with -manioc, which has an acrid principle, the process may be necessary, in -order to make it fit for food.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">10</span></a> Or Feast of the Furnace or Oven. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 5-25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">11</span></a> Called the Terminalia. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 641, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">12</span></a> Tertullian, De Spect. i. 16, calls this goddess by the name of Sessia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">13</span></a> Cœlius Rhodiginus, Turnebus, and Vossius, conjecture that the name -of this goddess, who might only he named in the field, was Tutelina. -Hardouin thinks that it was Segesta, here mentioned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">14</span></a> Four Roman feet in width, and 120 in length.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">15</span></a> Quartarius.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">16</span></a> “Faba,” a bean; “Lens,” a lentil; and “Cicer,” a chick-pea.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">17</span></a> A “bubus,” from “oxen.” Caius Junius Bubulcus was twice Consul, -and once Master of the Horse.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">18</span></a> “Farreum” was a form of marriage, in which certain words were -used, in presence of ten witnesses, and were accompanied by a certain religious -ceremony, in which “panis farreus” was employed; hence this form -of marriage was called “confarreatio.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">19</span></a> Farreum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">20</span></a> De Re Rust. Preface.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">21</span></a> See B. xxxiii. c. 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">22</span></a> St. Augustin, De Civ. Dei., mentions a goddess, Bubona, the tutelar -divinity of oxen. Nothing seems to be known of these games.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">23</span></a> See B. xxxiii. c. 13. Macrobius says that it was Janus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">24</span></a> Table vii. s. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">25</span></a> On the “Nundinæ,” or ninth-day holiday: similar to our market-days. -According to <i>our</i> mode of reckoning, it was every <i>eighth</i> day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">26</span></a> From “ador,” the old name for “spelt:” because corn was the chief -reward given to the conqueror, and his temples were graced with a wreath -of corn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">27</span></a> In the first place, it is difficult to see what there is in this passage to -admire, or “wonder at,” if that is the meaning of “admiror;” and then, -besides, it has no connection with the context. The text is probably in a -defective state.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">28</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_69">69</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">29</span></a> “Vagina.” The meaning of this word here has not been exactly -ascertained. It has been suggested that the first period alludes to the appearance -of the stalk from its sheath of leaves, and the second to the formation -of the ear.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">30</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 298.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">31</span></a> See B. xxxiv. c. 11. <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 317.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">32</span></a> Nundinis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">33</span></a> On the road to Ostia. It was said to have received its name from -the Horatii and Curiatii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">34</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 345.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">35</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 550. He alludes to the introduction of Cybele, from Pessinus -in Galatia, in the Second Punic war.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">36</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 604. See B. viii. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">37</span></a> Manius Curius Dentatus, Consul <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 464.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">38</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 497.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">39</span></a> From “sero,” to sow. See the Æneid, B. vi. l. 844, where this circumstance -is alluded to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">40</span></a> “Prata Quintia.” Hardouin says that in his time this spot was still -called <i>I Prati</i>: it lay beyond the Tiber, between the vineyard of the Medici -and the castle of Sant Angelo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">41</span></a> He alludes to the twofold meaning of the word “coli,” “to be tilled,” -or “to receive homage from.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">42</span></a> “Ergastulorum.” The “Ergastula” were places of punishment attached -to the country houses of the wealthy, for the chastisement of -refractory slaves, who were usually made to work in chains.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">43</span></a> In the First Book, as originally written. This list of writers is appended -in the present Translation to each respective Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">44</span></a> This is probably written in humble imitation of the splendid exordium -of the Georgics of Virgil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">45</span></a> De Re Rust. Preface.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">46</span></a> Fée remarks, that we still recruit our armies mostly from the agricultural -class.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">47</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">48</span></a> Quoted by Columella, De Re Rust. B. i. 4. The sad fate of Regulus -is known to all readers of Roman history.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">49</span></a> From Columella, B. i. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">50</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">51</span></a> It is still thought so in France, Fée says, and nothing has tended -more than this notion to the depreciation of the prices of wine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">52</span></a> Hence the usual Latin name, “prata.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">53</span></a> “Si sat bene.” Cicero, De Officiis, B. ii. n. 88, gives this anecdote -somewhat more at length.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">54</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">55</span></a> “Alienâ insaniâ frui.” We have a saying to a similar effect: “Fools -build houses, and wise men buy them.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">56</span></a> “Frons domini plus prodest quam occipitium.” See Cato, De Re -Rust. c. 4; also Phædrus, B. iv. Fab. 19.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">57</span></a> Cato, c. 3. Varro and Columella give the same advice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">58</span></a> See B. iii. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">59</span></a> Sylla the Fortunate, the implacable enemy of Marius.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">60</span></a> Because, though the last comer, he had obtained the best site in the -locality.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">61</span></a> Od. v. 469. If the river has a bed of sand and high banks, it is -really advantageous than otherwise.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">62</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">63</span></a> Not to be found in his works which have come down to us.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">64</span></a> Prunus spinosa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">65</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_30">30</a>; probably one of the genus Allium sphærocephalum -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">66</span></a> “Herba pratensis.” It is not known with certainty to what plant he -alludes. Fée suggests that it may be the Poa pratensis, or else a phleum, -alopecurus, or dactylis. All the plants here mentioned by Pliny will thrive -in a calcareous soil, and their presence, as Fée remarks, is of bad augury.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">67</span></a> He alludes to the famous maxim in the Georgics, B. ii. l. 412:— -</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">——Laudato ingentia rura,</div> -<div class="line">Exiguum colito——</div> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">“Praise a large farm, cultivate a small one.”</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">68</span></a> By introducing slovenly cultivation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">69</span></a> That small part of it known to the Romans. Hardouin says that the -province of Zeugitana is alluded to, mentioned in B. v. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">70</span></a> And reside on the farm.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">71</span></a> Villicus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">72</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">73</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 737.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">74</span></a> Probably because it entailed too great an expense. It may have -been deeply mortgaged: otherwise it is not clear why the heir refused to -take it, as he might have sold a part.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">75</span></a> He means to say that it is so much labour lost, as it will take care of -itself; but this is hardly in accordance with his numerous directions -given in B. xv. Virgil, Geor. B. ii. 421, <i>et seq.</i>, speaks of the olive as requiring -no attention when it has once taken root.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">76</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">77</span></a> In throwing away money and labour upon land that does not require it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">78</span></a> Virgil, Georg. I. 268, <i>et seq.</i>, speaks of the work that might be done -on feast days—making hedges, for instance, irrigating land, catching -birds, washing sheep, and burning weeds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">79</span></a> “Ne familiæ male sit.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">80</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">81</span></a> The Pteris aquilina, or female fern. No such juices drop from it as -here mentioned by Pliny, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">82</span></a> A superstition quite unworthy of our author; and the same with -respect to that mentioned in the next line.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">83</span></a> Sub-soil drainage is now universally employed, with the agency of -draining-tiles, made for the purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">84</span></a> The flower of the lupine could not possibly produce any such effect; -and the juice of cicuta, or hemlock, in only a very trifling degree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">85</span></a> This word answers to the Latin “frumenta,” which indicates all those -kinds of corn from which bread was prepared by the ancients.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">86</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_59">59</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">87</span></a> Triticum hibernum of Linnæus, similar to the “siligo” mentioned in -the sequel. Winter wheat was greatly cultivated in Apulia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">88</span></a> “Far.” This name is often used in the classics, to signify corn in -general; but in the more restricted sense in which it is here employed, it is -“Triticum dicoccum,” the “Zea” of the Greeks. It consists of two varieties, -the single grained, the Triticum monococcum of Linnæus, and the -double-grained, the Triticum spelta of Linnæus, which is still called “farra” -in Friuli.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">89</span></a> Hordeum sativum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">90</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_66">66</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">91</span></a> Panicum Italicum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">92</span></a> Panicum miliaceum of Linnæus. This was probably one of the first -grains from which bread was made.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">93</span></a> The Sesamum orientale of Linnæus. It is no longer cultivated in -Europe, though formerly it was much used in Greece.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">94</span></a> It is very doubtful if this is the same as clary, the Salvia horminum -of Linnæus, as that is one of the Labiatæ, whereas here, most probably, a -leguminous plant is spoken of.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">95</span></a> It has been asserted that this is identical with the Sisymbrium polyceratium -of Linnæus, rock-gentle, rock-gallant, or winter-cress. Fée, however, -is strongly of opinion that it can only be looked for in the Sisymbrium -irio of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">96</span></a> Ervum lens of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">97</span></a> The Cicer arietinum of naturalists, the Garbanzo of the Spaniards. -It abounds in the south of Europe and in India.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">98</span></a> A variety of spelt was called by this name; but it was more generally -applied to a kind of flummery, pottage or gruel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">99</span></a> Hence our word “forage.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">100</span></a> Lupinus hirsutus and pilosus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">101</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">102</span></a> All this, of course, depends upon numerous circumstances.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">103</span></a> This is certainly the fact, as Fée says, but it is the same with all the -graminea.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">104</span></a> A characteristic of the Panicum miliaceum in particular.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">105</span></a> Or porridge; “puls.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">106</span></a> It has been suggested that this was maize, but that is indigenous to -South America. Fée has little doubt that it is the Holcus sorgho of Linnæus, -the “Indian millet,” that is meant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">107</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">φόβη</span>. The stalk and husk of the sorgho is covered -with a fine down. The reading “cornis” has been adopted.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">108</span></a> This is considered by Fée to be very improbable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">109</span></a> In reality these vary, according to the rapidity of the growth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">110</span></a> Strictly speaking, spelt has seven.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">111</span></a>This depends upon the time when it is sown, and numerous other circumstances.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">112</span></a> Strictly speaking, he is right; but still there is a swelling in the -stalk, to be perceived at the points where the leaves take their rise.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">113</span></a> This is incorrect; they all of them throw out leaves from the root.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">114</span></a> The same as the “Ervum” probably, the fitch, orobus, or bitter vetch.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">115</span></a> Not so with the pea, as known to us.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">116</span></a> This is only true at the end of the season, and when the plant is -dying.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">117</span></a> These annuals lose their leaves only that have articulations on the -stem; otherwise they die outright at the fall of the leaf.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">118</span></a> If by “tunica” he means the husk of chaff, which surrounds the -grain, the assertion is contrary to the fact, in relation to barley and the -oat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">119</span></a> Only another name, Fée thinks, for the Triticum hibernum, or winter-wheat. -Spelt or zea has been suggested, as also the white barley of the -south of Europe; see c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_20">20</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">120</span></a> Egyptian wheat, or rather what is called mummy-wheat, is bearded -equally to barley.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">121</span></a> Siligo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">122</span></a> Before grinding.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">123</span></a> Oats and rye excepted.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">124</span></a> Here the word “far” means “a meal,” or “flour,” a substitute for -that of “far,” or “spelt.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_125_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">125</span></a> Triticum monococcum, according to some. Fée identifies it with -the Triticum spelta of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_126_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">126</span></a> A variety, probably, of the Triticum hibernum of Linnæus, with white -grains; the white-wheat of the French, from which the ancient Gauls -made their malt; hence the French word “brasser,” to “brew.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_127_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">127</span></a> From Theophrastus, De Causis, B. iv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_128_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">128</span></a> That of the Ukraine and its vicinity, which is still held in high esteem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_129_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">129</span></a> Panis militaris.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_130_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">130</span></a> To the modius of wheat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_131_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">131</span></a> He alludes to beer, or sweet-wort. See B. xiv. c. 29.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_132_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">132</span></a> He alludes to yeast. See B. xxii, c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_82">82</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_133_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">133</span></a> This assertion, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 4, is not -based on truth. It is possible that he may allude in reality to some other -gramineous plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_134_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">134</span></a> Trimestre.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_135_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">135</span></a> Bimestre.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_136_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">136</span></a> Columella (B. ii. c. 6) does <i>not</i> state to this effect; on the contrary, -he speaks of the existence of a three months’ wheat; but he asserts, and with -justice, that wheat sown in the autumn is better than that sown in March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_137_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">137</span></a> If he alludes here to what Theophrastus says, his assertion is simply -that, in Bactria, the grains are as large as an olive-stone.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_138_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">138</span></a> There is no wild barley in India at the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_139_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">139</span></a> Porridge, or fermenty.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_140_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">140</span></a> Oryza sativa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_141_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">141</span></a> Like our rice-milk, probably. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_142_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">142</span></a> They are not carnose or fleshy, but thin, and similar to those of the -reed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_143_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">143</span></a> On the contrary, it is tough and fibrous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_144_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">144</span></a> The barley was, originally, the prize given to the victor in the Eleusinian -games.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_145_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">145</span></a> Or “barley-fed.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_146_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">146</span></a> The <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀλφίτον</span> of the Greeks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_147_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">147</span></a> This, as Fée observes, would tend to give it a very disagreeable flavour.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_148_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">148</span></a> “Acetabulum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_149_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">149</span></a> Similar to our pearl barley, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_150_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">150</span></a> “Anguli.” Dalechamps interprets this as two rows of grain; but -Fée thinks that it signifies angles, and points. The Polygonum fagopyrum -of Linnæus, he says, buck-wheat, or black-wheat, has an angular grain, -but he doubts whether that can possibly be the grain here alluded to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_151_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">151</span></a> There is no barley without a beard; it is clearly a variety of wheat -that is alluded to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_152_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">152</span></a> Triticum spelta of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_153_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">153</span></a> “Semen,” the same as zea, or spelt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_154_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">154</span></a> Siligo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_155_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">155</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Ἄμυλον</span>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_156_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">156</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 87. This “amylum” seems somewhat to resemble our -starch.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_157_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">157</span></a> The Hordeum distichum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_158_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">158</span></a> Hordeum hexastichum of Linnæus. The Hordeum vulgare, or common -barley, has but four rows.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_159_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">159</span></a> These varieties are not known at the present day, and Fée questions -if they ever existed. There is a black barley found in Germany, the Hordeum -nigrum of Willdenow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_160_160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_160_160"><span class="label">160</span></a> A calcareous soil is the best adapted for barley.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_161_161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_161_161"><span class="label">161</span></a> Nova Carthago, or New Carthage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_162_162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_162_162"><span class="label">162</span></a> This fallacious opinion is shared with Galen, De Facult. Anim. -B. vi. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_163_163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_163_163"><span class="label">163</span></a> Siligo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_164_164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_164_164"><span class="label">164</span></a> Triticum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_165_165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_165_165"><span class="label">165</span></a> The Triticum dicoccum, or spelt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_166_166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_166_166"><span class="label">166</span></a> Probably rye. See the next <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_20">Chapter</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_167_167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_167_167"><span class="label">167</span></a> Semen.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_168_168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_168_168"><span class="label">168</span></a> In c. 20, also in c. 29. This grain, which was in reality a kind of -spelt, received its name probably from having been the first cultivated.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_169_169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_169_169"><span class="label">169</span></a> Il. ii. c. 548: “the land that produces zea.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_170_170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_170_170"><span class="label">170</span></a> Not <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀπὸ τοῦ ζῆν</span>, from “living.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_171_171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_171_171"><span class="label">171</span></a> Merely, as Fée says, from the faulty method employed in its preparation, -as starch has, in all cases, the same physical appearance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_172_172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_172_172"><span class="label">172</span></a> In c. 17 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_173_173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_173_173"><span class="label">173</span></a> In c. 3 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_174_174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_174_174"><span class="label">174</span></a> “Puls,” like our porridge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_175_175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_175_175"><span class="label">175</span></a> Any food that was originally eaten with “puls,” and afterwards with -bread, was so called, such as meat, vegetables, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_176_176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_176_176"><span class="label">176</span></a> “Offam.” This word, which in the later writers signifies a “cake,” -originally meant a hardened lump of porridge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_177_177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_177_177"><span class="label">177</span></a> Pulte fritillâ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_178_178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_178_178"><span class="label">178</span></a> “Siligo.” There are numerous contradictions in Pliny with reference -to this plant, but it is now pretty generally agreed that it is the Triticum -hibernum of Linnæus: the “froment tousselle” of the French. It was -formerly the more general opinion that it was identical with spelt; but -that cannot be the case, as spelt is red, and siligo is described as white.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_179_179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_179_179"><span class="label">179</span></a> “Sine virtute.” It is doubtful what is the meaning of this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_180_180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_180_180"><span class="label">180</span></a> Sine pondere.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_181_181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_181_181"><span class="label">181</span></a> In other places he says, most unaccountably, that wheat “degenerates -into siligo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_182_182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_182_182"><span class="label">182</span></a> As to this practice, see c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_183_183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_183_183"><span class="label">183</span></a> “Quam vocant castratam.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_184_184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_184_184"><span class="label">184</span></a> From this account, it would appear that there were twenty-four sextarii -to the modius; but the account in general is very contradictory.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_185_185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_185_185"><span class="label">185</span></a> Salt water is rarely used for this purpose in modern times. See -this passage discussed in Beckmann on Inventions, <i>Bohn’s Ed.</i> vol. i. p. -164.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_186_186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_186_186"><span class="label">186</span></a> “Artopticio.” See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_27">27</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_187_187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_187_187"><span class="label">187</span></a> Without tin, probably; or the tin bread may have been baked -before the fire, similar to the method adopted at the present day with the -American ovens.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_188_188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_188_188"><span class="label">188</span></a> “Similago.” Founders still use meal occasionally for making moulds; -it is also employed in making paper.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_189_189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_189_189"><span class="label">189</span></a> The mention of “hundreds” here is evidently faulty, unless the other -part of the passage is corrupt. Fée suggests twenty-two and twenty-seven.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_190_190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_190_190"><span class="label">190</span></a> But above we find him stating that “secundarius,” “seconds” -flour, and “cibarius,” or “coarse,” meal, are the same thing. His contradictions -cannot apparently be reconciled.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_191_191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_191_191"><span class="label">191</span></a> The whole of this passage, as Brotier remarks, is evidently corrupt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_192_192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_192_192"><span class="label">192</span></a> Fée has no doubt that this was siligo, or winter-wheat, in a very -high state of cultivation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_193_193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_193_193"><span class="label">193</span></a> Il. v. l. 195.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_194_194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_194_194"><span class="label">194</span></a> There are still some varieties both of winter-wheat and spelt that -have the beard.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_195_195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_195_195"><span class="label">195</span></a> It is generally thought that this is the oat, the Avena sativa of Linnæus, -while some have suggested rice. Fée thinks that by the name, -some exotic gramineous plant is meant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_196_196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_196_196"><span class="label">196</span></a> Probably a variety of spelt, as Sprengel conjectures, from Galen and -other writers. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_16">16</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_197_197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_197_197"><span class="label">197</span></a> Fée thinks that it is the grain of the Festuca fluitans of Linnæus -that is here alluded to, and identifies it with the “ulva palustris” of Virgil, -Geor. iii. 174.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_198_198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_198_198"><span class="label">198</span></a> The Latin word “degener” cannot here mean “degenerate,” in our -sense of the word, but must merely imply a change of nature in the plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_199_199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_199_199"><span class="label">199</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_200_200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_200_200"><span class="label">200</span></a> We know of no such fruitfulness as this in the wheat of Europe. -Fifteen-fold, as Fée remarks, is the utmost amount of produce that can be -anticipated.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_201_201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_201_201"><span class="label">201</span></a> Fée mentions instances of 150, 92, and 63 stalks arising from a single -grain; but all these fall far short of the marvels here mentioned by -Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_202_202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_202_202"><span class="label">202</span></a> The Triticum compositum of Linnæus; supposed to have originally -come from Egypt or Barbary.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_203_203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_203_203"><span class="label">203</span></a> “Centigranium.” Probably the same as the last.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_204_204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_204_204"><span class="label">204</span></a> In c. 10 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_205_205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_205_205"><span class="label">205</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10">10</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_206_206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_206_206"><span class="label">206</span></a> Pinguius.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_207_207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_207_207"><span class="label">207</span></a> Already mentioned in c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_208_208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_208_208"><span class="label">208</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_47">47</a>; and B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_57">57</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_209_209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_209_209"><span class="label">209</span></a> This would rather <i>grate</i> the grain than <i>pound</i> it, as Beckmann observes. -See his Hist. Inv., vol. i. pp. 147 and 164, <i>Bohn’s Ed.</i>, where the -meaning of this passage has been commented upon. Gesner, also, in his -Lexicon Rusticum, has endeavoured to explain it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_210_210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_210_210"><span class="label">210</span></a> Ruido.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_211_211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_211_211"><span class="label">211</span></a> It is surprising to find the Romans, not only kneading their bread -with sea-water, but putting in it pounded bricks, chalk, and sand!</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_212_212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_212_212"><span class="label">212</span></a> Beard chaff; so called, probably, from the sharpness of the points, -like needles (acus).</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_213_213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_213_213"><span class="label">213</span></a> See B. xxxiii. c. 3; where he says, that a fire lighted with this chaff, -fuses gold more speedily than one made with maple wood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_214_214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_214_214"><span class="label">214</span></a> The Tartars still employ millet as one of their principal articles of -food. They also extract a kind of wine from it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_215_215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_215_215"><span class="label">215</span></a> Virgil alludes to this, Georg. iii. 463.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_216_216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_216_216"><span class="label">216</span></a> Panic is still employed more than any other grain in the south of -France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_217_217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_217_217"><span class="label">217</span></a> Or grape-juice. This must have tended to affect the taste of the -bread.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_218_218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_218_218"><span class="label">218</span></a> Ervum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_219_219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_219_219"><span class="label">219</span></a> “Cicercula.” See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_72">72</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_220_220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_220_220"><span class="label">220</span></a> This remark is founded upon just notions.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_221_221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_221_221"><span class="label">221</span></a> Ostrearius.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_222_222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_222_222"><span class="label">222</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἄρτος</span>, and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">λάγανον</span>, bread and cake.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_223_223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_223_223"><span class="label">223</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σπεύδω</span>, to hasten. A sort of crumpet, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_224_224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_224_224"><span class="label">224</span></a> Furnaceus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_225_225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_225_225"><span class="label">225</span></a> Artopticeus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_226_226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_226_226"><span class="label">226</span></a> “Clibanis.” The clibanus was a portable oven or mould, broader at -the bottom than the top.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_227_227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_227_227"><span class="label">227</span></a> Aquaticus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_228_228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_228_228"><span class="label">228</span></a> See cc. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10">10</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">29</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_229_229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_229_229"><span class="label">229</span></a> It would appear to be somewhat similar to our rusks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_230_230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_230_230"><span class="label">230</span></a> Which ended <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 586.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_231_231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_231_231"><span class="label">231</span></a> A. ii. s. 9, l. 4. “Ego hinc artoptam ex proxumo utendam peto.” -It is thought by some commentators, that the word used by Pliny here -was, in reality, “Artoptasia,” a female baker; and that he alludes to a -passage in the Aulularia, which has now perished.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_232_232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_232_232"><span class="label">232</span></a> Which in Pliny’s time signified “baker.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_233_233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_233_233"><span class="label">233</span></a> The Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus, Fée says; or else the Lygeum -spartum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_234_234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_234_234"><span class="label">234</span></a> As to the cereal so called, see c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10">10</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_235_235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_235_235"><span class="label">235</span></a> Or perfumed oils.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_236_236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_236_236"><span class="label">236</span></a> See B. iii. c. 9. A volcanic district.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_237_237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_237_237"><span class="label">237</span></a> In c. 20 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_238_238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_238_238"><span class="label">238</span></a> Grain from which the husk is removed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_239_239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_239_239"><span class="label">239</span></a> A sub-carbonate of lime; it is still known in those parts of Campania, -and is called “lumera.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_240_240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_240_240"><span class="label">240</span></a> Teneritatem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_241_241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_241_241"><span class="label">241</span></a> From the Greek, meaning “white earth.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_242_242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_242_242"><span class="label">242</span></a> Fée enquires, and with good reason, how the African mixture accommodated -itself to the stomachs of those who ate it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_243_243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_243_243"><span class="label">243</span></a> Residue.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_244_244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_244_244"><span class="label">244</span></a> Seconds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_245_245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_245_245"><span class="label">245</span></a> Sieve flour.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_246_246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_246_246"><span class="label">246</span></a> A porridge or pap, made of ground grain. It is mentioned by -Cato, c. 86.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_247_247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_247_247"><span class="label">247</span></a> The Faba vulgaris of the modern naturalists. It is supposed to have -originally come from Persia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_248_248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_248_248"><span class="label">248</span></a> It is said that this mixture is still employed in the Valais and in -Savoy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_249_249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_249_249"><span class="label">249</span></a> Fabata.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_250_250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_250_250"><span class="label">250</span></a> Beans were used in ancient times, in place of balls or pebbles, in -voting by ballot. Hence it has been suggested that Pythagoras, in recommending -his disciples to abstain from beans, meant to advise them to have -nothing to do with politics.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_251_251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_251_251"><span class="label">251</span></a> The sacrifices offered to the Manes or spirits of deceased relations. -See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 565.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_252_252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_252_252"><span class="label">252</span></a> “Brought home.” The bean was offered up, to ensure good luck.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_253_253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_253_253"><span class="label">253</span></a> Didymus, in the Geoponica, B. ii. c. 33, repeats this absurdity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_254_254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_254_254"><span class="label">254</span></a> Georg. i. 215.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_255_255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_255_255"><span class="label">255</span></a> This notion still prevails, and the bean, while in blossom, is dug into -the ground to manure it, both in England and France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_256_256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_256_256"><span class="label">256</span></a> It does not appear, however, that this was done with the view of -digging in the beans.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_257_257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_257_257"><span class="label">257</span></a> Or Bean Islands. See B. iv. c. 27.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_258_258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_258_258"><span class="label">258</span></a> The Nymphæa nelumbo of Linnæus is alluded to, but it is no longer -to be found in Egypt. Pliny is supposed to derive this from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. iv. c. 10, but his translation is not exactly correct.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_259_259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_259_259"><span class="label">259</span></a> Pisum sativum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_260_260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_260_260"><span class="label">260</span></a> Meaning a wart or pimple on the face.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_261_261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_261_261"><span class="label">261</span></a> Cicer arietinum of the botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_262_262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_262_262"><span class="label">262</span></a> “Gigni cum salsilagine.” It abounds in India, and while blossoming, -it distils a corrosive acid, which corrodes the shoes of those who tread -upon it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_263_263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_263_263"><span class="label">263</span></a> There are still the red and the white kinds, the large and the small.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_264_264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_264_264"><span class="label">264</span></a> Cicercula: the Lathyrus sativus of Linnæus. It is difficult to cook -and hard of digestion. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_265_265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_265_265"><span class="label">265</span></a> This must be said in reference to some of the pease when in a dried -state.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_266_266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_266_266"><span class="label">266</span></a> A variety of the Phaseolus vulgaris of Linnæus: the “haricot” of -the French. The French bean and the scarlet-runner are cooked in a -similar manner among us.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_267_267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_267_267"><span class="label">267</span></a> 15th of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_268_268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_268_268"><span class="label">268</span></a> 1st of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_269_269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_269_269"><span class="label">269</span></a> The Napo-brassica of Linnæus. The turnip cabbage, or rape-colewort.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_270_270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_270_270"><span class="label">270</span></a> This taste, it is most probable, is nowhere in existence at the present -day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_271_271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_271_271"><span class="label">271</span></a> This is not by any means an exaggeration.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_272_272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_272_272"><span class="label">272</span></a> Acrimonia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_273_273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_273_273"><span class="label">273</span></a> These coloured varieties, Fée says, belong rather to the Brassica -oleracea, than to the Brassica rapa. It is not improbable, from the structure -of this passage, that Pliny means to say that the colours are artificially -produced.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_274_274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_274_274"><span class="label">274</span></a> In reality, belonging to the Crucifera, the rape is hermaphroditical.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_275_275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_275_275"><span class="label">275</span></a> Wild horse-radish, which is divided into two varieties, the Raphanus -raphanistrum of Linnæus, and the Cochlearia Armoracia, may possibly -be meant, but their roots bear no resemblance to the radish.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_276_276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_276_276"><span class="label">276</span></a> An enormous price, apparently.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_277_277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_277_277"><span class="label">277</span></a> The Brassica napus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_278_278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_278_278"><span class="label">278</span></a> 1st of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_279_279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_279_279"><span class="label">279</span></a> The Neptunalia and the Vulcanalia; 23rd of July and 23rd of -August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_280_280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_280_280"><span class="label">280</span></a> In consequence of the brittleness of the pod.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_281_281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_281_281"><span class="label">281</span></a> This is an exaggeration of certain phænomena observed in the leaves -of all leguminous plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_282_282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_282_282"><span class="label">282</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_283_283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_283_283"><span class="label">283</span></a> “Ex areâ.” This reading is favoured by the text of Columella. B. ii. -c. 10, who says the same. But “ex arvo,” from the field, <i>i. e.</i> the “moment -it is gathered”—seems preferable, as being more consistent with the context,</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_284_284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_284_284"><span class="label">284</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 1. 11, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_285_285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_285_285"><span class="label">285</span></a> It is still thought that the lupine enriches the soil in which it grows.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_286_286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_286_286"><span class="label">286</span></a> Marcellus Empiricus says, that boiled lupine meal, spread as a plaster, -and laid on the abdomen, will destroy intestinal worms.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_287_287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_287_287"><span class="label">287</span></a> Vicia sativa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_288_288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_288_288"><span class="label">288</span></a> Or orobus, the Ervum ervilia of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_289_289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_289_289"><span class="label">289</span></a> It is thought by many that the ervum is unwholesome, being productive -of muscular weakness. The blade of it is said to act as a poison on -pigs. However, we find the farina, or meal, extolled by some persons for -its medicinal qualities; and if we are to trust to the advertisements in the -newspapers, it is rising rapidly in esteem. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_73">73</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_290_290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_290_290"><span class="label">290</span></a> From Columella, B. ii. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_291_291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_291_291"><span class="label">291</span></a> Trigonella fœnum Græcum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_292_292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_292_292"><span class="label">292</span></a> “Scarificatio.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_293_293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_293_293"><span class="label">293</span></a> Probably the Secale cereale of Linnæus, cultivated rye.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_294_294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_294_294"><span class="label">294</span></a> It is now held in high esteem in many parts of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_295_295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_295_295"><span class="label">295</span></a> Rye has no bitterness, and this assertion has led some to doubt if it is -identical with the “secale” of Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_296_296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_296_296"><span class="label">296</span></a> Perhaps identical with the Vicia cracca of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_297_297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_297_297"><span class="label">297</span></a> In c. 54 and 60, and elsewhere. See B. xvii. c. 35.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_298_298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_298_298"><span class="label">298</span></a> Probably, fitches.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_299_299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_299_299"><span class="label">299</span></a> Fée suggests that this may be the Avena sterilis, or else the Avena -fatua of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_300_300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_300_300"><span class="label">300</span></a> De Re Rust. B. i. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_301_301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_301_301"><span class="label">301</span></a> “Medica,” in Latin, a kind of clover, the Medicago sativa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_302_302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_302_302"><span class="label">302</span></a> Fée is inclined to doubt this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_303_303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_303_303"><span class="label">303</span></a> Pliny exaggerates here: Columella, B. ii. c. 11, says, only “ten:” a -field, however, sown with it will last, with a fresh sowing, as long as -twenty years.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_304_304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_304_304"><span class="label">304</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_305_305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_305_305"><span class="label">305</span></a> Columella, B. ii. c. 11, says April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_306_306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_306_306"><span class="label">306</span></a> By the aid of careful watering, as many as eight to fourteen cuttings -are obtained in the year, in Italy and Spain. In the north of Europe -there is but one crop.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_307_307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_307_307"><span class="label">307</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_308_308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_308_308"><span class="label">308</span></a> He borrows this notion of the oat being wheat in a diseased state, -from Theophrastus. Singularly enough, it was adopted by the learned -Buffon.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_309_309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_309_309"><span class="label">309</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_310_310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_310_310"><span class="label">310</span></a> This but rarely happens in our climates, as Fée remarks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_311_311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_311_311"><span class="label">311</span></a> The grains are sometimes, though rarely, found devoured on the -stalk, by a kind of larvæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_312_312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_312_312"><span class="label">312</span></a> Some coleopterous insect, probably, now unknown, and not the Cantharis -vesicatoria, or “Spanish fly,” as some have imagined. Dioscorides -and Athenæus state to the same effect as Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_313_313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_313_313"><span class="label">313</span></a> The proper influence of the humidity of the earth would naturally -be impeded by a coating of these substances.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_314_314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_314_314"><span class="label">314</span></a> This plant has not been identified; but none of the gramineous -plants are noxious to cattle, with the exception of the seed of darnel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_315_315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_315_315"><span class="label">315</span></a> Lolium temulentum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_316_316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_316_316"><span class="label">316</span></a> See B. xxi. c. 58.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_317_317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_317_317"><span class="label">317</span></a> “Carduus.” A general term, probably including the genera Centaurea -(the prickly kinds), Serratula, Carduus, and Cnicus. The Centaurea solstitialis -is the thistle most commonly found in the south of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_318_318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_318_318"><span class="label">318</span></a> Gallium Aparine of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_319_319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_319_319"><span class="label">319</span></a> Barley, wheat, oats, and millet have, each its own “rubigo” or mildew, -known to modern botany as uredo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_320_320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_320_320"><span class="label">320</span></a> The Erineum vitis of botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_321_321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_321_321"><span class="label">321</span></a> This rarely happens except through the violence of wind or rain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_322_322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_322_322"><span class="label">322</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32">32</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_323_323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_323_323"><span class="label">323</span></a> The Cuscuta Europæa, probably, of Linnæus; one of the Convolvuli.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_324_324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_324_324"><span class="label">324</span></a> “Æra.” It is generally considered to be the same with darnel, -though Pliny probably looked upon them as different.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_325_325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_325_325"><span class="label">325</span></a> The Ægilops ovata, probably, of Linnæus. Dalechamps and Hardouin -identify it with the barren oat, the Avena sterilis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_326_326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_326_326"><span class="label">326</span></a> To the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">πελέκυς</span>, or battle-axe. It is probably the Biserrula -pelecina of Linnæus, though the Astragalus hamosus and the Coronilla -securidaca of Linnæus have been suggested.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_327_327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_327_327"><span class="label">327</span></a> Pliny has here committed a singular error in translating from -Theophrastus, de Causis, B. iv. c. 14, who only says that a cold wind in -the vicinity of Philippi makes the beans difficult to cook or boil, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀτεράμονες</span>. -From this word he has coined two imaginary plants, the “ateramon,” -and the “teramon.” Hardouin defends Pliny, by suggesting that he has -borrowed the passage from another source, while Fée doubts if he really -understood the Greek language.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_328_328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_328_328"><span class="label">328</span></a> More probably one of the Coleoptera. He borrows from Theophrastus, -Hist. Anim. B. viii. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_329_329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_329_329"><span class="label">329</span></a> This will only prevent the young plants from becoming a prey to -snails and slugs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_330_330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_330_330"><span class="label">330</span></a> This plan is attended with no good results.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_331_331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_331_331"><span class="label">331</span></a> Georg. i. 193. It is generally said that if seed is steeped in a solution -of nitre, and more particularly hydrochloric acid, it will germinate -with accelerated rapidity; the produce, however, is no finer than at other -times.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_332_332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_332_332"><span class="label">332</span></a> “Fractæ.” Perhaps, more properly “crushed”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_333_333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_333_333"><span class="label">333</span></a> The odour of cypress, or savin, Fée thinks, might possibly keep -away noxious insects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_334_334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_334_334"><span class="label">334</span></a> The “always living,” or perennial plant, our “house-leek,” the -Sedum acre of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 102.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_335_335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_335_335"><span class="label">335</span></a> “Little finger,” from the shape of the leaves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_336_336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_336_336"><span class="label">336</span></a> He must have allowed himself to be imposed upon in this case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_337_337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_337_337"><span class="label">337</span></a> Fée thinks that this may possibly be efficacious against the attacks -of rats, as the author of the Geoponica, B. x., states.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_338_338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_338_338"><span class="label">338</span></a> Virgil, Georg, i. 111, recommends the same plan, and it is still followed -by agriculturists. It is not without its inconveniences, however.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_339_339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_339_339"><span class="label">339</span></a> This is not consistent with truth, for no fresh ear will assume its place.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_340_340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_340_340"><span class="label">340</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_341_341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_341_341"><span class="label">341</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_342_342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_342_342"><span class="label">342</span></a> “Ador.” See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10">10</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_343_343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_343_343"><span class="label">343</span></a> From Varro; De Re Rust. i. 23.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_344_344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_344_344"><span class="label">344</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 553.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_345_345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_345_345"><span class="label">345</span></a> There is nothing wonderful in a few grains of corn germinating in -the cleft of a tree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_346_346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_346_346"><span class="label">346</span></a> In B. v. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_347_347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_347_347"><span class="label">347</span></a> First of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_348_348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_348_348"><span class="label">348</span></a> <i>I. e.</i> Egypt Proper, the Delta, or Lower Egypt, Thebais being in -Upper Egypt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_349_349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_349_349"><span class="label">349</span></a> The overflow of these rivers is by no means to be compared with -that of the Nile.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_350_350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_350_350"><span class="label">350</span></a> Fée remarks, that the plough here described differs but little from -that used in some provinces of France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_351_351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_351_351"><span class="label">351</span></a> Resupinus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_352_352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_352_352"><span class="label">352</span></a> Gallia Togata. Rhætia is the modern country of the Grisons.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_353_353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_353_353"><span class="label">353</span></a> According to Goropius Becanus, from <i>plograt</i>, the ancient Gallic for -a plough-wheel. Hardouin thinks that it is from the Latin “plaustra -rati;” and Poinsinet derives it from the Belgic <i>ploum</i>, a plough, and <i>rat</i>, -or <i>radt</i>, a wheel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_354_354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_354_354"><span class="label">354</span></a> “Crates;” probably made of hurdles; see Virgil, Georg. i. 95.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_355_355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_355_355"><span class="label">355</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 61.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_356_356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_356_356"><span class="label">356</span></a> These rules are borrowed mostly from Varro, B. i. c. 19, and Columella, -B. ii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_357_357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_357_357"><span class="label">357</span></a> “Vere actum” “worked in spring.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_358_358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_358_358"><span class="label">358</span></a> Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_359_359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_359_359"><span class="label">359</span></a> Crosswise, or horizontally.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_360_360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_360_360"><span class="label">360</span></a> Zig-zag, apparently.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_361_361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_361_361"><span class="label">361</span></a> A rude foreshadowing of the spade husbandry so highly spoken of -at the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_362_362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_362_362"><span class="label">362</span></a> “Prevaricare,” “to make a balk,” as we call it, to make a tortuous -furrow, diverging from the straight line.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_363_363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_363_363"><span class="label">363</span></a> He probably means the heavy “rastrum,” or rake, mentioned by -Virgil, Georg. i. 164. It is impossible to say what was the shape of this -heavy rake, or how it was used. Light, or hand rakes were in common -use as well.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_364_364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_364_364"><span class="label">364</span></a> “A gong crooked;” hence its meaning of, folly, dotage, or madness.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_365_365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_365_365"><span class="label">365</span></a> Georg. i. 47. Servius seems to understand it that the furrow should -be untouched for two days and two nights before it is gone over again.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_366_366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_366_366"><span class="label">366</span></a> Fée declines to give credit to this story.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_367_367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_367_367"><span class="label">367</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 830.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_368_368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_368_368"><span class="label">368</span></a> “Semen,” “seed-wheat,” a variety only of spelt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_369_369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_369_369"><span class="label">369</span></a> In c. 65 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_370_370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_370_370"><span class="label">370</span></a> Runcatio.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_371_371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_371_371"><span class="label">371</span></a> Crates.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_372_372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_372_372"><span class="label">372</span></a> Georg. i. 71.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_373_373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_373_373"><span class="label">373</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_374_374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_374_374"><span class="label">374</span></a> See B. v. c. 3, and B. xvi. c. 50. It is also mentioned by Ptolemy -and Procopius. It was situate evidently in an oasis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_375_375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_375_375"><span class="label">375</span></a> Or arm’s length from the elbow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_376_376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_376_376"><span class="label">376</span></a> He surely does not mention this as an extravagant price, more especially -when he has so recently spoken (in c. 34) of rape selling at a sesterce -per pound.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_377_377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_377_377"><span class="label">377</span></a> How was this ascertained? Fée seems to think that it is the Festuca -fluitans of Linnæus that is alluded to, it being eagerly sought by -cattle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_378_378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_378_378"><span class="label">378</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_379_379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_379_379"><span class="label">379</span></a> Tenerum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_380_380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_380_380"><span class="label">380</span></a> Adoreum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_381_381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_381_381"><span class="label">381</span></a> “Tertio” may possibly mean the “third time,” <i>i. e.</i> for every third -crop.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_382_382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_382_382"><span class="label">382</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_383_383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_383_383"><span class="label">383</span></a> “Ares” seems to be a preferable reading to “arescat,” “before it dries.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_384_384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_384_384"><span class="label">384</span></a> Schneider, upon Columella, B. ii. c. 15, would reject these words, -and they certainly appear out of place.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_385_385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_385_385"><span class="label">385</span></a> Poinsinet would supply here “tricenis diebus,” “in thirty days,” from -Columella, B. ii. c. 15.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_386_386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_386_386"><span class="label">386</span></a> “Sterile.” This is not necessarily the case, as we know with reference -to what is called mummy wheat, the seed of which has been recovered -at different times from the Egyptian tombs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_387_387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_387_387"><span class="label">387</span></a> The threshing floor was made with an elevation in the middle, and -the sides on an incline, to the bottom of which the largest grains would -be the most likely to fall.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_388_388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_388_388"><span class="label">388</span></a> “Far” or spelt is of a red hue in the exterior.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_389_389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_389_389"><span class="label">389</span></a> This appearance is no longer to be observed, if, indeed, Pliny is correct: -all kinds of corn are white in the interior of the grain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_390_390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_390_390"><span class="label">390</span></a> Hand-sowing is called by the French, “semer à la volée.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_391_391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_391_391"><span class="label">391</span></a> This occult or mysterious method of which Pliny speaks, consists -solely of what we should call a “happy knack,” which some men have of -sowing more evenly than others.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_392_392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_392_392"><span class="label">392</span></a> Sors genialis atque fecunda est.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_393_393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_393_393"><span class="label">393</span></a> This Chapter is mostly from Columella, B. ii. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_394_394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_394_394"><span class="label">394</span></a> In c. 19 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_395_395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_395_395"><span class="label">395</span></a> Probably the mixture called “farrago” in c. 10 and c. 41.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_396_396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_396_396"><span class="label">396</span></a> Upon this point the modern agriculturists are by no means agreed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_397_397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_397_397"><span class="label">397</span></a> From Cato, De Re Rust. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_398_398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_398_398"><span class="label">398</span></a> “Segetem ne defrudes.” The former editions mostly read “defruges,” -in which case the meaning would be, “don’t exhaust the land.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_399_399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_399_399"><span class="label">399</span></a> This passage of Attius is lost, but Hermann supposes his words to -have run thus:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="center">——serere, cum est</div> -<div class="line">Luna in Ariete, Geminis, Leone, Libra, Aquario.</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_400_400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_400_400"><span class="label">400</span></a> In c. 8 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_401_401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_401_401"><span class="label">401</span></a> Georg. i. 208.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_402_402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_402_402"><span class="label">402</span></a> Georg. i. 227.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_403_403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_403_403"><span class="label">403</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_74">74</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_404_404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_404_404"><span class="label">404</span></a> Columella, B. ii. c. 8.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_405_405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_405_405"><span class="label">405</span></a> Favonius. See B. ii. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_406_406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_406_406"><span class="label">406</span></a> The five days’ festival in honour of Minerva. It begins on the fourteenth -before the calends of April, or on the nineteenth of March. Virgil, -Georg. i. 208, says that flax and the poppy should be sown in autumn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_407_407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_407_407"><span class="label">407</span></a> Fifteenth of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_408_408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_408_408"><span class="label">408</span></a> First of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_409_409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_409_409"><span class="label">409</span></a> Georg. i. 204.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_410_410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_410_410"><span class="label">410</span></a> “To be an early winter.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_411_411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_411_411"><span class="label">411</span></a> “To be a long winter.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_412_412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_412_412"><span class="label">412</span></a> Confectum sidus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_413_413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_413_413"><span class="label">413</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_414_414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_414_414"><span class="label">414</span></a> Georg. i. 335.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_415_415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_415_415"><span class="label">415</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 830.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_416_416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_416_416"><span class="label">416</span></a> Twenty-seventh of January.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_417_417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_417_417"><span class="label">417</span></a> Ad solis cursum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_418_418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_418_418"><span class="label">418</span></a> Soon after the corrections made by order of Julius Cæsar, the Pontifices -mistook the proper method of intercalation, by making it every -third year instead of the fourth; the consequence of which was, that -Augustus was obliged to correct the results of their error by omitting the -intercalary day for twelve years.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_419_419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_419_419"><span class="label">419</span></a> He most probably refers to the list of writers originally appended to -the First Book; but which in the present Translation is distributed at the -end of each Book. For the list of astronomical writers here referred to, -see the end of the <a href="#Page_128">present Book</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_420_420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_420_420"><span class="label">420</span></a> Or <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Ἀστρικὴ βίβλος</span>. It is now lost.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_421_421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_421_421"><span class="label">421</span></a> In his work mentioned at the end of this Book. It is now lost.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_422_422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_422_422"><span class="label">422</span></a> <i>I. e.</i> Asia Minor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_423_423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_423_423"><span class="label">423</span></a> <i>I. e.</i> the north-west parts of Africa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_424_424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_424_424"><span class="label">424</span></a> See c. 39 of that Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_425_425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_425_425"><span class="label">425</span></a> “Ratione solis.” This theory of the succession of changes every four -years, was promulgated by Eudoxus. See B. ii. c. 48.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_426_426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_426_426"><span class="label">426</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_69">69</a>, as to Arcturus and Aquila.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_427_427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_427_427"><span class="label">427</span></a> He speaks of Equinoctial hours, these being in all cases of the same -length, in contradistinction to the Temporal, or Unequal hours, which -with the Romans were a twelfth part of the Natural day, from sunrise to -sunset, and of course were continually varying.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_428_428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_428_428"><span class="label">428</span></a> Twenty-fifth of December.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_429_429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_429_429"><span class="label">429</span></a> Fere.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_430_430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_430_430"><span class="label">430</span></a> In this Translation, the names of the Constellations are given in -English, except in the case of the signs of the Zodiac, which are universally -known by their Latin appellations.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_431_431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_431_431"><span class="label">431</span></a> He begins in c. 64, at the winter solstice, and omits the period between -the eleventh of November and the winter solstice altogether, so far -as the mention of individual days.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_432_432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_432_432"><span class="label">432</span></a> “Cum sidus vehemens Orionis iisdem diebus longo decedat spatio.” -This passage is apparently unintelligible, if considered, as Sillig reads -it, as dependent on the preceding one.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_433_433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_433_433"><span class="label">433</span></a> In his Œconomica.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_434_434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_434_434"><span class="label">434</span></a> In B. ii. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_435_435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_435_435"><span class="label">435</span></a> “Vestis institor est.” This passage is probably imperfect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_436_436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_436_436"><span class="label">436</span></a> “Lacernarum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_437_437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_437_437"><span class="label">437</span></a> “Puleium.” See B. ii. c. 41.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_438_438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_438_438"><span class="label">438</span></a> De Re Rust. i. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_439_439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_439_439"><span class="label">439</span></a> The setting of the Vergiliæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_440_440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_440_440"><span class="label">440</span></a> De Divinat. B. i. c. 15. They are a translation from Aratus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_441_441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_441_441"><span class="label">441</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 38. Pliny has said above, that flax and the poppy -should be sown in the spring.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_442_442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_442_442"><span class="label">442</span></a> The Papaver Rhœas of Linnæus is still used for affections of the -throat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_443_443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_443_443"><span class="label">443</span></a> For the grape and the olive.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_444_444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_444_444"><span class="label">444</span></a> First of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_445_445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_445_445"><span class="label">445</span></a> In the more northern climates this is never done till the spring.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_446_446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_446_446"><span class="label">446</span></a> This is merely imaginary.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_447_447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_447_447"><span class="label">447</span></a> Or king-fisher. It was a general belief that this bird incubated on -the surface of the ocean.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_448_448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_448_448"><span class="label">448</span></a> Hence the expression, “Halcyon days.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_449_449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_449_449"><span class="label">449</span></a> Vadimonia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_450_450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_450_450"><span class="label">450</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 74.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_451_451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_451_451"><span class="label">451</span></a> “Ridicas.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_452_452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_452_452"><span class="label">452</span></a> “Palos.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_453_453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_453_453"><span class="label">453</span></a> Thirtieth of December. According to the Roman reckoning, the <i>third</i> -day would be the day but one before.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_454_454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_454_454"><span class="label">454</span></a> Fourth of January.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_455_455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_455_455"><span class="label">455</span></a> Eighth of January.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_456_456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_456_456"><span class="label">456</span></a> Seventeenth of January.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_457_457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_457_457"><span class="label">457</span></a> Twenty-fifth of January.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_458_458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_458_458"><span class="label">458</span></a> “Regia Stella.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_459_459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_459_459"><span class="label">459</span></a> Fourth of February.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_460_460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_460_460"><span class="label">460</span></a> Or wine-vats; by the use of the word “laminas,” he seems to be -speaking not of the ordinary earthen dolia, but the wooden ones used in -Gaul and the north of Italy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_461_461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_461_461"><span class="label">461</span></a> Sixteenth of February.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_462_462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_462_462"><span class="label">462</span></a> Twenty-second of February.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_463_463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_463_463"><span class="label">463</span></a> Fifth of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_464_464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_464_464"><span class="label">464</span></a> On the fifth of March, Ovid says, Fasti, iii. l. 407. Columella makes -it rise on the sixth of the nones, or the second of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_465_465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_465_465"><span class="label">465</span></a> Eighth of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_466_466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_466_466"><span class="label">466</span></a> Or, more literally, the “Northern Fish.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_467_467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_467_467"><span class="label">467</span></a> Fifteenth of March, the day on which he was assassinated, in accordance, -it is said, with the prophecy of a diviner, who had warned him to -beware of the ides of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_468_468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_468_468"><span class="label">468</span></a> Eighteenth of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_469_469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_469_469"><span class="label">469</span></a> Twenty-first of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_470_470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_470_470"><span class="label">470</span></a> In c. 46 and c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_471_471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_471_471"><span class="label">471</span></a> Seventh of February.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_472_472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_472_472"><span class="label">472</span></a> In B. xvii. c. 35.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_473_473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_473_473"><span class="label">473</span></a> Fée approves of this method of weeding before the corn is in ear.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_474_474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_474_474"><span class="label">474</span></a> In a day, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_475_475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_475_475"><span class="label">475</span></a> Georg. i. 63.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_476_476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_476_476"><span class="label">476</span></a> De Re Rust. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_477_477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_477_477"><span class="label">477</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 8.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_478_478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_478_478"><span class="label">478</span></a> Alluding to his quotation from Cicero in c. 61.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_479_479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_479_479"><span class="label">479</span></a> Or mastich.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_480_480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_480_480"><span class="label">480</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_7">7</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_481_481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_481_481"><span class="label">481</span></a> It is not known whence he derived this unfounded notion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_482_482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_482_482"><span class="label">482</span></a> Twenty-fifth of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_483_483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_483_483"><span class="label">483</span></a> First of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_484_484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_484_484"><span class="label">484</span></a> This passage is omitted in the original, but was probably left out by -inadvertence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_485_485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_485_485"><span class="label">485</span></a> Third of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_486_486"></a><a href="#FNanchor_486_486"><span class="label">486</span></a> Fifth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_487_487"></a><a href="#FNanchor_487_487"><span class="label">487</span></a> Eighth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_488_488"></a><a href="#FNanchor_488_488"><span class="label">488</span></a> Eighteenth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_489_489"></a><a href="#FNanchor_489_489"><span class="label">489</span></a> Sixteenth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_490_490"></a><a href="#FNanchor_490_490"><span class="label">490</span></a> Twentieth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_491_491"></a><a href="#FNanchor_491_491"><span class="label">491</span></a> Twenty-first of April. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_24">24</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_492_492"></a><a href="#FNanchor_492_492"><span class="label">492</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὕειν</span>, to rain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_493_493"></a><a href="#FNanchor_493_493"><span class="label">493</span></a> “Sus,” a pig.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_494_494"></a><a href="#FNanchor_494_494"><span class="label">494</span></a> Twenty-fourth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_495_495"></a><a href="#FNanchor_495_495"><span class="label">495</span></a> Twenty-fifth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_496_496"></a><a href="#FNanchor_496_496"><span class="label">496</span></a> Twenty-sixth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_497_497"></a><a href="#FNanchor_497_497"><span class="label">497</span></a> Twenty-seventh of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_498_498"></a><a href="#FNanchor_498_498"><span class="label">498</span></a> Twenty-eighth of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_499_499"></a><a href="#FNanchor_499_499"><span class="label">499</span></a> Second of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_500_500"></a><a href="#FNanchor_500_500"><span class="label">500</span></a> Eighth of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_501_501"></a><a href="#FNanchor_501_501"><span class="label">501</span></a> Tenth of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_502_502"></a><a href="#FNanchor_502_502"><span class="label">502</span></a> “Cuculus.” Sec B. x. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_503_503"></a><a href="#FNanchor_503_503"><span class="label">503</span></a> “Petulantiæ vales.” Perhaps “indecent,” or “wanton jokes:” at least, -Hardouin thinks so.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_504_504"></a><a href="#FNanchor_504_504"><span class="label">504</span></a> By causing quarrels, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_505_505"></a><a href="#FNanchor_505_505"><span class="label">505</span></a> See B. xi. c. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_506_506"></a><a href="#FNanchor_506_506"><span class="label">506</span></a> A quotation from some unknown poet, Sillig thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_507_507"></a><a href="#FNanchor_507_507"><span class="label">507</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 41.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_508_508"></a><a href="#FNanchor_508_508"><span class="label">508</span></a> See Virgil, Ecl. iii. l. 111.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_509_509"></a><a href="#FNanchor_509_509"><span class="label">509</span></a> Eleventh of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_510_510"></a><a href="#FNanchor_510_510"><span class="label">510</span></a> Thirteenth of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_511_511"></a><a href="#FNanchor_511_511"><span class="label">511</span></a> Twenty-first of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_512_512"></a><a href="#FNanchor_512_512"><span class="label">512</span></a> Twenty-second of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_513_513"></a><a href="#FNanchor_513_513"><span class="label">513</span></a> Second of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_514_514"></a><a href="#FNanchor_514_514"><span class="label">514</span></a> Seventh of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_515_515"></a><a href="#FNanchor_515_515"><span class="label">515</span></a> Tenth of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_516_516"></a><a href="#FNanchor_516_516"><span class="label">516</span></a> Fifteenth of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_517_517"></a><a href="#FNanchor_517_517"><span class="label">517</span></a> Twenty-first of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_518_518"></a><a href="#FNanchor_518_518"><span class="label">518</span></a> Twenty-fourth of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_519_519"></a><a href="#FNanchor_519_519"><span class="label">519</span></a> First of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_520_520"></a><a href="#FNanchor_520_520"><span class="label">520</span></a> Columella, B. ii. c. 18.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_521_521"></a><a href="#FNanchor_521_521"><span class="label">521</span></a> The varieties now known as Trifolium pratense, Trifolium rubens -and Trifolium repens.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_522_522"></a><a href="#FNanchor_522_522"><span class="label">522</span></a> “Gramen.” Under this head, as Fée says, he probably includes the -gramineous plants, known as Alopecurus, Phleum, Poa, Festuca, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_523_523"></a><a href="#FNanchor_523_523"><span class="label">523</span></a> Probably the Lysimachia nummularia of Linnæus, which has a tendency -to corrode the lips of the sheep that pasture on it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_524_524"></a><a href="#FNanchor_524_524"><span class="label">524</span></a> Known to us as “horse-tail;” varieties of which are the Equisetum -fluviatile and the Equisetum palustre of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_525_525"></a><a href="#FNanchor_525_525"><span class="label">525</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 53.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_526_526"></a><a href="#FNanchor_526_526"><span class="label">526</span></a> See Virgil’s Georg. i. 289.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_527_527"></a><a href="#FNanchor_527_527"><span class="label">527</span></a> As to whetstones, for further information, see B. xxvi. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_528_528"></a><a href="#FNanchor_528_528"><span class="label">528</span></a> The word “falx,” “sickle” or “scythe,” is used here as denoting -an implement for mowing, and not reaping.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_529_529"></a><a href="#FNanchor_529_529"><span class="label">529</span></a> Similar in shape to our sickle, or reaping hook, no doubt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_530_530"></a><a href="#FNanchor_530_530"><span class="label">530</span></a> “Majoris compendii.” Similar to our reaping-hook, also. Fée -thinks that the former was similar to the “faux faucille,” or false sickle, -the latter to the common sickle of the French.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_531_531"></a><a href="#FNanchor_531_531"><span class="label">531</span></a> Fée says that this is the case in some parts of France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_532_532"></a><a href="#FNanchor_532_532"><span class="label">532</span></a> In c. 59 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_533_533"></a><a href="#FNanchor_533_533"><span class="label">533</span></a> Twenty-fourth of June. See the <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_67">last Chapter</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_534_534"></a><a href="#FNanchor_534_534"><span class="label">534</span></a> On this subject see B. xvi. c. 36. See also Varro, De Re Rust. B. i. -c. 46, and Aulus Gellius, B. ix. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_535_535"></a><a href="#FNanchor_535_535"><span class="label">535</span></a> “Tenes Sidus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_536_536"></a><a href="#FNanchor_536_536"><span class="label">536</span></a> Twenty-sixth of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_537_537"></a><a href="#FNanchor_537_537"><span class="label">537</span></a> Fourth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_538_538"></a><a href="#FNanchor_538_538"><span class="label">538</span></a> There is some confusion, apparently, here. Canicula, Syrius, or the -Dog-star, belongs to the Constellation Canis Major; while Canis Minor -a Constellation which contains the star Procyon, (“the forerunner of the -Dog,”) precedes it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_539_539"></a><a href="#FNanchor_539_539"><span class="label">539</span></a> Fourth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_540_540"></a><a href="#FNanchor_540_540"><span class="label">540</span></a> Fourteenth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_541_541"></a><a href="#FNanchor_541_541"><span class="label">541</span></a> Seventeenth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_542_542"></a><a href="#FNanchor_542_542"><span class="label">542</span></a> B. ii. c. 40, and B. xix. c. 25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_543_543"></a><a href="#FNanchor_543_543"><span class="label">543</span></a> Twentieth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_544_544"></a><a href="#FNanchor_544_544"><span class="label">544</span></a> Twenty-third of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_545_545"></a><a href="#FNanchor_545_545"><span class="label">545</span></a> Thirtieth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_546_546"></a><a href="#FNanchor_546_546"><span class="label">546</span></a> Sixth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_547_547"></a><a href="#FNanchor_547_547"><span class="label">547</span></a> Eleventh of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_548_548"></a><a href="#FNanchor_548_548"><span class="label">548</span></a> Eighth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_549_549"></a><a href="#FNanchor_549_549"><span class="label">549</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 37.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_550_550"></a><a href="#FNanchor_550_550"><span class="label">550</span></a> Carbunculus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_551_551"></a><a href="#FNanchor_551_551"><span class="label">551</span></a> Cicero. De Div., B. ii. 201, Aristotle, Polit. B. i. c. 7, and Diogenes -Laertius tell this story of Thales the philosopher; Pliny being the only -one that applies it to Democritus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_552_552"></a><a href="#FNanchor_552_552"><span class="label">552</span></a> In the last Chapter. This passage is corrupt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_553_553"></a><a href="#FNanchor_553_553"><span class="label">553</span></a> Mentioned by Seneca, Ep. 59.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_554_554"></a><a href="#FNanchor_554_554"><span class="label">554</span></a> It was reserved for the latter part of the last century to discover that -mildew operated on vegetation through the medium of minute, parasitical -fungi. It is mostly attributed to defects in the light or the atmosphere, -or else humidity in excess. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44">44</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_555_555"></a><a href="#FNanchor_555_555"><span class="label">555</span></a> In B. ii. c. 6, for instance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_556_556"></a><a href="#FNanchor_556_556"><span class="label">556</span></a> An onomatic prejudice, as Fée says, solely founded on the peculiarity -of the name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_557_557"></a><a href="#FNanchor_557_557"><span class="label">557</span></a> In the preceding Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_558_558"></a><a href="#FNanchor_558_558"><span class="label">558</span></a> In the preceding Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_559_559"></a><a href="#FNanchor_559_559"><span class="label">559</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 42.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_560_560"></a><a href="#FNanchor_560_560"><span class="label">560</span></a> Twentieth of December.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_561_561"></a><a href="#FNanchor_561_561"><span class="label">561</span></a> Or festival in honour of Robigo, the Goddess of mildew, on the -twenty-fifth of April. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. iv. l. 907, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_562_562"></a><a href="#FNanchor_562_562"><span class="label">562</span></a> Robigo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_563_563"></a><a href="#FNanchor_563_563"><span class="label">563</span></a> “Nineteen” is the proper number.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_564_564"></a><a href="#FNanchor_564_564"><span class="label">564</span></a> “Et cui præoccidere caniculam necesse est.” The real meaning of -this passage would seem to be,—“Before which, as a matter of course, -Canicula must set.” But if so, Pliny is in error, for Canicula, or Procyon, -sets heliacally <i>after</i> the Dog-star, though it rises before it. Hardouin observes, -that it is abundantly proved from the ancient writers that it was -the custom to sacrifice a puppy to Sirius, or the Dog-star, at the Robigalia. -As Littré justly remarks, it would almost appear that Pliny intended, by -his ambiguous language, to lead his readers into error.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_565_565"></a><a href="#FNanchor_565_565"><span class="label">565</span></a> Twenty-eighth of April. The festival of Flora.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_566_566"></a><a href="#FNanchor_566_566"><span class="label">566</span></a> Twenty-third of April. This was the first, or Urban Vinalia: the -second, or Rustic Vinalia, were held on the nineteenth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_567_567"></a><a href="#FNanchor_567_567"><span class="label">567</span></a> The same as the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Πιθοίγια</span>, or “opening of the Casks.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_568_568"></a><a href="#FNanchor_568_568"><span class="label">568</span></a> Tenth of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_569_569"></a><a href="#FNanchor_569_569"><span class="label">569</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 42, and in c. 66 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_570_570"></a><a href="#FNanchor_570_570"><span class="label">570</span></a> Second of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_571_571"></a><a href="#FNanchor_571_571"><span class="label">571</span></a> Twenty-fourth of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_572_572"></a><a href="#FNanchor_572_572"><span class="label">572</span></a> Fourth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_573_573"></a><a href="#FNanchor_573_573"><span class="label">573</span></a> Seventeenth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_574_574"></a><a href="#FNanchor_574_574"><span class="label">574</span></a> Twentieth of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_575_575"></a><a href="#FNanchor_575_575"><span class="label">575</span></a> Twenty-third of July.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_576_576"></a><a href="#FNanchor_576_576"><span class="label">576</span></a> Nineteenth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_577_577"></a><a href="#FNanchor_577_577"><span class="label">577</span></a> Eighth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_578_578"></a><a href="#FNanchor_578_578"><span class="label">578</span></a> See B. x. c. 45, and c. 50. The popinjay, lapwing, and tit-mouse -have been suggested.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_579_579"></a><a href="#FNanchor_579_579"><span class="label">579</span></a> Virio. See B. x. c. 45.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_580_580"></a><a href="#FNanchor_580_580"><span class="label">580</span></a> Columella, De Arborib. c. 13, gives similar advice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_581_581"></a><a href="#FNanchor_581_581"><span class="label">581</span></a> This absurd practice is mentioned in the Geoponica, B. v. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_582_582"></a><a href="#FNanchor_582_582"><span class="label">582</span></a> As to this fish, see B. ix. c. 17.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_583_583"></a><a href="#FNanchor_583_583"><span class="label">583</span></a> “Uva picta.” This absurdity does not seem to be found in any of -Varro’s works that have come down to us.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_584_584"></a><a href="#FNanchor_584_584"><span class="label">584</span></a> Nothing whatever is known of him or his works; and, as Fée says, -apparently the loss is little to be regretted.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_585_585"></a><a href="#FNanchor_585_585"><span class="label">585</span></a> Rubeta rana.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_586_586"></a><a href="#FNanchor_586_586"><span class="label">586</span></a> De Re Rust. 129. Cato, however, does not mention chalk, but Virgil -(Georg. i. 178) does. Poinsinet thinks that this is a “lapsus memoriæ” -in Pliny, but Fée suggests that there may have been an omission by the -copyists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_587_587"></a><a href="#FNanchor_587_587"><span class="label">587</span></a> See the last Note. He recommends that it should be turned up with -the hand, rammed down with “tenacious chalk,” and levelled with a large -roller.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_588_588"></a><a href="#FNanchor_588_588"><span class="label">588</span></a> Both cow-dung and marc of olives are still employed in some parts of -France, in preparing the threshing floor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_589_589"></a><a href="#FNanchor_589_589"><span class="label">589</span></a> Palladius gives a long description of this contrivance, which seems to -have been pushed forward by the ox; the teeth, which were sharp at the -edge and fine at the point, catching the ears and tearing them off. But, -as Fée says, the use of it must have been very disadvantageous, in consequence -of the unequal height of the stalks. The straw, too, was sacrificed -by the employment of it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_590_590"></a><a href="#FNanchor_590_590"><span class="label">590</span></a> In contrarium juncto.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_591_591"></a><a href="#FNanchor_591_591"><span class="label">591</span></a> “Merges.” Supposed to be the same as the “batillum” of Varro. -Its form is unknown, and, indeed, the manner in which it was used. It is -not improbable that it was a fork, sharp at the edge, and similar to an -open pair of scissars, with which the heads of corn were driven off, as it -were; this, however, is only a mere conjecture. By the use of “atque,” -it would almost appear that the “merges” was employed after the sickle -had been used; but it is more probable that he refers to two different methods -of gathering the ears of corn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_592_592"></a><a href="#FNanchor_592_592"><span class="label">592</span></a> The roots and the stubble are, in reality, as good as a manure to the -land.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_593_593"></a><a href="#FNanchor_593_593"><span class="label">593</span></a> Called “tribulum;” a threshing-machine moved by oxen. Varro, -De Re Rust. i. 52, gives a description of it. Fée says that it is still used -in some parts of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_594_594"></a><a href="#FNanchor_594_594"><span class="label">594</span></a> On the contrary, Fée says, the risk is greater from the depredations -of birds, and the chance of the grain falling out in cutting, and gathering -in. Spelt and rye may be left much longer than wheat or oats.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_595_595"></a><a href="#FNanchor_595_595"><span class="label">595</span></a> Columella, B. ii. c. i., gives the same advice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_596_596"></a><a href="#FNanchor_596_596"><span class="label">596</span></a> “Palea” seems here to mean “chaff;” though Fée understands it -as meaning straw.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_597_597"></a><a href="#FNanchor_597_597"><span class="label">597</span></a> The chaff of millet, and not the straw, must evidently be intended here, -for he says above that the straw—“culmus”—of millet is generally burnt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_598_598"></a><a href="#FNanchor_598_598"><span class="label">598</span></a> Muria dura.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_599_599"></a><a href="#FNanchor_599_599"><span class="label">599</span></a> Georg. i. 84, <i>et seq.</i> Fée says that Virgil has good reason for his -commendations, as it is a most excellent plan.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_600_600"></a><a href="#FNanchor_600_600"><span class="label">600</span></a> Palladius, i. 19, says <i>two</i> feet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_601_601"></a><a href="#FNanchor_601_601"><span class="label">601</span></a> On account of the damp. Columella, however, recommends a mixture -of sand, lime, and marc of olives for the floor; B. i. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_602_602"></a><a href="#FNanchor_602_602"><span class="label">602</span></a> In B. xv. c. 8.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_603_603"></a><a href="#FNanchor_603_603"><span class="label">603</span></a> This is still done in the Valais, and has the great merit of preserving -the corn from house and field-mice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_604_604"></a><a href="#FNanchor_604_604"><span class="label">604</span></a> “Ventilare.” On the contrary, the weevil penetrates deep, and does -not keep near the surface.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_605_605"></a><a href="#FNanchor_605_605"><span class="label">605</span></a> De Re Rust. ii. 21.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_606_606"></a><a href="#FNanchor_606_606"><span class="label">606</span></a> See B. ii. c. 48.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_607_607"></a><a href="#FNanchor_607_607"><span class="label">607</span></a> Those keep the best, Fée says, which have a farinaceous perisperm. -Millet has but one coat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_608_608"></a><a href="#FNanchor_608_608"><span class="label">608</span></a> This, in reality, would tend to make them turn rancid all the sooner.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_609_609"></a><a href="#FNanchor_609_609"><span class="label">609</span></a> And so repel the attacks of insects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_610_610"></a><a href="#FNanchor_610_610"><span class="label">610</span></a> This would not only spoil the flavour, but absolutely injure the corn -as well.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_611_611"></a><a href="#FNanchor_611_611"><span class="label">611</span></a> This also, if practised to any extent, would infallibly spoil the grain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_612_612"></a><a href="#FNanchor_612_612"><span class="label">612</span></a> De Re Rust. i. 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_613_613"></a><a href="#FNanchor_613_613"><span class="label">613</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15">15</a>: also Columella, De Re Rust. B. ii. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_614_614"></a><a href="#FNanchor_614_614"><span class="label">614</span></a> Twelfth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_615_615"></a><a href="#FNanchor_615_615"><span class="label">615</span></a> Twenty-second of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_616_616"></a><a href="#FNanchor_616_616"><span class="label">616</span></a> Twenty-eighth of August.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_617_617"></a><a href="#FNanchor_617_617"><span class="label">617</span></a> Fifth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_618_618"></a><a href="#FNanchor_618_618"><span class="label">618</span></a> Ninth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_619_619"></a><a href="#FNanchor_619_619"><span class="label">619</span></a> Twelfth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_620_620"></a><a href="#FNanchor_620_620"><span class="label">620</span></a> See the Rudens of Plautus, Prol. l. 69.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_621_621"></a><a href="#FNanchor_621_621"><span class="label">621</span></a> Sixteenth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_622_622"></a><a href="#FNanchor_622_622"><span class="label">622</span></a> Eighteenth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_623_623"></a><a href="#FNanchor_623_623"><span class="label">623</span></a> Twenty-first of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_624_624"></a><a href="#FNanchor_624_624"><span class="label">624</span></a> Commissura.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_625_625"></a><a href="#FNanchor_625_625"><span class="label">625</span></a> Twenty-fourth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_626_626"></a><a href="#FNanchor_626_626"><span class="label">626</span></a> Mentioned by Virgil, Eccl. iii. l. 38, and by Propertius, Eleg. iv. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_627_627"></a><a href="#FNanchor_627_627"><span class="label">627</span></a> Twenty-eighth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_628_628"></a><a href="#FNanchor_628_628"><span class="label">628</span></a> Twenty-ninth of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_629_629"></a><a href="#FNanchor_629_629"><span class="label">629</span></a> Second of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_630_630"></a><a href="#FNanchor_630_630"><span class="label">630</span></a> Third of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_631_631"></a><a href="#FNanchor_631_631"><span class="label">631</span></a> Fourth of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_632_632"></a><a href="#FNanchor_632_632"><span class="label">632</span></a> Eighth of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_633_633"></a><a href="#FNanchor_633_633"><span class="label">633</span></a> Tenth of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_634_634"></a><a href="#FNanchor_634_634"><span class="label">634</span></a> Fifteenth of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_635_635"></a><a href="#FNanchor_635_635"><span class="label">635</span></a> Sixteenth of October.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_636_636"></a><a href="#FNanchor_636_636"><span class="label">636</span></a> Or Hyades, see c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_66">66</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_637_637"></a><a href="#FNanchor_637_637"><span class="label">637</span></a> Second of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_638_638"></a><a href="#FNanchor_638_638"><span class="label">638</span></a> Ninth of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_639_639"></a><a href="#FNanchor_639_639"><span class="label">639</span></a> Eleventh of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_640_640"></a><a href="#FNanchor_640_640"><span class="label">640</span></a> In c. 35 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_641_641"></a><a href="#FNanchor_641_641"><span class="label">641</span></a> “Frondarias fiscinas.” These must have been baskets of a very large -size. The leaves were used for fodder.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_642_642"></a><a href="#FNanchor_642_642"><span class="label">642</span></a> This, Fée says, is diametrically opposite to the modern practice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_643_643"></a><a href="#FNanchor_643_643"><span class="label">643</span></a> The “culeus,” it is supposed, was of the same measure of capacity as the -“dolium,” and held twenty amphoræ. The “pressura,” or “pressing,” was -probably the utmost quantity that the pressing vat would hold at one time.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_644_644"></a><a href="#FNanchor_644_644"><span class="label">644</span></a> “Lacus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_645_645"></a><a href="#FNanchor_645_645"><span class="label">645</span></a> “Mali rugis per cocleas bullantibus.” The whole of this passage is -full of difficulties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_646_646"></a><a href="#FNanchor_646_646"><span class="label">646</span></a> “Tympana:” literally, “drums.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_647_647"></a><a href="#FNanchor_647_647"><span class="label">647</span></a> Grape juice boiled down to one half; see B. xiv. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_648_648"></a><a href="#FNanchor_648_648"><span class="label">648</span></a> Virgil mentions this in the Georgics, B. i. 295. Of course, it is nothing -but an absurd superstition.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_649_649"></a><a href="#FNanchor_649_649"><span class="label">649</span></a> First of January.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_650_650"></a><a href="#FNanchor_650_650"><span class="label">650</span></a> Piscinis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_651_651"></a><a href="#FNanchor_651_651"><span class="label">651</span></a> <i>I. e.</i> before getting in the next year’s crop. Of course, he alludes only -to wines of an inferior class, used for domestic consumption.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_652_652"></a><a href="#FNanchor_652_652"><span class="label">652</span></a> In B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_653_653"></a><a href="#FNanchor_653_653"><span class="label">653</span></a> In B. xv. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_654_654"></a><a href="#FNanchor_654_654"><span class="label">654</span></a> Georg. i. 276.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_655_655"></a><a href="#FNanchor_655_655"><span class="label">655</span></a> In contradistinction to the two periods of full moon, and change of -the moon, the only epochs in reference to it noticed by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_656_656"></a><a href="#FNanchor_656_656"><span class="label">656</span></a> In Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_657_657"></a><a href="#FNanchor_657_657"><span class="label">657</span></a> Or “between moons.” The “change of the moon,” as we call it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_658_658"></a><a href="#FNanchor_658_658"><span class="label">658</span></a> 51¼ minutes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_659_659"></a><a href="#FNanchor_659_659"><span class="label">659</span></a> Many of his statements are drawn from Aristotle’s Treatise, “De -Mundo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_660_660"></a><a href="#FNanchor_660_660"><span class="label">660</span></a> Our mid-day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_661_661"></a><a href="#FNanchor_661_661"><span class="label">661</span></a> From due north to due south.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_662_662"></a><a href="#FNanchor_662_662"><span class="label">662</span></a> Cardo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_663_663"></a><a href="#FNanchor_663_663"><span class="label">663</span></a> “Arbusta.” The trees on which the vines were trained.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_664_664"></a><a href="#FNanchor_664_664"><span class="label">664</span></a> <i>I. e.</i> the north-west of Africa; the Roman province so called.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_665_665"></a><a href="#FNanchor_665_665"><span class="label">665</span></a> In the next Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_666_666"></a><a href="#FNanchor_666_666"><span class="label">666</span></a> Ventus Auster.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_667_667"></a><a href="#FNanchor_667_667"><span class="label">667</span></a> In B. ii. c. 46.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_668_668"></a><a href="#FNanchor_668_668"><span class="label">668</span></a> Incendia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_669_669"></a><a href="#FNanchor_669_669"><span class="label">669</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_670_670"></a><a href="#FNanchor_670_670"><span class="label">670</span></a> See B. viii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_75">75</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_671_671"></a><a href="#FNanchor_671_671"><span class="label">671</span></a> He seems to be in error here, as he has nowhere made mention of this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_672_672"></a><a href="#FNanchor_672_672"><span class="label">672</span></a> Aristotle, on the other hand, and Columella, B. vii. c. 3, say “males.” -See also B. viii. c. 72, where males are mentioned in connection with the -north-wind. Also the <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_77">next Chapter</a> in this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_673_673"></a><a href="#FNanchor_673_673"><span class="label">673</span></a> In the last Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_674_674"></a><a href="#FNanchor_674_674"><span class="label">674</span></a> Very similar to our compass, but describing only eight points of -the wind, instead of thirty-two.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_675_675"></a><a href="#FNanchor_675_675"><span class="label">675</span></a> “Tympanum,” a drum, similar in shape to our tambourines or else -kettle-drums.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_676_676"></a><a href="#FNanchor_676_676"><span class="label">676</span></a> See B. ii. c. 46.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_677_677"></a><a href="#FNanchor_677_677"><span class="label">677</span></a> Or the “summer” wind.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_678_678"></a><a href="#FNanchor_678_678"><span class="label">678</span></a> Africus, or south-west.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_679_679"></a><a href="#FNanchor_679_679"><span class="label">679</span></a> Or, according to our mode of expression, the “second,” or “next -but one.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_680_680"></a><a href="#FNanchor_680_680"><span class="label">680</span></a> Or, as we say, the “third.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_681_681"></a><a href="#FNanchor_681_681"><span class="label">681</span></a> Georg. i. 313, <i>et seq.</i> -</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">“Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvis</div> -<div class="line">Agricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo,</div> -<div class="line">omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.”</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_682_682"></a><a href="#FNanchor_682_682"><span class="label">682</span></a> See the Treatise of Theophrastus on the Prognostics of the Weather.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_683_683"></a><a href="#FNanchor_683_683"><span class="label">683</span></a> This, Fée observes, is confirmed by experience. Aratus, as translated -by Avienus, states to a similar effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_684_684"></a><a href="#FNanchor_684_684"><span class="label">684</span></a> So Virgil, Georg. i. 427.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_685_685"></a><a href="#FNanchor_685_685"><span class="label">685</span></a> Coronam.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_686_686"></a><a href="#FNanchor_686_686"><span class="label">686</span></a> See B. ii. c. 6 and c. 36.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_687_687"></a><a href="#FNanchor_687_687"><span class="label">687</span></a> In c. 59 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_688_688"></a><a href="#FNanchor_688_688"><span class="label">688</span></a> “Densum.” Fée says that this is in general confirmed by experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_689_689"></a><a href="#FNanchor_689_689"><span class="label">689</span></a> This results, Fée says, from the presence of thin, aqueous vapours, -which portend a change in the atmosphere.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_690_690"></a><a href="#FNanchor_690_690"><span class="label">690</span></a> Fée attributes this phænomenon to hydrosulphuric gas, ignited in the -air by an electric spark. The notion that these meteors are stars, was -prevalent to a very recent period.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_691_691"></a><a href="#FNanchor_691_691"><span class="label">691</span></a> To which they proceed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_692_692"></a><a href="#FNanchor_692_692"><span class="label">692</span></a> This, Fée says, is confirmed by experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_693_693"></a><a href="#FNanchor_693_693"><span class="label">693</span></a> Or “Little Asses.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_694_694"></a><a href="#FNanchor_694_694"><span class="label">694</span></a> Præsepia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_695_695"></a><a href="#FNanchor_695_695"><span class="label">695</span></a> This, as Fée remarks, is consistent with experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_696_696"></a><a href="#FNanchor_696_696"><span class="label">696</span></a> This, Fée remarks, appears to be consistent with general experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_697_697"></a><a href="#FNanchor_697_697"><span class="label">697</span></a> Theophrastus states to a similar effect, and it is confirmed by the experience -of those who live in mountainous countries.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_698_698"></a><a href="#FNanchor_698_698"><span class="label">698</span></a> We still hear of the “white squalls” of the Mediterranean.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_699_699"></a><a href="#FNanchor_699_699"><span class="label">699</span></a> “‘Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s -hand.’——And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was -black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.”—1 Kings, xviii. -44, 45.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_700_700"></a><a href="#FNanchor_700_700"><span class="label">700</span></a> The truth of this, Fée says, he has personally experienced in the -vallies of the Alps.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_701_701"></a><a href="#FNanchor_701_701"><span class="label">701</span></a> Terreni ignes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_702_702"></a><a href="#FNanchor_702_702"><span class="label">702</span></a> This, and the other phænomena here mentioned, result, as Fée says, -from the hygrometric state of the air. Virgil mentions this appearance on -the wick of the lamp, Georg. i. 392.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_703_703"></a><a href="#FNanchor_703_703"><span class="label">703</span></a> Fée thinks that this indicates fine weather rather than rain, as showing -a pure state of the atmosphere.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_704_704"></a><a href="#FNanchor_704_704"><span class="label">704</span></a> Sea “lungs.” See B. ix. c. 71.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_705_705"></a><a href="#FNanchor_705_705"><span class="label">705</span></a> Ludentia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_706_706"></a><a href="#FNanchor_706_706"><span class="label">706</span></a> Virgil mentions these indications, Georg. i. 368-9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_707_707"></a><a href="#FNanchor_707_707"><span class="label">707</span></a> “Suus fragor.” The winds, Fée remarks, however violent they may -be, make no noise unless they meet with an obstacle which arrests their -onward progress.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_708_708"></a><a href="#FNanchor_708_708"><span class="label">708</span></a> Theophrastus, Cicero, and Plutarch state to a similar effect; and it -is corroborated by the experience of most mariners.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_709_709"></a><a href="#FNanchor_709_709"><span class="label">709</span></a> The ink-fish; Sepia loligo of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 21.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_710_710"></a><a href="#FNanchor_710_710"><span class="label">710</span></a> Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 378.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_711_711"></a><a href="#FNanchor_711_711"><span class="label">711</span></a> “Fulicæ.” See B. x. c. 61, and B. xi. c. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_712_712"></a><a href="#FNanchor_712_712"><span class="label">712</span></a> Virgil says the same of the diver, or didapper, Georg. i. 361; and Lucan -Pharsalia, v. 553.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_713_713"></a><a href="#FNanchor_713_713"><span class="label">713</span></a> Both Theophrastus and Ælian mention this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_714_714"></a><a href="#FNanchor_714_714"><span class="label">714</span></a> It is not known what bird is here alluded to, but Fée is probably -right in suggesting a sort of sea-mew, or gull.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_715_715"></a><a href="#FNanchor_715_715"><span class="label">715</span></a> This is still considered a prognostic of rain. Fée says that the swallow -descends thus near to the surface to catch the insects on the wing -which are now disabled from rising by the hygrometric state of the atmosphere.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_716_716"></a><a href="#FNanchor_716_716"><span class="label">716</span></a> This is confirmed by experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_717_717"></a><a href="#FNanchor_717_717"><span class="label">717</span></a> On the contrary, Lucan says (Pharsalia, B. v. l. 549), that on the approach -of rain, the heron soars in the upper regions of the air; and Virgil -says the same, Georg. i. 364.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_718_718"></a><a href="#FNanchor_718_718"><span class="label">718</span></a> Indecorâ lasciviâ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_719_719"></a><a href="#FNanchor_719_719"><span class="label">719</span></a> Fée suggests that they probably do this to diminish the electric fluid -with which the air is charged.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_720_720"></a><a href="#FNanchor_720_720"><span class="label">720</span></a> Alienos sibi manipulos.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_721_721"></a><a href="#FNanchor_721_721"><span class="label">721</span></a> This is confirmed by common experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_722_722"></a><a href="#FNanchor_722_722"><span class="label">722</span></a> “Repositoriis.” See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_13">13</a>, and B. xxx. c. 49.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_723_723"></a><a href="#FNanchor_723_723"><span class="label">723</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_724_724"></a><a href="#FNanchor_724_724"><span class="label">724</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_725_725"></a><a href="#FNanchor_725_725"><span class="label">725</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_726_726"></a><a href="#FNanchor_726_726"><span class="label">726</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_727_727"></a><a href="#FNanchor_727_727"><span class="label">727</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_728_728"></a><a href="#FNanchor_728_728"><span class="label">728</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_729_729"></a><a href="#FNanchor_729_729"><span class="label">729</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_730_730"></a><a href="#FNanchor_730_730"><span class="label">730</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_731_731"></a><a href="#FNanchor_731_731"><span class="label">731</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_732_732"></a><a href="#FNanchor_732_732"><span class="label">732</span></a> See end of B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_733_733"></a><a href="#FNanchor_733_733"><span class="label">733</span></a> See end of B. x.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_734_734"></a><a href="#FNanchor_734_734"><span class="label">734</span></a> See end of B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_735_735"></a><a href="#FNanchor_735_735"><span class="label">735</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_736_736"></a><a href="#FNanchor_736_736"><span class="label">736</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_737_737"></a><a href="#FNanchor_737_737"><span class="label">737</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_738_738"></a><a href="#FNanchor_738_738"><span class="label">738</span></a> A native of Sulmo, in the country of the Peligni, and one of the -greatest poets of the Augustan age. It is most probable that his “Fasti” -was extensively consulted by Pliny in the compilation of the present Book. -Six Books of the Fasti have come down to us, but the remaining six have -perished, if, indeed, they were ever written, which has been doubted by -many of the learned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_739_739"></a><a href="#FNanchor_739_739"><span class="label">739</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_740_740"></a><a href="#FNanchor_740_740"><span class="label">740</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_741_741"></a><a href="#FNanchor_741_741"><span class="label">741</span></a> See end of B. ii. It is supposed that there were several writers of -this name, but it is impossible to say with certainty which of them is the -one here referred to. It is probable, however, that it is either L. Ælius -Tubero, the friend of Cicero, or else Q. Ælius Tubero, his son, that is -alluded to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_742_742"></a><a href="#FNanchor_742_742"><span class="label">742</span></a> L. Tarutius Firmianus, a mathematician and astronomer, and a -friend and contemporary of Cicero and M. Varro. At the request of the -latter, he took the horoscope of Romulus. It is generally supposed that -he was of Etruscan descent.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_743_743"></a><a href="#FNanchor_743_743"><span class="label">743</span></a> The founder of the imperial dignity at Rome. His Commentaries -are the only work written by him that has come down to us. His treatise -on the Stars, which Pliny frequently quotes throughout this Book, -was probably written under the inspection of the astronomer, Sosigenes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_744_744"></a><a href="#FNanchor_744_744"><span class="label">744</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_745_745"></a><a href="#FNanchor_745_745"><span class="label">745</span></a> Nothing is known of this writer. It has been suggested, however, -that he may have been the same person as Papirius Fabianus, mentioned -at the end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_746_746"></a><a href="#FNanchor_746_746"><span class="label">746</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_747_747"></a><a href="#FNanchor_747_747"><span class="label">747</span></a> See end of B. xvi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_748_748"></a><a href="#FNanchor_748_748"><span class="label">748</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_749_749"></a><a href="#FNanchor_749_749"><span class="label">749</span></a> See end of B x.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_750_750"></a><a href="#FNanchor_750_750"><span class="label">750</span></a> L. Accius, or Attius, an early Roman tragic poet, and the son of a -freedman, born about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 170. His tragedies were chiefly imitations from -the Greek. He is highly praised by Cicero. The “Praxidica” here mentioned, -is probably the same as the “Pragmatica” spoken of by Aulus -Gellius, B. xx. c. 3. Only some fragments of his Tragedies are left.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_751_751"></a><a href="#FNanchor_751_751"><span class="label">751</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_752_752"></a><a href="#FNanchor_752_752"><span class="label">752</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_753_753"></a><a href="#FNanchor_753_753"><span class="label">753</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_754_754"></a><a href="#FNanchor_754_754"><span class="label">754</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_755_755"></a><a href="#FNanchor_755_755"><span class="label">755</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_756_756"></a><a href="#FNanchor_756_756"><span class="label">756</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_757_757"></a><a href="#FNanchor_757_757"><span class="label">757</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_758_758"></a><a href="#FNanchor_758_758"><span class="label">758</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_759_759"></a><a href="#FNanchor_759_759"><span class="label">759</span></a> See end of B. iv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_760_760"></a><a href="#FNanchor_760_760"><span class="label">760</span></a> Sec end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_761_761"></a><a href="#FNanchor_761_761"><span class="label">761</span></a> See end of B. ix.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_762_762"></a><a href="#FNanchor_762_762"><span class="label">762</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_763_763"></a><a href="#FNanchor_763_763"><span class="label">763</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_764_764"></a><a href="#FNanchor_764_764"><span class="label">764</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_765_765"></a><a href="#FNanchor_765_765"><span class="label">765</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_766_766"></a><a href="#FNanchor_766_766"><span class="label">766</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_767_767"></a><a href="#FNanchor_767_767"><span class="label">767</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_768_768"></a><a href="#FNanchor_768_768"><span class="label">768</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_769_769"></a><a href="#FNanchor_769_769"><span class="label">769</span></a> See end of B. vi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_770_770"></a><a href="#FNanchor_770_770"><span class="label">770</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_771_771"></a><a href="#FNanchor_771_771"><span class="label">771</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_772_772"></a><a href="#FNanchor_772_772"><span class="label">772</span></a> See end of B. xv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_773_773"></a><a href="#FNanchor_773_773"><span class="label">773</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_774_774"></a><a href="#FNanchor_774_774"><span class="label">774</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_775_775"></a><a href="#FNanchor_775_775"><span class="label">775</span></a> See end of B. x.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_776_776"></a><a href="#FNanchor_776_776"><span class="label">776</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_777_777"></a><a href="#FNanchor_777_777"><span class="label">777</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_778_778"></a><a href="#FNanchor_778_778"><span class="label">778</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_779_779"></a><a href="#FNanchor_779_779"><span class="label">779</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_780_780"></a><a href="#FNanchor_780_780"><span class="label">780</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_781_781"></a><a href="#FNanchor_781_781"><span class="label">781</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_782_782"></a><a href="#FNanchor_782_782"><span class="label">782</span></a> Of Miletus, the most ancient of the Greek philosophers, and the -founder of the Ionian school of Philosophy. He is said to have written -upon the Solstice and the Equinox, and a work on Astronomy, in verse, -was also attributed to him. It is, however, more generally believed, that -he left no written works behind him, and that those attributed to him -were forgeries.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_783_783"></a><a href="#FNanchor_783_783"><span class="label">783</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_784_784"></a><a href="#FNanchor_784_784"><span class="label">784</span></a> An astronomer of Medama, or Medma, in Magna Græcia, and a disciple -of Plato. He is said to have written a treatise on the winds, and -Plutarch states that he demonstrated the figure of the moon.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_785_785"></a><a href="#FNanchor_785_785"><span class="label">785</span></a> An astronomer of Cyzicus, and a friend of Aristotle, whom he assisted -in completing the discoveries of Eudoxus. He invented the cycle of -seventy-six years, called after him the Calippic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_786_786"></a><a href="#FNanchor_786_786"><span class="label">786</span></a> Of Colonus, a geometrician, to whom Archimedes dedicated his -works on the sphere and cylinder, and on spirals.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_787_787"></a><a href="#FNanchor_787_787"><span class="label">787</span></a> A grammarian, who is supposed to have written a commentary on -Aratus. Varro, De Ling. Lat. x. 10, speaks of him as making the distinctive -characteristics of words to be eight in number.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_788_788"></a><a href="#FNanchor_788_788"><span class="label">788</span></a> A famous astronomer of Athens, to whom the discovery of the cycle -of nineteen years has been attributed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_789_789"></a><a href="#FNanchor_789_789"><span class="label">789</span></a> There were several learned men of this name, but it appears impossible -to say which of them is the one here alluded to; probably it is either -the Pythagorean philosopher of Ægæ, who wrote on Predestination, or -else the historian, a native of Pieria in Macedonia. There was also an -astronomer of this name, a native of Naxos, and a friend of Eudoxus of -Cnidos.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_790_790"></a><a href="#FNanchor_790_790"><span class="label">790</span></a> A famous astronomer, a native of Chios. He is said to have claimed -the discovery of the obliquity of the Ecliptic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_791_791"></a><a href="#FNanchor_791_791"><span class="label">791</span></a> Probably Zenon of Elea, one of the most famous philosophers of -antiquity. All of his works had perished at a very early period.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_792_792"></a><a href="#FNanchor_792_792"><span class="label">792</span></a> An Athenian astronomer, the friend and assistant of Meton, about -430 <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_793_793"></a><a href="#FNanchor_793_793"><span class="label">793</span></a> An astronomer mentioned by Censorinus, as having corrected the intercalation -of Cleostratus. Nothing further appears to be known of him.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_794_794"></a><a href="#FNanchor_794_794"><span class="label">794</span></a> For Hecatæus of Miletus, see B. iv. For Hecatæus of Abdera, -see B. vi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_795_795"></a><a href="#FNanchor_795_795"><span class="label">795</span></a> See end of B. iv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_796_796"></a><a href="#FNanchor_796_796"><span class="label">796</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_797_797"></a><a href="#FNanchor_797_797"><span class="label">797</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_798_798"></a><a href="#FNanchor_798_798"><span class="label">798</span></a> A native of Soli, or else Tarsus, in Cilicia. He was the author of -two Greek astronomical poems which have come down to us. He flourished -about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 270.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_799_799"></a><a href="#FNanchor_799_799"><span class="label">799</span></a> Nothing can be said of him with any degree of historical certainty. -By the Persians he was called Zerdusht, and was said to have been the -founder of the Magian religion. There were several works in Greek -bearing his name, but which, no doubt, were forgeries of a later age than -that usually assigned to him.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_800_800"></a><a href="#FNanchor_800_800"><span class="label">800</span></a> He is mentioned in c. 70 of this Book, as writing a letter to Antiochus, -king of Syria; but nothing further seems to be known of him.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_801_801"></a><a href="#FNanchor_801_801"><span class="label">801</span></a> More particularly in B. xvii. cc. 2 and 3, and B. xviii. cc. 57-75.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_802_802"></a><a href="#FNanchor_802_802"><span class="label">802</span></a> The Linum usitatissimum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_803_803"></a><a href="#FNanchor_803_803"><span class="label">803</span></a> What would he have said to the application of the powers of steam, -and the electric telegraph?</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_804_804"></a><a href="#FNanchor_804_804"><span class="label">804</span></a> Possibly Galerius Trachalus, Consul <span class="smcap lowercase">A.D.</span> 68, a relation of Galeria -Fundana, the wife of the Emperor Vitellius.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_805_805"></a><a href="#FNanchor_805_805"><span class="label">805</span></a> Governor of Egypt in the reign of Nero, <span class="smcap lowercase">A.D.</span> 55. He is mentioned -by Seneca, Quæst. Nat. B. iv. c. 2, and is supposed to have written a work -on Egypt and his journeys in that country.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_806_806"></a><a href="#FNanchor_806_806"><span class="label">806</span></a> Or, as Sillig suggests, “after ill treatment such as this, that it arrives -at the sea.” The passage is evidently defective.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_807_807"></a><a href="#FNanchor_807_807"><span class="label">807</span></a> In B. vii. c. 57. He alludes to Dædalus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_808_808"></a><a href="#FNanchor_808_808"><span class="label">808</span></a> He probably has in view here the imprecation uttered by Horace:— -</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">“Illi robur, et æs triplex</div> -<div class="line">Circa pectus erat, qui fragilem truci</div> -<div class="line">Commisit pelago ratem.”—<i>Odes</i>, i. 3.</div> -</div></div></div> -<p>At the present day hemp forms a material part in the manufacture of -sails. In addition to flax, the ancients employed broom, rushes, leather, -and various skins of animals for the purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_809_809"></a><a href="#FNanchor_809_809"><span class="label">809</span></a> In c. 76.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_810_810"></a><a href="#FNanchor_810_810"><span class="label">810</span></a> On the contrary, as Fée observes, the cultivation of flax is attended -with the greatest difficulties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_811_811"></a><a href="#FNanchor_811_811"><span class="label">811</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 7. Virgil says, Georg. i. 77, “Urit enim lini campum -seges”—but in the sense, as Fée remarks, of <i>exhausting</i>, not <i>scorching</i> the -soil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_812_812"></a><a href="#FNanchor_812_812"><span class="label">812</span></a> A light soil, and well manured, is usually employed for the purpose. -Columella, B. ii. c. 10, recommends a rich, moist soil. It is sown in March -or April, and is gathered, according to the season, from June to September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_813_813"></a><a href="#FNanchor_813_813"><span class="label">813</span></a> Though rapid in its growth, there are many vegetable productions -that grow more rapidly.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_814_814"></a><a href="#FNanchor_814_814"><span class="label">814</span></a> This was the time for sowing it with the Romans, though in some -countries, at the present day, it is sown so late as the autumn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_815_815"></a><a href="#FNanchor_815_815"><span class="label">815</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 72, he has spoken of this method of gathering vegetable -productions as injurious to the soil, by withdrawing its natural -juices.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_816_816"></a><a href="#FNanchor_816_816"><span class="label">816</span></a> “Censentur hoc reditu?” There is little doubt that the Gauls, like -their German neighbours, cultivated flax for the purposes of female dress, -and not mainly for the manufacture of sails.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_817_817"></a><a href="#FNanchor_817_817"><span class="label">817</span></a> “Quod vocant inane.” He implies that the boundless space of -ocean on the Western coasts of Gaul was useless for any purposes of navigation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_818_818"></a><a href="#FNanchor_818_818"><span class="label">818</span></a> See B. iv. c. 33.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_819_819"></a><a href="#FNanchor_819_819"><span class="label">819</span></a> See B. iv. c. 33.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_820_820"></a><a href="#FNanchor_820_820"><span class="label">820</span></a> See B. xxxiv. c. 48.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_821_821"></a><a href="#FNanchor_821_821"><span class="label">821</span></a> See B. iv. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_822_822"></a><a href="#FNanchor_822_822"><span class="label">822</span></a> A family of the Atilia gens.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_823_823"></a><a href="#FNanchor_823_823"><span class="label">823</span></a> It was, and is still to some extent, a prevalent opinion, that the humidity -of caves under-ground is favourable to the manufacture of tissues -of hemp and flax.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_824_824"></a><a href="#FNanchor_824_824"><span class="label">824</span></a> In Spain. Sec B. i. c. 1, and B. iii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_825_825"></a><a href="#FNanchor_825_825"><span class="label">825</span></a> Cluvier takes this place to be the same with Litubium in Liguria, -mentioned by Livy, B. xxxii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_826_826"></a><a href="#FNanchor_826_826"><span class="label">826</span></a> “Lanugo.” This is not generally looked upon as a merit in linen, at -the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_827_827"></a><a href="#FNanchor_827_827"><span class="label">827</span></a> Now Tarragona. See B. iii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_828_828"></a><a href="#FNanchor_828_828"><span class="label">828</span></a> “Carbasus.” This was probably the Spanish name originally for fine -flax, and hence came to signify the cambrics, or fine linen tissues made of -it. It seems, however, to have afterwards been extended to all kinds of -linen tissues, as we find the name given indifferently to linen garments, -sail-cloth, and awnings for the theatres.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_829_829"></a><a href="#FNanchor_829_829"><span class="label">829</span></a> See B. iii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_830_830"></a><a href="#FNanchor_830_830"><span class="label">830</span></a> “Sætas ceu per ferri aciem vincunt.” This passage is probably in a -mutilated state.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_831_831"></a><a href="#FNanchor_831_831"><span class="label">831</span></a> There must either be some corruption in the text, or else Pliny must -have been mistaken. Nets such as these could have been of no possible -use in taking a wild boar.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_832_832"></a><a href="#FNanchor_832_832"><span class="label">832</span></a> See B. iv. c. 33. Now Querci, the chief town of which is Cahors.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_833_833"></a><a href="#FNanchor_833_833"><span class="label">833</span></a> “Culcitæ.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_834_834"></a><a href="#FNanchor_834_834"><span class="label">834</span></a> “Tomenta.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_835_835"></a><a href="#FNanchor_835_835"><span class="label">835</span></a> Exactly corresponding to our “paillasse,” a “bed of straw.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_836_836"></a><a href="#FNanchor_836_836"><span class="label">836</span></a> This is doubtful, though at the same time it is a well-known fact that -the Egyptian flax grows to the greatest size. Hasselquist speaks of it -attaining a height of fifteen feet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_837_837"></a><a href="#FNanchor_837_837"><span class="label">837</span></a> Our cotton, the Gossypium arboreum of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. 21. -The terms <i>xylon</i>, <i>byssus</i>, and <i>gossypium</i>, must be regarded as synonymous, -being applied sometimes to the plant, sometimes to the raw cotton, and -sometimes to the tissues made from it. <i>Gossypium</i> was probably the barbarous -name of the cotton tree, and <i>byssus</i> perhaps a corruption of its -Hebrew name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_838_838"></a><a href="#FNanchor_838_838"><span class="label">838</span></a> Probably the Arundo donax of modern botanists. See B. xvi. c. 66.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_839_839"></a><a href="#FNanchor_839_839"><span class="label">839</span></a> Fée says, that the people of Pisa, at the present day, soak the stalks -of broom, and extract therefrom a thread, of which cords and coarse stuffs -are made.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_840_840"></a><a href="#FNanchor_840_840"><span class="label">840</span></a> In B. xii. c. 21. He seems there to speak of the cotton-tree, though -Fée suggests that he may possibly allude to the “Bombax pentandrum” of -Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_841_841"></a><a href="#FNanchor_841_841"><span class="label">841</span></a> It is the mucilage of the perisperm that is so useful in medicine. -As an article of food, the farina of linseed is held in no esteem whatever. -In times of scarcity, attempts have been made to mix it with flour or meal, -but the result has been found to be heavy and indigestible, and has caused, -it is said, the death even of those who have eaten of it in considerable -quantities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_842_842"></a><a href="#FNanchor_842_842"><span class="label">842</span></a> There are various other methods employed of dressing flax at the -present day; but they are all of them long and tedious.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_843_843"></a><a href="#FNanchor_843_843"><span class="label">843</span></a> And not feminine or servile.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_844_844"></a><a href="#FNanchor_844_844"><span class="label">844</span></a> “Vivum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_845_845"></a><a href="#FNanchor_845_845"><span class="label">845</span></a> He evidently considers asbestus, or amianthus, to be a vegetable, and -not a mineral production. It is, in reality, a mineral, with long flexible -filaments, of a silky appearance, and is composed of silica, magnesia, and -lime. The wicks of the inextinguishable lamps of the middle ages, the -existence of which was an article of general belief, were said to be made -of asbestus. Paper and lace, even, have been made of it in modern -times.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_846_846"></a><a href="#FNanchor_846_846"><span class="label">846</span></a> “Nascitur.” In the year 1702 there was found near the Nævian -Gate, at Rome, a funereal urn, in which there was a skull, calcined bones, -and other ashes, enclosed in a cloth of asbestus, of a marvellous length. -It is still preserved in the Vatican.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_847_847"></a><a href="#FNanchor_847_847"><span class="label">847</span></a> On the contrary, it is found in the Higher Alps in the vicinity of -the Glaciers, in Scotland, and in Siberia, even.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_848_848"></a><a href="#FNanchor_848_848"><span class="label">848</span></a> Signifying “inextinguishable,” from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀ</span>, “not,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σβέννυμι</span>, “to -extinguish.” See B. xxxvii. c. 54.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_849_849"></a><a href="#FNanchor_849_849"><span class="label">849</span></a> See end of <a href="#Page_303">this Book</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_850_850"></a><a href="#FNanchor_850_850"><span class="label">850</span></a> He evidently alludes to cotton fabrics under this name. See Note <a href="#Footnote_837_837" class="fnanchor">837</a> -to c. 2 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_851_851"></a><a href="#FNanchor_851_851"><span class="label">851</span></a> Pausanias, in his Eliaca, goes so far as to say, that byssus was found -only in Elis, and nowhere else. Judging from the variable temperature -of the climate, it is very doubtful, Fée says, if cotton was grown there -<i>at all</i>. Arrian, Apollonius, and Philostratus say that the tree which produced -the <i>byssus</i> had the leaves of the willow, and the shape of the poplar, -characteristics which certainly do not apply to the cotton-tree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_852_852"></a><a href="#FNanchor_852_852"><span class="label">852</span></a> Impure oxide of metals, collected from the chimneys of smelting-houses. -Fée says that Pliny on this occasion is right.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_853_853"></a><a href="#FNanchor_853_853"><span class="label">853</span></a> In B. xx. c. 79, he speaks of the “heraclion” poppy, supposed by -some of the commentators to be identical with the one mentioned here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_854_854"></a><a href="#FNanchor_854_854"><span class="label">854</span></a> “Vestium insaniam.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_855_855"></a><a href="#FNanchor_855_855"><span class="label">855</span></a> “Postea.” Sillig would reject this word, as being a corruption, and -not consistent with fact, Catulus having lived before the time of Cleopatra. -He suggests that the reading should be “Populo Romano ea in theatris -spectanti umbram fecere.” “Linen, too, has provided a shade for -the Roman people, when viewing the spectacles of the theatre.” Lucretius, -B. iv. l. 73, <i>et seq.</i>, speaks of these awnings as being red, yellow, and -iron grey.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_856_856"></a><a href="#FNanchor_856_856"><span class="label">856</span></a> “Carbasina.” Cambric.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_857_857"></a><a href="#FNanchor_857_857"><span class="label">857</span></a> The cavædium is generally supposed to have been the same as the -“atrium,” the large inner apartment, roofed over, with the exception of -an opening in the middle, which was called the “compluvium,” or “impluvium,” -over which the awning here mentioned was stretched. Here -the master of the house received his visitors and clients.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_858_858"></a><a href="#FNanchor_858_858"><span class="label">858</span></a> White would be much preferable to red for this purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_859_859"></a><a href="#FNanchor_859_859"><span class="label">859</span></a> Il. ii. ll. 529 and 830.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_860_860"></a><a href="#FNanchor_860_860"><span class="label">860</span></a> Il. viii. l. 63.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_861_861"></a><a href="#FNanchor_861_861"><span class="label">861</span></a> Il. ii. l. 135. See B. xxiv. c. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_862_862"></a><a href="#FNanchor_862_862"><span class="label">862</span></a> The Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus; a kind of broom, called “Esparto” -by the Spaniards.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_863_863"></a><a href="#FNanchor_863_863"><span class="label">863</span></a> Although, as Fée says, this is still the fact, it is a plant which would -readily admit of cultivation. Varro, however, De Re Rust. B. i. c. 23, -speaks of it in conjunction with hemp, flax, and rushes, as being sown.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_864_864"></a><a href="#FNanchor_864_864"><span class="label">864</span></a> This kind, Fée thinks, may possibly have been identical with the -Spartum Lygeum of Linnæus, false esparto, or alvarde.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_865_865"></a><a href="#FNanchor_865_865"><span class="label">865</span></a> At the present day it is only in the provinces on the Mediterranean -that spartum is found; the other provinces producing nothing but alvarde.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_866_866"></a><a href="#FNanchor_866_866"><span class="label">866</span></a> It is still used in the southern parts of Spain for the same purposes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_867_867"></a><a href="#FNanchor_867_867"><span class="label">867</span></a> The shoes now made of it are known as “espartenas” and “alpargatas.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_868_868"></a><a href="#FNanchor_868_868"><span class="label">868</span></a> It is not dangerous in itself, but is too tough to be a favourite -article of food with cattle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_869_869"></a><a href="#FNanchor_869_869"><span class="label">869</span></a> Fifteenth of May and thirteenth of June.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_870_870"></a><a href="#FNanchor_870_870"><span class="label">870</span></a> The same word, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σχοῖνος</span>, signifying both a “rush” and a “rope.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_871_871"></a><a href="#FNanchor_871_871"><span class="label">871</span></a> Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 13. Athenæus, B. ii., mentions it also.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_872_872"></a><a href="#FNanchor_872_872"><span class="label">872</span></a> Fée is at a loss to identify this plant, but considers it quite clear -that it is not the same with the Eriophorum augustifolium of Linnæus, a -cyperaceous plant, of which the characteristics are totally different. Dodonæus, -however, was inclined to consider them identical.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_873_873"></a><a href="#FNanchor_873_873"><span class="label">873</span></a> On the contrary, Theophrastus <i>does</i> mention it, in the Hist. Plant. -B. i. c. 8, and speaks of it as having a bark composed of several tunics or -membranes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_874_874"></a><a href="#FNanchor_874_874"><span class="label">874</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 13, and B. xv. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_875_875"></a><a href="#FNanchor_875_875"><span class="label">875</span></a> “Tuber.” The Tuber cibarium of Linnæus, the black truffle; and -probably the grey truffle, the Tuber griseum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_876_876"></a><a href="#FNanchor_876_876"><span class="label">876</span></a> This callous secretion of the earth, or corticle, is, as Fée says, a sort -of hymenium, formed of vesicles, which, as they develope themselves, are -found to contain diminutive truffles. Pliny is wrong in saying that the -truffle forms neither cleft nor protuberance, as the exact contrary is the -fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_877_877"></a><a href="#FNanchor_877_877"><span class="label">877</span></a> Haller speaks of truffles weighing as much as fourteen pounds. -Valmont de Bomare speaks of a truffle commonly found in Savoy, which -attains the weight of a pound.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_878_878"></a><a href="#FNanchor_878_878"><span class="label">878</span></a> Those of Africa are in general similar to those found in Europe, but -there is one peculiar to that country, possibly the same that is mentioned -in the following Chapter under the name of “misy.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_879_879"></a><a href="#FNanchor_879_879"><span class="label">879</span></a> “Jura reddenti.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_880_880"></a><a href="#FNanchor_880_880"><span class="label">880</span></a> It is really propagated by spores, included in sinuous chambers in -the interior; but, notwithstanding the attempts that have been made, it -has never yet been cultivated with any degree of success. In c. 13, Pliny -seems to recognize the possibility of its multiplication by germs, where he -says that its formation is attributed by some to water.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_881_881"></a><a href="#FNanchor_881_881"><span class="label">881</span></a> Fée takes this to be the Tuber niveum of Desfontaines, the snow-white -truffle. It is globular and somewhat piriform, grows to the size of a -walnut, and sometimes of an orange, and is said to be most delicate eating.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_882_882"></a><a href="#FNanchor_882_882"><span class="label">882</span></a> These truffles or morels do not appear to have been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_883_883"></a><a href="#FNanchor_883_883"><span class="label">883</span></a> Juvenal alludes to this absurd notion, Sat. v. l. 116. “The long -wished-for thunder will provide a more ample repast.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_884_884"></a><a href="#FNanchor_884_884"><span class="label">884</span></a> Theophrastus, as quoted by Athenæus, B. ii. speaks of this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_885_885"></a><a href="#FNanchor_885_885"><span class="label">885</span></a> “Peziza” was a name given by the ancients to a kind of cupuliform -mushroom; in which, however, we cannot recognize the “pezica” of -Pliny. Some writers think that this was the same as the lycoperdon and -geastrum of botanists, our puff-ball: while others take it to be the morel, -the Morchella esculenta, Sprengel in the number. Fée is inclined to be -of opinion that an edible mushroom is meant, but is quite at a loss to -identify it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_886_886"></a><a href="#FNanchor_886_886"><span class="label">886</span></a> Possibly the Ferula asafœtida of Linnæus; or, according to some, the -Thapsia silphium of Viviani, <i>Flor. Lib.</i> It was a plant common, according -to ancient writers, to Syria, Armenia, Media, and Libya; but it was -the produce of this last country, probably, that afforded the juice or gum -resin here mentioned as “laser,” and so highly esteemed by the ancients, as -forming a component part of their perfumes. Fée is inclined to think -that the Laserpitium here spoken of was the Thapsia silphium, and to -reject the more general opinion that it is identical with the Ferula asafœtida. -Pliny has probably caused some confusion by blending the description -of other writers with that given by Theophrastus, each having -in view a different plant. Indeed, whatever the Laserpitium or Silphium -of other countries may have been, it is not improbable that the odoriferous -plant of Cyrenaica was not identical with the Ferula asafœtida of Linnæus. -The foliage of the Thapsia silphium is exactly similar to that of the -Laserpitium as depicted on medals of Cyrenaica, still extant. We learn -from Littré, that Dr. Guyon showed, in 1842, to the Académie des -Sciences, a plant which the Arabs of Algeria employ as a purgative, and -which they call <i>bonnefa</i>. It is the Thapsia Garganica of Desfontaines, -and is considered by Guyon to be identical with the Silphium of the -ancients.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_887_887"></a><a href="#FNanchor_887_887"><span class="label">887</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_48">48</a>. In the “Rudens” of Plautus, the scene of which is -near Cyrene, frequent allusion is made to the growth of laserpitium there, -and the preparation and export of the resin, as forming the staple article -of commerce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_888_888"></a><a href="#FNanchor_888_888"><span class="label">888</span></a> Scribonius Largus, who lived in the time of Tiberius, speaks of using -in a prescription laser of Cyrenaica, “if it can be met with;” “si poterit -inveniri.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_889_889"></a><a href="#FNanchor_889_889"><span class="label">889</span></a> “In spem nascentis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_890_890"></a><a href="#FNanchor_890_890"><span class="label">890</span></a> Fée remarks that Pliny has not found this absurd story in any of the -works from which he has compiled his account, but that it is entirely his -own.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_891_891"></a><a href="#FNanchor_891_891"><span class="label">891</span></a> This was probably the Ferula asafœtida of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_892_892"></a><a href="#FNanchor_892_892"><span class="label">892</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_75">75</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_893_893"></a><a href="#FNanchor_893_893"><span class="label">893</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 661.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_894_894"></a><a href="#FNanchor_894_894"><span class="label">894</span></a> Fée remarks, that if Pliny here alludes to Theophrastus, Hist. -Plant. B. vi. c. 3, he has mistaken his meaning.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_895_895"></a><a href="#FNanchor_895_895"><span class="label">895</span></a> This, as Fée says, could hardly apply to the Ferula asafœtida of -Linnæus, the stalk of it being extremely acrid, and the juice fetid in the -highest degree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_896_896"></a><a href="#FNanchor_896_896"><span class="label">896</span></a> “Vitia his omnibus.” The reading here is probably corrupt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_897_897"></a><a href="#FNanchor_897_897"><span class="label">897</span></a> “Root-juice,” and “stalk-juice.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_898_898"></a><a href="#FNanchor_898_898"><span class="label">898</span></a> Poinsinet fancies that this name means “staff of the Magi.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_899_899"></a><a href="#FNanchor_899_899"><span class="label">899</span></a> Or “laser,” these names being indifferently applied to the gum-resin.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_900_900"></a><a href="#FNanchor_900_900"><span class="label">900</span></a> The whole of this paragraph has been borrowed from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_901_901"></a><a href="#FNanchor_901_901"><span class="label">901</span></a> Sprengel takes this to be the Laserpitium ferulaceum of Linnæus, -but Fée thinks it is more than doubtful if the identity can be established.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_902_902"></a><a href="#FNanchor_902_902"><span class="label">902</span></a> From Theophrastus. Dioscorides says, on the other hand, that it -grows in Libya.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_903_903"></a><a href="#FNanchor_903_903"><span class="label">903</span></a> From Littré we learn that M. Fraas has suggested that the Magydaris -and Laserpitium are possibly the Ferula Tingitana, and the Ptychotis -verticillata of Decandolle, which last he has found upon high mountains in -the lower region of pines, on Mount Parnassus, among others.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_904_904"></a><a href="#FNanchor_904_904"><span class="label">904</span></a> See B. xxii. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_48">48</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_49">49</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_905_905"></a><a href="#FNanchor_905_905"><span class="label">905</span></a> The Rubia tinctorum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_906_906"></a><a href="#FNanchor_906_906"><span class="label">906</span></a> Dioscorides speaks of the madder of Ravenna as being the most -esteemed. It is much cultivated at the present day in the South of -France, Holland, and the Levant. That of Lille enjoys a high reputation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_907_907"></a><a href="#FNanchor_907_907"><span class="label">907</span></a> It is covered with bristly hairs, or rather, fine, hooked teeth. There -is, however, no resemblance whatever between it and ervilia or orobus, -the fitch.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_908_908"></a><a href="#FNanchor_908_908"><span class="label">908</span></a> B. xxiv. c. 56.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_909_909"></a><a href="#FNanchor_909_909"><span class="label">909</span></a> Or “little root;” though, in reality, as Pliny says, it had a large -root. Some writers have supposed, that by this name is meant the -Reseda luteola of Linnæus, the “dyer’s weed” of the moderns; but neither -Pliny nor any of the Greek writers mention the Radicula as being used -for dyeing. Some, again, identify it with the Gypsophila struthium of -Linnæus, without sufficient warranty, however, as Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_910_910"></a><a href="#FNanchor_910_910"><span class="label">910</span></a> The Gypsophila struthium grows in Spain, and possibly, Fée says, -in other countries. Linnæus has “pretended,” he says, that the Spaniards -still employ the root and stalk of the Gypsophila for the same purposes as -the ancients did the same parts of the Radicula. He himself, however, -though long resident in Spain, had never observed such to be the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_911_911"></a><a href="#FNanchor_911_911"><span class="label">911</span></a> This description, Fée says, does not correspond with that of the Gypsophila -struthium, the stalk of which does not at all resemble that of the -ferulaceous plants, and the leaf is quite different in appearance from that -of the olive.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_912_912"></a><a href="#FNanchor_912_912"><span class="label">912</span></a> As Fée observes, by the word “hortus” the Romans understood -solely the “vegetable” or “kitchen-garden;” the pleasure garden being -generally denominated “horti.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_913_913"></a><a href="#FNanchor_913_913"><span class="label">913</span></a> See B. v. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_914_914"></a><a href="#FNanchor_914_914"><span class="label">914</span></a> A fabulous king of Phœnicia, probably, whose story was afterwards -transferred, with considerable embellishments, to the Grecian mythology. -Adonis is supposed to have been identical with the Thammuz of Scripture, -mentioned by Ezekiel, viii. 14, where he speaks of the “women weeping -for Thammuz.” Hardouin considers him to have been a Syrian deity, -identical with the Moon.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_915_915"></a><a href="#FNanchor_915_915"><span class="label">915</span></a> Celebrated by Homer, Od. B. vi. and xiii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_916_916"></a><a href="#FNanchor_916_916"><span class="label">916</span></a> “Alio volumine.” As no further mention is made by Pliny of the -Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it is most probable that he contemplated -giving a description of them in another work, an intention which he did -not live to realize.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_917_917"></a><a href="#FNanchor_917_917"><span class="label">917</span></a> See further on this subject, c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_53">53</a> of the present Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_918_918"></a><a href="#FNanchor_918_918"><span class="label">918</span></a> The reading, “quam rem,” seems preferable to “quam ob rem,” -adopted by Sillig.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_919_919"></a><a href="#FNanchor_919_919"><span class="label">919</span></a> “Effascinationes.” The effects of the evil eye.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_920_920"></a><a href="#FNanchor_920_920"><span class="label">920</span></a> “Hortorum.” “Pleasure-gardens.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_921_921"></a><a href="#FNanchor_921_921"><span class="label">921</span></a> “Otii magister.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_922_922"></a><a href="#FNanchor_922_922"><span class="label">922</span></a> For the purpose of teaching philosophy there.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_923_923"></a><a href="#FNanchor_923_923"><span class="label">923</span></a> “Hortus.” The “kitchen-garden.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_924_924"></a><a href="#FNanchor_924_924"><span class="label">924</span></a> Ironically said.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_925_925"></a><a href="#FNanchor_925_925"><span class="label">925</span></a> He alludes to the pheasant. See B. x. c. 67.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_926_926"></a><a href="#FNanchor_926_926"><span class="label">926</span></a> He alludes to Colchis, the country of Medea, the scene of the exploits -of Jason and the Argonauts, and the land of prodigies and fable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_927_927"></a><a href="#FNanchor_927_927"><span class="label">927</span></a> See B. x. cc. 38 and 67. He alludes to “meleagrides,” or Guinea-fowls.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_928_928"></a><a href="#FNanchor_928_928"><span class="label">928</span></a> See B. x. c. 37. He alludes to the birds called “Memnonides.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_929_929"></a><a href="#FNanchor_929_929"><span class="label">929</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_930_930"></a><a href="#FNanchor_930_930"><span class="label">930</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_931_931"></a><a href="#FNanchor_931_931"><span class="label">931</span></a> He alludes to the finest and most delicate kinds of wheaten flour. -See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_932_932"></a><a href="#FNanchor_932_932"><span class="label">932</span></a> “Uno asse.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_933_933"></a><a href="#FNanchor_933_933"><span class="label">933</span></a> As “corruda,” or “wild asparagus.” The Brassica capitata alba of C. -Bauhin, or white cabbage, sometimes attains a weight of ten or twelve pounds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_934_934"></a><a href="#FNanchor_934_934"><span class="label">934</span></a> This is an exaggeration, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_935_935"></a><a href="#FNanchor_935_935"><span class="label">935</span></a> He alludes to the artichoke, or Cinara cardunculus of the botanists, -which bears some resemblance to the common thistle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_936_936"></a><a href="#FNanchor_936_936"><span class="label">936</span></a> Martial and Aulus Gellius speak of ice and snow drinks. The latter -must have been very injurious to the stomach.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_937_937"></a><a href="#FNanchor_937_937"><span class="label">937</span></a> See B. xxxi. c. 23.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_938_938"></a><a href="#FNanchor_938_938"><span class="label">938</span></a> In this corrupt and otherwise unintelligible passage, we have adopted -the proposed emendations of Sillig, who is of opinion that it bears -reference to the abolition of the market-dues, or “portorium,” by Augustus -Cæsar, and the substitution of a property tax of one twentieth of the -land, a method of taxation which inflicted greater hardships than the -former one, as it was assessed according to the <i>superficies</i>, not the <i>produce</i> -of the land. His proposed emendations of the text are as follows: “mox -enim certe æquabit <i>eos pecunia</i> quos pecunia separaverit. Itaque——ac -minore fortunæ jure, <i>quam</i> cum <i>hereditate datur</i> pensio ea pauperum; <i>his</i> -in solo sponsor est,” &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_939_939"></a><a href="#FNanchor_939_939"><span class="label">939</span></a> De Re Rust. cc. 156, 157. He speaks of it as being eaten either -boiled or raw, but in the latter case with vinegar. Fée thinks that even -then it would make a very acrid and indigestible diet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_940_940"></a><a href="#FNanchor_940_940"><span class="label">940</span></a> “Acetaria.” Salads.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_941_941"></a><a href="#FNanchor_941_941"><span class="label">941</span></a> He alludes, no doubt, to the words of Virgil, in Georg. iv. l. 6. -</p> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">“In tenui labor, at tenuis non Gloria——”</div> -</div></div></div> -<p class="noindent"> -though in that instance the poet is speaking of bees.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_942_942"></a><a href="#FNanchor_942_942"><span class="label">942</span></a> “Tollenonum haustu.” These would be used in the case of well-water; -they are still to be seen occasionally in this country, and are very -common on the continent. The wheel is also used for drawing well-water, -and is frequently employed in Barbary and Spain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_943_943"></a><a href="#FNanchor_943_943"><span class="label">943</span></a> By the word “fructus” he no doubt means the edible parts solely, -the leaf, stalk, or root, as the case may be.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_944_944"></a><a href="#FNanchor_944_944"><span class="label">944</span></a> Fée is surprised to find elecampane figuring among the garden vegetables. -It has a powerful odour, is bitter, and promotes expectoration. -Though not used as a vegetable it is still used as a preserve, or sweetmeat, -mixed with sugar. See further on it in c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_29">29</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_945_945"></a><a href="#FNanchor_945_945"><span class="label">945</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_28">28</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_946_946"></a><a href="#FNanchor_946_946"><span class="label">946</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_27">27</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_947_947"></a><a href="#FNanchor_947_947"><span class="label">947</span></a> Fée remarks that this juxtaposition of anise and mallows betokens -the most complete ignorance of botany on the part of our author; there -being few plants which differ more essentially. The field-mallow, or -Malva silvestris of Linnæus, or perhaps several varieties of it, are here -referred to. The anise will be further mentioned in c. 74 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_948_948"></a><a href="#FNanchor_948_948"><span class="label">948</span></a> Fée suggests that the plant here mentioned may have been an annual, -probably the Lavatorea arborea of botanists, or some kindred species. In -a few months it is known to attain a height of ten feet or more.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_949_949"></a><a href="#FNanchor_949_949"><span class="label">949</span></a> In Fée’s opinion this tree cannot have belonged to the family of Malvaceæ; -the Adansonia and some other exotics of the family, with which -Pliny undoubtedly was not acquainted, being the only ones that attain -these gigantic proportions.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_950_950"></a><a href="#FNanchor_950_950"><span class="label">950</span></a> There is no resemblance between mallows and hemp, any more than -there is between mallows and anise.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_951_951"></a><a href="#FNanchor_951_951"><span class="label">951</span></a> “Carnosa.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_952_952"></a><a href="#FNanchor_952_952"><span class="label">952</span></a> Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Conferva, or river sponge, -again mentioned in B. xxvii. c. 45. Fée, however, dissents from that -opinion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_953_953"></a><a href="#FNanchor_953_953"><span class="label">953</span></a> In B. xvi. cc. 11 and 13, and in cc. 12 and 14 of the present Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_954_954"></a><a href="#FNanchor_954_954"><span class="label">954</span></a> In c. 11 of the present Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_955_955"></a><a href="#FNanchor_955_955"><span class="label">955</span></a> The Cucumis sativus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_956_956"></a><a href="#FNanchor_956_956"><span class="label">956</span></a> “Lapis specularis.” See B. xxxvi. c. 45. Columella, De Re Rust. -B. xi. c. 3, speaks of this mode of ripening cucumber, and the fondness -of the Emperor Tiberius for them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_957_957"></a><a href="#FNanchor_957_957"><span class="label">957</span></a> Theophrastus and Columella say the same of the cucumber, and -Palladius of the melon, but there is no ground, probably, for the belief. In -very recent times, however, Fée says, it was the usage to steep the seeds of the -melon in milk. This liquid, in common with any other, would have the -effect of softening the exterior integuments, and thereby facilitating the -germination, but no more.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_958_958"></a><a href="#FNanchor_958_958"><span class="label">958</span></a> Still known as the “green” or “gherkin” cucumber, and much used, -when young, for pickling.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_959_959"></a><a href="#FNanchor_959_959"><span class="label">959</span></a> Probably in the sense of a very dark green, for <i>black</i> cucumbers are -a thing unheard of.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_960_960"></a><a href="#FNanchor_960_960"><span class="label">960</span></a> He is evidently speaking of the pompion, or pumpkin, the Cucurbita -pepo of Linnæus: quite distinct from the cucumber.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_961_961"></a><a href="#FNanchor_961_961"><span class="label">961</span></a> Cucumbers are not difficult of digestion to the extent that Pliny -would have us to believe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_962_962"></a><a href="#FNanchor_962_962"><span class="label">962</span></a> As Fée says, it is a loss of time to combat such absurd prejudices as -these.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_963_963"></a><a href="#FNanchor_963_963"><span class="label">963</span></a> This is conformable with modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_964_964"></a><a href="#FNanchor_964_964"><span class="label">964</span></a> Fée says that this is the melon, the Cucumis melo of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_965_965"></a><a href="#FNanchor_965_965"><span class="label">965</span></a> B. xi. c. 3. Columella professes to borrow it from the people of -Mendes in Egypt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_966_966"></a><a href="#FNanchor_966_966"><span class="label">966</span></a> Theophrastus enumerates these varieties, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_967_967"></a><a href="#FNanchor_967_967"><span class="label">967</span></a> Theophrastus only says that the Laconian cucumber thrives better -with watering than the others.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_968_968"></a><a href="#FNanchor_968_968"><span class="label">968</span></a> It is impossible to identify this plant, as no ancient writer has given -any description of it: it has been suggested, however, that it may have -been the Plantago Psyllium, or else the Inula pulicaria of Linnæus. Of -course there is no truth in the story here told of the effects of its juice -upon the cucumber.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_969_969"></a><a href="#FNanchor_969_969"><span class="label">969</span></a> This depth would probably have the effect of retarding, or else utterly -impeding, the growth of the plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_970_970"></a><a href="#FNanchor_970_970"><span class="label">970</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_44">44</a> of this Book. The Parilia was a festival celebrated on the -nineteenth of April, the anniversary of the foundation of Rome.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_971_971"></a><a href="#FNanchor_971_971"><span class="label">971</span></a> First of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_972_972"></a><a href="#FNanchor_972_972"><span class="label">972</span></a> Seventh of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_973_973"></a><a href="#FNanchor_973_973"><span class="label">973</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_56">56</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_974_974"></a><a href="#FNanchor_974_974"><span class="label">974</span></a> The “camerarium,” and the “plebeium.” The former, Fée thinks, -is the Cucurbita longior of Dodonæus and J. Bauhin, the long gourd, and -other varieties probably of the calabash gourd, the Cucurbita leucantha of -Duchesne. The latter is probably the Cucurbita pepo and its varieties. -Fée thinks that the name “cucurbita,” as employed by Pliny, extends -not only to the gourd, but the citrul or small pumpkin as well.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_975_975"></a><a href="#FNanchor_975_975"><span class="label">975</span></a> As Fée says, he must be speaking of the fruit here, and not the -plant, which attains a far greater length than nine feet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_976_976"></a><a href="#FNanchor_976_976"><span class="label">976</span></a> The young shoots of the gourd, Fée says, would afford an insipid -food, with but little nutriment.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_977_977"></a><a href="#FNanchor_977_977"><span class="label">977</span></a> The varieties thus employed, Fée says, must have been the Cucurbita -lagenaria of Linnæus, and the Cucurbita latior of Dodonæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_978_978"></a><a href="#FNanchor_978_978"><span class="label">978</span></a> This is not the fact. The seed produces fruit similar to that from -which it was taken, and no more.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_979_979"></a><a href="#FNanchor_979_979"><span class="label">979</span></a> The trumpet gourd, the Cucurbita longior of Dodonæeus, is still employed, -Fée says, by gardeners for this purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_980_980"></a><a href="#FNanchor_980_980"><span class="label">980</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_2">2</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_981_981"></a><a href="#FNanchor_981_981"><span class="label">981</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_982_982"></a><a href="#FNanchor_982_982"><span class="label">982</span></a> Though borrowed from Theophrastus and the Greek school, this distinction -is absurd and unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_983_983"></a><a href="#FNanchor_983_983"><span class="label">983</span></a> It is not the fact that the seed of the round kind, after repeated -sowings, will produce long roots. Pliny, however, has probably miscopied -Theophrastus, who says, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4, that this transformation -takes place when the seed is sown very thick. This assertion, however, -is no more founded on truth than that of Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_984_984"></a><a href="#FNanchor_984_984"><span class="label">984</span></a> Also from Theophrastus, B. vii. c. 4, though that author is speaking -of radishes, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ῥαφανίδες</span>, and not turnips.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_985_985"></a><a href="#FNanchor_985_985"><span class="label">985</span></a> Properly <i>radish</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_986_986"></a><a href="#FNanchor_986_986"><span class="label">986</span></a> Properly <i>radish</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_987_987"></a><a href="#FNanchor_987_987"><span class="label">987</span></a> Radish.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_988_988"></a><a href="#FNanchor_988_988"><span class="label">988</span></a> Properly <i>radish</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_989_989"></a><a href="#FNanchor_989_989"><span class="label">989</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_49">49</a>. Fée queries whether this radish may not be the -Raphanus raphanistrum of botanists. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_34">34</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_990_990"></a><a href="#FNanchor_990_990"><span class="label">990</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_35">35</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_991_991"></a><a href="#FNanchor_991_991"><span class="label">991</span></a> “Nostratibus.” Poinsinet would render this, “Those of my native -country,” <i>i. e.</i> the parts beyond the Padus. As Pliny resided at Rome -during the latter part of his life, there can be little doubt but that he alludes -to the vicinity of Rome.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_992_992"></a><a href="#FNanchor_992_992"><span class="label">992</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_34">34</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_993_993"></a><a href="#FNanchor_993_993"><span class="label">993</span></a> This property extends to most of the Cruciferæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_994_994"></a><a href="#FNanchor_994_994"><span class="label">994</span></a> “Cibus illiberalis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_995_995"></a><a href="#FNanchor_995_995"><span class="label">995</span></a> The variety Oleifera of the Raphanus sativus is still cultivated extensively -in Egypt and Nubia for the extraction of the oil. The variety -Oleifera of the Brassica napus is also greatly cultivated in Egypt. Fée -suggests that Pliny may possibly confound these two plants under the one -name of “raphanus.” It is worthy of remark, too, that the Colza oil, so -much used in France and Belgium for burning in lamps, is expressed from -the seed of the Brassica oleracea, a species of cabbage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_996_996"></a><a href="#FNanchor_996_996"><span class="label">996</span></a> The Raphanus sativus of Linnæus. This passage, however, down to -“crisped leaf,” properly applies to the cabbage, and not the radish, Pliny -having copied the Greek, and taken the word <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ῥάφανος</span>, properly “cabbage,” -to mean “radish;” which in the later Greek writers it sometimes does, -though not in this instance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_997_997"></a><a href="#FNanchor_997_997"><span class="label">997</span></a> Mount Algidus was near Tusculum, fifteen miles from Rome. Its -coldness contributed greatly to the goodness of its radishes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_998_998"></a><a href="#FNanchor_998_998"><span class="label">998</span></a> Or “wild.” Fée suggests that this is the Raphanus rusticanus of -Lobellius, the Cochlearia Armoracia of Linnæus, the wild radish, or horse-radish.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_999_999"></a><a href="#FNanchor_999_999"><span class="label">999</span></a> Or “white.” From the extreme whiteness of the roots.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1000_1000"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1000_1000"><span class="label">1000</span></a> Probably meaning, “radish of Armorica.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1001_1001"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1001_1001"><span class="label">1001</span></a> Fée suggests that he is here speaking of the beet-root, in reality a -native of the north of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1002_1002"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1002_1002"><span class="label">1002</span></a> Thirteenth of February.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1003_1003"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1003_1003"><span class="label">1003</span></a> The festival of Vulcan, beginning on the twenty-third of August, and -lasting eight days.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1004_1004"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1004_1004"><span class="label">1004</span></a> A natural production, the carbonate of sodium of the chemists, known -from time immemorial by the name of “natron.” See B. xxx. c. 46; -from which passage it would appear that it was generally employed for -watering the leguminous plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1005_1005"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1005_1005"><span class="label">1005</span></a> Dioscorides recommends these puerilities with the cabbage, and not -the radish; though Celsus gives similar instructions with reference to the -radish.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1006_1006"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1006_1006"><span class="label">1006</span></a> It was a general belief with the ancients that the phthiriasis, or morbus -pediculosus, has its seat in the heart. It was supposed also that the -juice of the radish was able, by reason of its supposed subtlety, to penetrate -the coats of that organ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1007_1007"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1007_1007"><span class="label">1007</span></a> This is said by other ancient authors, in reference to the <i>cabbage</i> and -the vine. See B. xxiv. c. i.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1008_1008"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1008_1008"><span class="label">1008</span></a> There is some doubt as to the identity of this plant, but Fée, after -examining the question, comes to the conclusion that it is the Daucus -Carota, or else Mauritanicus of Linnæus, the common carrot, or that of -Mauritania. Sprengel takes it to be either this last or the Daucus guttatus, -a plant commonly found in Greece.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1009_1009"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1009_1009"><span class="label">1009</span></a> The Pastinaca sativa of Linnæus, or common parsnip.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1010_1010"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1010_1010"><span class="label">1010</span></a> The marsh-mallow, probably, the Althæa officinalis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1011_1011"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1011_1011"><span class="label">1011</span></a> The carrot. The Daucus Carota of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1012_1012"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1012_1012"><span class="label">1012</span></a> In B. xxv. c. 64.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1013_1013"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1013_1013"><span class="label">1013</span></a> “Siser.” The Sium sisarum of Linnæus. See also B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_17">17</a>. -It is said to have been originally a native of China.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1014_1014"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1014_1014"><span class="label">1014</span></a> It is supposed that this is the same with Gelb, near Neuss, in Germany, -mentioned by Tacitus, Hist. B. iv. cc. 26, 32.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1015_1015"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1015_1015"><span class="label">1015</span></a> The Inula Helenium of Linnæus. Its English name is derived from -Inula campana, that under which it is so highly recommended in the precepts -of the School of Health at Salerno. See also B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_19">19</a>. At the -present day it is universally rejected as an article of food in any shape.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1016_1016"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1016_1016"><span class="label">1016</span></a> The School of Salerno says that it may be preserved by being pickled -in brine, or else in the juice of rue, which, as Fée remarks, would produce -neither more nor less than a veritable poison. The modern Pharmacopœias -give the receipt of a conserve of elecampane, which, however, is no -longer used.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1017_1017"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1017_1017"><span class="label">1017</span></a> “Defrutum.” Must, boiled down to one half.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1018_1018"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1018_1018"><span class="label">1018</span></a> The daughter of Augustus Cæsar.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1019_1019"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1019_1019"><span class="label">1019</span></a> The same account nearly is given in Columella, De Re Rust. B. xi. -c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1020_1020"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1020_1020"><span class="label">1020</span></a> Under this general name were included, probably, garlic, scallions, -chives, and some kinds of onions; but it is quite impossible to identify the -ancient “bulbus” more closely than this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1021_1021"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1021_1021"><span class="label">1021</span></a> It has been suggested that this was probably the onion, the Allium -cepa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1022_1022"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1022_1022"><span class="label">1022</span></a> The Scilla maritima of Linnæus, the sea-squill.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1023_1023"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1023_1023"><span class="label">1023</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_39">39</a>. He might have added that it renders vinegar both -an emetic, and a violent purgative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1024_1024"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1024_1024"><span class="label">1024</span></a> The leaves are in all cases green, and no other colour; but in one -kind the squamæ, or bracted leaves, are white, and in another, red.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1025_1025"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1025_1025"><span class="label">1025</span></a> Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 11, gives it this name. As -none of the sea-squills can be eaten with impunity, Fée is inclined to -doubt if this really was a squill.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1026_1026"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1026_1026"><span class="label">1026</span></a> They still abound in those places. The Spanish coasts on the Mediterranean, -Fée says, as well as the vicinity of Gibraltar, are covered with -them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1027_1027"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1027_1027"><span class="label">1027</span></a> In c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1028_1028"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1028_1028"><span class="label">1028</span></a> Fée thinks that this may be the Muscaria botryoïdes of Miller, <i>Dict. -No. I.</i> See also B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_41">41</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1029_1029"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1029_1029"><span class="label">1029</span></a> A variety, probably, of the common onion, the Allium cepa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1030_1030"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1030_1030"><span class="label">1030</span></a> Some variety of the genus Allium, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1031_1031"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1031_1031"><span class="label">1031</span></a> Fée queries whether this may not be some cyperaceous plant with a -bulbous root.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1032_1032"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1032_1032"><span class="label">1032</span></a> A white bulb, if we may judge from the name. The whole of this -passage is from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1033_1033"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1033_1033"><span class="label">1033</span></a> This has not been identified. The old reading was “ægilops,” a -name now given to a kind of grass.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1034_1034"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1034_1034"><span class="label">1034</span></a> The Iris sisyrinchium of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1035_1035"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1035_1035"><span class="label">1035</span></a> The Arum colocasia of Linnæus, held in great esteem by the ancient -Egyptians as a vegetable. The root is not a bulb, but tubercular, and the -leaf bears no resemblance to that of the Lapathum, dock or sorrel. It -was sometimes known by the name of “lotus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1036_1036"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1036_1036"><span class="label">1036</span></a> In Gaul. See B. iv. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1037_1037"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1037_1037"><span class="label">1037</span></a> This passage, and indeed nearly the whole of the Chapter, is borrowed -from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. i. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1038_1038"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1038_1038"><span class="label">1038</span></a> Fée thinks that by the expression <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μονόῤῥιζα</span>, Theophrastus means a -root that strikes vertically, instead of spreading.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1039_1039"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1039_1039"><span class="label">1039</span></a> Gramen. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_67">67</a>, and B. xxiv. c. 118.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1040_1040"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1040_1040"><span class="label">1040</span></a> Atriplex. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_83">83</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1041_1041"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1041_1041"><span class="label">1041</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_93">93</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1042_1042"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1042_1042"><span class="label">1042</span></a> Poinsinet suggests that this may mean the “mole-plant,” <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀσπάλαξ</span> -being the Greek for “mole.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1043_1043"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1043_1043"><span class="label">1043</span></a> “Perdicium.” See B. xxii. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_19">19</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_20">20</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1044_1044"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1044_1044"><span class="label">1044</span></a> “Crocus.” See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_17">17</a>, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1045_1045"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1045_1045"><span class="label">1045</span></a> This is not the fact. All these assertions are from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1046_1046"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1046_1046"><span class="label">1046</span></a> Fée thinks that the ocimum of Pliny is not the basil of the moderns, -the Ocimum basilicum of the naturalists. The account, however, here -given would very well apply to basil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1047_1047"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1047_1047"><span class="label">1047</span></a> The Heliotropium Europæum of botany. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_19">19</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1048_1048"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1048_1048"><span class="label">1048</span></a> These assertions, Fée says, are not consistent with modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1049_1049"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1049_1049"><span class="label">1049</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_45">45</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1050_1050"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1050_1050"><span class="label">1050</span></a> “Gethyum.” The Allium schœnoprasum, probably, of botany, the -ciboul or scallion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1051_1051"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1051_1051"><span class="label">1051</span></a> The Allium cepa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1052_1052"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1052_1052"><span class="label">1052</span></a> The inhabitants of Pelusium, more particularly, were devoted to the -worship of the onion. They held it, in common with garlic, in great -aversion as an article of food. At Pelusium there was a temple also in -which the sea-squill was worshipped.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1053_1053"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1053_1053"><span class="label">1053</span></a> With some little variation, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1054_1054"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1054_1054"><span class="label">1054</span></a> Supposed to be identical with the Allium Ascalonicum of Linnæus, -the chalotte. Pliny is the only writer who mentions the Alsidenian onion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1055_1055"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1055_1055"><span class="label">1055</span></a> To the Ascalonian onion, the scallion, or ciboul, owes its English name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1056_1056"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1056_1056"><span class="label">1056</span></a> Owing to the acetic acid which the bulb contains, and which acts on -the membranes of the eye.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1057_1057"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1057_1057"><span class="label">1057</span></a> “Pinguitudinis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1058_1058"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1058_1058"><span class="label">1058</span></a> Fée queries whether the early white onion of Florence, the smallest -now known among the cultivated kinds, may not possibly be identical with -the setanian, or else the Tusculan, variety.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1059_1059"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1059_1059"><span class="label">1059</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σχίζω</span>, to “divide” or “tear off.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1060_1060"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1060_1060"><span class="label">1060</span></a> “Capitata.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1061_1061"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1061_1061"><span class="label">1061</span></a> For this reason, Fée is inclined to regard it as a variety either of -garlic, Allium sativum, or of the chalotte, Allium Ascalonicum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1062_1062"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1062_1062"><span class="label">1062</span></a> The Allium porrum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1063_1063"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1063_1063"><span class="label">1063</span></a> This prejudice in favour of the leek, as Fée remarks, still exists. It -is doubtful, however, whether its mucilage has any beneficial effect upon -the voice. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_21">21</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1064_1064"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1064_1064"><span class="label">1064</span></a> Fée says, that it is a practice with many gardeners, more harmful -than beneficial, to cut the leaves of the leek as it grows, their object being -to increase the size of the stalk.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1065_1065"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1065_1065"><span class="label">1065</span></a> Martial, B. xiii. Epig. 19, mentions the leeks of Aricia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1066_1066"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1066_1066"><span class="label">1066</span></a> Fée thinks that this may be the wild leek, which is commonly found -as a weed in Spain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1067_1067"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1067_1067"><span class="label">1067</span></a> M. Annæus Mela, the brother of L. Seneca the philosopher, and the -father of the poet Lucan.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1068_1068"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1068_1068"><span class="label">1068</span></a> Though Pliny would seem inclined, as Fée says, to credit this story, -the juice of the leek is in reality quite harmless.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1069_1069"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1069_1069"><span class="label">1069</span></a> The Allium sativum of Linnæus. It was much eaten by the Roman -soldiers and sailors, and by the field labourers. It is in reference to this -vegetable, “more noxious than hemlock,” that Horace exclaims— -</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">“O dura messorum ilia!”</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1070_1070"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1070_1070"><span class="label">1070</span></a> It was thought to have the property of neutralizing the venom of -serpents; and though persons who had just eaten of it were not allowed to -enter the Temple of the Mother of the Gods, it was prescribed to those -who wished to be purified and absolved from crimes. It is still held in -considerable esteem in the south of Europe, where, by the lower classes, -great medicinal virtues are ascribed to it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1071_1071"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1071_1071"><span class="label">1071</span></a> Theophrastus says, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4, that this is the largest -of all the varieties of garlic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1072_1072"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1072_1072"><span class="label">1072</span></a> Second of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1073_1073"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1073_1073"><span class="label">1073</span></a> Seventeenth of December.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1074_1074"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1074_1074"><span class="label">1074</span></a> The Allium oleraceum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1075_1075"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1075_1075"><span class="label">1075</span></a> Fée refuses credence to this story.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1076_1076"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1076_1076"><span class="label">1076</span></a> “Ursinum.” The Allium ursinum of Linnæus. Instead, however, -of having the comparatively mild smell of millet, its odour is powerful; so -much so, as to impart a strong flavour to the milk of the cows that eat of -it. It is very common, Fée says, in nearly every part of France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1077_1077"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1077_1077"><span class="label">1077</span></a> The whole nearly of this Chapter is borrowed from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vii. cc. 1 and 2. It must be borne in mind that what the -Romans called the “third” day would with us be the “second,” and so -on; as in reckoning, they included the day reckoned <i>from</i>, as well as the -day reckoned <i>to</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1078_1078"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1078_1078"><span class="label">1078</span></a> Fée remarks, that most of the observations made in this Chapter are -well founded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1079_1079"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1079_1079"><span class="label">1079</span></a> This statement, Fée remarks, is entirely a fiction, it being impossible -for seed to acquire, the second year, a faculty of germinating which -it has not had in the first.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1080_1080"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1080_1080"><span class="label">1080</span></a> This is true, but, as Fée observes, the instances might be greatly -extended.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1081_1081"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1081_1081"><span class="label">1081</span></a> Fée says that basil, the Ocimum basilicum of Linnæus, is not meant -here, nor yet the leguminous plant that was known to the Romans by that -name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1082_1082"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1082_1082"><span class="label">1082</span></a> A singular superstition truly! Theophrastus says the same in relation -to cummin seed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1083_1083"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1083_1083"><span class="label">1083</span></a> This is not done at the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1084_1084"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1084_1084"><span class="label">1084</span></a> This can hardly be our basil, the Ocimum basilicum, for that plant is -an annual.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1085_1085"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1085_1085"><span class="label">1085</span></a> Fée suggests that Pliny may have intended here to except the Monocotyledons, -for otherwise his assertion would be false.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1086_1086"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1086_1086"><span class="label">1086</span></a> This, Fée says, cannot be basil, for when cut it will not shoot again.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1087_1087"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1087_1087"><span class="label">1087</span></a> The radish is not mentioned in the parallel passage by Theophrastus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1088_1088"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1088_1088"><span class="label">1088</span></a> The lettuce, as Fée remarks, will not shoot again when cut down.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1089_1089"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1089_1089"><span class="label">1089</span></a> This puerility, Fée observes, runs counter to the more moral adage, -that “stolen goods never prosper.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1090_1090"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1090_1090"><span class="label">1090</span></a> See B. xi. c. 15.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1091_1091"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1091_1091"><span class="label">1091</span></a> This variety, Fée says, is the Apium graveolens of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1092_1092"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1092_1092"><span class="label">1092</span></a> Or marsh-parsley.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1093_1093"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1093_1093"><span class="label">1093</span></a> Pliny has mistranslated, or rather misread, the passage of Theophrastus, -who says, B. vii. c. 6, that this kind of parsley is <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μανόφυλλον</span>, -“thinly covered with leaves,” and not <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μονόφυλλον</span>, “having a single -leaf.” Palladius (<i>In Aprili.</i>) translates it, “molli folio,” “with a soft -leaf;” but, though Fée commends this version, it is not correct.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1094_1094"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1094_1094"><span class="label">1094</span></a> Or “horse-parsley.” Hardouin takes this to be Macedonian parsley, -the Bubon Macedonicum of Linnæus. Fée, following C. Bauhin and -Sprengel, is inclined to identify it with Macerona, the Smyrnium olusatrum -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1095_1095"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1095_1095"><span class="label">1095</span></a> Or “mountain-parsley.” Probably the Athamanta oreoselinum of -Linnæus. Some commentators, however, take it to be the Laserpitium -formosum of Wilidenow. Sprengel identifies it with the Selinum oreoselinum -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1096_1096"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1096_1096"><span class="label">1096</span></a> The Apium petroselinum, probably, of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1097_1097"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1097_1097"><span class="label">1097</span></a> The Lactuca sativa of Linnæus. This account of the Greek varieties -is from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1098_1098"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1098_1098"><span class="label">1098</span></a> This, no doubt, is fabulous, and on a par with the Greek tradition -that Adonis concealed himself under the leaves of a lettuce, when he was -attacked and killed by the wild boar. The Coss, or Roman, lettuce, as -Fée remarks, is the largest of all, and that never exceeds fifteen to twenty -inches in height, leaves, stalk and all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1099_1099"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1099_1099"><span class="label">1099</span></a> This would seem not to be a distinct variety, as the rounded stalk is -a characteristic of them all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1100_1100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1100_1100"><span class="label">1100</span></a> “Sessile.” A cabbage-lettuce, probably; though Hardouin dissents -from that opinion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1101_1101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1101_1101"><span class="label">1101</span></a> Columella more particularly. There are still varieties known respectively -as the black, brown, white, purple, red, and blood-red lettuce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1102_1102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1102_1102"><span class="label">1102</span></a> Martial, B. v. Epig. 79, gives to this lettuce the epithet of “vile.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1103_1103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1103_1103"><span class="label">1103</span></a> It has been suggested that this may have been wild endive, the Cichoreum -intubus of botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1104_1104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1104_1104"><span class="label">1104</span></a> Or “poppy-lettuce.” See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_26">26</a>. The Lactuca virosa, probably, -of modern botany, the milky juice of which strongly resembles -opium in its effects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1105_1105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1105_1105"><span class="label">1105</span></a> For its medicinal qualities, most probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1106_1106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1106_1106"><span class="label">1106</span></a> “Lac.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1107_1107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1107_1107"><span class="label">1107</span></a> So called, Columella informs us, from Cæcilius Metellus, Consul -<span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 503.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1108_1108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1108_1108"><span class="label">1108</span></a> Meaning “antaphrodisiac.” The other name has a kindred meaning.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1109_1109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1109_1109"><span class="label">1109</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 731.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1110_1110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1110_1110"><span class="label">1110</span></a> Antonius Musa. For this service he received a large sum of money, -and the permission to wear a gold ring, and a statue was erected by public -subscription in honour of him, near that of Æsculapius. He is supposed -to be the person described by Virgil in the Æneid, B, xii. l. 390, <i>et -seq.</i>, under the name of Iapis. See B. xxix. c. 5 of this work.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1111_1111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1111_1111"><span class="label">1111</span></a> Vinegar and honey; a mixture very ill-adapted, as Fée observes, to -preserve either the medicinal or alimentary properties of the lettuce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1112_1112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1112_1112"><span class="label">1112</span></a> “Caprina lactuca.” See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_24">24</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1113_1113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1113_1113"><span class="label">1113</span></a> Endive, in fact, belongs to the same family as the lettuce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1114_1114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1114_1114"><span class="label">1114</span></a> This is not the case; unless, indeed, under the name “lactuca,” -Pliny would include several plants, that in reality are not lettuces.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1115_1115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1115_1115"><span class="label">1115</span></a> The stalk, in fact, is more intensely bitter than the leaves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1116_1116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1116_1116"><span class="label">1116</span></a> “Erraticum.” Wild endive.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1117_1117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1117_1117"><span class="label">1117</span></a> From which comes the French “chicorée,” and our “chicory,” or -“succory.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1118_1118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1118_1118"><span class="label">1118</span></a> In B. xx. c. 29, and B. xxi. c. 52.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1119_1119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1119_1119"><span class="label">1119</span></a> The usual times for sowing the lettuce are before winter and after -February.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1120_1120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1120_1120"><span class="label">1120</span></a> An excess of manure is injurious to the lettuce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1121_1121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1121_1121"><span class="label">1121</span></a> As already stated in a previous Note (p. 179), lettuces when cut down -will not grow again, with the exception of a few worthless lateral branches.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1122_1122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1122_1122"><span class="label">1122</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1123_1123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1123_1123"><span class="label">1123</span></a> Not the Beta sicla of modern botany, Fée thinks. The black beet -of the ancients would be one of the dark purple kinds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1124_1124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1124_1124"><span class="label">1124</span></a> It was only the leaf of beet, and not the root, that was eaten by the -ancients. From Martial, B. xiii. Epig. 10, we learn that the leaves were -preserved in a mixture of wine and pepper.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1125_1125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1125_1125"><span class="label">1125</span></a> Though not positively unwholesome, the leaves would form an insipid -dish, that would not agree with all stomachs. Galen says that it cannot -be eaten in great quantities with impunity, but Diphilus the physician, as -quoted by Athenæus, B. ix. c. 3, says the reverse. Some MSS. read here -“innocentiorem,” “more harmless.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1126_1126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1126_1126"><span class="label">1126</span></a> Columella says the same, De Re Rust. B. xi. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1127_1127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1127_1127"><span class="label">1127</span></a> Fée would seem to render this, “when wine has been spoiled by cabbage -leaves being mixed with it.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1128_1128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1128_1128"><span class="label">1128</span></a> De Re Rust. cc. 156, 157.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1129_1129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1129_1129"><span class="label">1129</span></a> In B. xx. c. 33.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1130_1130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1130_1130"><span class="label">1130</span></a> Or “parsley” cabbage, so called from its crisped leaves: the curled -colewort, or Brassica viridis crispa of C. Bauhin.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1131_1131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1131_1131"><span class="label">1131</span></a> The same as our Brussels sprouts. Columella, however, B. xi. c. 3, -and B. xii. c. 7, speaks of the Brassica cyma as a distinct variety of cabbage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1132_1132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1132_1132"><span class="label">1132</span></a> See B. viii. c. 77.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1133_1133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1133_1133"><span class="label">1133</span></a> The Brassica oleracea capitata of Lamarck, and its varieties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1134_1134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1134_1134"><span class="label">1134</span></a> The ordinary cabbage, or Brassica oleracea of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1135_1135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1135_1135"><span class="label">1135</span></a> A variety, Fée thinks, of the Lacuturrian cabbage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1136_1136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1136_1136"><span class="label">1136</span></a> The Brassica oleracea botrytis of Linnæus, the cauliflower.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1137_1137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1137_1137"><span class="label">1137</span></a> Or Calabrian cabbage: it has not been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1138_1138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1138_1138"><span class="label">1138</span></a> The Brassica oleracea Sabellica of Linnæus, or fringed cabbage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1139_1139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1139_1139"><span class="label">1139</span></a> Or “Lake-towers.” The turnip-cabbage or rape-colewort, the Brassica -oleracea gongyloides of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1140_1140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1140_1140"><span class="label">1140</span></a> Generally thought to be the Crambe maritima of botanists, sea-cabbage, -or sea-kale. Some, however, take it to be the Convolvulus soldanella -of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_38">38</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1141_1141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1141_1141"><span class="label">1141</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἅλς</span>, the “sea.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1142_1142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1142_1142"><span class="label">1142</span></a> He alludes to the statement made by Columella, probably, De Re -Rust. B. xi. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1143_1143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1143_1143"><span class="label">1143</span></a> Fée remarks, that probably we here find the first germs of the practice -which resulted in the making of sour-krout (sauer-kraut). Dalechamps -censures Pliny for the mention of trefoil here, the passage which he has -translated speaking not of that plant, but of the trefoil or three-leaved -cabbage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1144_1144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1144_1144"><span class="label">1144</span></a> The same as the “chara,” probably, mentioned by Cæsar, Bell. Civ. -B. iii. Hardouin thinks that it is the common parsnip, while Clusius and -Cuvier would identify it with the Crambe Tatarica of Hungary, the roots -of which are eaten in time of scarcity at the present day. Fée suggests -that it may belong to the Brassica napo-brassica of Linnæus, the rape-colewort. -See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_37">37</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1145_1145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1145_1145"><span class="label">1145</span></a> Or cabbage-sprout.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1146_1146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1146_1146"><span class="label">1146</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 67. The Asparagus officinalis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1147_1147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1147_1147"><span class="label">1147</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 161.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1148_1148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1148_1148"><span class="label">1148</span></a> Or wild sperage. See B. xvi. c. 67; also B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_43">43</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1149_1149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1149_1149"><span class="label">1149</span></a> “Spongiis.” Fée is at a loss to know why the name “spongia” -should have been given to the roots of asparagus. Probably, as Facciolati -says, from their growing close and matted together. See the end of this -Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1150_1150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1150_1150"><span class="label">1150</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 161.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1151_1151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1151_1151"><span class="label">1151</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1152_1152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1152_1152"><span class="label">1152</span></a> On the contrary, Martial says that the asparagus of Ravenna was no -better than so much wild asparagus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1153_1153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1153_1153"><span class="label">1153</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 67. See also c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_19">19</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1154_1154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1154_1154"><span class="label">1154</span></a> Dioscorides mentions this absurdity, but refuses to credit it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1155_1155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1155_1155"><span class="label">1155</span></a> Probably the artichoke, the Cinara scolymus of Linnæus. See further -on this subject, B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_99">99</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1156_1156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1156_1156"><span class="label">1156</span></a> About £24 sterling. “Sestertia” has been suggested, which would -make the sum a thousand times as much.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1157_1157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1157_1157"><span class="label">1157</span></a> The ass, of course, excepted, which is fond of thistles.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1158_1158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1158_1158"><span class="label">1158</span></a> Seventh of March.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1159_1159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1159_1159"><span class="label">1159</span></a> Thirteenth of November.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1160_1160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1160_1160"><span class="label">1160</span></a> “Si Dîs placet.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1161_1161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1161_1161"><span class="label">1161</span></a> Oxymel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1162_1162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1162_1162"><span class="label">1162</span></a> This is evidently said contemptuously.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1163_1163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1163_1163"><span class="label">1163</span></a> See further as to the identity of this plant, B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_48">48</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1164_1164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1164_1164"><span class="label">1164</span></a> Twenty-second of April.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1165_1165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1165_1165"><span class="label">1165</span></a> Brassica eruca of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_49">49</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1166_1166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1166_1166"><span class="label">1166</span></a> Cresses, or nosesmart, the Lepidium sativum of Linnæus. See B. -xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_50">50</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1167_1167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1167_1167"><span class="label">1167</span></a> “Quod nasum torqueat.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1168_1168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1168_1168"><span class="label">1168</span></a> The Ruta graveolens of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_51">51</a>. This offensive -herb, though looked upon by the Romans as a vegetable, is now only regarded -as an active medicament of almost poisonous qualities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1169_1169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1169_1169"><span class="label">1169</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 421.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1170_1170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1170_1170"><span class="label">1170</span></a> It so happens that it thrives best on the same soil as the fig-tree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1171_1171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1171_1171"><span class="label">1171</span></a> This practice has no beneficial effect whatever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1172_1172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1172_1172"><span class="label">1172</span></a> This is not the fact; for its branches never come in contact with the -ground.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1173_1173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1173_1173"><span class="label">1173</span></a> Pliny has derived the greater part of this Chapter from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 5, and Columella, B. xi. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1174_1174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1174_1174"><span class="label">1174</span></a> For the purpose of separating the seeds, which are slightly joined together; -and of disengaging a portion of the perisperm. At the present -day this is not done, for fear of bursting the kernel of the seed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1175_1175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1175_1175"><span class="label">1175</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_53">53</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1176_1176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1176_1176"><span class="label">1176</span></a> Called by the Greeks <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">καλαμίνθη</span>, according to Apuleius.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1177_1177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1177_1177"><span class="label">1177</span></a> Or “Mentha.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1178_1178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1178_1178"><span class="label">1178</span></a> “Sweet-smelling.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1179_1179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1179_1179"><span class="label">1179</span></a> “Sæpius.” See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_60">60</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1180_1180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1180_1180"><span class="label">1180</span></a> The Cuminum cyminum of botanists. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_57">57</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1181_1181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1181_1181"><span class="label">1181</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_57">57</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1182_1182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1182_1182"><span class="label">1182</span></a> In Hispania Tarraconensis. See B. iii. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1183_1183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1183_1183"><span class="label">1183</span></a> Or “black-herb:” the herb Alexander, the Smyrnium olusatrum of -Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_46">46</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1184_1184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1184_1184"><span class="label">1184</span></a> “Horse-parsley.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1185_1185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1185_1185"><span class="label">1185</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 14, and B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_14">14</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1186_1186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1186_1186"><span class="label">1186</span></a> Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 1. This story originated, no doubt, in the fancied -resemblance of its smell to that of myrrh.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1187_1187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1187_1187"><span class="label">1187</span></a> The Capparis spinosa of Linnæus. See B. xiii. c. 44, also B. xx. -c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_59">59</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1188_1188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1188_1188"><span class="label">1188</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1189_1189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1189_1189"><span class="label">1189</span></a> The Carum carvi of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1190_1190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1190_1190"><span class="label">1190</span></a> Caria, in Asia Minor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1191_1191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1191_1191"><span class="label">1191</span></a> The Ligusticum levisticum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1192_1192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1192_1192"><span class="label">1192</span></a> “Ox cunila.” One of the Labiatæ, probably; but whether one of -the Satureia or of the Thymbra is not known. See B. xx. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_60">60</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_61">61</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1193_1193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1193_1193"><span class="label">1193</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1194_1194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1194_1194"><span class="label">1194</span></a> Scribonius Largus gives this name to savory, the Satureia hortensis -of Linnæus. The whole of this passage is very confused, and its meaning -is by no means clear.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1195_1195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1195_1195"><span class="label">1195</span></a> The Lepidium sativum of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_70">70</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1196_1196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1196_1196"><span class="label">1196</span></a> It is an annual, in fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1197_1197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1197_1197"><span class="label">1197</span></a> Its leaf has no resemblance whatever to that of the laurel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1198_1198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1198_1198"><span class="label">1198</span></a> The Nigella sativa of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_71">71</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1199_1199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1199_1199"><span class="label">1199</span></a> Or sagapenum. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_75">75</a>. It is mentioned also in B. xii. -c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_56">56</a>, as being used for adulterating galbanum. As to laser, see c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15">15</a> of -the present Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1200_1200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1200_1200"><span class="label">1200</span></a> This practice, as Fée remarks, is not followed; and indeed, unless it -is intended to transplant them, it would be attended with injurious results -to the young plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1201_1201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1201_1201"><span class="label">1201</span></a> As to the poppy, for further particulars see B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_76">76</a> and the Note.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1202_1202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1202_1202"><span class="label">1202</span></a> The variety Album of the Papaver somniferum of modern botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1203_1203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1203_1203"><span class="label">1203</span></a> The variety Nigrum of the Papaver somniferum. The white poppy -has also a milky juice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1204_1204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1204_1204"><span class="label">1204</span></a> The Papaver rhœas of modern botanists, the corn-poppy, or wild -poppy. The seed of the poppy does not partake of the qualities of its -capsular envelope, and at the present day it is extensively employed in -the South of Europe for sprinkling over pastry.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1205_1205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1205_1205"><span class="label">1205</span></a> “Rhœas,” the “crimson,” or “pomegranate” poppy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1206_1206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1206_1206"><span class="label">1206</span></a> See B. xx. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_76">76</a>-<a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_79">79</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1207_1207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1207_1207"><span class="label">1207</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_17">17</a> of this Book, also Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 703, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1208_1208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1208_1208"><span class="label">1208</span></a> “Lad’s love.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1209_1209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1209_1209"><span class="label">1209</span></a> Black mustard, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1210_1210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1210_1210"><span class="label">1210</span></a> He can hardly mean a pottage made of boiled mustard-seed alone, -as Fée seems to think. If so, however, Fée no doubt is right in thinking -that it would he intolerable to a modern palate.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1211_1211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1211_1211"><span class="label">1211</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_87">87</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1212_1212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1212_1212"><span class="label">1212</span></a> Perhaps a corruption of its Greek name, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σίνηπι</span>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1213_1213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1213_1213"><span class="label">1213</span></a> Hardouin suggests “thlaspi.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1214_1214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1214_1214"><span class="label">1214</span></a> Its bite being as sharp as the venom of the “saurus,” or lizard.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1215_1215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1215_1215"><span class="label">1215</span></a> Hardouin, from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, suggests a -reading, “whence the streams bring down branches of them torn off, and -so plant them.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1216_1216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1216_1216"><span class="label">1216</span></a> The plants. Fée says, that we find in these localities, are nearly -always ferns, or else Marchantia, or mosses of the genus Hypnum. Fée -queries whether one of these may not have been the sisymbrium of Pliny. -Water-cresses, again, have been suggested.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1217_1217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1217_1217"><span class="label">1217</span></a> In B. viii. c. 41. The Anæthum fœniculum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1218_1218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1218_1218"><span class="label">1218</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 42.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1219_1219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1219_1219"><span class="label">1219</span></a> The Cannabis sativa of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_97">97</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1220_1220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1220_1220"><span class="label">1220</span></a> Hemp-seed is never smoke-dried now.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1221_1221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1221_1221"><span class="label">1221</span></a> See B. v. c. 29. The same hemp is mentioned as being used for -making hunting-nets, by Gratius, in the Cynegeticon.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1222_1222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1222_1222"><span class="label">1222</span></a> See B. v. c. 29.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1223_1223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1223_1223"><span class="label">1223</span></a> See B. iii. c. 17, and B. xvii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1224_1224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1224_1224"><span class="label">1224</span></a> This, as Fée says, is no doubt erroneous. It is seldom known to attain -a couple of inches in circumference.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1225_1225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1225_1225"><span class="label">1225</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 42.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1226_1226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1226_1226"><span class="label">1226</span></a> These absurd notions are borrowed from Theophrastus, De Causis, c. 8.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1227_1227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1227_1227"><span class="label">1227</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_91">91</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1228_1228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1228_1228"><span class="label">1228</span></a> Or, according to some readings, “limodorum,” a parasitical plant, -probably the Lathræa phelypea of Sprengel. Fée suggests that this plant -may be the Polygonum convolvulus of Linnæus, or else one of the Cuscutæ, -or a variety of Orobanche.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1229_1229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1229_1229"><span class="label">1229</span></a> “Scabies.” A fungous excrescence, Fée thinks, now known as “puccinia,” -or “uredo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1230_1230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1230_1230"><span class="label">1230</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 47. Fée says that he has met with persons, in their -sound senses, who obstinately defend the notion here mentioned by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1231_1231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1231_1231"><span class="label">1231</span></a> See Theophrastus. Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 5. Many of these insects, however, -do not breed upon the plants, but are only attracted to them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1232_1232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1232_1232"><span class="label">1232</span></a> “Book on Gardening.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1233_1233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1233_1233"><span class="label">1233</span></a> The Heliotropium Europæum of botanists. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1234_1234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1234_1234"><span class="label">1234</span></a> This may possibly, Fée says, be efficacious against some insects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1235_1235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1235_1235"><span class="label">1235</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_45">45</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1236_1236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1236_1236"><span class="label">1236</span></a> A mere puerility, of course, though it is very possible that the insects -may collect in it, and so be more easily taken. Garden-pots, on sticks, -are still employed for this purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1237_1237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1237_1237"><span class="label">1237</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 30.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1238_1238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1238_1238"><span class="label">1238</span></a> “Culices,” including both flies and gnats, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1239_1239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1239_1239"><span class="label">1239</span></a> See B. xii. c. 56.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1240_1240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1240_1240"><span class="label">1240</span></a> An almost literal translation of Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1241_1241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1241_1241"><span class="label">1241</span></a> This is certainly not true with reference to the leguminous and gramineous -plants. It is pretty generally known as a fact, that wheat has -germinated after being buried in the earth two thousand years: mummy-wheat, -at the present day, is almost universally known.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1242_1242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1242_1242"><span class="label">1242</span></a> Rain-water, if collected in cisterns, and exposed to the heat of the -sun, is the most beneficial of all; rain has the effect also of killing numerous -insects which have bred in the previous drought.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1243_1243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1243_1243"><span class="label">1243</span></a> From Theophrastus, B. vii. c. 5. Evening is generally preferred to -morning for this purpose; the evaporation not being so quick, and the -plant profiting more from the water.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1244_1244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1244_1244"><span class="label">1244</span></a> It should, however, be of a middling temperature, and warmed to -some extent by the rays of the sun.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1245_1245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1245_1245"><span class="label">1245</span></a> These statements are consistent with modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1246_1246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1246_1246"><span class="label">1246</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_85">85</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1247_1247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1247_1247"><span class="label">1247</span></a> He says this probably in reference partly to the large leaves which -characterize the varieties of dock.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1248_1248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1248_1248"><span class="label">1248</span></a> Dishes made of rice or barley. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_13">13</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1249_1249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1249_1249"><span class="label">1249</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_85">85</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1250_1250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1250_1250"><span class="label">1250</span></a> He does not give the name of the poet, but, as Fée says, we do not -experience any great loss thereby.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1251_1251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1251_1251"><span class="label">1251</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1252_1252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1252_1252"><span class="label">1252</span></a> See B. xv. c. 32.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1253_1253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1253_1253"><span class="label">1253</span></a> “Absinthium.” See B. xxvii. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1254_1254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1254_1254"><span class="label">1254</span></a> See B. xxv. c. 30.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1255_1255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1255_1255"><span class="label">1255</span></a> Fée remarks, that though rarely to be met with, the salt flavour is -still to be found in the vegetable kingdom.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1256_1256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1256_1256"><span class="label">1256</span></a> The “cicercula,” or Lathyrus sativus of Linnæus. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1257_1257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1257_1257"><span class="label">1257</span></a> See B. xii. c. 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1258_1258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1258_1258"><span class="label">1258</span></a> Or pepper-wort. See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_66">66</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1259_1259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1259_1259"><span class="label">1259</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_54">54</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1260_1260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1260_1260"><span class="label">1260</span></a> The same, probably, as olusatrum. See cc. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_37">37</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">48</a> of this Book, -and B. xx. c. 46: also B. xxvii. c. 109.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1261_1261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1261_1261"><span class="label">1261</span></a> In B. xii. c. 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1262_1262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1262_1262"><span class="label">1262</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">48</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1263_1263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1263_1263"><span class="label">1263</span></a> Rosemary, or “sea-dew.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1264_1264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1264_1264"><span class="label">1264</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_74">74</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1265_1265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1265_1265"><span class="label">1265</span></a> Fée suggests, though apparently without any good reason, that this -paragraph, to the end of the Book, is an interpolation of the copyists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1266_1266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1266_1266"><span class="label">1266</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1267_1267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1267_1267"><span class="label">1267</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1268_1268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1268_1268"><span class="label">1268</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1269_1269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1269_1269"><span class="label">1269</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1270_1270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1270_1270"><span class="label">1270</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1271_1271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1271_1271"><span class="label">1271</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1272_1272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1272_1272"><span class="label">1272</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1273_1273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1273_1273"><span class="label">1273</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1274_1274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1274_1274"><span class="label">1274</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1275_1275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1275_1275"><span class="label">1275</span></a> See end of B. xvi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1276_1276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1276_1276"><span class="label">1276</span></a> See end of B. x.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1277_1277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1277_1277"><span class="label">1277</span></a> Beyond the mention made of this writer in c. 57, nothing whatever is -known of him.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1278_1278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1278_1278"><span class="label">1278</span></a> C. Licinius Macer, a Roman annalist and orator, born about <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 110. -Upon being impeached by Cicero, he committed suicide. He wrote a History -or Annals of Rome, which are frequently referred to by Livy and -Dionysius of Halicarnassus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1279_1279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1279_1279"><span class="label">1279</span></a> Nothing whatever appears to be known of this writer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1280_1280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1280_1280"><span class="label">1280</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1281_1281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1281_1281"><span class="label">1281</span></a> Nothing whatever is known relative to this writer on Horticulture.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1282_1282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1282_1282"><span class="label">1282</span></a> Nothing certain is known of him; but it has been suggested that he -may have been the father of the rhetorician Castritius, so often mentioned -by Aulus Gellius, and who lived in the time of the Emperor Adrian.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1283_1283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1283_1283"><span class="label">1283</span></a> Nothing whatever is known relative to this writer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1284_1284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1284_1284"><span class="label">1284</span></a> The author of a Greek poem on venomous serpents, mentioned in B. xx. -c. 96, and B. xxii. c. 40, and by the Scholiast on the Theriaca of Nicander.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1285_1285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1285_1285"><span class="label">1285</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1286_1286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1286_1286"><span class="label">1286</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1287_1287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1287_1287"><span class="label">1287</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1288_1288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1288_1288"><span class="label">1288</span></a> See end of B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1289_1289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1289_1289"><span class="label">1289</span></a> Nothing whatever is known of him. His Book seems to have been a -compendium of “Things useful to life.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1290_1290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1290_1290"><span class="label">1290</span></a> A physician and Pythagorean philosopher, born at one of the cities -called Larissa, but which, is now unknown. He was banished by the -Emperor Augustus, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 28, on the charge of practising magic, a charge -probably based on his superior skill in natural philosophy. He is frequently -mentioned by Pliny in the course of this work.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1291_1291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1291_1291"><span class="label">1291</span></a> Fée remarks, that the commencement of this exordium is contrary to -truth, and that Pliny appears to forget that in the Eighteenth Book he -has treated, at very considerable length, of the various cereals, the art of -preparing bread, pottages, ptisans, &c. He suggests, that the author may -have originally intended to place the Eighteenth Book <i>after</i> the present -one, and that on changing his plan he may have neglected to alter the present -passage. From his mention, however, of man’s “ignorance by what -means lie exists,” it is not improbable that he may have considered that -the nutritive qualities of plants are really based upon their medicinal virtues, -a point of view little regarded by the majority of mankind in his -time, but considered by Pliny to be the true key to a just appreciation of -their utility.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1292_1292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1292_1292"><span class="label">1292</span></a> “Quibus cuncta constant.” See B. xxiv. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1293_1293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1293_1293"><span class="label">1293</span></a> See B. xxxiv. c. 42.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1294_1294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1294_1294"><span class="label">1294</span></a> The “theamedes.” See B. xxxvi. c. 25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1295_1295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1295_1295"><span class="label">1295</span></a> Pliny is the only author who makes mention of this singularly absurd -notion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1296_1296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1296_1296"><span class="label">1296</span></a> In B. xix. c. 24: so, too, Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 154. The wild cucumber -of Pliny, as Fée observes, is in reality not a cucumber, but a -totally different plant, the Cucumis silvestris asininus of C. Bauhin, the -Momordica elaterium of Linnæus, or squirting cucumber.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1297_1297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1297_1297"><span class="label">1297</span></a> Elaterium, Fée says, is not extracted from the seed, but is the juice -of the fruit itself, as Pliny, contradicting himself, elsewhere informs us. -Theophrastus commits the same error, which Dioscorides does not; and -it is not improbable that Pliny has copied from two sources the method -of making it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1298_1298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1298_1298"><span class="label">1298</span></a> Meaning the juice and seed combined, probably. Fée thinks that it -is to this the medicament owes its name, from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐλαύνω</span>, to “drive” or -“impel.” It is much more probable, however, that the medicine was so -called from its strong purgative powers; for, as Galen tells us, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐλατήριον</span> -was a name given to purgative medicines in general.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1299_1299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1299_1299"><span class="label">1299</span></a> Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 154, states to this effect. Fée remarks that, -singularly enough, most of the antiophthalmics used by the ancients, were -composed of acrid and almost corrosive medicaments, quite in opposition to -the sounder notions entertained on the subject by the moderns.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1300_1300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1300_1300"><span class="label">1300</span></a> Dioscorides says the same; and much the same statements are made -by Celsus, Apuleius, Marcellus Empiricus, and Plinius Valerianus. The -different parts of the plant, dried, have but very feeble properties, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1301_1301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1301_1301"><span class="label">1301</span></a> A sort of tetter or ring-worm. Celsus enumerates four varieties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1302_1302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1302_1302"><span class="label">1302</span></a> Itch-scab, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1303_1303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1303_1303"><span class="label">1303</span></a> A disease of the skin, in which the scab assumes the form almost of a -lichen or moss.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1304_1304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1304_1304"><span class="label">1304</span></a> “Panos.” “Panus” was the name given to a wide-spreading, but -not deeply-seated, tumour, the surface of which presented a blistered -appearance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1305_1305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1305_1305"><span class="label">1305</span></a> Fée says that this is not the fact, as it speedily deteriorates by -keeping.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1306_1306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1306_1306"><span class="label">1306</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1307_1307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1307_1307"><span class="label">1307</span></a> Fée acknowledges the truth of this observation, that of a green colour -containing feculent matter, and showing that the juice is not pure.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1308_1308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1308_1308"><span class="label">1308</span></a> In reality there is no such resemblance whatever. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1309_1309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1309_1309"><span class="label">1309</span></a> Fée says that this is an exaggerated account of the properties of the -wild cucumber, as it would require a very considerable dose to cause death.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1310_1310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1310_1310"><span class="label">1310</span></a> The Morbus pedicularis, or “lousy disease.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1311_1311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1311_1311"><span class="label">1311</span></a> This has been identified by some writers, Fée says, with the Cucumis -flexuosus of Linnæus; but, as he observes, that plant comes originally -from India, and it is more than probable that it was not known by the -ancients; in addition to which, it is possessed of no medicinal properties -whatever. He looks upon it as an indigenous plant not identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1312_1312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1312_1312"><span class="label">1312</span></a> So Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 154.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1313_1313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1313_1313"><span class="label">1313</span></a> “Morbus regius;” literally, the “royal disease.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1314_1314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1314_1314"><span class="label">1314</span></a> “Lentigo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1315_1315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1315_1315"><span class="label">1315</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_23">23</a>. It is but little appreciated for its medicinal properties -by the moderns. Emulsions are sometimes made of the seeds, -which are of an oily nature. Fée says that the French ladies esteem -pommade of cucumber as an excellent cosmetic; which is, however, an -erroneous notion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1316_1316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1316_1316"><span class="label">1316</span></a> The combination of cummin with cucumber seed is in opposition, -Fée remarks, with their medicinal properties, the one being soothing, and -the other moderately exciting.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1317_1317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1317_1317"><span class="label">1317</span></a> As to the several varieties of the pumpkin or gourd, known under -this name, see B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_24">24</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1318_1318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1318_1318"><span class="label">1318</span></a> Dioscorides states to the same effect, and, as Fée thinks, with a probability -of being correct.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1319_1319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1319_1319"><span class="label">1319</span></a> “Smegmata.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1320_1320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1320_1320"><span class="label">1320</span></a> This assertion, Fée says, is utterly untrue.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1321_1321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1321_1321"><span class="label">1321</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐπί</span>, “upon,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">νὺξ</span>, “night.” These are red or whitish -pustules, accompanied with sharp pains, which appear on the skin at -night, and disappear in the day-time. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_21">21</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1322_1322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1322_1322"><span class="label">1322</span></a> Or “many-legs.” See B. xxix. c. 39. Probably one of our millepedes -or centipedes: though Fée suggests that it may have been a large -caterpillar.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1323_1323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1323_1323"><span class="label">1323</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σηπεῖν</span>, “to rot.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1324_1324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1324_1324"><span class="label">1324</span></a> This, Fée says, is untrue: but it is hard to say on what grounds he -himself asserts that the smell of the cucumber is faint, and almost nauseous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1325_1325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1325_1325"><span class="label">1325</span></a> This, probably, is not conformable to modern notions on the subject.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1326_1326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1326_1326"><span class="label">1326</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σομφὸς</span>, porous, spongy, or hollow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1327_1327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1327_1327"><span class="label">1327</span></a> It is supposed by some naturalists that this gourd is the variety -Pyxidaris of the Cucurbita pepo of Linnæus, the Colocynthis amara of -C. Bauhin. Fée remarks, however, that this designation is arbitrary; as -this plant never grows wild in Europe, and its pulp is so bitter, that instead -of proving beneficial to the stomach, it would cause vomiting. From the -fact of its comparison to the human finger, he doubts if it really was one -of the Cucurbitæ at all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1328_1328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1328_1328"><span class="label">1328</span></a> The Cucumis colocynthus of Linnæus, or Coloquintida, so remarkable -for its bitterness.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1329_1329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1329_1329"><span class="label">1329</span></a> It is an extremely drastic, and indeed violent purgative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1330_1330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1330_1330"><span class="label">1330</span></a> Recurring at stated times. The absurdity of this statement does not -require discussion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1331_1331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1331_1331"><span class="label">1331</span></a> The cultivated cucumber, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1332_1332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1332_1332"><span class="label">1332</span></a> Or “aposthumes,” a kind of abscess, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1333_1333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1333_1333"><span class="label">1333</span></a> “Ignis sacer,” literally “sacred fire.” It is sometimes called “St. Anthony’s -fire.” Celsus, in describing it, distinguishes it, however, from -erysipelas, and divides it into two kinds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1334_1334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1334_1334"><span class="label">1334</span></a> On the contrary, Fée says, the pulp of the gourd is tough and leathery, -extremely insipid, and destitute of any salutary qualities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1335_1335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1335_1335"><span class="label">1335</span></a> A decoction of rape or turnips is still recommended for chilblains at -the present day. Fée remarks that ground mustard is much preferable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1336_1336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1336_1336"><span class="label">1336</span></a> This, as Fée remarks, he says of nearly all the vegetable productions -known.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1337_1337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1337_1337"><span class="label">1337</span></a> It is only suited as an aliment to a strong stomach, and it is owing -to the property here mentioned that the School of Salerno says,— -</p> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">Ventum sæpe capis, si tu vis vivere rapis.</div> -</div></div></div> -<p class="noindent"> -and -</p> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">Rapa juvat stomachum, novit producere ventum.</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1338_1338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1338_1338"><span class="label">1338</span></a> Dioscorides and Galen say the same, but this property is not recognized -in modern times.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1339_1339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1339_1339"><span class="label">1339</span></a> “Eruca:” a plant itself of a very stimulating nature.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1340_1340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1340_1340"><span class="label">1340</span></a> The Brassica napus, var. <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">α</span> of Linnæus, the Brassica asperifolia, var. -<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">α</span> of Decandolles, the “navette” of the French. An oil is extracted from the -seed, very similar to the Colza oil, extracted from the Brassica oleracea.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1341_1341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1341_1341"><span class="label">1341</span></a> It is in reality of a blackish hue without, and white within.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1342_1342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1342_1342"><span class="label">1342</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_73">73</a>. Dioscorides speaks of the use of the wild rape -for this purpose, B. ii. c. 135.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1343_1343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1343_1343"><span class="label">1343</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_35">35</a>, and B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_25">25</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1344_1344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1344_1344"><span class="label">1344</span></a> Dalechamps remarks that Pliny here confounds the bunion with the -bunias; the first of which, as Fée says, is an umbellifera, either the Bunium -bulbocastanum of Linnæus, or the Peucedanum silaus of Linnæus, -and the second is the Brassica napo-brassica of Linnæus. Dioscorides -says that the stalks of the bunion are quadrangular. M. Fraas thinks -that the bunion is the Bunium pumilum of modern Botany, and says that -the Bunium bulbocastanum, usually supposed to be the bunion of Dioscorides, -is a stranger to Greece.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1345_1345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1345_1345"><span class="label">1345</span></a> These properties, Fée says, are not to be found in the Bunium bulbocastanum -of modern botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1346_1346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1346_1346"><span class="label">1346</span></a> Sillig is of opinion that there is an hiatus here in the text, and that -the meaning is that a drachma of the juice is taken with something else: -honey possibly, he suggests.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1347_1347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1347_1347"><span class="label">1347</span></a> The Brassica napo-brassica of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1348_1348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1348_1348"><span class="label">1348</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1349_1349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1349_1349"><span class="label">1349</span></a> The Cochlearia Armoracia of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1350_1350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1350_1350"><span class="label">1350</span></a> In B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1351_1351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1351_1351"><span class="label">1351</span></a> Fée says that the medicinal properties recognized by the moderns in -the several varieties of the Raphanus sativus are, that their action is slightly -stimulating when eaten raw, and that boiled and eaten with sugar they -are soothing, and act as a pectoral.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1352_1352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1352_1352"><span class="label">1352</span></a> “Lagonoponon.” Nearly all these asserted virtues of the radish, -Fée says, are illusory.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1353_1353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1353_1353"><span class="label">1353</span></a> “Phlegmoni.” Stagnation of the blood, with heat, redness, swelling, -and pain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1354_1354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1354_1354"><span class="label">1354</span></a> “Veternosi.” Fée says that, rigorously speaking, “veternus” was -that state of somnolency which is the prelude to apoplexy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1355_1355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1355_1355"><span class="label">1355</span></a> The Coluber cerastes of Linnæus. See B. viii. c. 35.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1356_1356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1356_1356"><span class="label">1356</span></a> Poinsinet warns us not to place too implicit faith in this assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1357_1357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1357_1357"><span class="label">1357</span></a> Dioscorides says the same, but the assertion is quite destitute of truth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1358_1358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1358_1358"><span class="label">1358</span></a> Nicander, in his “Alexipharmaca,” ll. 430 and 527, says that the cabbage, -<i>not</i> the radish, is good for poisoning by fungi and henbane; and in -l. 300 he states that the cabbage is similarly beneficial against the effects -of bullock’s blood. Pliny has probably fallen into the error by confounding -<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ῥάφανος</span>, the “cabbage,” with <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ῥαφανίς</span>, the “radish.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1359_1359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1359_1359"><span class="label">1359</span></a> Themistocles is said to have killed himself by taking hot bullock’s -blood. It is, however, very doubtful.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1360_1360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1360_1360"><span class="label">1360</span></a> “Morbus comitialis”—literally the “comitial disease.” Epilepsy it is -said, was so called because, if any person was seized with it at the “Comitia” -or public assemblies of the Roman people, it was the custom to -adjourn the meeting to another day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1361_1361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1361_1361"><span class="label">1361</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μέλας</span>, “black,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">χολή</span>, “bile.” Melancholy, or bad -spirits, was so called from a notion that it was owing to a predominance of -an imaginary secretion called by the ancients “black bile.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1362_1362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1362_1362"><span class="label">1362</span></a> The cœliac flux, Fée says, is symptomatic of chronic enteritis; and -is a species of diarrhœa, in which the chyme is voided without undergoing -any change in passing through the intestines.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1363_1363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1363_1363"><span class="label">1363</span></a> “Præcordiorum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1364_1364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1364_1364"><span class="label">1364</span></a> “Enterocele.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1365_1365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1365_1365"><span class="label">1365</span></a> De Morb. Mulier. B. ii. c. 67.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1366_1366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1366_1366"><span class="label">1366</span></a> Eating or corroding ulcers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1367_1367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1367_1367"><span class="label">1367</span></a> Hippocrates, De Diætâ, B. ii. cc. 25, 26, says that radishes are of a -cold, and hyssop of a warm, nature.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1368_1368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1368_1368"><span class="label">1368</span></a> “Moloche agria.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1369_1369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1369_1369"><span class="label">1369</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_27">27</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1370_1370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1370_1370"><span class="label">1370</span></a> See B. viii. c. 73.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1371_1371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1371_1371"><span class="label">1371</span></a> De Remed. B. iv. c. 24. The parsnip is a stimulating plant, and it -is not without reason, Fée says, that Celsus recommends it for this purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1372_1372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1372_1372"><span class="label">1372</span></a> Or “wild.” See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_27">27</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1373_1373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1373_1373"><span class="label">1373</span></a> This seed, Fée says, is an energetic excitant, and certainly would not -be found suitable for any of the purposes here mentioned by Pliny; though -equally recommended for them by Galen, Dioscorides, and in Athenæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1374_1374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1374_1374"><span class="label">1374</span></a> Tetanus, or contraction of the muscles, in which the head is twisted -round or stretched backwards.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1375_1375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1375_1375"><span class="label">1375</span></a> “Axungia;” properly swine’s grease, with which the axle-trees of -chariots were rubbed. See B. xxviii. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1376_1376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1376_1376"><span class="label">1376</span></a> Diphilus of Siphnos, as quoted in Athenæus, B. ix. c. 3, states that -the ancients employed this plant as a philtre, for which reason it was called -by some persons <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">φίλτρον</span>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1377_1377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1377_1377"><span class="label">1377</span></a> “Posca.” This was the ordinary drink of the lower classes at Rome, -as also the soldiers when on service, and the slaves. “Oxycrate” is the -scientific name sometimes given to vinegar and water.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1378_1378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1378_1378"><span class="label">1378</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Πολλὰ Σύρων λάχανα.</span> Similar to our proverb, probably, “There -is more corn in Egypt.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1379_1379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1379_1379"><span class="label">1379</span></a> The Daucus visnaga of Linnæus, the Daucus gingidium of Sprengel, -the Visnagha, or Bisnagha of other botanists. It is also known as the -“wild carrot,” or “French carrot.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1380_1380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1380_1380"><span class="label">1380</span></a> Or “erratic.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1381_1381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1381_1381"><span class="label">1381</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_28">28</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1382_1382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1382_1382"><span class="label">1382</span></a> The root and seed, Fée observes, really are stimulants: there is no -perceptible difference between the wild and cultivated plants. For silphium, -see B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1383_1383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1383_1383"><span class="label">1383</span></a> Fée thinks that it may be so in a slight degree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1384_1384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1384_1384"><span class="label">1384</span></a> Pliny often speaks of persons having swallowed quicksilver, but never -lets us know under what circumstances. As Fée remarks, it could not be -accidentally; nor yet, on the other hand, could it have been done purposely, -with the object of committing suicide, it not being an active poison. He -concludes that it must have been taken medicinally, and that part of it -becoming absorbed in the system, other remedies were resorted to, to counteract -its noxious effects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1385_1385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1385_1385"><span class="label">1385</span></a> “Inutile,” and not “utile,” is evidently the correct reading here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1386_1386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1386_1386"><span class="label">1386</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Σισάρον</span> the “skirret,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Σέσελι, Σέλι</span>, or <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Σίλι</span>, “hart-wort.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1387_1387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1387_1387"><span class="label">1387</span></a> The Seseli tortuosum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1388_1388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1388_1388"><span class="label">1388</span></a> Or Marseilles: the Seseli tortuosum. Fée says that there is great -confusion relative to the supposed varieties of this plant. The Bupleurum -fruticosum, or Seseli of Æthiopia, has leaves smaller than those of ivy, -and resembling the leaves of honeysuckle. That of Peloponnesus, the -Ligusticum austriacum, has a leaf similar to that of hemlock, but larger -and thicker; and the Seseli of Crete, some species of the genus Tordylium, -is a small plant which throws out shoots in large quantities. All -these, he says, are so far different plants, that it is quite impossible to -unite them with any degree of certainty under one concordance. Indeed, -he thinks it very possible that they do not all belong to the genus Seseli of -modern botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1389_1389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1389_1389"><span class="label">1389</span></a> It is clear that Pliny hesitates to believe this story, and it is hardly -necessary to remark how utterly foreign this is to the habits of carnivorous -birds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1390_1390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1390_1390"><span class="label">1390</span></a> See B. viii. c. 50. An absurd story.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1391_1391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1391_1391"><span class="label">1391</span></a> The Inula Helenium of botanists. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1392_1392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1392_1392"><span class="label">1392</span></a> Modern notions, Fée says, do not agree with those of the ancients on -the subject of elecampane. The root owes the energy of its action to the -camphor which it contains.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1393_1393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1393_1393"><span class="label">1393</span></a> This notion of the virtues of the onion is quite erroneous, though it -still prevails to a considerable degree. Hippocrates, however, Dioscorides, -and Galen, like Pliny, attribute this property to the onion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1394_1394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1394_1394"><span class="label">1394</span></a> This, Fée says, is not the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1395_1395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1395_1395"><span class="label">1395</span></a> A disease of the eye, by which the cornea contracts a whiteness.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1396_1396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1396_1396"><span class="label">1396</span></a> A white speck within the black of the eye.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1397_1397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1397_1397"><span class="label">1397</span></a> It is of no use whatever for such a purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1398_1398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1398_1398"><span class="label">1398</span></a> Fox evil, or scurf, or scaldhead: a disease which causes the hair to -fall off the body. It derives its name from the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀλώπηξ</span>, a “fox,” -from the circumstance that they were supposed to be peculiarly affected -with a similar disease.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1399_1399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1399_1399"><span class="label">1399</span></a> Or millepedes. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_6">6</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1400_1400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1400_1400"><span class="label">1400</span></a> So the school of Salerno says— -</p> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="line">Non modicum sanas Asclepius asserit illas,</div> -<div class="line">Præsertim stomacho, pulchrumque creare colorem.</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1401_1401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1401_1401"><span class="label">1401</span></a> This is not the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1402_1402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1402_1402"><span class="label">1402</span></a> “Vermiculis.” Small worms or maggots.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1403_1403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1403_1403"><span class="label">1403</span></a> “Porrum sectivum.” See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_33">33</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1404_1404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1404_1404"><span class="label">1404</span></a> Fée thinks that boiled leeks may possibly, with some justice, be -ranked among the pectorals.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1405_1405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1405_1405"><span class="label">1405</span></a> This, as Pliny himself here remarks, is a different disease from that -previously mentioned in c. 6 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1406_1406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1406_1406"><span class="label">1406</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">συκὴ</span>, “a fig.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1407_1407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1407_1407"><span class="label">1407</span></a> “Merum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1408_1408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1408_1408"><span class="label">1408</span></a> They would be of no utility whatever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1409_1409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1409_1409"><span class="label">1409</span></a> This is an unfounded statement, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1410_1410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1410_1410"><span class="label">1410</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_33">33</a>. Aristotle, Sotion, and Dioscorides state to the -same effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1411_1411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1411_1411"><span class="label">1411</span></a> “Porrum capitatum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1412_1412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1412_1412"><span class="label">1412</span></a> There is no difference now recognized between these two kinds of -leeks, so far as their medicinal effects are concerned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1413_1413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1413_1413"><span class="label">1413</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1414_1414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1414_1414"><span class="label">1414</span></a> <i>I. e.</i> gum arabic. For an account of the Acacia Nilotica, see B. xiii. -c. 19.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1415_1415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1415_1415"><span class="label">1415</span></a> De Morb. Mul. B. ii. c. 89, and De Steril. c. 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1416_1416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1416_1416"><span class="label">1416</span></a> This is not the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1417_1417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1417_1417"><span class="label">1417</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_34">34</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1418_1418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1418_1418"><span class="label">1418</span></a> Fée says that the action of garlic is so powerful, that it is one of the -most energetic vermifuges known; but at the same time it is so strong an -excitant, that it is very liable to cause worse evils than the presence even -of worms.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1419_1419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1419_1419"><span class="label">1419</span></a> This serpent is described by Lucan, in the “Pharsalia,” B. ix. l. 708, -<i>et seq.</i>, where a fearful account is given of the effects of its sting. Nicander, -in his “Theriaca,” informs us that those bitten by the hæmorrhoïs die -with the blood flowing from the nose and ears, whence its name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1420_1420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1420_1420"><span class="label">1420</span></a> Pard or panther-strangle. See B. xxvii. c. 2. The juice of garlic -has no such effect as here stated.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1421_1421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1421_1421"><span class="label">1421</span></a> De Morb. Mul. B. i. c. 74.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1422_1422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1422_1422"><span class="label">1422</span></a> See B. xxix. c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1423_1423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1423_1423"><span class="label">1423</span></a> The Morbus pedicularis. From the frequent mention of it, Fée says, -it would seem to have been very prevalent in ancient times; whereas now, -it is but rarely known.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1424_1424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1424_1424"><span class="label">1424</span></a> A disease of the skin; supposed by some to be the same as ringworm. -The word is employed in modern medicine to signify skin diseases -in general, such as itch, lichen, scaldhead, ringworm, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1425_1425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1425_1425"><span class="label">1425</span></a> Pintianus suggests “hirudines,” “leeches,” and not “arundines,” -arrows. The latter reading is supported, however, by Plinius Valerianus -and M. Empiricus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1426_1426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1426_1426"><span class="label">1426</span></a> An expensive kind of fish-sauce: for some further account of it see -B. ix. c. 30.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1427_1427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1427_1427"><span class="label">1427</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1428_1428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1428_1428"><span class="label">1428</span></a> See B. x. c. 78.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1429_1429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1429_1429"><span class="label">1429</span></a> “Caprina.” See B. xxvi. c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1430_1430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1430_1430"><span class="label">1430</span></a> Fée is of opinion that this in reality is not a lettuce, but that Pliny -has been led, by the milky juice which it contains, to that conclusion. In -B. xxvi. c. 39, he calls it “tithymalum.” Hardouin conjectures it to -have been the spurge, or Euphorbia lathyris of Linnæus, the juice of -which is a violent drastic; and Fée is of opinion that it must have been -one of the Euphorbiaceæ. At the same time, he says, powerful as their -properties are, we cannot believe that they exercise the destructive effects -on fish here stated.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1431_1431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1431_1431"><span class="label">1431</span></a> Fée thinks that this plant may be looked for among the varieties of -the Sonchus or the Hieracium, which belong to the same family as the -lettuce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1432_1432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1432_1432"><span class="label">1432</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_14">14</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1433_1433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1433_1433"><span class="label">1433</span></a> Fée thinks that this is the Isatis tinctoria of Linnæus in a wild state, -and Littré suggests that the one next mentioned is the same plant, cultivated. -Fée says, however, that this plant, employed in dyeing wool, does -not contain any milky juice, a fact which should have cautioned Pliny -against classing it among the Lactucæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1434_1434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1434_1434"><span class="label">1434</span></a> Of the lettuce, evidently. Fée says, who would recognise a lettuce, -with its green leaves, and smooth stalk and leaves, under this description? -Still, it is by no means an inaccurate description of the wild lettuce.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1435_1435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1435_1435"><span class="label">1435</span></a> “Hawk-weed,” from the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἱέραξ</span>, “a hawk.” Under this name -are included, Fée thinks, the varieties of the genus Crepis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1436_1436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1436_1436"><span class="label">1436</span></a> Apuleius, Metam. c. 30, says this of the eagle, when preparing to -soar aloft.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1437_1437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1437_1437"><span class="label">1437</span></a> This is in some degree true of the juices of the wild lettuces, in a -medicinal point of view; but it must be remembered that he has enumerated -the Isatis among them, which in reality has no milky juice at all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1438_1438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1438_1438"><span class="label">1438</span></a> “Lactucarium,” or the inspissated milky juice of the garden lettuce, -is still used occasionally as a substitute for opium, having slightly anodyne -properties, but, as Fée remarks, all that Pliny says here of its effects is -erroneous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1439_1439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1439_1439"><span class="label">1439</span></a> “Adustiones;” “burns,” perhaps.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1440_1440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1440_1440"><span class="label">1440</span></a> A kind of spider. See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1441_1441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1441_1441"><span class="label">1441</span></a> This is consistent with modern experience, as to the medicinal effects -of the cultivated plants in general.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1442_1442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1442_1442"><span class="label">1442</span></a> In B. xix. c. 38.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1443_1443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1443_1443"><span class="label">1443</span></a> The lettuce is not a purgative, nor has it the property here ascribed -to it, of making blood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1444_1444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1444_1444"><span class="label">1444</span></a> Sillig is probably correct in his belief that there is a lacuna here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1445_1445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1445_1445"><span class="label">1445</span></a> “Oxypori.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1446_1446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1446_1446"><span class="label">1446</span></a> “Ad intinctum aceti.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1447_1447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1447_1447"><span class="label">1447</span></a> In B. xix. c. 38; the “opium” or “poppy lettuce,” the Lactuca -silvestris of modern botany, the soporific properties of which are superior -to those of the cultivated kinds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1448_1448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1448_1448"><span class="label">1448</span></a> Or southern-wood. See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_34">34</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1449_1449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1449_1449"><span class="label">1449</span></a> See B. xxxi. cc. 11 and 12.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1450_1450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1450_1450"><span class="label">1450</span></a> There are few plants, Fée says, which are so utterly destitute of all -remedial properties as the beet. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_40">40</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1451_1451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1451_1451"><span class="label">1451</span></a> Fée says that the leaves of beet are not at all efficacious except as -applications for inflammations of the body.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1452_1452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1452_1452"><span class="label">1452</span></a> Dioscorides merely says that the leaves of the limonion are similar -to those of beet, but he does not state that it <i>is</i> a kind of wild beet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1453_1453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1453_1453"><span class="label">1453</span></a> Dioscorides says “ten or more.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1454_1454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1454_1454"><span class="label">1454</span></a> Fée is inclined to identify the “limonium,” or “meadow-plant,” -with the Statice limonium of Linnæus; but looks upon its identification as -very doubtful. Fuchs, Tragus, and Lonicerus, have identified it with -the Pyrola rotundifolia; but that is not a meadow plant, it growing only -in the woods. Others, again, have suggested the Senecio doria, or “water -trefoil.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1455_1455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1455_1455"><span class="label">1455</span></a> Divided by naturalists into wild chicory or endive, the Cichorium -intybus of Linnæus, and cultivated endive, the Cichorium endivia of Linnæus. -The name “endive” comes from the Arabian “hindeb;” but whether -that was derived from the Latin “intubum,” or vice versâ, is uncertain. -The two kinds above mentioned, are subdivided, Fée says, into two -varieties, the cultivated and the wild. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_39">39</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1456_1456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1456_1456"><span class="label">1456</span></a> The foundation of the Greek name, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κιχώριον</span>, and the Arabic -“Schikhrieh.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1457_1457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1457_1457"><span class="label">1457</span></a> The medicinal properties of endive vary, according as it is employed -wild or cultivated, and according to the part employed. The leaves are -more bitter than the stalk, but not so much so as the root. The juice of -all the varieties is very similar, probably, to that of the lettuce; but, as -Fée says, little use has been made of it in modern times.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1458_1458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1458_1458"><span class="label">1458</span></a> Or else, “Magi.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1459_1459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1459_1459"><span class="label">1459</span></a> The “useful.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1460_1460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1460_1460"><span class="label">1460</span></a> “The all-powerful.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1461_1461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1461_1461"><span class="label">1461</span></a> The Cichorium luteum of C. Bauhin, the Leontodon palustre of Linnæus: -known to us as the “dandelion,” or by a coarser name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1462_1462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1462_1462"><span class="label">1462</span></a> The kind known as garden endive, the Cichorium endivia of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1463_1463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1463_1463"><span class="label">1463</span></a> “Anthologumena.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1464_1464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1464_1464"><span class="label">1464</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_41">41</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1465_1465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1465_1465"><span class="label">1465</span></a> “Crispam.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1466_1466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1466_1466"><span class="label">1466</span></a> “Parsley-like.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1467_1467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1467_1467"><span class="label">1467</span></a> The only use now made of the cabbage, in a medicinal point of view, -is the extraction from the red cabbage, which is rich in saccharine matter, -of a pectoral, and the employment of the round cabbage, in the form of -sour-krout, as an antiscorbutic. The great majority of the statements as -to the virtues of the cabbage, though supported by Cato, and in a great -measure by Hippocrates, are utterly fallacious.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1468_1468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1468_1468"><span class="label">1468</span></a> De Re Rust. 157.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1469_1469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1469_1469"><span class="label">1469</span></a> “Scintillationibus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1470_1470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1470_1470"><span class="label">1470</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1471_1471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1471_1471"><span class="label">1471</span></a> Or cancer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1472_1472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1472_1472"><span class="label">1472</span></a> Cato, De Re Rust., 156, 157.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1473_1473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1473_1473"><span class="label">1473</span></a> See Note <a href="#Footnote_1301_1301" class="fnanchor">1301</a> to c. 2 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1474_1474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1474_1474"><span class="label">1474</span></a> This absurd notion of antipathy is carried so far by the author of the -Geoponica, B. v. c. 11, that he states that if wine is thrown on cabbage -while on the fire, it will never be thoroughly boiled.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1475_1475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1475_1475"><span class="label">1475</span></a> Fée remarks, that this fact would surely have engaged the attention -of the moderns, if there had been any truth in the statement.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1476_1476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1476_1476"><span class="label">1476</span></a> “Crapulam discuti.” “Crapula” was that state, after drinking, colloquially -known at the present day as “seediness.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1477_1477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1477_1477"><span class="label">1477</span></a> The contrary is in reality the case, it being a diet only suitable to -strong stomachs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1478_1478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1478_1478"><span class="label">1478</span></a> De Morb. Mulier. B. i. cc. 73 and 74. De Nat. Mulier. 29 and 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1479_1479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1479_1479"><span class="label">1479</span></a> The jaundice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1480_1480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1480_1480"><span class="label">1480</span></a> Fée is inclined to account for the numerous antidotes and remedies -mentioned for the stings of serpents, by supposing that the stings themselves -of many of them were not really venomous, but only <i>supposed</i> to be so.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1481_1481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1481_1481"><span class="label">1481</span></a> “Repuntinas caligines.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1482_1482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1482_1482"><span class="label">1482</span></a> “Sprout,” or “Brussels sprout.” See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_41">41</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1483_1483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1483_1483"><span class="label">1483</span></a> He is probably speaking of cabbage-water in general.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1484_1484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1484_1484"><span class="label">1484</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1485_1485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1485_1485"><span class="label">1485</span></a> This bitter or pungent cabbage, Fée suggests, did not, probably, -belong to the genus Brassica.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1486_1486"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1486_1486"><span class="label">1486</span></a> De Re Rust. c. 157.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1487_1487"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1487_1487"><span class="label">1487</span></a> Fée is of opinion that Pliny has here confused the description of two -different plants; and that, intending to describe the Brassica arvensis of -modern botany, he has superadded a description of the “Crambe agria,” -mentioned by Dioscorides, which appears to be identical with the Crambe -maritima, or Brassica marina, the “sea-cabbage” of the ancients (see c. -<a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_38">38</a>.), the Convolvulus soldanella of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1488_1488"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1488_1488"><span class="label">1488</span></a> Or “rock-cabbage,” a name given more properly to the Convolvulus -soldanella.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1489_1489"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1489_1489"><span class="label">1489</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_34">34</a>, and B. xxiv. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1490_1490"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1490_1490"><span class="label">1490</span></a> A description, really, of the Convolvulus soldanella.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1491_1491"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1491_1491"><span class="label">1491</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_41">41</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1492_1492"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1492_1492"><span class="label">1492</span></a> The Convolvulus soldanella of Linnæus, Fée thinks: not one of the -Cruciferæ, but belonging to the Convolvulaceæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1493_1493"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1493_1493"><span class="label">1493</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_30">30</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1494_1494"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1494_1494"><span class="label">1494</span></a> The squill is still regarded in medicine as one of the most energetic of -all the vegetable productions, as a diuretic, an expectorant, and, in large -doses, an emetic. Squill vinegar is still the form in which it is usually -administered. Columella gives a somewhat different account of the mode -of preparing it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1495_1495"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1495_1495"><span class="label">1495</span></a> Theocritus says that the squill effectually protects statues and tombs -from outrages being committed upon them; and it was so customary to -plant them about the graves, that it became a proverbial saying, “He is -frantic enough to pluck squills from a grave.” Theophrastus states that -squills were employed in certain expiatory ceremonials.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1496_1496"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1496_1496"><span class="label">1496</span></a> As to the identification of the “bulbs,” see B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_30">30</a>. The wild -bulbs, Fée is of opinion, are probably the Nigrum allium or Moly of -modern Botany; and the Allium schœnoprasum belongs, in his opinion, to -the cultivated bulbs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1497_1497"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1497_1497"><span class="label">1497</span></a> Supposing, Fée says, that the Bulbi of the ancients belonged to the -genus Allium or garlic of modern Botany, we may conclude that in a medicinal -point of view, they were of an exciting nature, powerful vermifuges, -and slightly blistering when applied topically. The other statements here -made, as to their medicinal qualities, are not consistent with modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1498_1498"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1498_1498"><span class="label">1498</span></a> Testium pituitas.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1499_1499"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1499_1499"><span class="label">1499</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_30">30</a>. Athenæus, B. ii. c. 26, attributes a similar property -to the bulbs of Megara.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1500_1500"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1500_1500"><span class="label">1500</span></a> See B. xi. cc. 24, 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1501_1501"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1501_1501"><span class="label">1501</span></a> The Hyacinthus botryoides of Linnæus, most probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1502_1502"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1502_1502"><span class="label">1502</span></a> “Bulbus vomitorius.” The Narcissus jonquilla of Linnæus, the -“emetic jonquil.” The bulb of the Spanish jonquil acts as a strong emetic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1503_1503"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1503_1503"><span class="label">1503</span></a> Dioscorides says, more correctly, a black outer coat or peeling.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1504_1504"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1504_1504"><span class="label">1504</span></a> Asparagus is recognized in modern times, as exercising a strong action -on the kidneys. Fée says, that according to Dr. Broussais, it is a sedative -to palpitations of the heart, an assertion, the truth of which, he says, his -own experience has confirmed. The root is also looked upon as diuretic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1505_1505"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1505_1505"><span class="label">1505</span></a> Asparagus seed is not used in modern pharmacy, and it is very doubtful -if it possesses any virtues at all.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1506_1506"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1506_1506"><span class="label">1506</span></a> Fée says that there is no truth in this assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1507_1507"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1507_1507"><span class="label">1507</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_42">42</a>: the Asparagus tenuifolius of Linnæus, the wild -asparagus, or Corruda of the South of France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1508_1508"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1508_1508"><span class="label">1508</span></a> Fée says that in the South of Europe there is a kind, known to botanists -as white asparagus, with a prickly stem: he suggests that it may -possibly be the same as that here spoken of.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1509_1509"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1509_1509"><span class="label">1509</span></a> Or fennel. Fée says that, till very recently, the roots of asparagus -and of fennel were combined in medicine, forming part of the five “major -aperitive” roots. The sirop of the five aperitive roots is still used, he says, -in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1510_1510"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1510_1510"><span class="label">1510</span></a> Chrysippus and Dioscorides were of opinion, that a decoction of asparagus -root causes sterility in women; a false notion, which, as Fée remarks, -prevailed very generally in Greece.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1511_1511"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1511_1511"><span class="label">1511</span></a> This is not consistent with fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1512_1512"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1512_1512"><span class="label">1512</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_37">37</a>. Parsley, though possessed of marked properties, -is but little employed in medicine. What Pliny here states respecting it, -Fée says, is a tissue of fables: but it is still used for the cure of sores, and -even as an ophthalmic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1513_1513"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1513_1513"><span class="label">1513</span></a> This distinction, Fée says, cannot be admitted.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1514_1514"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1514_1514"><span class="label">1514</span></a> Or maggots.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1515_1515"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1515_1515"><span class="label">1515</span></a> This belief in its efficacy, Fée says, still exists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1516_1516"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1516_1516"><span class="label">1516</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_86">86</a>: this is the Melissa officinalis of Linnæus, or balm-gentle, -from which the bees gather honey, quite a different plant to apiastrum -or wild parsley. The Sardinian plant here mentioned, is probably -the same as the Ranunculus, mentioned in B. xxv. c. 109, where its identification -will be further discussed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1517_1517"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1517_1517"><span class="label">1517</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">48</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1518_1518"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1518_1518"><span class="label">1518</span></a> Or “horse parsley.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1519_1519"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1519_1519"><span class="label">1519</span></a> Or strangury. No medicinal use is made of this plant in modern -times.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1520_1520"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1520_1520"><span class="label">1520</span></a> Or “mountain parsley,” see B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">48</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1521_1521"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1521_1521"><span class="label">1521</span></a> Or “marsh-parsley,” see B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_37">37</a>. It is possessed of certain energetic -properties, more appreciated by the ancient physicians than in modern -pharmacy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1522_1522"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1522_1522"><span class="label">1522</span></a> “Rock-parsley:” from this name comes our word “parsley.” It is -not clearly known to what variety of parsley he refers under this name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1523_1523"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1523_1523"><span class="label">1523</span></a> Or “ox-parsley.” C. Bauhin identifies this with the Petroselinum -Creticum or Agriopastinaca of Crete; but, as Fée remarks, it is not clear to -which of the Umbelliferæ he refers under that name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1524_1524"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1524_1524"><span class="label">1524</span></a> The Ocimum basilicum of Linnæus, according to most commentators: -though Fée is not of that opinion, it being originally from India, and never -found in a wild state. From what Varro says, De Re Rust. B. i. c. 31, -he thinks that it must be sought among the leguminous plants, the genus -Hedysarum, Lathyrus, or Medicago. He remarks also, that Pliny is the -more to be censured for the absurdities contained in this Chapter, as the -preceding writers had only mentioned them to ridicule them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1525_1525"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1525_1525"><span class="label">1525</span></a> See B. ix. c. 51.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1526_1526"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1526_1526"><span class="label">1526</span></a> “In Empericis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1527_1527"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1527_1527"><span class="label">1527</span></a> “Atramento sutorio.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1528_1528"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1528_1528"><span class="label">1528</span></a> The Brassica eruca of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1529_1529"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1529_1529"><span class="label">1529</span></a> None of the numerous remedies mentioned by Pliny for removing -spots on the skin, are at all efficacious, in Fée’s opinion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1530_1530"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1530_1530"><span class="label">1530</span></a> “Good for sauces.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1531_1531"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1531_1531"><span class="label">1531</span></a> In B. xix. c. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1532_1532"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1532_1532"><span class="label">1532</span></a> The Lepidium sativum of Linnæus, cresses or nose-smart.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1533_1533"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1533_1533"><span class="label">1533</span></a> This opinion is corroborated by Dioscorides, B. ii. c. 185, and confirmed -by the author of the Geoponica, B. xii. c. 27. Fée inclines to the opinion -of Dioscorides, and states that is highly antiscorbutic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1534_1534"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1534_1534"><span class="label">1534</span></a> In B. xix. c. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1535_1535"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1535_1535"><span class="label">1535</span></a> The two varieties, the white and the black, are no longer distinguished. -The only variety now recognized, Fée says, is that with crisped -leaves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1536_1536"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1536_1536"><span class="label">1536</span></a> “Furunculos.” Gangrenous sores, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1537_1537"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1537_1537"><span class="label">1537</span></a> “Unguibus scabris,” <i>i. e.</i> for the removal of malformed nails, with -the view to the improvement of their appearance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1538_1538"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1538_1538"><span class="label">1538</span></a> The Lepidium Iberis of Linnæus, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1539_1539"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1539_1539"><span class="label">1539</span></a> The Ruta graveolens of Linnæus. The Romans, singularly enough, -valued this offensive plant as a condiment for their dishes, and a seasoning -for their wines.—See B. xiv. c. 19: and at the present day even, it is admired -for its smell, Fée says, by the ladies of Naples. The Italians use -it also for their salads. Its smell is thought to prevent infection, for which -reason it is still used, in country-places, at funerals, and is placed before -prisoners when tried criminally, for the prevention, it is said, of gaol fever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1540_1540"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1540_1540"><span class="label">1540</span></a> It is not the rue that has this effect, so much as the salts of copper -which are formed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1541_1541"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1541_1541"><span class="label">1541</span></a> Fée thinks it not likely that the rue grown here was at all superior -to that of other localities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1542_1542"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1542_1542"><span class="label">1542</span></a> This word, omitted in the text, is supplied from Dioscorides.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1543_1543"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1543_1543"><span class="label">1543</span></a> Or aconite. There is no truth whatever in these assertions, that rue -has the effect of neutralizing the effects of hemlock, henbane, or poisonous -fungi. Boerrhave says that he employed rue successfully in cases of hysteria -and epilepsy; and it is an opinion which originated with Hippocrates, -and is still pretty generally entertained, that it promotes the catamenia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1544_1544"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1544_1544"><span class="label">1544</span></a> See B. viii. c. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1545_1545"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1545_1545"><span class="label">1545</span></a> See B. x. c. 86.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1546_1546"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1546_1546"><span class="label">1546</span></a> “Si vero sit cephalæa.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1547_1547"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1547_1547"><span class="label">1547</span></a> Dioscorides says however, B. iii. c. 52, that it arrests incontinence -of the urine. See below.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1548_1548"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1548_1548"><span class="label">1548</span></a> De Morb. Mul. B. i. c. 128.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1549_1549"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1549_1549"><span class="label">1549</span></a> De Diæta, B. ii. c. 26.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1550_1550"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1550_1550"><span class="label">1550</span></a> “Pituitæ eruptionibus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1551_1551"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1551_1551"><span class="label">1551</span></a> This prejudice, Fée says, still survives.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1552_1552"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1552_1552"><span class="label">1552</span></a> The Menta silvestris of Linnæus; though Clusius was of opinion that -it is the Nepeta tuberosa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1553_1553"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1553_1553"><span class="label">1553</span></a> “Silvestre puleium.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1554_1554"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1554_1554"><span class="label">1554</span></a> Galen and Dioscorides say the same; but it is not the fact; the leaves -being of no utility whatever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1555_1555"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1555_1555"><span class="label">1555</span></a> Difficulty of breathing, unless the neck is kept in a straight position.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1556_1556"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1556_1556"><span class="label">1556</span></a> Fée is inclined to think exactly the contrary.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1557_1557"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1557_1557"><span class="label">1557</span></a> Its properties as a vermifuge are contested.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1558_1558"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1558_1558"><span class="label">1558</span></a> According to ancient fable, Mintha, the daughter of Cocytus, and beloved -by Pluto, was changed by Proserpine into this plant: it was generally -employed also in the mysteries of the Greeks. It is the Mentha -sativa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1559_1559"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1559_1559"><span class="label">1559</span></a> Fée says that this passage alone would prove pretty clearly that Pliny -had no idea of the existence of the gastric juices.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1560_1560"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1560_1560"><span class="label">1560</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17">17</a>, and B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_67">67</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1561_1561"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1561_1561"><span class="label">1561</span></a> It is only in this case and the next, Fée says, that modern experience -agrees with our author as to the efficacy of mint.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1562_1562"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1562_1562"><span class="label">1562</span></a> The Menta pulegium of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1563_1563"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1563_1563"><span class="label">1563</span></a> Its medicinal properties are similar to those of mint; which is a good -stomachic, and is useful for hysterical and hypochondriac affections, as well -as head-ache. We may therefore know how far to appreciate the medicinal -virtues ascribed by Pliny to these plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1564_1564"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1564_1564"><span class="label">1564</span></a> “Ampullas.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1565_1565"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1565_1565"><span class="label">1565</span></a> “Cubiculis:” “sleeping-chambers.” It was very generally the -practice among the ancients to keep odoriferous plants in their bed-rooms; -a dangerous practice, now held in pretty general disesteem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1566_1566"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1566_1566"><span class="label">1566</span></a> Strong odours, as Fée remarks, are not generally beneficial for head-ache.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1567_1567"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1567_1567"><span class="label">1567</span></a> Dioscorides makes no such distinction, and botanically speaking, as -Fée observes, this distinction is faulty.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1568_1568"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1568_1568"><span class="label">1568</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1569_1569"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1569_1569"><span class="label">1569</span></a> “Defunctos partus” is certainly a better reading than “defunctis -partus” though the latter is the one adopted by Sillig.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1570_1570"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1570_1570"><span class="label">1570</span></a> “Salsitudines.” Hardouin is probably right in his conjecture, that -the correct reading is “lassitudines,” “lassitude.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1571_1571"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1571_1571"><span class="label">1571</span></a> “Pulices.” It is to this belief, no doubt, that it owes its Latin name -“pulegium,” and its English appellation, “flea-bane.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1572_1572"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1572_1572"><span class="label">1572</span></a> It differs in no respect whatever from the cultivated kind, except that -the leaves of the latter are somewhat larger.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1573_1573"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1573_1573"><span class="label">1573</span></a> Or origanum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1574_1574"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1574_1574"><span class="label">1574</span></a> Whence our name “dittany.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1575_1575"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1575_1575"><span class="label">1575</span></a> The “bleating plant;” from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">βληχάομαι</span>, “to bleat.” Dioscorides, -B. ii. c. 36, says the same of cultivated pennyroyal.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1576_1576"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1576_1576"><span class="label">1576</span></a> “Pulmonum vitia exscreabilia facit.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1577_1577"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1577_1577"><span class="label">1577</span></a> Or “catmint;” the variety “longifolia,” Fée thinks, of the Menta -silvestris of Linnæus; or else the Melissa altissima of Sibthorp. Sprengel -identifies it with the Thymus Barrelieri, the Melissa Cretica of Linnæus. -Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 42, identifies the “Calamintha” of the Greeks with -the Nepeta of the Romans. The medicinal properties of Nep, or catmint, -are the same as those of the other mints.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1578_1578"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1578_1578"><span class="label">1578</span></a> “Ægilopiis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1579_1579"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1579_1579"><span class="label">1579</span></a> Cummin is the Cuminum cyminum of Linnæus. The seed only is -used, and that but rarely, for medicinal purposes, being a strong excitant -and a carminative. In Germany, and Turkey, and other parts of the East, -cummin-seed is esteemed as a condiment.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1580_1580"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1580_1580"><span class="label">1580</span></a> Horace, B. i. Epist. 19, says the same; but in reality cummin produces -no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1581_1581"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1581_1581"><span class="label">1581</span></a> M. Porcius Latro, a celebrated rhetorician of the reign of Augustus, -a Spaniard by birth, and a friend and contemporary of the elder Seneca. -His school was one of the most frequented at Rome, and he numbered -among his scholars the poet Ovid. He died <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1582_1582"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1582_1582"><span class="label">1582</span></a> The son of a Roman senator, but descended from a noble family in -Aquitanian Gaul. When proprætor of Gallia Celtica, he headed a revolt -against Nero; but being opposed by Virginius Rufus, he slew himself at -the town of Vesontio, now Besançon.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1583_1583"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1583_1583"><span class="label">1583</span></a> “Captationi” is suggested by Sillig as a preferable reading to -“captatione,” which last would imply that it was Vindex himself who -sought a place by this artifice, in the wills of others.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1584_1584"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1584_1584"><span class="label">1584</span></a> There would be but little difference, Fée observes, between this and -the cummin of other countries, as it is a plant in which little change is -effected by cultivation. Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 79, says that the cummin -of Æthiopia (by Hippocrates called “royal cummin”) has a sweeter -smell than the other kinds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1585_1585"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1585_1585"><span class="label">1585</span></a> Fée is inclined to identify wild cummin, from the description of it -given by Dioscorides, with the Delphinium consolida of Linnæus; but at -the same time, he says, it is impossible to speak positively on the subject.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1586_1586"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1586_1586"><span class="label">1586</span></a> “Penicillis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1587_1587"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1587_1587"><span class="label">1587</span></a> The Ammi Copticum of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1588_1588"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1588_1588"><span class="label">1588</span></a> The Æthiopian cummin, namely, which Pliny himself seems inclined -to confound with ammi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1589_1589"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1589_1589"><span class="label">1589</span></a> Or “horned” serpent. See B. viii. c. 35, and B. xi. c. 45.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1590_1590"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1590_1590"><span class="label">1590</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1591_1591"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1591_1591"><span class="label">1591</span></a> It is not improbable that under this name he alludes to the carpels of -some kind of Euphorbiacea, which bear a resemblance to the fruit of the -caper. Indeed, there is one variety of the Euphorbia with an acrid juice, -known in this country by the name of the “caper-plant.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1592_1592"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1592_1592"><span class="label">1592</span></a> The Capparis spinosa, probably, on which the capers used in our -sauces are grown.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1593_1593"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1593_1593"><span class="label">1593</span></a> Until recently, the bark was employed in the Materia Medica, as a -diuretic: it is now no longer used.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1594_1594"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1594_1594"><span class="label">1594</span></a> Or Lovage. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50">50</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1595_1595"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1595_1595"><span class="label">1595</span></a> In B. xix. c. 50, where he states that Crateuas has given to the wild -Ligusticum the name of Cunila bubula, or “ox cunila.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1596_1596"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1596_1596"><span class="label">1596</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50">50</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1597_1597"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1597_1597"><span class="label">1597</span></a> See B. viii. cc. 41 and 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1598_1598"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1598_1598"><span class="label">1598</span></a> Universal remedy, or “all-heal.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1599_1599"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1599_1599"><span class="label">1599</span></a> Or “Poultry cunila:” the Origanum Heracleoticum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1600_1600"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1600_1600"><span class="label">1600</span></a> See B. xxv. c. 12.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1601_1601"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1601_1601"><span class="label">1601</span></a> An Umbellifera, Fée says, of the modern genus Conyza. See B. xxi. -c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1602_1602"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1602_1602"><span class="label">1602</span></a> Fée is of opinion that Pliny has here confounded “cunila” with -“conyza,” and that he means the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κόνυζα μικρά</span> of Dioscorides, B. iii. c. -136, the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κόνυζα θῆλυς</span> of Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 2, supposed -to be the Inula pulicaria of Linnæus. See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1603_1603"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1603_1603"><span class="label">1603</span></a> A variety of Conyza. See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1604_1604"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1604_1604"><span class="label">1604</span></a> Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 136, says the same of the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κόνυζα μικρά</span>, or -“small conyza.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1605_1605"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1605_1605"><span class="label">1605</span></a> The Satureia thymbra of Linnæus. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50">50</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1606_1606"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1606_1606"><span class="label">1606</span></a> “Ictus,” possibly “stings.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1607_1607"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1607_1607"><span class="label">1607</span></a> See the <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_64">preceding Chapter</a>: also B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_62">62</a>, and B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1608_1608"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1608_1608"><span class="label">1608</span></a> Perhaps Indian pepper, the Capsicum annuum of Botany. See B. -xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_62">62</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1609_1609"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1609_1609"><span class="label">1609</span></a> For some account of Castor, the botanist, see the <a href="#Page_303">end of this Book</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1610_1610"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1610_1610"><span class="label">1610</span></a> Or Wild Marjoram. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50">50</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1611_1611"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1611_1611"><span class="label">1611</span></a> So called, Nicander says, from being sought with avidity by the ass, -<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὄνος</span>. It is the Origanum onites of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1612_1612"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1612_1612"><span class="label">1612</span></a> The Prasion, or “green plant,” mentioned by Hippocrates and Theophrastus, -is <i>not</i> identical, Fée says, with the Origanum onitis, it being the -Marrubium Creticum, or peregrinum of modern botanists. To add to the -confusion of these names, we find Pliny stating, in c. 69, that the name of -“prasion” was given also by the Greeks to his second species of Heraclium, -and that of “onitis” to the Heraclium Heracleoticum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1613_1613"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1613_1613"><span class="label">1613</span></a> Or “Goat’s origanum:” the Thymus tragoriganum of Linnæus. Dioscorides -mentions two kinds of tragoriganum, one of which has been supposed -by Clusius to be the Thymus mastichina of Linnæus, and the other -the Stachys glutinosa of Linnæus; Zanoni being the first author who promulgated -this opinion; from which Fée, however, dissents.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1614_1614"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1614_1614"><span class="label">1614</span></a> Or Heracleotic origanum: see c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_62">62</a> of this Book. Pliny here confounds -several distinct plants, and, as Fée observes, the whole account is -in hopeless confusion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1615_1615"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1615_1615"><span class="label">1615</span></a> Probably the Origanum Heracleoticum of Linnæus, mentioned in c. 62.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1616_1616"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1616_1616"><span class="label">1616</span></a> The Marrubium Creticum, or peregrinum, probably, a variety of -horehound. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_67">67</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1617_1617"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1617_1617"><span class="label">1617</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 2, and B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1618_1618"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1618_1618"><span class="label">1618</span></a> The Origanum onites of Linnæus, probably. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_67">67</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1619_1619"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1619_1619"><span class="label">1619</span></a> Fée says that a strong infusion of pepperwort has been used in France -for the itch, with successful results.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1620_1620"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1620_1620"><span class="label">1620</span></a> Sulphate of lime, which, as Fée remarks, though insoluble, does not -act as a poison, but causes a derangement of the digestive functions. The -wines of the Romans were extensively treated with this substance, and we -have seen in B. xviii. that it was used as an ingredient in their bread.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1621_1621"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1621_1621"><span class="label">1621</span></a> Dittander, or pepperwort: the Lepidium latifolium of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1622_1622"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1622_1622"><span class="label">1622</span></a> Or fennel-flower: the Nigella sativa of Linnæus. Fée suggests that -its name, “gith,” is from the ancient Egyptian.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1623_1623"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1623_1623"><span class="label">1623</span></a> “Black flower.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1624_1624"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1624_1624"><span class="label">1624</span></a> “Black seed.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1625_1625"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1625_1625"><span class="label">1625</span></a> It is no longer used in medicine, but it is esteemed as a seasoning in -the East. All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée considers -to be erroneous. The action of the seed is irritating, and reduced -to powder, it causes sneezing.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1626_1626"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1626_1626"><span class="label">1626</span></a> See B. xxv. c. 17.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1627_1627"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1627_1627"><span class="label">1627</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_52">52</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1628_1628"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1628_1628"><span class="label">1628</span></a> The Pimpinella anisum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1629_1629"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1629_1629"><span class="label">1629</span></a> It is still used in some countries as a seasoning with which bread and -pastry are powdered.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1630_1630"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1630_1630"><span class="label">1630</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1631_1631"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1631_1631"><span class="label">1631</span></a> See B. xix. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">48</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_62">62</a>: also B. xxvii. c. 97.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1632_1632"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1632_1632"><span class="label">1632</span></a> This and the next statement are utterly fabulous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1633_1633"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1633_1633"><span class="label">1633</span></a> “Unconquerable,” from the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀ</span>, “not,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">νικάω</span>, “to conquer.” -Fée thinks that the word is a diminutive of “anisum,” which, -according to some persons, is a derivative from “<i>anysun</i>,” the Arabic name -of the plant. Dioscorides gives the name “anicetum” to dill, and not to -anise.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1634_1634"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1634_1634"><span class="label">1634</span></a> A mere fable, as Fée remarks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1635_1635"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1635_1635"><span class="label">1635</span></a> A fiction, without any foundation in truth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1636_1636"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1636_1636"><span class="label">1636</span></a> See B. viii. c. 47, and B. xxxii. cc. 13, 23, 24, and 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1637_1637"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1637_1637"><span class="label">1637</span></a> Fée evidently mistakes the meaning of this passage, and censures Pliny -for speaking of anise as an emetic. On the contrary, he here prescribes -it to counteract vomiting, and he has previously stated, in this -Chapter, that it <i>arrests</i> vomiting.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1638_1638"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1638_1638"><span class="label">1638</span></a> The Anethum graveolens of Linnæus: originally a native of the hot -climates. Its properties are very similar to those of anise.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1639_1639"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1639_1639"><span class="label">1639</span></a> Or Sagapenum. This is a fetid gum-resin, imported from Persia and -Alexandria, and supposed, though without sufficient proof, Fée says, to be -the produce of the Ferula Persica. It is occasionally used in medicine as a -stimulating expectorant. In odour it somewhat resembles assafœtida, -only it is much weaker. Galen speaks of it as the produce of a Ferula. -It acts also as a purgative and a vermifuge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1640_1640"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1640_1640"><span class="label">1640</span></a> See B. xii. c. 56, and B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_52">52</a>. Some writers have supposed, -but apparently without any sufficient authority, that this is the Ferula communis -of Linnæus. Fée is of opinion that one of the Umbelliferæ is meant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1641_1641"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1641_1641"><span class="label">1641</span></a> In B. xix. c. 53.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1642_1642"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1642_1642"><span class="label">1642</span></a> It is probable, Fée says, that Pliny does not intend here to speak of -the <i>calyx</i> as understood by modern botanists, but the <i>corolla</i> of the plant. -The calyx disappears immediately after the plant has blossomed; and is -never employed by medical men at the present day, who confine themselves -to the heads or capsules.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1643_1643"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1643_1643"><span class="label">1643</span></a> The variety Album of the Papaver somniferum. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_53">53</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1644_1644"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1644_1644"><span class="label">1644</span></a> The variety A. nigrum of the Papaver somniferum of Decandolle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1645_1645"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1645_1645"><span class="label">1645</span></a> The incisions are made in the capsules, and towards the upper part -of the peduncle. The account given by Pliny, Fée remarks, differs but -little from that by Kæmpfer, in the early part of last century.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1646_1646"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1646_1646"><span class="label">1646</span></a> Nine in the morning.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1647_1647"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1647_1647"><span class="label">1647</span></a> This plan, Fée thinks, would not be attended with advantage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1648_1648"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1648_1648"><span class="label">1648</span></a> A name, probably, of Eastern origin, and now universally employed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1649_1649"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1649_1649"><span class="label">1649</span></a> “Bilbilis” has been suggested.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1650_1650"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1650_1650"><span class="label">1650</span></a> Syrop of white poppies was, till recently, known as sirop of diacodium. -Opium is now universally regarded as one of the most important -ingredients of the Materia Medica.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1651_1651"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1651_1651"><span class="label">1651</span></a> Poppy-seed, in reality, is not possessed of any soporific qualities whatever. -This discovery, however, was only made in the latter part of the -last century, by the French chemist, Rosier.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1652_1652"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1652_1652"><span class="label">1652</span></a> “Collyriis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1653_1653"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1653_1653"><span class="label">1653</span></a> “Lexipyretos,” “pepticas,” and “cœliacas”—Greek appellations.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1654_1654"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1654_1654"><span class="label">1654</span></a> The type of the cultivated poppy is the Papaver somniferum of -Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1655_1655"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1655_1655"><span class="label">1655</span></a> This, Fée says, is a matter of doubt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1656_1656"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1656_1656"><span class="label">1656</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μήκων</span>, a “poppy.” Tournefort has described this kind of -opium obtained by decoction; it is held in little esteem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1657_1657"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1657_1657"><span class="label">1657</span></a> Fée remarks, that this account of the tests of opium is correct in the -extreme.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1658_1658"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1658_1658"><span class="label">1658</span></a> In B. xix. c. 53. The Papaver rhœas of Linnæus: the field poppy, -corn poppy, or corn rose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1659_1659"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1659_1659"><span class="label">1659</span></a> Theophrastus says that it has just the taste of wild endive. Fée remarks -that the peasants of Treves eat the leaves of this poppy while young.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1660_1660"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1660_1660"><span class="label">1660</span></a> The Glaucium Corniculatum of Persoon; the horned poppy, or glaucium. -This, Fée remarks, is not a poppy in reality, but a species of the -genus Chelidonium. The juice is an irritating poison, and the seed is said -to act as an emetic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1661_1661"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1661_1661"><span class="label">1661</span></a> “Argema.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1662_1662"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1662_1662"><span class="label">1662</span></a> “By the sea-shore.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1663_1663"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1663_1663"><span class="label">1663</span></a> Not a poppy, but the Euphorbia esula of Linnæus, a spurge. The -milky juice found in the stalk and leaves have caused it to be classed -among the poppies, as other varieties of Euphorbiaceæ appear to have -been, among the wild lettuces.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1664_1664"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1664_1664"><span class="label">1664</span></a> Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 31, compares this plant with the -Struthium—(see B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_18">18</a>). Pliny, or his scribes, have supposed him -to be speaking of the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">στρούθος</span>, or “sparrow”—hence the present mistake. -The Struthium itself has received that name from the resemblance which -its flower bears to a bird with the wings expanded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1665_1665"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1665_1665"><span class="label">1665</span></a> Hence its name, “aphron.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1666_1666"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1666_1666"><span class="label">1666</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_4">4</a>. Pliny has here mistaken a passage of Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 31; where he attributes this quality to the Struthium, -and not the Heraclium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1667_1667"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1667_1667"><span class="label">1667</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_76">76</a> of this Book. It is difficult to conjecture how one of the -Euphorbiaceæ, a powerful drastic, could enter into the composition of a -soothing preparation, such as the diacodion is said to have been.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1668_1668"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1668_1668"><span class="label">1668</span></a> “Capitibus.” As Fée remarks, the capsules of Euphorbia bear no -resemblance whatever to the heads of the poppy. Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 67, -similarly confounds these two plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1669_1669"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1669_1669"><span class="label">1669</span></a> See B. xxvi. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1670_1670"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1670_1670"><span class="label">1670</span></a> See B. xxvi. c. 41. Probably the Euphorbia paralias of Linnæus, or -Sea euphorbia. Its medicinal properties are similar to those of the Euphorbia -esula above mentioned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1671_1671"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1671_1671"><span class="label">1671</span></a> The fructiferous heads of the Euphorbiaceæ, thus employed, would, -as Fée remarks, be productive of most disastrous results.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1672_1672"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1672_1672"><span class="label">1672</span></a> The Euphorbia peplis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1673_1673"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1673_1673"><span class="label">1673</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 40. By Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 165, all these virtues are -attributed exclusively to the cultivated purslain. Indeed, there is no analogy -between the properties of the two plants; though neither of them -is possessed of the wonderful virtues as antidotes here mentioned, and they -would only increase the sufferings of asthmatic patients.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1674_1674"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1674_1674"><span class="label">1674</span></a> As to this serpent, see Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 722, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1675_1675"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1675_1675"><span class="label">1675</span></a> A kind of spreading tumour, which, according to Scribonius Largus, -would appear as if about to force the eye out of the socket. Fée remarks, -that this malady is no longer known.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1676_1676"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1676_1676"><span class="label">1676</span></a> See B. xxxv. c. 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1677_1677"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1677_1677"><span class="label">1677</span></a> “Acetariis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1678_1678"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1678_1678"><span class="label">1678</span></a> “Sapa.” Grape-juice, boiled down to one third.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1679_1679"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1679_1679"><span class="label">1679</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Ἐπιτομὴν ῥιζοτουμένων</span>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1680_1680"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1680_1680"><span class="label">1680</span></a> The Coriandrum sativum of Linnæus. At the present day, wild coriander -is commonly found in Italy, on uncultivated soils. It may have been -naturalized, however, Fée thinks, since the time of Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1681_1681"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1681_1681"><span class="label">1681</span></a> Nicander says also, that it is a cure for the stings of serpents and -scorpions, but there is no truth in the assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1682_1682"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1682_1682"><span class="label">1682</span></a> See B. viii. c. 35.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1683_1683"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1683_1683"><span class="label">1683</span></a> The Atriplex hortensis of Linnæus. Fée thinks that the wild atriplex -of Pliny is some kind of Chenopodium, which it is now impossible to -identify. Orage is more of an aliment than a medicament. Applied externally, -it is soothing and emollient.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1684_1684"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1684_1684"><span class="label">1684</span></a> De Morb. Mulier. B. ii. c. 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1685_1685"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1685_1685"><span class="label">1685</span></a> It would not have this effect. The statements here given relative to -the virtues of orage are, in general, considered to be correct.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1686_1686"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1686_1686"><span class="label">1686</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_22">22</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1687_1687"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1687_1687"><span class="label">1687</span></a> The Malva silvestris of Linnæus, or wild mallow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1688_1688"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1688_1688"><span class="label">1688</span></a> The Malva rotundifolia of Linnæus, or round-leaved mallow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1689_1689"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1689_1689"><span class="label">1689</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μαλάσσω</span>, to “soften,” or “relax.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1690_1690"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1690_1690"><span class="label">1690</span></a> These wild varieties are the same in every respect as the cultivated -kinds; their essential characteristics not being changed by cultivation. -See further as to the Althæa or marsh mallow, at the latter end of this -Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1691_1691"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1691_1691"><span class="label">1691</span></a> The meaning of this name appears to be unknown. “Pistolochia” is -a not uncommon reading.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1692_1692"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1692_1692"><span class="label">1692</span></a> Mallows were commonly used as a vegetable by the ancients; and are -so in China and the south of France, at the present day. The mucilaginous -principle which they contain renders them emollient and pectoral; -they are also slightly laxative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1693_1693"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1693_1693"><span class="label">1693</span></a> The only benefit resulting from the application of mallows would be -the reduction of the inflammation; the plant having no efficacy whatever -in neutralizing the venom.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1694_1694"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1694_1694"><span class="label">1694</span></a> Sub-carbonate of lead. The mallow would have little or no effect in -such a case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1695_1695"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1695_1695"><span class="label">1695</span></a> See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1696_1696"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1696_1696"><span class="label">1696</span></a> The same was said in the middle ages, of the virtues of sage, and in -more recent times of the Panax quinquefolium, the Ginseng of the Chinese.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1697_1697"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1697_1697"><span class="label">1697</span></a> Q. Serenus Sammonicus speaks of the accumulation of dandriff in the -hair to such a degree as to form a noxious malady. He also mentions the -present remedy for it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1698_1698"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1698_1698"><span class="label">1698</span></a> Some commentators have supposed this to be the Alcea rosa of Linnæus; -but Fée considers this opinion to be quite unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1699_1699"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1699_1699"><span class="label">1699</span></a> It would be of no use whatever in such cases, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1700_1700"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1700_1700"><span class="label">1700</span></a> Without any good results, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1701_1701"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1701_1701"><span class="label">1701</span></a> “Permeatus suaves facit.” We can only make a vague guess at the -meaning; as the passage is, most probably, corrupt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1702_1702"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1702_1702"><span class="label">1702</span></a> The Althæa officinalis of Linnæus, or marsh-mallow. The medicinal -properties are similar to those of the other varieties of the mallow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1703_1703"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1703_1703"><span class="label">1703</span></a> It is the fact, that water, in which mallows are steeped, owing to the -mucilage of the root, assumes the appearance of milk.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1704_1704"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1704_1704"><span class="label">1704</span></a> Fée says that this milky appearance of the water does not depend on -the freshness of the root; as it is only the aqueous particles that are dried -up, the mucilage preserving its chemical properties in their original integrity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1705_1705"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1705_1705"><span class="label">1705</span></a> The Rumex acetosella of Linnæus, or small sorrel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1706_1706"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1706_1706"><span class="label">1706</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_60">60</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1707_1707"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1707_1707"><span class="label">1707</span></a> “Horse Lapathum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1708_1708"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1708_1708"><span class="label">1708</span></a> Or “Lapathum with pointed leaves;” the Rumex acutus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1709_1709"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1709_1709"><span class="label">1709</span></a> Or “water lapathum;” the Rumex aquaticus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1710_1710"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1710_1710"><span class="label">1710</span></a> Or “horse lapathum;” the Rumex patientia of Linnæus: or dock, -as Fée thinks: though, according to Sprengel, the cultivated lapathum was -identical with that plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1711_1711"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1711_1711"><span class="label">1711</span></a> The medicinal properties of the lapathum vary according to the parts -of the plant employed. The leaves and stalks of the acid kinds of Rumex -are refreshing, and slightly diuretic and laxative. The action of those -which are not acid is sudorific, antiherpetic, and depurative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1712_1712"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1712_1712"><span class="label">1712</span></a> Fée says that it would be of no benefit whatever for tooth-ache.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1713_1713"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1713_1713"><span class="label">1713</span></a> It is not possessed of any stomachic properties, Fée remarks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1714_1714"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1714_1714"><span class="label">1714</span></a> It would be of no utility in such a case, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1715_1715"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1715_1715"><span class="label">1715</span></a> Supposed by Fée to be the same as the wild lapathum of the last -Chapter, the Rumex acetosella of Linnæus; small sorrel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1716_1716"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1716_1716"><span class="label">1716</span></a> Fée remarks that no part of lapathum is naturally astringent.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1717_1717"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1717_1717"><span class="label">1717</span></a> Or “ox lapathum.” Fée considers this to be identical with the -“hippolapathon” of the last Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1718_1718"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1718_1718"><span class="label">1718</span></a> In B. xix. c. 54. Fée identifies these three varieties of mustard as -follows; the slender-stemmed mustard of Pliny he identifies with the Sinapis -alba of Linnæus, mustard with white seeds. The mustard mentioned -as having the leaves of rape he considers to be the same as the Sinapis -nigra of Linnæus, mustard with black seed; and that with the leaf of the -rocket he identifies with the Sinapis erucoïdes of Linnæus, the Eruca -silvestris of Gessner, or rocket-leaved mustard.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1719_1719"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1719_1719"><span class="label">1719</span></a> In reality, mustard is injurious for all affections of the chest and throat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1720_1720"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1720_1720"><span class="label">1720</span></a> “Seseli.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1721_1721"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1721_1721"><span class="label">1721</span></a> A sinapism applied to the head, Fée remarks, in cases of cerebral -congestion, would very soon cause death.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1722_1722"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1722_1722"><span class="label">1722</span></a> Mustard poultices are used extensively at the present day for blisters -on the chest.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1723_1723"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1723_1723"><span class="label">1723</span></a> “Rubrica.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1724_1724"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1724_1724"><span class="label">1724</span></a> “Scabras genas.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1725_1725"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1725_1725"><span class="label">1725</span></a> This is not the fact; no juice flows from the stem which is capable -of becoming concrete.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1726_1726"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1726_1726"><span class="label">1726</span></a> As a tonic, mustard-seed is commonly taken whole at the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1727_1727"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1727_1727"><span class="label">1727</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 66. In B. xxxii. c. 52, we shall find Pliny speaking of -this substance under the name of “Calamochnus.” Dioscorides, B. v. -c. 137, speaks of adarca as growing in Cappadocia, and as being a salt substance -which adheres to reeds in time of drought.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1728_1728"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1728_1728"><span class="label">1728</span></a> This, Fée says, cannot possibly be the fact, whatever adarca may -really have been.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1729_1729"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1729_1729"><span class="label">1729</span></a> The “grass-green” plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1730_1730"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1730_1730"><span class="label">1730</span></a> The “twisted flax” plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1731_1731"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1731_1731"><span class="label">1731</span></a> “Lad’s-love.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1732_1732"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1732_1732"><span class="label">1732</span></a> “Love and grace,” apparently.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1733_1733"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1733_1733"><span class="label">1733</span></a> There are two kinds of prasion mentioned by Dioscorides, and by -Pliny at the end of the present Chapter, one of which Fée is inclined to -identify with the Ballota nigra of Linnæus, the fetid ballota; and the other -with the Marrubium vulgare of Linnæus, the white horehound. Bochart -conjectures that the word “marrubium” had a Punic origin, but Linnæus -thinks that it comes from “Maria urbs,” the “City of the Marshes,” situate -on Lake Fucinus, in Italy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1734_1734"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1734_1734"><span class="label">1734</span></a> Though much used in ancient times, horehound is but little employed -in medicine at the present day: though its medicinal value, Fée thinks, -is very considerable. Candied horehound is employed to some extent in -this country, as a pectoral.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1735_1735"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1735_1735"><span class="label">1735</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_25">25</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1736_1736"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1736_1736"><span class="label">1736</span></a> Its medicinal properties, as recognized in modern times, are in most -respects dissimilar to those mentioned by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1737_1737"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1737_1737"><span class="label">1737</span></a> “Far.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1738_1738"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1738_1738"><span class="label">1738</span></a> “Pterygia.” “Pterygium” is also a peculiar disease of the eye.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1739_1739"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1739_1739"><span class="label">1739</span></a> “Inter pauca.” He has mentioned, however, a <i>vast number</i> of so-called -antidotes or remedies. It is just possible that he may mean, “There -are few antidotes like it for efficacy.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1740_1740"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1740_1740"><span class="label">1740</span></a> “A serpendo:” the Thymus serpyllum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1741_1741"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1741_1741"><span class="label">1741</span></a> The Thymus zygis of Linnæus: the Serpyllum folio thymi of C. -Bauhin. Dioscorides says that it is the <i>cultivated</i> thyme that is a creeping -plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1742_1742"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1742_1742"><span class="label">1742</span></a> See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 712, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1743_1743"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1743_1743"><span class="label">1743</span></a> The Sisymbrion menta of Gerard; the Menta hirsuta of Decandolle, -prickly mint. Sprengel, however, takes it to be the Menta silvestris of -modern Botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1744_1744"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1744_1744"><span class="label">1744</span></a> The Sisymbrion nasturtium of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1745_1745"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1745_1745"><span class="label">1745</span></a> Apparently the Sisymbrium just mentioned, and the Nasturtium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1746_1746"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1746_1746"><span class="label">1746</span></a> Ovid, Fasti, B. iv. l. 869, speaks of Sisymbrium as being esteemed by -the Roman ladies for its agreeable smell.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1747_1747"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1747_1747"><span class="label">1747</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_1">1</a>. The rich mucilage of linseed makes it extremely -valuable, in a medicinal point of view, for poultices. This mucilage is -found in the perisperm more particularly; the kernel containing a fixed -oil, which is extremely valuable for numerous purposes. The account -given by Pliny and the other ancient writers of the medicinal uses of -linseed, is, in general, correct.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1748_1748"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1748_1748"><span class="label">1748</span></a> “Inspersum,” sprinkled with boiling water; like oatmeal for porridge, -probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1749_1749"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1749_1749"><span class="label">1749</span></a> It would be of no use whatever for such a purpose, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1750_1750"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1750_1750"><span class="label">1750</span></a> “Emendat.” By bringing them off, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1751_1751"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1751_1751"><span class="label">1751</span></a> It would be of no utility for hernia, Fée says, or for the cure of gangrenous -sores.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1752_1752"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1752_1752"><span class="label">1752</span></a> The Blitum capitatum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1753_1753"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1753_1753"><span class="label">1753</span></a> Hence, too, the Latin word “bliteus,” meaning “insipid,” “senseless,” -or “worthless.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1754_1754"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1754_1754"><span class="label">1754</span></a> This is not the case, it being as innocuous as it is insipid. Applied -topically, the leaves are emollient.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1755_1755"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1755_1755"><span class="label">1755</span></a> There is no foundation, Fée says, for this opinion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1756_1756"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1756_1756"><span class="label">1756</span></a> The Æthusa meum of Linnæus; our Spignel, or Baldmoney, the -Athamanta Matthioli of Wulf. By some authorities it is called Feniculum -Alpinum perenne. It is possessed of exciting properties, and is no -longer used in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1757_1757"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1757_1757"><span class="label">1757</span></a> See B. iv. c. 8.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1758_1758"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1758_1758"><span class="label">1758</span></a> See B. viii. c. 41. This plant is the Anethum feniculum of Linnæus. -The seed and roots are still used in medicine, being sudorific, -diuretic, and aperitive.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1759_1759"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1759_1759"><span class="label">1759</span></a> This resinous juice of fennel is no longer employed, or indeed known, -Fée says, to the curious.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1760_1760"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1760_1760"><span class="label">1760</span></a> “Horse marathrum:” the Cachrys Libanotis of Linnæus, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1761_1761"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1761_1761"><span class="label">1761</span></a> The Seseli tortuosum of Linnæus, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1762_1762"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1762_1762"><span class="label">1762</span></a> It is sometimes used at the present day for condiments, as a substitute -for anise. Pliny’s account of its medicinal virtues, Fée says, is replete with -errors.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1763_1763"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1763_1763"><span class="label">1763</span></a> “Oxyporis:” perhaps “salad-dressings.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1764_1764"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1764_1764"><span class="label">1764</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_13">13</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1765_1765"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1765_1765"><span class="label">1765</span></a> Their properties, Fée says, are very similar.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1766_1766"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1766_1766"><span class="label">1766</span></a> “Ophiaca.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1767_1767"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1767_1767"><span class="label">1767</span></a> “Rhizotomumena.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1768_1768"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1768_1768"><span class="label">1768</span></a> Theriaca, l. 596. <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1769_1769"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1769_1769"><span class="label">1769</span></a> The wild hemp of Pliny is the Althæa cannabina of Linnæus: the -hemp marsh-mallow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1770_1770"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1770_1770"><span class="label">1770</span></a> The cultivated hemp is the Cannabis sativa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1771_1771"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1771_1771"><span class="label">1771</span></a> He is speaking of the hemp marsh-mallow here, and not the real -hemp; though at the same time he mingles with his statement several -facts which are stated by Dioscorides with reference to the genuine hemp. -See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_56">56</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1772_1772"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1772_1772"><span class="label">1772</span></a> This is evidently stated in reference to the hemp-mallow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1773_1773"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1773_1773"><span class="label">1773</span></a> For an account of the Ferula, see B. xiii. c. 42.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1774_1774"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1774_1774"><span class="label">1774</span></a> An accidental circumstance, Fée says, and no distinctive mark of sex -or species.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1775_1775"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1775_1775"><span class="label">1775</span></a> Fée thinks that Pliny’s meaning is, that it is eaten as a confection, -similar to those of angelica and parsley stalks at the present day. That, -however, would hardly appear to be the sense of the passage. In B. xix. -c. 56, he speaks of it being dried and used as a seasoning.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1776_1776"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1776_1776"><span class="label">1776</span></a> Fennel-giant is considered to be a good stomachic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1777_1777"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1777_1777"><span class="label">1777</span></a> This, Fée thinks, is probably the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1778_1778"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1778_1778"><span class="label">1778</span></a> The pith, in reality, of the Umbelliferæ, is insipid and inert.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1779_1779"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1779_1779"><span class="label">1779</span></a> In B. xix. c. 43.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1780_1780"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1780_1780"><span class="label">1780</span></a> This, Fée considers to be the Cinara carduncellus of Linnæus, artichoke -thistle, or Cardonette of Provence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1781_1781"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1781_1781"><span class="label">1781</span></a> The Cinara scolymus of Linnæus probably, our artichoke, which the -ancients do not appear to have eaten. Both the thistle and the artichoke -are now no longer employed in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1782_1782"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1782_1782"><span class="label">1782</span></a> Galen gives these lines, sixteen in number, in his work De Antidot. -B. ii. c. 14; the proportions, however, differ from those given by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1783_1783"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1783_1783"><span class="label">1783</span></a> Half a denarius; the weight being so called from the coin which was -stamped with the image of the Goddess of Victory. See B. xxxiii. c. 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1784_1784"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1784_1784"><span class="label">1784</span></a> Antiochus II., the father of Antiochus Epiphanes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1785_1785"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1785_1785"><span class="label">1785</span></a> Or “antidote.” In this term has originated our word “treacle,” in -the Elizabethan age spelt “triacle.” The medicinal virtues of this composition -were believed in, Fée remarks, so recently as the latter half of -the last century. The most celebrated, however, of all the “theriacæ” -of the ancients, was the “Theriaca Andromachi,” invented by Andromachus, -the physician of the Emperor Nero, and very similar to that composed -by Mithridates, king of Pontus, and by means of which he was rendered -proof, it is said, against all poisons. See a very learned and interesting -account of the Theriacæ of the ancients, by Dr. Greenhill, in Smith’s -Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. His articles “Pharmaceutica,” -and “Therapeutica,” will also be found well worth attention by the -reader of Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1786_1786"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1786_1786"><span class="label">1786</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1787_1787"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1787_1787"><span class="label">1787</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1788_1788"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1788_1788"><span class="label">1788</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1789_1789"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1789_1789"><span class="label">1789</span></a> He is also mentioned in B. xxv. c. 2, as having commenced a treatise -on Medicinal Plants, which he did not live to complete. It is not improbable -that he is the same Valgius that is mentioned in high terms by -Horace, B. i. Sat. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1790_1790"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1790_1790"><span class="label">1790</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1791_1791"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1791_1791"><span class="label">1791</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1792_1792"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1792_1792"><span class="label">1792</span></a> Supposed by some to be the same with the Bassus Tullius mentioned -by ancient writers as the friend of Niger, possibly the Sextius Niger here -mentioned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1793_1793"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1793_1793"><span class="label">1793</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1794_1794"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1794_1794"><span class="label">1794</span></a> He lived at Rome, in the first century of the Christian era, and possessed -a botanical garden, probably the earliest mentioned. He lived -more than a hundred years, in perfect health both of body and mind. See -B. xxv. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1795_1795"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1795_1795"><span class="label">1795</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1796_1796"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1796_1796"><span class="label">1796</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1797_1797"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1797_1797"><span class="label">1797</span></a> A mystic personage of the early Grecian Mythology, under whose -name many spurious works were circulated. Pliny says. B. xxv. c. 2, that -he was the first who wrote with any degree of attention on the subject of -Plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1798_1798"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1798_1798"><span class="label">1798</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1799_1799"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1799_1799"><span class="label">1799</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1800_1800"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1800_1800"><span class="label">1800</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1801_1801"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1801_1801"><span class="label">1801</span></a> Probably Chrysippus of Cnidos, a pupil of Eudoxus and Philistion, -father of Chrysippus, the physician to Ptolemy Soter, and tutor to Erasistratus. -Others, again, think that the work “on the Cabbage,” mentioned -by Pliny in c. 33, was written by another Chrysippus, a pupil of Erasistratus, -in the third century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1802_1802"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1802_1802"><span class="label">1802</span></a> A native of Carystus, in Eubœa, who lived in the fourth century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> -He belonged to the medical sect of the Dogmatici, and wrote several medical -works, of which the titles only and a few fragments remain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1803_1803"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1803_1803"><span class="label">1803</span></a> Of this writer nothing whatever is known.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1804_1804"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1804_1804"><span class="label">1804</span></a> For Heraclides of Heraclea, see end of B. xii.; for Heraclides of -Pontus, see end of B. iv.; and for Heraclides of Tarentum, see end of B. -xii. They were all physicians.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1805_1805"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1805_1805"><span class="label">1805</span></a> See end of B. xv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1806_1806"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1806_1806"><span class="label">1806</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1807_1807"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1807_1807"><span class="label">1807</span></a> It was probably this personage, or the one next mentioned, who wrote -to Ptolemy, one of the kings of Egypt, giving him directions as to what -wines he should drink. See B. xiv. c. 9. A person of this name wrote a -work on Ointments and Chaplets, quoted by Athenæus, and another on -Venomous Animals, quoted by the same author. This last is probably the -work referred to by Pliny, B. xxi. cc. 15, 29, &c. It has been suggested -also, that the proper reading here is “Apollonius” of Citium, a pupil of -Zopyrus, a physician of Alexandria.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1808_1808"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1808_1808"><span class="label">1808</span></a> See the preceding <a href="#Footnote_1807_1807">Note</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1809_1809"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1809_1809"><span class="label">1809</span></a> A celebrated physician, a native of the island of Cos. He belonged -to the medical sect of the Dogmatici, and flourished probably in the fourth -century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> He was more particularly celebrated for his comparatively -accurate knowledge of anatomy. The titles only and a few fragments of -his works survive.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1810_1810"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1810_1810"><span class="label">1810</span></a> A pupil of Praxagoras. He appears to have written a work on -Anatomy, quoted more than once by Galen.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1811_1811"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1811_1811"><span class="label">1811</span></a> A pupil of Chrysippus of Cnidos, and who lived probably in the -fourth and third centuries <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> Galen speaks of him as being held in -great repute among the Greeks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1812_1812"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1812_1812"><span class="label">1812</span></a> He flourished in the fourth century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>, and belonged to the medical -sect of the Dogmatici. He wrote some medical works, of which nothing -but a few fragments remain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1813_1813"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1813_1813"><span class="label">1813</span></a> He lived probably about the beginning of the third century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>, as -he was the tutor of Antigenes and Mnemon. He seems to have been -famous for his medicinal prescriptions of wine, and the quantities of cold -water which he gave to his patients.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1814_1814"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1814_1814"><span class="label">1814</span></a> Born either in Sicily or at Locri Epizephyrii, in Italy. He is supposed -to have lived in the fourth century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> By some persons he was -thought to have been one of the founders of the sect of the Empirici. He -wrote works on Materia Medica and Cookery, and is several times quoted -by Pliny and Galen.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1815_1815"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1815_1815"><span class="label">1815</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1816_1816"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1816_1816"><span class="label">1816</span></a> A Greek herbalist, who lived about the beginning of the first century -<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> He is mentioned by Galen as one of the most eminent writers -on Materia Medica. Another physician of the same name is supposed to -have lived in the time of Hippocrates.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1817_1817"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1817_1817"><span class="label">1817</span></a> A Greek physician, supposed to have lived in or before the first century -<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> Dioscorides and Saint Epiphanius speak of Petronius <i>and</i> Diodotus, -making them different persons; and it is not improbable that the -true reading in c. 32 of this Book, is “Petronius <i>et</i> Diodotus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1818_1818"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1818_1818"><span class="label">1818</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1819_1819"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1819_1819"><span class="label">1819</span></a> See end of B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1820_1820"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1820_1820"><span class="label">1820</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1821_1821"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1821_1821"><span class="label">1821</span></a> It is probable that there were several Greek physicians of this name; -but the only one of whom anything certain is known is the physician to -Ptolemy Philopater, king of Egypt, in whose tent he was killed by Theodotus, -the Ætolian, <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 217. He was probably the first writer on hydrophobia. -Eratosthenes is said to have accused him of plagiarism.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1822_1822"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1822_1822"><span class="label">1822</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1823_1823"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1823_1823"><span class="label">1823</span></a> It is doubtful if the person of this name to whom Pliny attributes a -work on the Cabbage, in cc. 34 and 36 of this Book, was the same individual -as Epicharmus of Cos, the Comic poet, born <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 540. It has been -suggested that the botanical writer was a different personage, the brother -of the Comic poet Demologus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1824_1824"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1824_1824"><span class="label">1824</span></a> Possibly the same person as the Damon mentioned at the end of B. -vii. He is mentioned in c. 40 of this Book, and in B. xxiv. c. 120, and -wrote a work on the Onion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1825_1825"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1825_1825"><span class="label">1825</span></a> See end of B. vi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1826_1826"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1826_1826"><span class="label">1826</span></a> Beyond the mention made of him in c. 73 of this Book, nothing whatever -is known relative to this writer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1827_1827"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1827_1827"><span class="label">1827</span></a> Beyond the mention made of him in c. 73, nothing is known of him. -Some read “Theopolemus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1828_1828"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1828_1828"><span class="label">1828</span></a> Probably Metrodorus of Chïos, a philosopher, who flourished about -<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 330, and professed the doctrine of the Sceptics. Cicero, Acad. ii. 23, -§ 73, gives a translation of the first sentence of his work “On Nature.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1829_1829"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1829_1829"><span class="label">1829</span></a> A physician of Smyrna. He is called Solon the Dietetic, by Galen; -but nothing further seems to be known of his history.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1830_1830"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1830_1830"><span class="label">1830</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1831_1831"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1831_1831"><span class="label">1831</span></a> A Theban authoress, who wrote on Medicine; mentioned also by -Plinius Valerianus, the physician, and Pollux.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1832_1832"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1832_1832"><span class="label">1832</span></a> A Greek physician, a native of Cos, the reputed founder of the sect -of the Empirici. He probably lived in the third century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> From -Athenæus we learn that he wrote a work on Botany. A parallel has been -drawn between Philinus and the late Dr. Hahnemann, by F. F. Brisken, -Berlin, 1834.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1833_1833"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1833_1833"><span class="label">1833</span></a> See end of B. xix.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1834_1834"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1834_1834"><span class="label">1834</span></a> The Scholiast on Nicander mentions a treatise on Botany written by -a person of this name: and a work of his on Medicine is mentioned by -Labbe as existing in manuscript in the Library at Florence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1835_1835"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1835_1835"><span class="label">1835</span></a> A Greek physician of this name belonging to the sect of the Empirici, -lived probably in the third or second century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> Galen mentions him -as one of the earliest commentators on the works of Hippocrates. It is -uncertain, however, whether he is the person so often quoted by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1836_1836"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1836_1836"><span class="label">1836</span></a> A physician of Aphrodisias, in Cilicia, who lived in the reign of -Tiberius. He wrote some pharmaceutical works, and is censured by Galen -for his disgusting remedies, such as human brains, flesh, urine, liver, excrements, -&c. There is a short essay by him still in existence, on the -Aliments derived from the Aquatic Animals.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1837_1837"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1837_1837"><span class="label">1837</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_1">1</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1838_1838"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1838_1838"><span class="label">1838</span></a> “Sive privatis generum funiculis in orbem, in obliquum, in ambitum; -quædam coronæ per coronas currunt.” As we know but little of the forms -of the garlands and chaplets of the ancients, the exact translation of this -passage is very doubtful.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1839_1839"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1839_1839"><span class="label">1839</span></a> According to Boettiger, the word “struppus” means a string arranged -as a fillet or diadem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1840_1840"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1840_1840"><span class="label">1840</span></a> Fée makes the word “vocabulum” apply to “corona,” and not to -“struppus;” but the passage will hardly admit of that rendering.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1841_1841"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1841_1841"><span class="label">1841</span></a> “To bind” or “join together.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1842_1842"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1842_1842"><span class="label">1842</span></a> A “connected line,” from the verb “sero.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1843_1843"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1843_1843"><span class="label">1843</span></a> By “quod,” Hardouin takes Pliny to mean, the use of the word -<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σπαρτὸν</span>, among the Greeks, corresponding with the Latin word “sertum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1844_1844"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1844_1844"><span class="label">1844</span></a> These chaplets, we learn from Festus, were called “pancarpiæ.” -The olive, oak, laurel, and myrtle, were the trees first used for chaplets.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1845_1845"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1845_1845"><span class="label">1845</span></a> See B. xxxv. c. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1846_1846"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1846_1846"><span class="label">1846</span></a> The “Chaplet-weaver.” See B. xxxv. c. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1847_1847"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1847_1847"><span class="label">1847</span></a> <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 380.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1848_1848"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1848_1848"><span class="label">1848</span></a> From Athenæus, B. xv. c. 2, <i>et seq.</i>, we learn that the Egyptian -chaplets were made of ivy, narcissus, pomegranate blossoms, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1849_1849"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1849_1849"><span class="label">1849</span></a> “Corolla,” being the diminutive of “corona.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1850_1850"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1850_1850"><span class="label">1850</span></a> Or tinsel.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1851_1851"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1851_1851"><span class="label">1851</span></a> The “Rich.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1852_1852"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1852_1852"><span class="label">1852</span></a> Ribbons or streamers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1853_1853"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1853_1853"><span class="label">1853</span></a> “Puri.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1854_1854"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1854_1854"><span class="label">1854</span></a> Consul, <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 570.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1855_1855"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1855_1855"><span class="label">1855</span></a> Or “engrave,” “cælare.” He is probably speaking here of golden -lemnisci.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1856_1856"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1856_1856"><span class="label">1856</span></a> “Philyræ.” This was properly the inner bark of the linden-tree; -but it is not improbable that thin plates of metal were also so called, from -the resemblance. The passage, however, admits of various modes of explanation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1857_1857"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1857_1857"><span class="label">1857</span></a> “Pecuniâ.” Fée compares this usage with the employment of jockies -at horse-races in England and France.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1858_1858"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1858_1858"><span class="label">1858</span></a> “Intus positus esset.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1859_1859"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1859_1859"><span class="label">1859</span></a> “Foris ferretur.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1860_1860"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1860_1860"><span class="label">1860</span></a> Or “money-changer,” “argentarius.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1861_1861"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1861_1861"><span class="label">1861</span></a> “E pergulâ suâ.” Scaliger thinks that the “pergula” was a part -of a house built out into the street, while, according to Ernesti, it was a -little room in the upper part of a house. In B. xxxv. c. 36, it clearly -means a room on the ground-floor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1862_1862"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1862_1862"><span class="label">1862</span></a> In the Fora of ancient cities there was frequently a statue of this mythological -personage, with one hand erect, in token, Servius says (on -B. iv. l. 58 of the Æneid), of the freedom of the state, Marsyas having been -the minister of Bacchus, the god of liberty. His statue in the Forum of -Rome was the place of assembly for the courtesans of that city, who used -to crown it with chaplets of flowers. See also Horace i. Sat. 6. l. 120; -Juvenal, Sat. 9. l. 1 and 2; and Martial, ii. Ep. 64. l. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1863_1863"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1863_1863"><span class="label">1863</span></a> Cujacius thinks that Pliny has in view here Polemon of Athens, who -when a young man, in his drunken revelry, burst into the school of Xenocrates, -the philosopher, with his fellow-revellers, wearing his festive garland -on his head. Being arrested, however, by the discourse, he stopped -to listen, and at length, tearing off the garland, determined to enter on a -more abstemious course of life. Becoming an ardent disciple of Xenocrates, -he ultimately succeeded him at the head of the school. The passage -as given in the text, from its apparent incompleteness, would appear -to be in a mutilated state.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1864_1864"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1864_1864"><span class="label">1864</span></a> Julia. See B. vii. c. 46.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1865_1865"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1865_1865"><span class="label">1865</span></a> Thus acknowledging herself to be no better than a common courtesan.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1866_1866"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1866_1866"><span class="label">1866</span></a> “Illius dei.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1867_1867"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1867_1867"><span class="label">1867</span></a> See B. vii. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1868_1868"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1868_1868"><span class="label">1868</span></a> “Funus elocavit.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1869_1869"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1869_1869"><span class="label">1869</span></a> “E prospectu omni.” “From every look-out:” <i>i. e.</i> from the roofs, -doors, and windows.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1870_1870"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1870_1870"><span class="label">1870</span></a> This usage is still observed in the <i>immortelles</i>, laid on the tombs of -departed friends, in Catholic countries on the continent. Tibullus alludes -to it, B. ii. El. 4:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="center">“Atque aliquis senior veteres veneratus amores,</div> -<div class="center">Annua constructo serta dabit tumulo.”</div> -</div></div></div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1871_1871"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1871_1871"><span class="label">1871</span></a> At the conclusion of the festival of Mars on the 1st of March, and -for several successive days. These entertainments were celebrated in the -Temple of that god, and were proverbial for their excellence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1872_1872"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1872_1872"><span class="label">1872</span></a> It is a well-known fact, as Fée remarks, that the smell of flowers is -productive, in some persons, of head-ache, nausea, and vertigo. He states -also that persons have been known to meet their death from sleeping all -night in the midst of odoriferous flowers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1873_1873"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1873_1873"><span class="label">1873</span></a> “Ipsaque capiti imposita.” Holland and Ajasson render this as -though Cleopatra placed the garland on Antony’s head, and not her own. -Littré agrees with the translation here adopted.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1874_1874"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1874_1874"><span class="label">1874</span></a> Fée remarks that we know of no poisons, hydrocyanic or prussic acid -excepted, so instantaneous in their effects as this; and that it is very -doubtful if they were acquainted with that poison.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1875_1875"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1875_1875"><span class="label">1875</span></a> Hist. Plant. B. vi. cc. 6, 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1876_1876"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1876_1876"><span class="label">1876</span></a> “Persecutus est.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1877_1877"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1877_1877"><span class="label">1877</span></a> A characteristic, it would appear, of the greater part of the information -already given in this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1878_1878"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1878_1878"><span class="label">1878</span></a> He alludes to the wild rose or eglantine. See B. xvi. c. 71.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1879_1879"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1879_1879"><span class="label">1879</span></a> “Granoso cortice.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1880_1880"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1880_1880"><span class="label">1880</span></a> Boxes of a pyramidal shape. See B. ix. c. 56.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1881_1881"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1881_1881"><span class="label">1881</span></a> Still, even for that purpose the rose was very extensively used. One -ancient author states that, even in the middle of winter, the more luxurious -Romans were not satisfied without roses swimming in their Falernian wine; -and we find Horace repeatedly alluding to the chaplets of roses worn by -the guests at banquets. Hence probably arose the expression, “Under -the rose.” Fée is evidently mistaken in thinking that Pliny implies here, -that it was but rarely used in chaplets.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1882_1882"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1882_1882"><span class="label">1882</span></a> Il. xxiii. l. 186.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1883_1883"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1883_1883"><span class="label">1883</span></a> B. xiii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1884_1884"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1884_1884"><span class="label">1884</span></a> “Collyriis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1885_1885"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1885_1885"><span class="label">1885</span></a> Clusius was of opinion that this was the Provence rose, the Rosa -Gallica of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1886_1886"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1886_1886"><span class="label">1886</span></a> The same rose, probably, of which Virgil says, Georg. B. iv. l. 119, -“Biferique rosaria Pæsti”—“And the rose-beds of Pæstum, that bear -twice in the year.” It has been suggested that it is identical with the -Rosa alba vulgaris major of Bauhin, the Rosa alba of Decandolle: but, -as Fée says, it is very questionable if this is correct, this white rose blossoming -but once a year.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1887_1887"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1887_1887"><span class="label">1887</span></a> A simple variety of the Rosa Gallica of Linnæus, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1888_1888"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1888_1888"><span class="label">1888</span></a> See B. iv. c. 14. According to J. Bauhin, this is the pale, flesh-coloured -rose, called the “rose of France,”—the “Rosa rubello flore, -majore, pleno, incarnata vulgo.” Others, again, take it to be the Damascus -rose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1889_1889"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1889_1889"><span class="label">1889</span></a> See B. v. c. 29. A variety of the white rose, Fée thinks, the determination -of which must be sought among the Eglantines.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1890_1890"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1890_1890"><span class="label">1890</span></a> “Spiniola.” A variety belonging to or approaching the Eglantine -in all probability. Fée makes mention here of a kind called the Rosa -myriacantha by Decandolle (the “thousand-thorn rose”), which is found in -great abundance in the south of Europe, and other parts of it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1891_1891"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1891_1891"><span class="label">1891</span></a> Fée remarks on this passage, that the beauty of the flower and the -number of the petals are always in an inverse proportion to the number of -thorns, which disappear successively the more carefully the plant is cultivated.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1892_1892"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1892_1892"><span class="label">1892</span></a> This is most probably the meaning of “Asperitate, levore.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1893_1893"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1893_1893"><span class="label">1893</span></a> Still known as the “Rosa centifolia.” Its petals sometimes exceed -<i>three</i> hundred in number; and it is the most esteemed of all for its fragrant -smell.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1894_1894"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1894_1894"><span class="label">1894</span></a> “Non suæ terræ proventu.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1895_1895"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1895_1895"><span class="label">1895</span></a> This rose is mentioned also by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 6. -From the description that Pliny gives of it, Fée is inclined to think that -it is some variety of the Rosa rubrifolia, which is often found in mountainous -localities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1896_1896"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1896_1896"><span class="label">1896</span></a> This assertion is borrowed from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. -6. Fée remarks that there is no truth in it. It is not improbable, however, -that the word “cortex” here may mean, not the calyx, but the bark -of the stem, in reference to its exemption from thorns. The <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">τραχὺ τὸ -κάτω</span> of Theophrastus would seem to admit of that rendering. See Note -<a href="#Footnote_1891_1891" class="fnanchor">1891</a> above.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1897_1897"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1897_1897"><span class="label">1897</span></a> “Extremas velut ad cardines.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1898_1898"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1898_1898"><span class="label">1898</span></a> This is not the case with the Rosa centifolia of modern botany. See -Note <a href="#Footnote_1893_1893" class="fnanchor">1893</a> above. It is not improbable, however, that the reading is “probabilis,” -and that this passage belongs to the next sentence.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1899_1899"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1899_1899"><span class="label">1899</span></a> The Lychnis, Fée remarks, is erroneously classed by Pliny among -the roses. It is generally agreed among naturalists that it is the garden -flower, the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus; which, however, does not -grow in humid soils, but in steep, rocky places.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1900_1900"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1900_1900"><span class="label">1900</span></a> Or “small Greek” rose. Some commentators have identified it with -the Rosa silvestris, odorata, flore albo of C. Bauhin, a wild white rose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1901_1901"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1901_1901"><span class="label">1901</span></a> Sillig thinks that this may mean the “Macedonian” rose. Another -reading is “moscheuton.” Fée says that it is not a rose at all, but one of -the Malvaceæ belonging to the genus Alcæa; one variety of which is -called the Alcæa rosa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1902_1902"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1902_1902"><span class="label">1902</span></a> Or “little chaplet.” Possibly a variety of the Eglantine, the Rosa -canina or dog-rose, Fée suggests.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1903_1903"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1903_1903"><span class="label">1903</span></a> The Eglantine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1904_1904"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1904_1904"><span class="label">1904</span></a> This seems to be the meaning of “tot modis adulteratur:” the roses -without smell appearing to him to be not <i>genuine</i> roses.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1905_1905"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1905_1905"><span class="label">1905</span></a> The Rosa Damascena of Miller, Fée thinks, our Damascus rose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1906_1906"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1906_1906"><span class="label">1906</span></a> The earliest rose in France and Spain, Fée says, is the “pompon,” -the variety Pomponæa of the Rosa centifolia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1907_1907"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1907_1907"><span class="label">1907</span></a> This is consistent with modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1908_1908"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1908_1908"><span class="label">1908</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 6. The rose is but very -rarely reproduced from seed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1909_1909"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1909_1909"><span class="label">1909</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 67, and B. xvii. c. 33.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1910_1910"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1910_1910"><span class="label">1910</span></a> Previously mentioned in this Chapter. The meaning of this passage, -however, is extremely doubtful. “Unum genus inseritur pallidæ, spinosæ, -longissimis virgis, quinquifoliæ, quæ Græcis altera est.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1911_1911"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1911_1911"><span class="label">1911</span></a> If the water was only lukewarm, Fée says, it would be of no use, -and if hotter, the speedy death of the tree would be the result.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1912_1912"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1912_1912"><span class="label">1912</span></a> “Quâdam cognatione.” He alludes to a maceration of the petals of -the rose and lily in oil. The aroma of the lily, Fée says, has not been -fixed by any method yet found.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1913_1913"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1913_1913"><span class="label">1913</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1914_1914"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1914_1914"><span class="label">1914</span></a> The Lilium candidum of Linnæus. Fée remarks that the “Lilium” -of the Romans and the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">λείριον</span> of the Greeks is evidently derived from -the <i>laleh</i> of the Persians.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1915_1915"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1915_1915"><span class="label">1915</span></a> “Calathi.” The “calathus” was a work-basket of tapering shape; -it was also used for carrying fruits and flowers, Ovid, Art. Am. ii. 264. -Cups, too, for wine were called by this name, Virg. Ecl. v. 71.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1916_1916"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1916_1916"><span class="label">1916</span></a> As this passage has been somewhat amplified in the translation, it -will perhaps be as well to insert it: “Resupinis per ambitum labris, tenuique -pilo et staminum stantibus in medio crocis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1917_1917"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1917_1917"><span class="label">1917</span></a> The Convolvulus sæpium of modern botany; the only resemblance -in which to the lily is in the colour, it being totally different in every other -respect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1918_1918"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1918_1918"><span class="label">1918</span></a> “Rudimentum.” She must have set to work in a very roundabout -way, Fée thinks, and one in which it would be quite impossible for a naturalist -to follow her.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1919_1919"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1919_1919"><span class="label">1919</span></a> The white lily is reproduced from the offsets of the bulbs; and, as -Fée justly remarks, it is highly absurd to compare the mode of cultivation -with that of the rose, which is propagated from slips.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1920_1920"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1920_1920"><span class="label">1920</span></a> This absurd notion is derived from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ii. -c. 2, and B. vi. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1921_1921"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1921_1921"><span class="label">1921</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_48">48</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1922_1922"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1922_1922"><span class="label">1922</span></a> The root really consists of certain fine fibres, to which the bulbs, or -rather cloves or offsets, are attached.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1923_1923"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1923_1923"><span class="label">1923</span></a> Judging from what Theocritus says, in his 35th Idyl, the “crinon” -would appear to have been a white lily. Sprengel, however, takes the red -lily of Pliny to be the scarlet lily, the Lilium Chalcedonicum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1924_1924"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1924_1924"><span class="label">1924</span></a> Or “dog-rose:” name now given to one of the wild roses.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1925_1925"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1925_1925"><span class="label">1925</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1926_1926"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1926_1926"><span class="label">1926</span></a> Fée remarks, that it is singular that Pliny, as also Virgil, Ecl. v. l. 38, -should have given the epithet “purpureus” to the Narcissus. It is owing, -Fée says, to the red nectary of the flower, which is also bordered with a -very bright red.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1927_1927"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1927_1927"><span class="label">1927</span></a> Into cloves or offsets.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1928_1928"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1928_1928"><span class="label">1928</span></a> The Narcissus poeticus of Linnæus. Pliny gives the origin of its -name in c. 75 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1929_1929"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1929_1929"><span class="label">1929</span></a> Though supported by Theophrastus, this assertion is quite erroneous. -In France, even, Fée says, the Narcissus poeticus blossoms at the end of -April, and sooner, probably, in the climates of Greece and Italy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1930_1930"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1930_1930"><span class="label">1930</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_76">76</a>. It is just possible that Pliny and Theophrastus -may be speaking of the Narcissus scrotinus of Linnæus, which is found in -great abundance in the southern provinces of Naples, and is undoubtedly -the flower alluded to by Virgil in the words, “Nec sera comantem Narcissum,” -Georg. iv. ll. 122, 123.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1931_1931"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1931_1931"><span class="label">1931</span></a> Fée remarks, that the extravagant proceeding here described by -Pliny with a seriousness that is perfectly ridiculous, does not merit any -discussion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1932_1932"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1932_1932"><span class="label">1932</span></a> When detached from the bulb, the stem of the lily will infallibly die.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1933_1933"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1933_1933"><span class="label">1933</span></a> “Nudantibus se nodulis.” There are no such knots in the lily, as -Fée remarks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1934_1934"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1934_1934"><span class="label">1934</span></a> The Viola odorata of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1935_1935"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1935_1935"><span class="label">1935</span></a> The Greek name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1936_1936"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1936_1936"><span class="label">1936</span></a> “Ianthina vestis,” violet-coloured.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1937_1937"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1937_1937"><span class="label">1937</span></a> Desfontaines identifies this with the Cheiranthus Cheiri; but Fée says -that there is little doubt that it belongs to the Viola tricolor herbensis -(pansy, or heart’s-ease), in the petals of which the yellow predominates, -and the type of which is the field violet, or Viola arvensis, the flowers of -which are extremely small, and entirely yellow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1938_1938"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1938_1938"><span class="label">1938</span></a> This has been identified with the Cheiranthus incanus, the Cheiranthus -tricuspidatus of the shores of the Mediterranean, the Hesperis maritima of -Linnæus; also, by some commentators, with the Campanula Medium of -Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1939_1939"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1939_1939"><span class="label">1939</span></a> So called, according to Pintianus and Salmasius, from Calatia, a town -of Italy. Fée adopts the reading “Calathiana,” and considers it to have -received that name from its resemblance to the Caltha mentioned in the -next Chapter. Dalechamps identifies it with the Digitalis purpurea; -Gessner, Dodonæus, and Thalius, with the Gentiana pneumonanthe, others -with the Gentiana ciliata and Pannonica, and Sprengel with the Gentiana -verna of Linnæus. Fée admits himself totally at a loss on the subject.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1940_1940"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1940_1940"><span class="label">1940</span></a> “Concolori amplitudine.” Gronovius, with considerable justice, expresses -himself at a loss as to the exact meaning of these words. If -Sprengel and Salmasius are right in their conjectures that the Caltha of -Pliny and Virgil is the marigold, our Calendula officinalis, the passage -cannot mean that the flower of it is of the same size and colour with -any variety of the violet mentioned in the preceding Chapter. From the -description given of it by Dioscorides, it is more than probable that the -Caltha of the ancients is not the marigold, and Hardouin is probably -right in his conjecture that Pliny intends to describe a variety of the violet -under the name. Fée is at a loss as to its identification.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1941_1941"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1941_1941"><span class="label">1941</span></a> Or “royal broom.” Sprengel thinks that this is the Chenopodium -scoparia, a plant common in Greece and Italy; and Fée is inclined to -coincide with that opinion, though, as he says, there are numerous other -plants with odoriferous leaves and pliant shoots, as its name, broom, would -seem to imply. Other writers would identify it with a Sideritis, and -others, again, with an Achillæa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1942_1942"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1942_1942"><span class="label">1942</span></a> See B. xii. c. 26. Fée is inclined to coincide with Ruellius, and to -identify this with the Digitalis purpurea, clown’s spikenard, or our Lady’s -gloves. The only strong objection to this is the fact that the root of the -digitalis has a very faint but disagreeable smell, and not at all like that of -cinnamon. But then, as Fée says, we have no positive proof that the -“cinnamomum” of the ancients is identical with our cinnamon. See Vol. -iii. p. 138. Sprengel takes the “bacchar” of Virgil to be the Valeriana -Celtica, and the “baccharis” of the Greeks to be the Gnaphalium sanguineum, -a plant of Egypt and Palestine. The bacchar has been also -identified with the Asperula odorata of Linnæus, the Geum urbanum of -Linnæus (the root of which has the smell of cloves), the Inula Vaillantii, -the Salvia Sclarea, and many other plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1943_1943"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1943_1943"><span class="label">1943</span></a> “Barbaricam.” Everything that was not indigenous to the territory -of Rome, was “barbarum,” or “barbaricum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1944_1944"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1944_1944"><span class="label">1944</span></a> Cæsalpinus says that this is a rushy plant, called, in Tuscany, Herba -luziola; but Fée is quite at a loss for its identification.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1945_1945"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1945_1945"><span class="label">1945</span></a> Sillig is most probably right in his surmise that there is an hiatus -here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1946_1946"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1946_1946"><span class="label">1946</span></a> In B. xii. c. 27. Asarum Europæum, or foal-foot.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1947_1947"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1947_1947"><span class="label">1947</span></a> Probably meaning that it comes from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀ</span>, “not,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σαίρω</span>, “to adorn.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1948_1948"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1948_1948"><span class="label">1948</span></a> Or Crocus, the Crocus sativus of Linnæus, from the prepared stigmata -of which the saffron of commerce is made. It is still found growing wild -on the mountains in the vicinity of Athens, and is extensively cultivated -in many parts of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1949_1949"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1949_1949"><span class="label">1949</span></a> “Degenerans ubique.” Judging from what he states below, he may -possibly mean, if grown repeatedly on the same soil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1950_1950"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1950_1950"><span class="label">1950</span></a> He may allude either to the city of Phlegra of Macedonia, or to the -Phlegræan Plains in Campania, which were remarkable for their fertility. -Virgil speaks of the saffron of Mount Tmolus in Cilicia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1951_1951"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1951_1951"><span class="label">1951</span></a> It is very extensively adulterated with the petals of the marigold, as -also the Carthamus tinctorius, safflower, or bastard saffron.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1952_1952"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1952_1952"><span class="label">1952</span></a> This is the case; for when it is brittle it shows that it has not been -adulterated with water, to add to its weight.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1953_1953"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1953_1953"><span class="label">1953</span></a> Perhaps the reading here, “Cum sit in medio candidum,” is preferable; -“because it is white in the middle.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1954_1954"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1954_1954"><span class="label">1954</span></a> “White throughout.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1955_1955"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1955_1955"><span class="label">1955</span></a> He contradicts himself here; for in c. 79 of this Book, he says that -chaplets of saffron are good for dispelling the fumes of wine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1956_1956"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1956_1956"><span class="label">1956</span></a> “Ad theatra replenda.” It was the custom to discharge saffron-water -over the theatres with pipes, and sometimes the saffron was mixed with -wine for the purpose. It was discharged through pipes of very minute -bore, so that it fell upon the spectators in the form of the finest dust. See -Lucretius, B. ii. l. 416; Lucan, Phars. ix. l. 808-810; and Seneca, Epist. -92.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1957_1957"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1957_1957"><span class="label">1957</span></a> It flowers so rapidly, in fact, that it is difficult to avoid the loss of a -part of the harvest.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1958_1958"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1958_1958"><span class="label">1958</span></a> The whole of this passage is from Theophrastus, De Odorib.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1959_1959"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1959_1959"><span class="label">1959</span></a> This statement, though borrowed from Theophrastus, is not consistent -with fact. The root of saffron is not more long-lived than any other -bulbs of the Liliaceæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1960_1960"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1960_1960"><span class="label">1960</span></a> Because, Dalechamps says, all the juices are thereby thrown back into -the root, which consequently bears a stronger flower the next year.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1961_1961"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1961_1961"><span class="label">1961</span></a> Il. xiv. l. 348.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1962_1962"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1962_1962"><span class="label">1962</span></a> see B. xiii. c. 32.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1963_1963"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1963_1963"><span class="label">1963</span></a> All these statements as to the odours of various substances, are from -Theophrastus, De Causis, B. vi. c. 22.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1964_1964"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1964_1964"><span class="label">1964</span></a> He does <i>not</i> say, however, that it is but rarely that a bitter substance -is not odoriferous; a sense in which Fée seems to have understood him, as -he says, “This assertion is not true in general, and there are numerous -exceptions; for instance, quassia wood, which is inodorous and yet intensely -bitter.” The essential oil, he remarks, elaborated in the tissue of -the corolla, is the ordinary source of the emanations of the flower.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1965_1965"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1965_1965"><span class="label">1965</span></a> Fée remarks that cultivation gives to plants a softer and more aqueous -consistency, which is consequently injurious to the developement of the -essential oil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1966_1966"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1966_1966"><span class="label">1966</span></a> Theophrastus, from whom this is borrowed, might have said with -more justice, Fée remarks, that certain roses have more odour when dried -than when fresh gathered. Such is the case, he says, with the Provence -rose. Fresh roses, however, have a more pronounced smell, the nearer -they are to the olfactory organs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1967_1967"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1967_1967"><span class="label">1967</span></a> This is by no means invariably the case: in fact, the smell of most -odoriferous plants is most powerful in summer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1968_1968"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1968_1968"><span class="label">1968</span></a> Because the essential oils evaporate more rapidly.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1969_1969"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1969_1969"><span class="label">1969</span></a> With Littré, we adopt the reading “ætate,” “mid-age,” and -not “æstate,” “midsummer,” for although the assertion would be in -general correct, Pliny would contradict the statement just made, that -all plants have a more penetrating odour in spring. This reading is supported -also by the text of Theophrastus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1970_1970"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1970_1970"><span class="label">1970</span></a> Or saffron.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1971_1971"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1971_1971"><span class="label">1971</span></a> This is a just observation, but the instances might be greatly extended, -as Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1972_1972"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1972_1972"><span class="label">1972</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_39">39</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1973_1973"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1973_1973"><span class="label">1973</span></a> The white lily and the red lily. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_11">11</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1974_1974"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1974_1974"><span class="label">1974</span></a> As to the Abrotonum, see B. xiii. c. 2, and c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_34">34</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1975_1975"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1975_1975"><span class="label">1975</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_35">35</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1976_1976"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1976_1976"><span class="label">1976</span></a> Or in other words, the interior of the petals has a more bitter flavour -than that of the exterior surface.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1977_1977"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1977_1977"><span class="label">1977</span></a> Pliny makes a mistake here, in copying from Theophrastus. De Causis, -B. vi. c. 25. That author is speaking not of the flower, but of the rainbow, -under the name of “iris.” Pliny has himself made a similar statement -as to the rainbow, in B. xii. c. 52, which he would appear here to -have forgotten.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1978_1978"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1978_1978"><span class="label">1978</span></a> The Cheiranthus tristis of Linnæus, or sad gilliflower, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1979_1979"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1979_1979"><span class="label">1979</span></a> See B. viii. c. 23. Pliny did not know of the existence of the musk-deer, -the Muschus moschiferus of Eastern Asia: and he seems not to have -thought of the civet, (if, indeed, it was known to him) the fox, the weasel, -and the polecat, the exhalations from which have a peculiar smell. The -same, too, with the urine of the panther and other animals of the genus -Felis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1980_1980"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1980_1980"><span class="label">1980</span></a> For some superstitious reason, in all probability. Pliny mentions -below, the formalities with which this plant ought to be gathered.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1981_1981"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1981_1981"><span class="label">1981</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 2. The ancient type of this plant, our iris, sword-lily, -or flower-de-luce, was probably the Iris Florentina or Florentine iris -of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1982_1982"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1982_1982"><span class="label">1982</span></a> At the present day, too, it is the root of the plant that is the most -important part of it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1983_1983"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1983_1983"><span class="label">1983</span></a> The Iris Florentina, probably, of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1984_1984"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1984_1984"><span class="label">1984</span></a> Mentioned by Nicander, Theriaca, l. 43.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1985_1985"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1985_1985"><span class="label">1985</span></a> Probably a variety only of the preceding kind.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1986_1986"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1986_1986"><span class="label">1986</span></a> The most common varieties in Africa are the Iris alata of Lamarck, -I. Mauritanica of Clusius, I. juncea, and I. stylosa of Desfontaines.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1987_1987"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1987_1987"><span class="label">1987</span></a> “Raphanus.” C. Bauhin identifies the Rhaphanitis with the Iris biflora, -and the Rhizotomus with the Iris angustifolia prunum redolens.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1988_1988"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1988_1988"><span class="label">1988</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38">38</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1989_1989"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1989_1989"><span class="label">1989</span></a> No kind of iris, Fée says, fresh or dried, whole or powdered, is productive -of this effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1990_1990"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1990_1990"><span class="label">1990</span></a> Very similar, probably, to that of Illyria.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1991_1991"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1991_1991"><span class="label">1991</span></a> All these superstitions are from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1992_1992"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1992_1992"><span class="label">1992</span></a> This, Fée says, is quite consistent with modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1993_1993"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1993_1993"><span class="label">1993</span></a> “Irinum.” See B. xiii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1994_1994"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1994_1994"><span class="label">1994</span></a> Probably the Valeriana Celtica of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. 27, where -it is mentioned as Gallic nard.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1995_1995"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1995_1995"><span class="label">1995</span></a> “Cæspes.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1996_1996"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1996_1996"><span class="label">1996</span></a> See B. iii. c. 21.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1997_1997"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1997_1997"><span class="label">1997</span></a> Probably the Teucrium polium of Linnæus; the herb poley, or poley-mountain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1998_1998"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1998_1998"><span class="label">1998</span></a> By those who carry it on their person.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1999_1999"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1999_1999"><span class="label">1999</span></a> This marvel is related by Dioscorides in reference to the Tripolium, -and not the Polium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2000_2000"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2000_2000"><span class="label">2000</span></a> The Teucrium montanum, probably, of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2001_2001"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2001_2001"><span class="label">2001</span></a> This name belongs, properly, to the wild or mountain Polium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2002_2002"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2002_2002"><span class="label">2002</span></a> “Principales.” The meaning of this term is explained at the end of -this Chapter. Red, yellow, and blue—or else, red, green, and violet, are -probably the <i>primary</i> colours of light.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2003_2003"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2003_2003"><span class="label">2003</span></a> See B. ix. c. 65, and B. xvi. c. 12. He alludes to the Coccus ilicis -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2004_2004"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2004_2004"><span class="label">2004</span></a> See B. xxxvii. c. 40, as to the meaning of the word “Suspectus.” -This passage, however, as Sillig remarks, is hopelessly corrupt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2005_2005"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2005_2005"><span class="label">2005</span></a> See B. ix. cc. 60, 63.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2006_2006"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2006_2006"><span class="label">2006</span></a> “Doubly-dyed,” or “twice dipped,” in purple. See B. ix. c. 63. -Littré remarks here that, according to Doctor Bizio, it was the Murex -brandaris that produced the Tyrian purple, and the Murex trunculus the -amethystine purple.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2007_2007"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2007_2007"><span class="label">2007</span></a> Or “violet-colour.” See B. xxxvii. c. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2008_2008"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2008_2008"><span class="label">2008</span></a> For further information on these tints, see B. ix. cc. 64, 65.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2009_2009"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2009_2009"><span class="label">2009</span></a> Belonging, probably, Fée thinks, to the Cruciferæ of the genera -Hesperis and Cheiranthus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2010_2010"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2010_2010"><span class="label">2010</span></a> “Flammeis” The “flammeum,” or flame-coloured veil of the bride, -was of a bright yellow, or rather orange-colour, perhaps.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2011_2011"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2011_2011"><span class="label">2011</span></a> The Celosia cristata of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2012_2012"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2012_2012"><span class="label">2012</span></a> “Spica.” The moderns have been enabled to equal the velvety appearance -of the amaranth in the tints imparted by them to their velvets. -The Italians call it the “velvet-flower.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2013_2013"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2013_2013"><span class="label">2013</span></a> The real fact is, that the amaranth, being naturally a dry flower, and -having little humidity to lose, keeps better than most others.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2014_2014"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2014_2014"><span class="label">2014</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀ</span>, “not,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μαραίνεσθαι</span>, “to fade.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2015_2015"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2015_2015"><span class="label">2015</span></a> Being the Greek for “blue” or “azure.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2016_2016"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2016_2016"><span class="label">2016</span></a> The Centaurea cyanus of Linnæus; our blue-bell.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2017_2017"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2017_2017"><span class="label">2017</span></a> Meaning “all gold.” It has been identified with the Gnaphalium -stœchas of Linnæus, the <i>immortelle</i> of the French, which forms the ingredient -for their funereal chaplets.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2018_2018"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2018_2018"><span class="label">2018</span></a> Sprengel says that this is the Geum rivale of Linnæus; but then the -Geum is a spring, and not an autumn flower, its blossoms bear no resemblance -to those of the eglantine, and its seeds are not yellow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2019_2019"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2019_2019"><span class="label">2019</span></a> Generally supposed to be the Chrysanthemum segetum, or golden -daisy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2020_2020"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2020_2020"><span class="label">2020</span></a> “Pastillicantibus quinquagenis quinis barbulis coronatur.” Pliny is -unusually verbose here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2021_2021"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2021_2021"><span class="label">2021</span></a> “Golden locks,” or “gold plant;” probably the Chrysocoma linosyris -of Linnæus; though the name appears to have been given to numerous -plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2022_2022"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2022_2022"><span class="label">2022</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 69, B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_65">65</a>, B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_2">2</a>, B. xxiv. c. 40; also -c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_42">42</a> of the present Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2023_2023"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2023_2023"><span class="label">2023</span></a> The Nerium oleander of Linnæus. See B. xvi. c. 33, and B. xxiv. -cc. 47, 49.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2024_2024"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2024_2024"><span class="label">2024</span></a> As to the Zizyphum, or jujube, see B. xv. c. 14. The flower, as Pliny -says, is not unlike that of the olive; but Fée remarks, that it may at the -present day as justly be called the tree of Provence or of Italy, as in -ancient times “the tree of Cappadocia.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2025_2025"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2025_2025"><span class="label">2025</span></a> B. xxv. c. 67.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2026_2026"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2026_2026"><span class="label">2026</span></a> See B. v. c. 41.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2027_2027"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2027_2027"><span class="label">2027</span></a> See B. xvi. cc. 62 and 63, and B. xxiv. cc. 47 and 49.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2028_2028"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2028_2028"><span class="label">2028</span></a> Or Vitis alba, “white vine,” the Bryonia dioica of modern botany. -See B. xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_16">16</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2029_2029"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2029_2029"><span class="label">2029</span></a> The Spiræa salicifolia of Linnæus, or meadowsweet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2030_2030"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2030_2030"><span class="label">2030</span></a> See B. xx. c. 67, and c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_30">30</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2031_2031"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2031_2031"><span class="label">2031</span></a> The Daphne Cnidium of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_35">35</a>; also B. xii. -c. 43. It is altogether different from the Laurus cassia, or genuine cassia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2032_2032"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2032_2032"><span class="label">2032</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_63">63</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2033_2033"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2033_2033"><span class="label">2033</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_45">45</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2034_2034"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2034_2034"><span class="label">2034</span></a> “Sertula Camapana.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2035_2035"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2035_2035"><span class="label">2035</span></a> Most probably, Fée thinks, the Trifolium Melilotus officinalis, a -clover, or trefoil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2036_2036"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2036_2036"><span class="label">2036</span></a> The Psoranthea bituminosa of Linnæus. It is found on declivities -near the sea-coast, in the south of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2037_2037"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2037_2037"><span class="label">2037</span></a> “Pointed trefoil.” Pliny has probably committed an error here, as -Dioscorides makes oxyphyllum, minyanthes, and asphaltium to be different -names of the same variety. Sprengel, however, identifies this pointed -trefoil with the Trifolium Italicum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2038_2038"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2038_2038"><span class="label">2038</span></a> The Anethum fæniculum of Linnæus. See B. viii. c. 41, B. xx. c. 95, -and B. xxx. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2039_2039"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2039_2039"><span class="label">2039</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_96">96</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2040_2040"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2040_2040"><span class="label">2040</span></a> The “mouse-killer.” Probably the Aconitum napellus of Linnæus. -See B. xxvii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2041_2041"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2041_2041"><span class="label">2041</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 62.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2042_2042"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2042_2042"><span class="label">2042</span></a> Fée remarks, that there is no such ivy in existence; he agrees with -Dalechamps in the opinion that Pliny has confounded <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κίσσος</span>, “ivy,” with -<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κίστος</span>, the “rock-rose.” See B. xvi. c. 62.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2043_2043"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2043_2043"><span class="label">2043</span></a> The Daphne Cnidium and the Daphne Cneorum of Linnæus. See B. -xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_35">35</a>, and B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2044_2044"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2044_2044"><span class="label">2044</span></a> In reality, they blossom in April and May, and mostly a second time -in autumn as well, the Daphne Cneorum in particular.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2045_2045"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2045_2045"><span class="label">2045</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_69">69</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2046_2046"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2046_2046"><span class="label">2046</span></a> Under the head “Thymus,” Fée thinks that both the Satureia capitata -of Linnæus, headed savory, and the Thymus vulgaris, and Thymus -zygis of Linnæus (varieties of thyme), should be included.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2047_2047"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2047_2047"><span class="label">2047</span></a> Fée thinks that in the expression “nigricans,” he may allude to the -deep red of the stalk of some kinds of thyme, more particularly at the end -of summer. It is the Thymus zigis that has a white, downy stem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2048_2048"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2048_2048"><span class="label">2048</span></a> From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 2, and De Causis, B. i. -c. 5. Fée suggests, that the seed, lying at the bottom of the calyx, may -have escaped notice, and that in reality, when the ancients imagined they -were sowing the blossoms, they were putting the seed in the earth. That, -in fact, seems to agree with the view which Pliny takes of the matter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2049_2049"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2049_2049"><span class="label">2049</span></a> Which lies in the interior of the Peloponnesus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2050_2050"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2050_2050"><span class="label">2050</span></a> See B. xv. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2051_2051"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2051_2051"><span class="label">2051</span></a> “Lapidei Campi.” See B. iii. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2052_2052"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2052_2052"><span class="label">2052</span></a> Similar to our practice of depasturing sheep on Dartmoor and other -favourite moors and downs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2053_2053"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2053_2053"><span class="label">2053</span></a> Fée takes this to be the Inula viscosa of Desfontaines, and identifies -the other kind with the Inula pulicaria of Linnæus. See B. xx. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_63">63</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_64">64</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2054_2054"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2054_2054"><span class="label">2054</span></a> B. xx. c. 64.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2055_2055"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2055_2055"><span class="label">2055</span></a> Supposed to be the same as the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2056_2056"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2056_2056"><span class="label">2056</span></a> Sprengel identifies it with the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus. -As described by Dioscorides, however, Fée takes it to be the Lilium Martagon, -or Turk’s-cap lily. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_90">90</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2057_2057"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2057_2057"><span class="label">2057</span></a> This is different from the Helenium of the Greeks, the Inula Helenium -of Linnæus, mentioned in B. xv. c. 7. Sprengel identifies it with -the Teucrium Creticum of Linnæus, the Cretan germander.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2058_2058"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2058_2058"><span class="label">2058</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_91">91</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2059_2059"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2059_2059"><span class="label">2059</span></a> “Flame.” Sprengel identifies it with the Agrostemma coronaria of -Linnæus, making the flower of Jove to be the Agrostemma flos Jovis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2060_2060"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2060_2060"><span class="label">2060</span></a> Fée remarks, that if this is our Thymus serpyllum, this exception is -inexact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2061_2061"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2061_2061"><span class="label">2061</span></a> For two islands of this name, see B. iv. c. 20, and c. 23.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2062_2062"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2062_2062"><span class="label">2062</span></a> The female Abrotonum is identified with the Santolina chamæcyparissus -of Linnæus: the little-cypress Santoline. The male is the Artemisia -abrotonum of Linnæus, our southern-wood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2063_2063"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2063_2063"><span class="label">2063</span></a> Pliny has probably committed an error here in transcribing from -Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, who, when speaking of the abrotonum, -says, “It is transplanted in earthen pots, in the way employed for -the gardens of Adonis,” these gardens being moveable parterres, laid out -in pots or vases. We cannot agree with Hardouin, who looks upon the -Adonium as a variety of the Abrotonum, and censures Salmasius for accusing -Pliny of committing an error here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2064_2064"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2064_2064"><span class="label">2064</span></a> The “White flower.” See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2065_2065"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2065_2065"><span class="label">2065</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 2. The sampsuchum, or amaracus, is generally -thought to be the sweet marjoram, or Origanum marjorana of Linnæus. -But Fée identifies it with the Origanum majoranoides of Willdenow, our -organy, wild or false marjoram.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2066_2066"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2066_2066"><span class="label">2066</span></a> The “night-watcher.” According to Sprengel, this is the Cæsalpina -pulcherrima of Linnæus. But, as Fée says, that is entirely an Indian -plant, and has only been introduced but very recently into Europe. Hardouin -identifies it with a plant called “lunaria” by the naturalists of his -day, which shines, he says, with the moon at night.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2067_2067"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2067_2067"><span class="label">2067</span></a> The Cæsalpina pulcherrima is not to be found in or near Gedrosia (in -ancient Persia), but solely on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2068_2068"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2068_2068"><span class="label">2068</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">χῆνες</span> “geese” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μύχος</span> a “corner;” because geese run -into a corner on seeing it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2069_2069"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2069_2069"><span class="label">2069</span></a> As to the meaning of this word, see B. xxviii. c. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2070_2070"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2070_2070"><span class="label">2070</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_29">29</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2071_2071"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2071_2071"><span class="label">2071</span></a> This has been thought to be the Cheiranthus incanus, Cheiranthus -annus, and Leucoium vernum of modern botany; but Fée is of opinion -that it is next to impossible to identify it. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_14">14</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2072_2072"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2072_2072"><span class="label">2072</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_33">33</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2073_2073"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2073_2073"><span class="label">2073</span></a> See B. xxv. c. 67.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2074_2074"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2074_2074"><span class="label">2074</span></a> In c. 11 of this Book. There is no late variety of the lily known at -the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2075_2075"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2075_2075"><span class="label">2075</span></a> Or “wind flower:” the Anemone coronaria of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2076_2076"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2076_2076"><span class="label">2076</span></a> A ranunculus. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_94">94</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2077_2077"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2077_2077"><span class="label">2077</span></a> Or “vine-blossom.” See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_95">95</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2078_2078"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2078_2078"><span class="label">2078</span></a> Or “black violet,” mentioned by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. -c. 7. Pliny may probably mean the purple violet, mentioned by him in -c. 14 of this Book. “Melanthium” is another reading.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2079_2079"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2079_2079"><span class="label">2079</span></a> Not improbably the same as the “holochrysos,” mentioned in c. 24 of -this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2080_2080"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2080_2080"><span class="label">2080</span></a> “Meadow” anemone.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2081_2081"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2081_2081"><span class="label">2081</span></a> “The little sword.” See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_67">67</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2082_2082"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2082_2082"><span class="label">2082</span></a> There have been conflicting opinions as to the identification of the -hyacinth of the ancients. Linnæus identifies it with the Delphinium -Ajacis: Sprengel and Salmasius with the Gladiolus communis: Sibthorp -with the Gladiolus communis triphyllos: Dodonæus and Porta the Lilium -bulbiferum: and Martyn and Fée the Lilium Martagon of Linnæus, the -Turk’s-cap lily. From what Pliny says in cc. 39 and 97 of this Book, -and in B. xxv. c. 80, it is pretty clear that under the name of hyacinth he -has confused the characteristics of two different plants. The hyacinth, -too, of Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 5, is a different plant, Fée remarks, being -the Hyacinthus comosus of modern botanists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2083_2083"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2083_2083"><span class="label">2083</span></a> The Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ΑΙ</span>, “Alas!” which the ancients fancied they saw impressed -on the leaves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2084_2084"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2084_2084"><span class="label">2084</span></a> See Ovid’s Met. B. x. l. 162-220.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2085_2085"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2085_2085"><span class="label">2085</span></a> See Ovid’s Met. B. xiii. l. 397, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2086_2086"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2086_2086"><span class="label">2086</span></a> “Unsullied by fire.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2087_2087"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2087_2087"><span class="label">2087</span></a> Or “light” flower: the Agrostemma coronaria of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2088_2088"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2088_2088"><span class="label">2088</span></a> Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, mentions the “cerinthus” -next after the flower of Jove: Pliny seems to have taken it for a kind of -lily. This flower has not been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2089_2089"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2089_2089"><span class="label">2089</span></a> Sprengel takes this to be the Lavandula spica, or Lavender.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2090_2090"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2090_2090"><span class="label">2090</span></a> Hardouin identifies this with the Lychnis Chalcedonica, or Cross of -Jerusalem, with which opinion Fée seems inclined to coincide. Other -commentators incline to the opinion that it is the Jasminum fruticans, a -plant in which, beyond its smell, there is nothing at all remarkable. The -exotic monocotyledon, known as the “Pothos,” has no connection with -the plant here mentioned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2091_2091"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2091_2091"><span class="label">2091</span></a> This, according to some, is the Lychnis Chalcedonica, the next being -the Jasminum fruticans.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2092_2092"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2092_2092"><span class="label">2092</span></a> As known to us, all the varieties of the iris blossom in spring.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2093_2093"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2093_2093"><span class="label">2093</span></a> The purple lily, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2094_2094"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2094_2094"><span class="label">2094</span></a> If this is the correct reading, which is very doubtful, this plant is -unknown. M. Jan has suggested that Pliny, in copying from Theophrastus, -Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 7, has read <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὀρσινὸς</span> by mistake for <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὀρεινός</span>, “mountainous,” -the original meaning being, “Two varieties of saffron, one of them -growing on the mountains, the other cultivated;” and this last word being -rendered by Pliny “hebes,” translated above as meaning “inodorous.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2095_2095"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2095_2095"><span class="label">2095</span></a> The Acanthus, probably. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_34">34</a>, and B. xxiv. c. 66.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2096_2096"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2096_2096"><span class="label">2096</span></a> Forskhal speaks of an acanthus in Arabia, the leaves of which are -eaten raw. Fée thinks, that these shoots might be eaten without any inconvenience, -but doubts if they would make such a tempting morsel as -Pliny describes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2097_2097"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2097_2097"><span class="label">2097</span></a> Or blue-bell.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2098_2098"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2098_2098"><span class="label">2098</span></a> Linnæus and other authorities identify this with the Clematis of -Dioscorides, the Vinca major and minor of modern botany, our periwinkle. -Fée, however, is inclined to identify it with the Chamædaphne, or ground-laurel -of B. xv. c. 39, the Ruscus racemosus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2099_2099"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2099_2099"><span class="label">2099</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38">38</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2100_2100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2100_2100"><span class="label">2100</span></a> This method of cultivation, also mentioned by Theophrastus, is never -employed in modern horticulture.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2101_2101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2101_2101"><span class="label">2101</span></a> In c. 10 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2102_2102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2102_2102"><span class="label">2102</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_50">50</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2103_2103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2103_2103"><span class="label">2103</span></a> “Honey-leaf.” The Melissa officinalis of Linnæus: our balm-gentle. -It is the same as the “apiastrum,” though Pliny has erroneously -made them distinct plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2104_2104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2104_2104"><span class="label">2104</span></a> “Wax-flower.” The Cerinthe major of Linnæus: the greater honeywort.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2105_2105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2105_2105"><span class="label">2105</span></a> See B. xi. c. 8. On the contrary, Virgil says, Georg. iv. l. 20, that -a wild olive-tree should be planted near the hives, to protect them with its -shade. Varro says also, De Re Rust. iii. 16, that the bee extracts honey -from the olive-tree; but according to Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. ix. c. 64, -it is from the leaf, and not the flower of that tree that the honey is extracted.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2106_2106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2106_2106"><span class="label">2106</span></a> See B. xv. c. 31. Fée is inclined to doubt the correctness of the -assertion here made by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2107_2107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2107_2107"><span class="label">2107</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 5. The remedies for the diseases of bees in modern -times are of a very similar nature, but attention is equally paid to the -proper ventilation of the hives.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2108_2108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2108_2108"><span class="label">2108</span></a> This plan is still adopted on the river Po, the ancient Padus, as also -at Beauce, in the south of France, where the hives are carried from place -to place upon carts. In the north of England it is the practice to carry -the hives to the moors in autumn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2109_2109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2109_2109"><span class="label">2109</span></a> This has been doubted by Spielmann, but it is nevertheless the truth; -the nature of the sugar secreted by the glands of the nectary, being analogous -to that of the plant which furnishes it. The honey gathered from -aconite in Switzerland has been known to produce vertigo and even delirium. -Dr. Barton also gives a similar account of the effects of the poisonous -honey collected from the Kalmia latifolia in Pennsylvania; and Geoffroi -Saint Hilaire says that, having eaten in Brazil some honey prepared by a -wasp called “lecheguana,” his life was put in very considerable danger -thereby. Xenophon also speaks of the effects of the intoxicating or maddening -honey upon some of the Ten Thousand in their retreat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2110_2110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2110_2110"><span class="label">2110</span></a> The rhododendrons and rose laurels, Fée says, which are so numerous -in these parts, render the fact here stated extremely probable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2111_2111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2111_2111"><span class="label">2111</span></a> “Goats’ death.” Fée says that this is the Rhododendron Ponticum -of Linnæus. Desfontaines identifies it with the Azalea Pontica of modern -botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2112_2112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2112_2112"><span class="label">2112</span></a> In reality, there are no visible signs by which to detect that the honey -is poisonous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2113_2113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2113_2113"><span class="label">2113</span></a> B. xxix. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2114_2114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2114_2114"><span class="label">2114</span></a> See B. xii. c. 25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2115_2115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2115_2115"><span class="label">2115</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Μαινόμενον</span>, “maddening.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2116_2116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2116_2116"><span class="label">2116</span></a> The ægolethron of the preceding Chapter, Fée thinks. If so, the -word rhododendron, he says, would apply to two plants, the Nerion oleander -or rose laurel (see B. xvi. c. 33), and the Rhododendron Ponticum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2117_2117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2117_2117"><span class="label">2117</span></a> Fée refuses to credit this: but still such a thing might accidentally -happen.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2118_2118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2118_2118"><span class="label">2118</span></a> These asserted remedies would be of no use whatever, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2119_2119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2119_2119"><span class="label">2119</span></a> See B. vii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2120_2120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2120_2120"><span class="label">2120</span></a> Fée seems to take it for granted that Pliny is speaking here of honey -made by other insects than bees; but such does not appear to be the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2121_2121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2121_2121"><span class="label">2121</span></a> Fée remarks here that Pliny is right, and that Columella and Palladius -are wrong, who would have the hives to look due north.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2122_2122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2122_2122"><span class="label">2122</span></a> Lapis specularis: a sort of talc, probably. See B. iii. c. 4. B. ix. c. -56. B. xv. c. 1. B. xix. c. 23, and B. xxxvi. c. 45.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2123_2123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2123_2123"><span class="label">2123</span></a> In B. ix. c. 16, he mentions hives made of horn for this purpose. -Glass hives are now made for the purpose, but the moisture which adheres -to the interior of the glass prevents the operations of the bees from being -watched with any degree of nicety.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2124_2124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2124_2124"><span class="label">2124</span></a> “Cognatum hoc.” He probably alludes to the notion entertained -by the ancients that bees might be reproduced from the putrefied entrails of -an ox, as wasps from those of a horse. See the story of Aristæus in B. -iv. of Virgil’s Georgics.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2125_2125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2125_2125"><span class="label">2125</span></a> Or butterflies—“papiliones.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2126_2126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2126_2126"><span class="label">2126</span></a> “Teredines.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2127_2127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2127_2127"><span class="label">2127</span></a> Honeycombs and rough wax are placed in the hive, when the bees -are in want of aliment; also honey and sugar-sirop.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2128_2128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2128_2128"><span class="label">2128</span></a> “Defrutum:” grape-juice boiled down to one-half.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2129_2129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2129_2129"><span class="label">2129</span></a> Fée is at a loss to know how this could be of any service as an aliment -to bees.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2130_2130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2130_2130"><span class="label">2130</span></a> A mere puerility, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2131_2131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2131_2131"><span class="label">2131</span></a> But extremely weak, no doubt; for after boiling, the hydromel must -be subjected, first to vinous, and then to acetous, fermentation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2132_2132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2132_2132"><span class="label">2132</span></a> The method here described differs but little from that employed at -the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2133_2133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2133_2133"><span class="label">2133</span></a> “Sporta.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2134_2134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2134_2134"><span class="label">2134</span></a> Or Carthaginian.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2135_2135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2135_2135"><span class="label">2135</span></a> In reality, the wax has properties totally different from those of the -honey, and it is not always gathered from the same plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2136_2136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2136_2136"><span class="label">2136</span></a> A kind of bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2137_2137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2137_2137"><span class="label">2137</span></a> Neither the nitre nor the salt, Fée says, would be of the slightest utility.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2138_2138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2138_2138"><span class="label">2138</span></a> By causing the aqueous particles that may remain in it, to evaporate.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2139_2139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2139_2139"><span class="label">2139</span></a> Or “likenesses”—“similitudines.” Waxen profiles seem to have been -the favourite likenesses with the Romans: See the Asinaria of Plautus, -A. iv. sc. i. l. 19, in which one of these portraits is clearly alluded to. -Also Ovid, Heroid. xiii. l. 152, and Remed. Amor. l. 723. The “imagines” -also, or busts of their ancestors, which were kept in their “atria,” were -made of wax.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2140_2140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2140_2140"><span class="label">2140</span></a> To protect the paintings, probably, with which the walls were decorated.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2141_2141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2141_2141"><span class="label">2141</span></a> In B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2142_2142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2142_2142"><span class="label">2142</span></a> See B. xv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2143_2143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2143_2143"><span class="label">2143</span></a> See B. xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_17">17</a>. According to some authorities, it is supposed to -be the Delphinium staphis agria of Linnæus; but Fée and Desfontaines -identify it with the Tamus communis of Linnæus, Our Lady’s seal.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2144_2144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2144_2144"><span class="label">2144</span></a> The Ruscus aculeatus of Linnæus. See B. xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_83">83</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2145_2145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2145_2145"><span class="label">2145</span></a> In B. xxii. c. 33, this plant is called “halimon.” Some authors -identify it with the Atriplex halymus, and others, again, with the Crithmum -maritimum of Linnæus. See also B. xxvi. c. 50.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2146_2146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2146_2146"><span class="label">2146</span></a> Identified by some commentators with the Portulaca sativa or Portulaca -oleracea of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2147_2147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2147_2147"><span class="label">2147</span></a> “Pastinaca pratensis.” Fée and Desfontaines are undecided whether -this is the Daucus carota of Linnæus, the common carrot, or the Pastinaca -sativa, the cultivated parsnip.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2148_2148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2148_2148"><span class="label">2148</span></a> “Lupus salictarius,” the “willow wolf,” literally; the Humulus -lupulus of Linnæus. It probably took its Latin name from the tenacity -with which it clung to willows and osiers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2149_2149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2149_2149"><span class="label">2149</span></a> The Arum colocasia of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2150_2150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2150_2150"><span class="label">2150</span></a> The “bean.” Not, however, the Egyptian bean, which is the Nymphæa -nelumbo of Linnæus, the Nelumbum speciosum of Willdenow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2151_2151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2151_2151"><span class="label">2151</span></a> These filaments are mentioned also by Martial, Epig., B. viii. Ep. -33, and B. xiii. Ep. 57. But according to Desfontaines, this description -applies to the stalks of the Nymphæa lotos, and not of the Arum colocasia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2152_2152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2152_2152"><span class="label">2152</span></a> “Thyrsus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2153_2153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2153_2153"><span class="label">2153</span></a> Desfontaines has identified this with the Arctium lappa of botanists; -but that is a land plant, and this, Pliny says, grows in the rivers, if -the reading here is correct, it cannot be the plant of the same name mentioned -in B. xxv. c. 58.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2154_2154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2154_2154"><span class="label">2154</span></a> This applies, Desfontaines says, to the Nymphæa nelumbo.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2155_2155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2155_2155"><span class="label">2155</span></a> Here he returns, according to Desfontaines, to the Arum colocasia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2156_2156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2156_2156"><span class="label">2156</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2157_2157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2157_2157"><span class="label">2157</span></a> “Intubum erraticum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2158_2158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2158_2158"><span class="label">2158</span></a> The Cyperus Esculentus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2159_2159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2159_2159"><span class="label">2159</span></a> Theophrastus, B. iv. c. 10, says that it grows in the sandy soil in the -vicinity of the river.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2160_2160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2160_2160"><span class="label">2160</span></a> It is similar in appearance to the papyrus, and its tubercles are oblong, -or round and fleshy, with an agreeable flavour.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2161_2161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2161_2161"><span class="label">2161</span></a> The Arachis hypogæa of Linnæus, the earth pistachio.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2162_2162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2162_2162"><span class="label">2162</span></a> The root is not large; but the fruit is so close to the earth that Pliny -may have confounded it with the real root of the plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2163_2163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2163_2163"><span class="label">2163</span></a> Sprengel identifies this with the Lathyrus amphicarpos, and the -aracos with the Lathyrus tuberosus, varieties of the chicheling vetch. -Columna thinks that this last was the arachidna. Fée says that the data -are altogether insufficient to enable us to form an opinion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2164_2164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2164_2164"><span class="label">2164</span></a> The Chondrylla juncea of Linnæus, according to Fée; but Desfontaines -identifies it with the Lactuca perennis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2165_2165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2165_2165"><span class="label">2165</span></a> Desfontaines identifies it with the Hyoseris lucida. Fée says that -the opinion is equally as difficult to combat as to support.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2166_2166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2166_2166"><span class="label">2166</span></a> Fée identifies it with the Caucalis grandiflora of Linnæus, a native -of Greece. Desfontaines mentions the Caucalis Orientalis, an Eastern plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2167_2167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2167_2167"><span class="label">2167</span></a> For this and the Scandix, see B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_38">38</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2168_2168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2168_2168"><span class="label">2168</span></a> A chicoraceous plant: the Tragopogon crocifolius of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2169_2169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2169_2169"><span class="label">2169</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_104">104</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2170_2170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2170_2170"><span class="label">2170</span></a> See cc. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_35">35</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_105">105</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2171_2171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2171_2171"><span class="label">2171</span></a> The Corchorus olitorius of Linnæus: still cultivated in Egypt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2172_2172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2172_2172"><span class="label">2172</span></a> Identified by some, but it is doubtful if with any good reason, with the -Leontodon taraxacum of Linnæus: our dandelion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2173_2173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2173_2173"><span class="label">2173</span></a> The reading is doubtful, and it does not appear to have been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2174_2174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2174_2174"><span class="label">2174</span></a> Or “stone-plant:” identified with the Sedum anacampseros of Linnæus: -a variety of house-leek.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2175_2175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2175_2175"><span class="label">2175</span></a> On the contrary, it has a purple flower.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2176_2176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2176_2176"><span class="label">2176</span></a> It is this, probably, that has caused it to be identified with the Leontodon -taraxacum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2177_2177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2177_2177"><span class="label">2177</span></a> The Carthamus tinctorius of Linnæus, or bastard saffron. The seed -of it is a powerful purgative to man, but has no effect on birds: it is much -used for feeding parrots, hence one of its names, “parrot-seed.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2178_2178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2178_2178"><span class="label">2178</span></a> Identified by Fée with the Atractylis of Dioscorides, the Carthamus -mitissimus of Linnæus; the Carduncellus mitissimus of Decandolle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2179_2179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2179_2179"><span class="label">2179</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἄτρακτος</span>, “a distaff.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2180_2180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2180_2180"><span class="label">2180</span></a> The Centaurea lanata of Decandolle, the Centaurea benedicta of -Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2181_2181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2181_2181"><span class="label">2181</span></a> The Asparagus aphylla of Linnæus: the leafless asparagus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2182_2182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2182_2182"><span class="label">2182</span></a> The Spartium scorpius of Linnæus: scorpion-grass, or scorpion-wort.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2183_2183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2183_2183"><span class="label">2183</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_8">8</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2184_2184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2184_2184"><span class="label">2184</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_11">11</a>. The “sweet-root;” our liquorice. The Glycyrrhiza -echinata of Linnæus bears a prickly fruit; it is of this, Fée -thinks, that Pliny speaks here.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2185_2185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2185_2185"><span class="label">2185</span></a> Fée remarks, that though the leaf of the nettle is furnished with -numerous stings, or rather prickly hairs, it is quite wrong to look upon -them as thorns, which Pliny, in the present instance, (though not in -the next Chapter) appears to do. Genuine thorns, he remarks, are abortive -branches, which, of course, cannot be said of the fine hairs springing from -the nerves of the leaf. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2186_2186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2186_2186"><span class="label">2186</span></a> Supposed to be the Tribulus terrestris of Linnæeus, a species of thistle: -the leaves of this plant, however, are not provided, Fée remarks, with -thorns at their base, the fruit alone being spinous. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_58">58</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2187_2187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2187_2187"><span class="label">2187</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_58">58</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2188_2188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2188_2188"><span class="label">2188</span></a> The Poterium spinosum of botanists. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_13">13</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2189_2189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2189_2189"><span class="label">2189</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_13">13</a>. Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. 5, identifies -this plant with the Stœbe just mentioned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2190_2190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2190_2190"><span class="label">2190</span></a> “Acetabulis.” Fée complains of the use of this term (meaning a -“small cup”) in relation to the calyces of the nettle; such not being in -reality their form.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2191_2191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2191_2191"><span class="label">2191</span></a> Probably in allusion to the Urtica dioica, which grows to a greater -height than the Urtica urens. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2192_2192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2192_2192"><span class="label">2192</span></a> “Canina.” A variety, probably, of the Urtica urens, the nettle, with -the exception of the Urtica pilifera, which has the most stinging properties -of all those found in Europe, and the leaves of which are the most -deeply indented.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2193_2193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2193_2193"><span class="label">2193</span></a> This has not been identified. They are all of them either inodorous, -or else possessed of a faint, disagreeable smell.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2194_2194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2194_2194"><span class="label">2194</span></a> This “lanugo,” or down, as he calls it, consists of a fine elongated -tube of cellular tissue, seated upon a gland of similar tissue. In this -gland a poisonous fluid is secreted, and when any pressure is made upon -the gland, the fluid passes upwards in the tube. The nettle of the East, -known as the Devil’s Leaf, is of so poisonous a quality as to produce -death.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2195_2195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2195_2195"><span class="label">2195</span></a> In some parts of the north of England and of Scotland the young -plant of the Urtica dioica is eaten as greens, and is far from a disagreeable -dish, strongly resembling spinach. It is also reckoned a very wholesome -diet, and is taken habitually in the spring, under the impression that it -purifies the blood. This notion, we see from the context, is as old as the -time of the Romans.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2196_2196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2196_2196"><span class="label">2196</span></a> Dalechamps speaks of it as the custom in his time to wrap up fish -and game in nettles, under the impression that they would keep the longer -for it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2197_2197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2197_2197"><span class="label">2197</span></a> The dead nettle, or blind nettle. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_16">16</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2198_2198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2198_2198"><span class="label">2198</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_17">17</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2199_2199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2199_2199"><span class="label">2199</span></a> He probably means the thistle, but possibly the artichoke, under this -name. See B. xix. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_19">19</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_43">43</a>, and B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_99">99</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2200_2200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2200_2200"><span class="label">2200</span></a> This is probably the same with the second variety of the “Cnecos,” -mentioned above in c. 53, the Centaurea lanata, or benedicta.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2201_2201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2201_2201"><span class="label">2201</span></a> Probably the Carduus leucographus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2202_2202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2202_2202"><span class="label">2202</span></a> According to Dalechamps, this is the Echinops ritro of modern -botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2203_2203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2203_2203"><span class="label">2203</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_93">93</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2204_2204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2204_2204"><span class="label">2204</span></a> “Many thorns.” According to Dalechamps, this is the Carduus spinosissimus -angustifolius vulgaris of C. Bauhin, the Cirsium spinosissimum -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2205_2205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2205_2205"><span class="label">2205</span></a> Identified by Dalechamps with the Onopordon Illyricum, or Acanthium -of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2206_2206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2206_2206"><span class="label">2206</span></a> The Acarna gummifera of modern botanists, the flowers of which -yield a kind of gum with an agreeable smell. It is quite a different plant -from Wall pellitory, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 19, under this name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2207_2207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2207_2207"><span class="label">2207</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_99">99</a>, and B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_43">43</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2208_2208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2208_2208"><span class="label">2208</span></a> The black chamæleon is identified by Fée with the Brotera corymbosa -of Willdenow: the white variety, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21, with the -Acarna gummifera of Willdenow, the Helxine above mentioned. Desfontaines -identifies it with the Carlina acaulis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2209_2209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2209_2209"><span class="label">2209</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_8">8</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2210_2210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2210_2210"><span class="label">2210</span></a> The Greek for “blood” or “slaughter.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2211_2211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2211_2211"><span class="label">2211</span></a> “Carduus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2212_2212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2212_2212"><span class="label">2212</span></a> “Thorn mastich,” or “resin.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2213_2213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2213_2213"><span class="label">2213</span></a> This is not the Cactus of modern botany, a plant mentioned in the -sequel under the name of “Opuntia,” but probably the Cinara carduncellus. -See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_99">99</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2214_2214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2214_2214"><span class="label">2214</span></a> Theophrastus says, that when peeled they have a somewhat bitter -flavour, and are kept pickled in brine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2215_2215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2215_2215"><span class="label">2215</span></a> This name is now given by naturalists to the calyx of Compositæ, -which exists in the rudimentary condition of a membranous coronet, or of -downy hairs, like silk.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2216_2216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2216_2216"><span class="label">2216</span></a> “Cortex.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2217_2217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2217_2217"><span class="label">2217</span></a> The Trapa natans of Linnæus, or water chesnut, a prickly marsh plant -of Europe and Asia. Hence our word “caltrop.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2218_2218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2218_2218"><span class="label">2218</span></a> “Dira res alibi.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2219_2219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2219_2219"><span class="label">2219</span></a> These two plants have no affinity whatever with the one just mentioned. -The first of these so-called varieties is the Tribulus terrestris of -Linnæus; and the second is identified by Fée, though with some doubt, -with the Fagonia Cretica of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2220_2220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2220_2220"><span class="label">2220</span></a> The Ononis antiquorum of Linnæus, the Cammock, or rest-harrow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2221_2221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2221_2221"><span class="label">2221</span></a> The Cochlearia coronopus. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_22">22</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2222_2222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2222_2222"><span class="label">2222</span></a> The Anchusa tinctoria, probably, or dyers’ alkanet. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_23">23</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2223_2223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2223_2223"><span class="label">2223</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2224_2224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2224_2224"><span class="label">2224</span></a> It has not been identified with any degree of certainty: the Centaurea -nigra and the Campanula rapunculus have been named.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2225_2225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2225_2225"><span class="label">2225</span></a> See B. xxvii. c. 21: also c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">52</a> of this Book. The name appears to -have been given to both the Leontodon taraxacum and the Lathyras -aphaca of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2226_2226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2226_2226"><span class="label">2226</span></a> Theophrastus has Picris in the parallel passage, Hist. Plant. B. vii. -c. 9, the Helminthia echioides of Linnæus. If “Crepis” is the correct -reading, that plant has not been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2227_2227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2227_2227"><span class="label">2227</span></a> The herbaceous kinds are no doubt those alluded to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2228_2228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2228_2228"><span class="label">2228</span></a> See B. xix. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_31">31</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_36">36</a>, and <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_44">44</a>; and B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_48">48</a>. The ocimum of -the Greeks has been identified by some with the Ocimum basilicum of Linnæus, -our basil. That of the Romans seems to have been a name given to -one or more varieties of leguminous plants of the vetch kind.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2229_2229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2229_2229"><span class="label">2229</span></a> The Heliotropium Europæum. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2230_2230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2230_2230"><span class="label">2230</span></a> This plant has not been identified, but Fée is inclined, from what -Dioscorides says, B. iv. c. 24, to identify it with either the Lithospermum -fruticosum, or else the Anchusa Italica of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2231_2231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2231_2231"><span class="label">2231</span></a> This is not the case, if this plant is identical with the Heliotropium -Europæum, that being an annual.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2232_2232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2232_2232"><span class="label">2232</span></a> The Adiantum Capillus Veneris of Linnæus, or the Asplenium trichomanes -of Linnæus. “Venus hair, or coriander maiden hair; others name -it to be well fern.”—T. Cooper. The leaves of these plants last the whole -of their lives.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2233_2233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2233_2233"><span class="label">2233</span></a> The Teuerium polium of Linnæeus, our poley; the leaves of which -are remarkably long-lived.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2234_2234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2234_2234"><span class="label">2234</span></a> “Spicatæ.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2235_2235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2235_2235"><span class="label">2235</span></a> Fée is in doubt whether to identify it with the Plantago cynops of -the south of Europe, and the banks of the Rhine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2236_2236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2236_2236"><span class="label">2236</span></a> “Foxtail.” According to Dalechamps, it is the Saccharum cylindricum, -the Lagurus of Linnæus; but Fée expresses his doubts as to their identity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2237_2237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2237_2237"><span class="label">2237</span></a> Fée inclines to think that it may be the Secale villosum of Linnæus; -though the more recent commentators identify it with the Plantago angustifolia. -The Saccharum Ravennæ has been suggested.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2238_2238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2238_2238"><span class="label">2238</span></a> Or “quail.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2239_2239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2239_2239"><span class="label">2239</span></a> In B. xxv. c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2240_2240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2240_2240"><span class="label">2240</span></a> Hardouin takes this to be our pimpernel, the Sanguisorba officinalis -of Linnæeus. Sprengel inclines to the Verbascum lychnitis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2241_2241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2241_2241"><span class="label">2241</span></a> “Proxuma.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2242_2242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2242_2242"><span class="label">2242</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_66">66</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2243_2243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2243_2243"><span class="label">2243</span></a> Supposed by most commentators to be the Parietaria officinalis of -Linnæus; Wall pellitory or parietary. Some, however, have suggested -the Polygonum maritimum, or the Polygonum divaricatum of Linnæus. -Fée expresses doubts as to its identity, but remarks that the modern Greek -name of pellitory is “perdikaki.” See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_104">104</a> of this Book, and B. xxii. -c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_20">20</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2244_2244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2244_2244"><span class="label">2244</span></a> “Perdix,” the Greek name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2245_2245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2245_2245"><span class="label">2245</span></a> Probably the Ornithogalum umbellatum of Linnæus. Sprengel identifies -it with the Ornithogalum natans: but that variety is not found in -Greece, while the other is.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2246_2246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2246_2246"><span class="label">2246</span></a> “Puls”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2247_2247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2247_2247"><span class="label">2247</span></a> Probably the Melilotus cœrulea of Linnæus, Fée says. Desfontaines -mentions the Melilotus Cretica or Italica.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2248_2248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2248_2248"><span class="label">2248</span></a> The Avena fatua or sterilis; the barren oat. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44">44</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2249_2249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2249_2249"><span class="label">2249</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2250_2250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2250_2250"><span class="label">2250</span></a> The Gallium aparine of Linnæus. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44">44</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2251_2251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2251_2251"><span class="label">2251</span></a> The Opuntia. The Cactus Opuntia of Linnæus; the cactus, or -Indian fig.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2252_2252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2252_2252"><span class="label">2252</span></a> Perhaps the Convolvulus sepium of Linnæus; though Fée dissents -from that opinion. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_39">39</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2253_2253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2253_2253"><span class="label">2253</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">52</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2254_2254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2254_2254"><span class="label">2254</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_31">31</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2255_2255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2255_2255"><span class="label">2255</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">πικρὸς</span>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2256_2256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2256_2256"><span class="label">2256</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 65.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2257_2257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2257_2257"><span class="label">2257</span></a> “Little sword:” the Gladiolus communis of Linnæus. See the remarks -on the hyacinthus of the ancients in the Notes to c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38">38</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2258_2258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2258_2258"><span class="label">2258</span></a> Sprengel says that it is the Thesium linophyllum of modern botany; -an opinion at which Fée expresses his surprise. See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_31">31</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2259_2259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2259_2259"><span class="label">2259</span></a> The Asphodelus ramosus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2260_2260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2260_2260"><span class="label">2260</span></a> “Little sword.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2261_2261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2261_2261"><span class="label">2261</span></a> It is no longer employed as an article of food.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2262_2262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2262_2262"><span class="label">2262</span></a> Od. xi. 539, and xxiv. 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2263_2263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2263_2263"><span class="label">2263</span></a> It is difficult to say to what “illud” refers, if, indeed, it is the correct -reading.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2264_2264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2264_2264"><span class="label">2264</span></a> “Hastula regia.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2265_2265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2265_2265"><span class="label">2265</span></a> “Caulis acinosi.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2266_2266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2266_2266"><span class="label">2266</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2267_2267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2267_2267"><span class="label">2267</span></a> “Arrow.” The Sagittaria sagittifolia of Linnæus; our arrow-head, -or adder’s tongue.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2268_2268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2268_2268"><span class="label">2268</span></a> 15th of May.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2269_2269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2269_2269"><span class="label">2269</span></a> The Schœnus mariscus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2270_2270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2270_2270"><span class="label">2270</span></a> Pliny is guilty of a lapsus memoriæ here, for he has nowhere given -any such advice on the subject. Hardouin refers to B. xviii. c. 67, but -erroneously, for there he is speaking of hay, not “ulva” or sedge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2271_2271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2271_2271"><span class="label">2271</span></a> The “sharp rush.” The Juncus acutus of Linnæus; the pointed -bulrush.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2272_2272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2272_2272"><span class="label">2272</span></a> The “pointed” rush. The Schœnus mucronatus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2273_2273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2273_2273"><span class="label">2273</span></a> A variety, Fée says, of the Schœnus nigricans of Linnæus, the black -bulrush.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2274_2274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2274_2274"><span class="label">2274</span></a> The “black head.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2275_2275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2275_2275"><span class="label">2275</span></a> The Scirpus holoschœnus of Linnæus, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2276_2276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2276_2276"><span class="label">2276</span></a> None of the rushes, Fée remarks, are barren; and when the head is -inserted in the ground, it is neither more nor less than a sowing of the -seed. Hardouin remarks, however, that by the word “cacumine,” the -bulbous root of the rush is meant, and not the point of the stem.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2277_2277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2277_2277"><span class="label">2277</span></a> “Nassæ.” Baskets with a narrow mouth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2278_2278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2278_2278"><span class="label">2278</span></a> It has descended in our time to the more humble rushlight; and -even that is fast “going out.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2279_2279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2279_2279"><span class="label">2279</span></a> Fée identifies it with the Cyperus longus and Cyperus rotundus of -Linnæus, the odoriferous or round souchet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2280_2280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2280_2280"><span class="label">2280</span></a> In c. 67 of this Book. The bulb, however, of the gladiolus is inodorous; -for which reason Fée is inclined to think that Pliny, with all -his care, is describing a cyperus, perhaps the Cyperus esculentus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2281_2281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2281_2281"><span class="label">2281</span></a> It would be curious to know who these barbarians were, who thus -<i>smoked</i> cypirus as we do tobacco. Fée queries whether they were Germans -or Gauls, people of Asia or of Africa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2282_2282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2282_2282"><span class="label">2282</span></a> This applies more particularly, Fée thinks, to the Cyperus rotundus -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2283_2283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2283_2283"><span class="label">2283</span></a> The Cyperus longus of Linnæus, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2284_2284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2284_2284"><span class="label">2284</span></a> Sillig finds a difficulty here which does not seem to exist. It is -pretty clear that “cæteris” refers to the other varieties of the cypiros, -mentioned in the preceding Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2285_2285"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2285_2285"><span class="label">2285</span></a> It has not been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2286_2286"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2286_2286"><span class="label">2286</span></a> Mentioned also by Dioscorides. It has not been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2287_2287"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2287_2287"><span class="label">2287</span></a> B. xii. c. 48.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2288_2288"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2288_2288"><span class="label">2288</span></a> Dioscorides says that it grows in Babylonia. It is a variety, no -doubt, of the Andropogon schœnanthus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2289_2289"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2289_2289"><span class="label">2289</span></a> “Ungues,” “nails;” in allusion to the white part of the finger-nails.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2290_2290"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2290_2290"><span class="label">2290</span></a> “Cortex.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2291_2291"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2291_2291"><span class="label">2291</span></a> “Anchusam.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2292_2292"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2292_2292"><span class="label">2292</span></a> In B. xiv. c. 19.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2293_2293"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2293_2293"><span class="label">2293</span></a> “In calliblepharum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2294_2294"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2294_2294"><span class="label">2294</span></a> “Diapasmata.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2295_2295"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2295_2295"><span class="label">2295</span></a> “Pilulæ.” He alludes to the galls produced by an insect of the -Cynips kind, and known as “bedeguar.” They are astringent, but no -longer employed in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2296_2296"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2296_2296"><span class="label">2296</span></a> The efficacy of bears’-grease for promoting the growth of the hair -was believed in, we find, so early as Pliny’s time.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2297_2297"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2297_2297"><span class="label">2297</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_11">11</a> of this Book. The bulbs of the lily contain a mucilage, -and roasted or boiled they are sometimes employed, Fée says, to bring inflammations -to a head. Employed internally, he thinks that they would -be of no use whatever, and there is nothing in their composition, he says -which would induce one to think that they might be employed to advantage -in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2298_2298"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2298_2298"><span class="label">2298</span></a> Or “Poley.” See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_21">21</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2299_2299"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2299_2299"><span class="label">2299</span></a> “Mel.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2300_2300"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2300_2300"><span class="label">2300</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_12">12</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2301_2301"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2301_2301"><span class="label">2301</span></a> The Narcissus pseudo-narcissus of Linnæus, the meadow narcissus, -or daffodil. The epithet “herbaceous,” Fée says, applies, not to the -flower, but to the leaves, which are larger and greener than in the -other kinds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2302_2302"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2302_2302"><span class="label">2302</span></a> “Torpor,” or “lethargy.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2303_2303"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2303_2303"><span class="label">2303</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_14">14</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2304_2304"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2304_2304"><span class="label">2304</span></a> An ointment made of wax and oil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2305_2305"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2305_2305"><span class="label">2305</span></a> “Ægilopiis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2306_2306"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2306_2306"><span class="label">2306</span></a> “Diapasmata.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2307_2307"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2307_2307"><span class="label">2307</span></a> This, as Fée remarks, can hardly apply to the Digitalis purpurea of -Linnæus, with which he has identified it, the smell of which is disagreeable -rather than otherwise.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2308_2308"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2308_2308"><span class="label">2308</span></a> In c. 16 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2309_2309"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2309_2309"><span class="label">2309</span></a> The Asarum Europæum of Linnæus; our foalfoot. See B. xii. c. 27.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2310_2310"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2310_2310"><span class="label">2310</span></a> In c. 16 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2311_2311"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2311_2311"><span class="label">2311</span></a> In B. xii. c. 26.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2312_2312"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2312_2312"><span class="label">2312</span></a> B. xii. c. 26. Either the Valeriana Italica, Fée says, or the Valeriana -Dioscoridis of Sibthorpe. The Valeriana phu and the Valeriana -officinalis of Linnæus have been suggested by some commentators.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2313_2313"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2313_2313"><span class="label">2313</span></a> Or “prurigo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2314_2314"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2314_2314"><span class="label">2314</span></a> See B. xxxv. cc. 18 and 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2315_2315"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2315_2315"><span class="label">2315</span></a> “Collyrium.” Saffron is still the base of certain eye-salves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2316_2316"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2316_2316"><span class="label">2316</span></a> Formed, most probably, of all the insoluble substances contained in -the oil employed in making the “unguentum crocinum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2317_2317"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2317_2317"><span class="label">2317</span></a> A small kind of quince. See B. xv. cc. 10 and 14.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2318_2318"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2318_2318"><span class="label">2318</span></a> “Orthopnœa.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2319_2319"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2319_2319"><span class="label">2319</span></a> The Iris fœtidissima of Linnæus. It grows near Constantinople, and -the smell of it is so like that of roast meat, that it is commonly called, Fée -says, the “leg of mutton iris.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2320_2320"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2320_2320"><span class="label">2320</span></a> “Credo.” It does not exactly appear that Pliny puts faith in this -superstition, as Fée and Desfontaines seem to think; but he merely hazards -a supposition as to what are the intentions of these avaricious herbalists.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2321_2321"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2321_2321"><span class="label">2321</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_20">20</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2322_2322"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2322_2322"><span class="label">2322</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_21">21</a> of this Book. Fée remarks, that in reality it possesses none -of the qualities that are attributed to it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2323_2323"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2323_2323"><span class="label">2323</span></a> The “protection against poisons.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2324_2324"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2324_2324"><span class="label">2324</span></a> We have adopted Sillig’s emendation of this passage; the words -“aiunt, quod alii” being evidently required by the context.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2325_2325"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2325_2325"><span class="label">2325</span></a> “Cytinus” appears to be a preferable reading here to “cyanus,” the -“blue-bell.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2326_2326"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2326_2326"><span class="label">2326</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_24">24</a> of this Book. Its medicinal properties, Fée says, are next -to nothing.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2327_2327"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2327_2327"><span class="label">2327</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_26">26</a> of this Book. If it is the Chrysocoma linosyris, it has no -peculiar medicinal properties, Fée says. All these statements are found in -Dioscorides.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2328_2328"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2328_2328"><span class="label">2328</span></a> Sec B. xx. c. 45, and c. 41 of this Book. It is a plant of somewhat -stimulating properties, and may possibly be useful, Fée thinks, for nervous -affections.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2329_2329"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2329_2329"><span class="label">2329</span></a> “Scopis.” He may possibly mean small brooms made of the sprigs -of the plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2330_2330"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2330_2330"><span class="label">2330</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_29">29</a> of this Book. The melilote is possessed of no peculiar -energy, but decoctions of it are sometimes employed as a lotion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2331_2331"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2331_2331"><span class="label">2331</span></a> Sores “resembling a honey-comb.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2332_2332"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2332_2332"><span class="label">2332</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_30">30</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2333_2333"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2333_2333"><span class="label">2333</span></a> In c. 30 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2334_2334"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2334_2334"><span class="label">2334</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_31">31</a> of this Book. Thyme yields an essential oil, possessed of -stimulating properties. Most of the assertions here made as to its virtues -are quite unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2335_2335"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2335_2335"><span class="label">2335</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_33">33</a> of this Book. The Pancratium maritimum, if that plant is -identical with it, is but little used, but has a marked action, Fée says, -upon the human frame.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2336_2336"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2336_2336"><span class="label">2336</span></a> In c. 33 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2337_2337"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2337_2337"><span class="label">2337</span></a> Od. iv. l. 221. This has been supposed by many commentators to -have been opium. The origin of the word is <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">νή</span>, “not,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">πένθος</span>, -“grief;” and, as Fée says, it would seem to indicate rather a composition -than a plant. Saffron, mandragore, nightshade, and even tea and coffee, -have been suggested by the active imaginations of various writers. Fée is -of opinion that it is impossible to come to any satisfactory conclusion, but -inclines to the belief that either the poppy or a preparation from it, is -meant. In confirmation of this opinion, it is a singular fact, that, as Dr. -Paris remarks (in his Pharmacologia), the Nepenthes of Homer was obtained -from Thebes in Egypt, and that tincture of opium, or laudanum, -has received the name of “Thebaic tincture.” Gorræus, in his “Definitiones -Medicæ,” thinks that the herb alluded to is the Inula Campania, -or Elecampane, which was also said to have derived its name of -“Helenium” from Helen. Dr. Greenhill, in Smith’s Dictionary of Antiquities, -inclines to the opinion that it was opium. See the article -“Pharmaceutica.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2338_2338"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2338_2338"><span class="label">2338</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_34">34</a> of this Book. Both of the plants mentioned share the medicinal -properties of wormwood, being stimulants, tonics, anthelmintics, -and febrifuges. It would be dangerous, however, Fée says, to administer -them in most of the cases mentioned by Pliny, nor would they be good for -strangury, or affections of the chest.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2339_2339"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2339_2339"><span class="label">2339</span></a> “Nervis.” Pliny had no knowledge, probably, of the nervous system; -but Fée seems to think that such is his meaning here. See B. xi. c. 88.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2340_2340"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2340_2340"><span class="label">2340</span></a> See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, and 29.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2341_2341"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2341_2341"><span class="label">2341</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_34">34</a> of this Book; also B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2342_2342"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2342_2342"><span class="label">2342</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_35">35</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2343_2343"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2343_2343"><span class="label">2343</span></a> In c. 38 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2344_2344"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2344_2344"><span class="label">2344</span></a> The Anemone coronaria of Linnæus, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2345_2345"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2345_2345"><span class="label">2345</span></a> Probably the Adonis æstivalis of Linnæus, a ranunculus. These -plants are of an acrid, irritating nature, and rank at the present day among -the vegetable poisons.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2346_2346"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2346_2346"><span class="label">2346</span></a> The “wind-flower,” from the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἄνεμος</span>, “wind.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2347_2347"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2347_2347"><span class="label">2347</span></a> See B. xxv. c. 26.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2348_2348"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2348_2348"><span class="label">2348</span></a> In B. xix. c. 53.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2349_2349"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2349_2349"><span class="label">2349</span></a> As Fée remarks, it would be very dangerous to use it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2350_2350"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2350_2350"><span class="label">2350</span></a> “Cuique animalium.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2351_2351"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2351_2351"><span class="label">2351</span></a> The Œnanthe pimpinellifolia of Linnæus. If taken internally, Fée -says, it would tend to aggravate the disease so treated, in a very high -degree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2352_2352"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2352_2352"><span class="label">2352</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38">38</a>. Also B. xxvi. c. 55.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2353_2353"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2353_2353"><span class="label">2353</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_38">38</a> of this Book; also B. xvi. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2354_2354"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2354_2354"><span class="label">2354</span></a> From the herb “hysge,” used for dyeing a deep red. See B. ix. c. -65, and B. xxi. c. 36. No such colour, Fée says, can be obtained from -the petals of either the Lilium Martagon or the Gladiolus communis, with -which it has been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2355_2355"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2355_2355"><span class="label">2355</span></a> It has no such effect; and the slave-dealers certainly lost their pains -in cosmetizing their slaves with it, their object being to make them look -younger than they really were, and not older, as Hardouin seems to think.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2356_2356"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2356_2356"><span class="label">2356</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_10">10</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2357_2357"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2357_2357"><span class="label">2357</span></a> White specks in the pupil of the eye, or whiteness of the cornea.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2358_2358"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2358_2358"><span class="label">2358</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_39">39</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2359_2359"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2359_2359"><span class="label">2359</span></a> “Ground-laurel.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2360_2360"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2360_2360"><span class="label">2360</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_50">50</a>, and B. xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_83">83</a>. The medicinal properties of this plant -are not developed to any great extent; but it was thought till lately, Fée -says, to be an excellent diuretic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2361_2361"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2361_2361"><span class="label">2361</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_49">49</a> and B. xxvi. c. 50.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2362_2362"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2362_2362"><span class="label">2362</span></a> The Thymus acinos of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2363_2363"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2363_2363"><span class="label">2363</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_51">51</a> of this Book. It is an alimentary plant, but eaten raw, it -is possessed of some acridity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2364_2364"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2364_2364"><span class="label">2364</span></a> The Cyperus esculentus of Linnæus, the esculent souchet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2365_2365"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2365_2365"><span class="label">2365</span></a> The two varieties are identified with the Cressa Cretica and the -Teucrium iva of Linnæus. The latter plant is said to be a sudorific.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2366_2366"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2366_2366"><span class="label">2366</span></a> See B. xxvi. c. 53.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2367_2367"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2367_2367"><span class="label">2367</span></a> The Matricaria parthenium of Linnæus. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">52</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2368_2368"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2368_2368"><span class="label">2368</span></a> De Re Med. ii. 33. It must not be confounded with the plant of -that name mentioned in c. 62 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2369_2369"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2369_2369"><span class="label">2369</span></a> The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. -xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_108">108</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2370_2370"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2370_2370"><span class="label">2370</span></a> The Physalis alkekengi of Linnæus; red night-shade, alkekengi, or -winter cherry. Fée remarks, that the varieties of this plant in Egypt are -very numerous, and that in many places, till very recently, it was employed -as an article of food.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2371_2371"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2371_2371"><span class="label">2371</span></a> “Vesica.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2372_2372"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2372_2372"><span class="label">2372</span></a> The Solanum villosum of Lamarck.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2373_2373"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2373_2373"><span class="label">2373</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">δορὺ</span>, a “spear.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2374_2374"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2374_2374"><span class="label">2374</span></a> “Apertius,” as suggested by Sillig, is a preferable reading to “parcius.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2375_2375"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2375_2375"><span class="label">2375</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">μάνια</span>, “madness.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2376_2376"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2376_2376"><span class="label">2376</span></a> The Physalis somnifera of Linnæus, the somniferous nightshade.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2377_2377"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2377_2377"><span class="label">2377</span></a> The Solanum melongena of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2378_2378"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2378_2378"><span class="label">2378</span></a> The Corchorus olitorius of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 92.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2379_2379"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2379_2379"><span class="label">2379</span></a> Theriaca, p. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2380_2380"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2380_2380"><span class="label">2380</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_53">53</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2381_2381"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2381_2381"><span class="label">2381</span></a> It has not been identified. Dalechamps, without any proof, identifies -it with the Tussilago petasites of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2382_2382"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2382_2382"><span class="label">2382</span></a> See the Introduction to Vol. III.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2383_2383"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2383_2383"><span class="label">2383</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2384_2384"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2384_2384"><span class="label">2384</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2385_2385"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2385_2385"><span class="label">2385</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2386_2386"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2386_2386"><span class="label">2386</span></a> A writer on flowers and chaplets, in the time of Tiberius. Nothing -whatever beyond this seems to be known of him.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2387_2387"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2387_2387"><span class="label">2387</span></a> C. Julius Atticus Vestinus, or, according to some authorities, M. Atticus -Vestinus. He was consul <span class="smcap lowercase">A.D.</span> 65; and, though innocent, was put -to death by Nero’s order, for alleged participation in the conspiracy of Piso.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2388_2388"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2388_2388"><span class="label">2388</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2389_2389"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2389_2389"><span class="label">2389</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2390_2390"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2390_2390"><span class="label">2390</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2391_2391"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2391_2391"><span class="label">2391</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2392_2392"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2392_2392"><span class="label">2392</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2393_2393"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2393_2393"><span class="label">2393</span></a> See end of B. xvi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2394_2394"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2394_2394"><span class="label">2394</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2395_2395"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2395_2395"><span class="label">2395</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2396_2396"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2396_2396"><span class="label">2396</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2397_2397"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2397_2397"><span class="label">2397</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2398_2398"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2398_2398"><span class="label">2398</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>. See also B. xxv. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2399_2399"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2399_2399"><span class="label">2399</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2400_2400"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2400_2400"><span class="label">2400</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2401_2401"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2401_2401"><span class="label">2401</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2402_2402"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2402_2402"><span class="label">2402</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2403_2403"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2403_2403"><span class="label">2403</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2404_2404"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2404_2404"><span class="label">2404</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2405_2405"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2405_2405"><span class="label">2405</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2406_2406"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2406_2406"><span class="label">2406</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2407_2407"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2407_2407"><span class="label">2407</span></a> An alleged disciple of Orpheus, and probably as fabulous a personage. -Many works, now lost, passed under his name.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2408_2408"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2408_2408"><span class="label">2408</span></a> One of the most celebrated of the Greek tragic writers; born <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 495. -Of his 127 tragedies, only seven have come down to us.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2409_2409"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2409_2409"><span class="label">2409</span></a> A Pythagorean philosopher, a native of one of the cities called Larissa. -Being accused of magical practices, he was banished from the city -of Rome by the Emperor Augustus. The explanation of these charges is, -that he probably possessed a superior knowledge of natural philosophy. -See B. xxv. c. 95. B. xxviii. c. 49. B. xxxii. c. 52, and B. xxxv. c. 50.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2410_2410"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2410_2410"><span class="label">2410</span></a> A physician, a native of Athens in the fourth century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> He is -supposed to have belonged to the sect of the Dogmatici, and was greatly -celebrated for his classification of diseases. He wrote on diet and drink, -among other subjects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2411_2411"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2411_2411"><span class="label">2411</span></a> Probably the same writer that is mentioned at the end of B. iv.; or, -possibly, a physician of that name, who was a disciple of Herophilus, and -lived about the second century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2412_2412"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2412_2412"><span class="label">2412</span></a> A distinguished Peripatetic philosopher of Eresos in Lesbos, a disciple -of Aristotle, and a contemporary of Theophrastus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2413_2413"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2413_2413"><span class="label">2413</span></a> Of this writer, nothing whatever is known, beyond the mention made -of him in c. 88 of this Book, and in B. xxii. c. 32.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2414_2414"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2414_2414"><span class="label">2414</span></a> Nothing whatever is known relative to this writer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2415_2415"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2415_2415"><span class="label">2415</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2416_2416"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2416_2416"><span class="label">2416</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2417_2417"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2417_2417"><span class="label">2417</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2418_2418"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2418_2418"><span class="label">2418</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2419_2419"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2419_2419"><span class="label">2419</span></a> For Heraclides of Pontus, see end of B. iv. For Heraclides of Tarentum, -see end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2420_2420"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2420_2420"><span class="label">2420</span></a> See end of B. xv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2421_2421"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2421_2421"><span class="label">2421</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2422_2422"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2422_2422"><span class="label">2422</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2423_2423"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2423_2423"><span class="label">2423</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2424_2424"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2424_2424"><span class="label">2424</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2425_2425"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2425_2425"><span class="label">2425</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2426_2426"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2426_2426"><span class="label">2426</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2427_2427"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2427_2427"><span class="label">2427</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2428_2428"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2428_2428"><span class="label">2428</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2429_2429"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2429_2429"><span class="label">2429</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2430_2430"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2430_2430"><span class="label">2430</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2431_2431"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2431_2431"><span class="label">2431</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2432_2432"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2432_2432"><span class="label">2432</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2433_2433"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2433_2433"><span class="label">2433</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2434_2434"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2434_2434"><span class="label">2434</span></a> See end of B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2435_2435"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2435_2435"><span class="label">2435</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2436_2436"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2436_2436"><span class="label">2436</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2437_2437"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2437_2437"><span class="label">2437</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2438_2438"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2438_2438"><span class="label">2438</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2439_2439"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2439_2439"><span class="label">2439</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2440_2440"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2440_2440"><span class="label">2440</span></a> See end of B. vi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2441_2441"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2441_2441"><span class="label">2441</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2442_2442"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2442_2442"><span class="label">2442</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2443_2443"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2443_2443"><span class="label">2443</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2444_2444"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2444_2444"><span class="label">2444</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2445_2445"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2445_2445"><span class="label">2445</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2446_2446"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2446_2446"><span class="label">2446</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2447_2447"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2447_2447"><span class="label">2447</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2448_2448"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2448_2448"><span class="label">2448</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2449_2449"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2449_2449"><span class="label">2449</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2450_2450"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2450_2450"><span class="label">2450</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2451_2451"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2451_2451"><span class="label">2451</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2452_2452"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2452_2452"><span class="label">2452</span></a> Fée remarks, that at the present day, in all savage nations in which -tatooing is practised, the men display more taste and care in the operation -than is shewn by the females. There is little doubt that it is the art of -tatooing the body, or in other words, first puncturing it and then rubbing -in various colours, that is here spoken of by Pliny.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2453_2453"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2453_2453"><span class="label">2453</span></a> “Inscribunt.” “Writing upon,” or “tatooing,” evidently.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2454_2454"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2454_2454"><span class="label">2454</span></a> Our “woad,” the Isatis tinctoria of Linnæus, which imparts a blue -colour. The root of this Celtic woad is probably “glas,” “blue,” whence -also our word “glass;” and it is not improbable that the name of glass -was given to it from the blue tints which it presented. Julius Cæsar and -Pomponius Mela translate this word “glastum,” by the Latin “vitrum,” -“glass.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2455_2455"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2455_2455"><span class="label">2455</span></a> “Conjuges nurusque.” Cæsar says that <i>all</i> the people in Britain were -in the habit of staining the body with woad, to add to the horror of their -appearance in battle. Pomponius Mela expresses himself as uncertain for -what purpose it was done, whether it was to add to their beauty, or for -some other reasons to him unknown.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2456_2456"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2456_2456"><span class="label">2456</span></a> “Granis.” What the ancients took to be a vegetable substance, is -now known to be an insect, the kermes of the Quercus coccifera.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2457_2457"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2457_2457"><span class="label">2457</span></a> See B. ix. c. 63.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2458_2458"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2458_2458"><span class="label">2458</span></a> “Paludamentis.” The “paludamentum” was the cloak worn by a -Roman general when in command, his principal officers, and personal attendants. -It was open in front, reached to the knees or thereabout, and -hung over the shoulders, being fastened across the chest by a clasp. It -was commonly white or purple.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2459_2459"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2459_2459"><span class="label">2459</span></a> For an account of all these colours see B. ix. cc. 60-65.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2460_2460"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2460_2460"><span class="label">2460</span></a> The vaccinium for instance. See B. xvi. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2461_2461"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2461_2461"><span class="label">2461</span></a> Fée thinks that the art of dyeing with alkanet and madder may be -here alluded to.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2462_2462"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2462_2462"><span class="label">2462</span></a> See B. xxxv. c. 1.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2463_2463"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2463_2463"><span class="label">2463</span></a> The “good,” “ingenuous,” or “liberal” arts were those which might -be practised by free men without loss of dignity. Pliny is somewhat inconsistent -here, for he makes no scruple at enlarging upon the art of medicine, -which among the Romans was properly not a liberal, but a servile, -art.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2464_2464"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2464_2464"><span class="label">2464</span></a> “Surdis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2465_2465"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2465_2465"><span class="label">2465</span></a> Festus says the “verbenæ,” or <i>pure</i> herbs, were called “sagmina,” -because they were taken from a sacred (sacer) place. It is more generally -supposed that “sagmen” comes from “sancio,” “to render inviolable,” -the person of the bearer being looked upon as inviolable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2466_2466"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2466_2466"><span class="label">2466</span></a> “Clare.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2467_2467"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2467_2467"><span class="label">2467</span></a> Or bearer of the “verbena.” See further on this subject in B. xxv. -c. 59.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2468_2468"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2468_2468"><span class="label">2468</span></a> “Corona graminea.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2469_2469"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2469_2469"><span class="label">2469</span></a> For a description of these various crowns, see B. xvi. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2470_2470"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2470_2470"><span class="label">2470</span></a> Sometimes also, weeds, or wild flowers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2471_2471"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2471_2471"><span class="label">2471</span></a> See Servius on the Æneid, B. viii. l. 128.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2472_2472"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2472_2472"><span class="label">2472</span></a> No doubt, the old English custom of delivering seisin by presenting -a turf, originated in this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2473_2473"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2473_2473"><span class="label">2473</span></a> See B. vii. c. 29.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2474_2474"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2474_2474"><span class="label">2474</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2475_2475"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2475_2475"><span class="label">2475</span></a> In the Samnite war. He died <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> 340.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2476_2476"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2476_2476"><span class="label">2476</span></a> Titus Manlius Torquatus Imperiosus, consul <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 414. It was he -who put his own son to death for engaging the enemy against orders.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2477_2477"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2477_2477"><span class="label">2477</span></a> Q. Fabius Maximus, surnamed Cunctator, for his skill in avoiding an -engagement with Hannibal, and so wearing out the Carthaginian troops.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2478_2478"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2478_2478"><span class="label">2478</span></a> Q. Minutius, the Magister Equitum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2479_2479"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2479_2479"><span class="label">2479</span></a> See Livy, B. xxii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2480_2480"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2480_2480"><span class="label">2480</span></a> The primipilus was the first centurion of the first maniple of the -triarii; also called “primus centurionum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2481_2481"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2481_2481"><span class="label">2481</span></a> “Ad tibicinem.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2482_2482"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2482_2482"><span class="label">2482</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 652.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2483_2483"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2483_2483"><span class="label">2483</span></a> The “Fortunate.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2484_2484"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2484_2484"><span class="label">2484</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 605.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2485_2485"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2485_2485"><span class="label">2485</span></a> 13th of September.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2486_2486"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2486_2486"><span class="label">2486</span></a> <span class="smcap">A.U.C.</span> 723.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2487_2487"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2487_2487"><span class="label">2487</span></a> Hence we may conclude that the word “gramen” signified not only -“grass,” but any plant in general.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2488_2488"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2488_2488"><span class="label">2488</span></a> By reason of the luxury and sensuality universally prevalent.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2489_2489"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2489_2489"><span class="label">2489</span></a> This is said in bitter irony.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2490_2490"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2490_2490"><span class="label">2490</span></a> Trusting to the good faith and research of the physician.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2491_2491"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2491_2491"><span class="label">2491</span></a> “Inseruisse.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2492_2492"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2492_2492"><span class="label">2492</span></a> “Amplecti.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2493_2493"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2493_2493"><span class="label">2493</span></a> In the Twentieth Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2494_2494"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2494_2494"><span class="label">2494</span></a> It has been thought by some that this is the Scolymus maculatus of -Linnæus; the spotted yellow thistle. But the more general opinion is -that it is the eringo, or Eryngium campestre of Linnæus. It derives its -name from the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐρεύγειν</span>, from its asserted property of dispelling -flatulent eructations. It is possessed in reality of few medicinal properties, -and is only used occasionally, at the present day, as a diuretic. See -B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_56">56</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2495_2495"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2495_2495"><span class="label">2495</span></a> See B. xxvii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2496_2496"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2496_2496"><span class="label">2496</span></a> By the word “toxica,” Poinsinet would understand, not poisons in -general, but the venom of the toad, which was called, he says, in the -Celtic and Celto-Scythic languages, <i>toussac</i> and <i>tossa</i>. Fée ridicules the -notion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2497_2497"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2497_2497"><span class="label">2497</span></a> Or rather, Fée says, deep blue. He identifies this with the Eryngium -cyaneum of Linnæus, the eringo, with a blue flower.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2498_2498"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2498_2498"><span class="label">2498</span></a> This, as well as the next, is identical, probably, with the Eryngium -maritimum of Linnæus; our sea-holly. The species found in Greece, in -addition to the above, are the Eryngium tricuspidatum, multifidum, and -parviflorum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2499_2499"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2499_2499"><span class="label">2499</span></a> Pliny probably makes a mistake here, and reads <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σελίνον</span>, “parsley,” -for <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">σκόλυμος</span>, a “thistle.” Dalechamps is of this opinion, from an examination -of the leaf; and Brotier adopts it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2500_2500"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2500_2500"><span class="label">2500</span></a> Or “hundred heads,” the ordinary Eryngium campestre of Linnæus. -It is still called panicaut a cent têtes, by the French.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2501_2501"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2501_2501"><span class="label">2501</span></a> It is no longer used for this purpose; but Fée is of opinion that it -owes its French name of “panicaut,” from having been used in former -times as a substitute for bread—<i>pain</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2502_2502"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2502_2502"><span class="label">2502</span></a> It is not improbable that this plant is the same as the mandrake of -<i>Genesis</i>, c. xxx. 14; which is said to have borne some resemblance to the -human figure, and is spoken of by the commentators as male and female.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2503_2503"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2503_2503"><span class="label">2503</span></a> The root contains a small quantity of essential oil, with stimulating -properties; and this fact, Fée thinks, would, to a certain extent, explain -this story of Sappho. It is not improbable that it was for these properties -that it was valued by the rival wives of Jacob.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2504_2504"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2504_2504"><span class="label">2504</span></a> White specks in the eye.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2505_2505"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2505_2505"><span class="label">2505</span></a> Sprengel identifies this with the Onopordum acanthium; but Fée -thinks that if it belongs to the Onopordum at all, it is more likely to be -the Onopordum acaulton, or the O. Græcum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2506_2506"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2506_2506"><span class="label">2506</span></a> Or “sweet-root,” our liquorice; the Glycyrrhiza glabra of Linnæus. -In reality, Fée remarks, there is no resemblance whatever between it and -the Eryngium, no kind of liquorice being prickly.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2507_2507"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2507_2507"><span class="label">2507</span></a> “Echinatis;” literally, “like a hedge-hog.” Pliny, it is supposed, -read here erroneously in the Greek text, (from which Dioscorides has also -borrowed) <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐοικότα ἐχίνῳ</span> “like a hedge-hog,” for <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἐοικότα σχίνῳ</span> “like -those of the lentisk.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2508_2508"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2508_2508"><span class="label">2508</span></a> “Pilularum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2509_2509"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2509_2509"><span class="label">2509</span></a> Or Pleiades.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2510_2510"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2510_2510"><span class="label">2510</span></a> Dioscorides compares the root, with less exactness, with that of gentian.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2511_2511"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2511_2511"><span class="label">2511</span></a> The same preparation that is known to us as Spanish liquorice or -Spanish juice.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2512_2512"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2512_2512"><span class="label">2512</span></a> In B. xi. c. 119. It certainly has the effect of palling the appetite, -but in many people it has the effect of creating thirst instead of allaying -it. Fée thinks that from the fecula and sugar that it contains, it may -possibly be nourishing, and he states that it is the basis of a favourite -liquor in the great cities of France. Spanish liquorice water is used in -England, but only by school-boys, as a matter of taste, and by patients -as a matter of necessity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2513_2513"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2513_2513"><span class="label">2513</span></a> The Greek for “without thirst.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2514_2514"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2514_2514"><span class="label">2514</span></a> Or “mouth medicine.” Beyond being a bechic, or cough-medicine, -it has no medicinal properties whatever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2515_2515"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2515_2515"><span class="label">2515</span></a> “Pterygiis.” The word “pterygia” has been previously used as -meaning a sort of hang-nail, or, perhaps, whitlow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2516_2516"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2516_2516"><span class="label">2516</span></a> “Scabiem.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2517_2517"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2517_2517"><span class="label">2517</span></a> Swellings of the anus more particularly.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2518_2518"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2518_2518"><span class="label">2518</span></a> It has in reality no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2519_2519"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2519_2519"><span class="label">2519</span></a> Probably the Fagonia Cretica and the Trapa natans of Linnæus. See -B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_58">58</a>. The first, Fée remarks, is a native of Candia, the ancient -Crete, and a stranger to the climates of Greece and Italy. This may account -for Pliny calling it a garden plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2520_2520"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2520_2520"><span class="label">2520</span></a> This is said. Fée remarks, in reference to the Trapa natans, the seed -of which is rich in fecula, and very nutritious.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2521_2521"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2521_2521"><span class="label">2521</span></a> “Contrahat ventrem.” It would not act, Fée says, as an astringent, -but would have the effect of imparting nutriment in a very high degree, -without overloading the stomach.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2522_2522"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2522_2522"><span class="label">2522</span></a> A harmless, or, perhaps, beneficial, superstition.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2523_2523"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2523_2523"><span class="label">2523</span></a> The synonym of this plant is probably unknown. Dalechamps identifies -it with the Sagittaria sagittifolia, C. Bauhin with the Centaurea calcitrapa, -and Clusius, Belli, and Sprengel, with the Poterium spinosum. -None of these plants, however, are prickly and aquatic, characteristics, according -to Theophrastus, of the Stœbe: Hist. Plant. B. iv. c. 11. Fée -considers its identification next to impossible.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2524_2524"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2524_2524"><span class="label">2524</span></a> Probably the Hippophaës rhamnoides of Linnæus. This, however, -Fée says, has no milky juice, but a dry, tough, ligneous root. Sprengel -identifies it with the Euphorbia spinosa of Linnæus, on account of its -milky juice; but that plant, as Fée remarks, does not bear berries, properly -so called, and the fruit is yellow and prickly.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2525_2525"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2525_2525"><span class="label">2525</span></a> See B. xxvii. c. 66. It is identified by Fée with the Carduus stellatus -or Centaurea calcitrapa of Linnæus, the common star-thistle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2526_2526"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2526_2526"><span class="label">2526</span></a> As compounds of <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἵππος</span>, a “horse.” Hardouin, however, thinks that -the names <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἱπποφαὲς</span> and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἱππόφαιστον</span> have another origin, and that -they are compounds of <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">φάος</span>, “lustre,”—from the brilliancy which they were -said to impart to cloths—and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἵππος</span>, in an augmentative sense, meaning -“great lustre.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2527_2527"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2527_2527"><span class="label">2527</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_55">55</a>. Only two species of the nettle, Fée remarks, were -known to the ancients, the Urtica urens and the U. dioica; and these have -been confounded by Pliny and other writers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2528_2528"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2528_2528"><span class="label">2528</span></a> In B. xv. c. 7. The Urtica urens has no oleaginous principles, and -the oil of nettles, as Fée says, must have been a medicinal composition, -the properties of which are more than hypothetical. The plant boiled, he -remarks, can have no medicinal properties whatever, and it is with justice -excluded from the modern Materia Medica. It is, however, still employed -by some few practitioners, and the leaves are used, in some cases, to restore -the vital action, by means of urtication.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2529_2529"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2529_2529"><span class="label">2529</span></a> “Cicutæ.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2530_2530"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2530_2530"><span class="label">2530</span></a> Mercury, as already mentioned in a previous Note, is not poisonous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2531_2531"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2531_2531"><span class="label">2531</span></a> “Testudinis.” He may, possibly, mean a turtle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2532_2532"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2532_2532"><span class="label">2532</span></a> See B. x. c. 86.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2533_2533"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2533_2533"><span class="label">2533</span></a> The process of “urtication,” alluded to in Note <a href="#Footnote_2528_2528" class="fnanchor">2528</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2534_2534"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2534_2534"><span class="label">2534</span></a> Fée considers this extremely doubtful.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2535_2535"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2535_2535"><span class="label">2535</span></a> An abominable refinement (if we may use the term) in gluttony, -which would appear to have been practised among the Romans; though -Fée thinks it possible that such a practice may have been considered advisable -in the medical treatment of certain maladies. Be this as it may, -the system of using vomits has prevailed to some extent in this country, -and during the present century, too, among persons in the fashionable -world, when expected to play their part at several entertainments in one -evening.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2536_2536"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2536_2536"><span class="label">2536</span></a> “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to one-third.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2537_2537"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2537_2537"><span class="label">2537</span></a> De Morb. Mul. text. 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2538_2538"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2538_2538"><span class="label">2538</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_13">13</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2539_2539"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2539_2539"><span class="label">2539</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_55">55</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2540_2540"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2540_2540"><span class="label">2540</span></a> See Hippocrates, Hippiatr.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2541_2541"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2541_2541"><span class="label">2541</span></a> In B. xxi. c. 55.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2542_2542"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2542_2542"><span class="label">2542</span></a> The Lamium maculatum of Linnæus: dead nettle, or archangel. -The same as the Leuce, mentioned in B. xxvii. c. 77.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2543_2543"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2543_2543"><span class="label">2543</span></a> “Cum micâ salis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2544_2544"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2544_2544"><span class="label">2544</span></a> The Spartium scorpius of Linnæus, or the Scorpiurus sulcata of Linnæus: -scorpion-grass, or scorpion-wort.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2545_2545"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2545_2545"><span class="label">2545</span></a> Its properties are entirely inert, and it has no such virtues as those -here mentioned. As Fée remarks, we might be quite sure, however, from -the form of the seeds, that this property would be ascribed to it in the -Materia Medica of the ancients.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2546_2546"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2546_2546"><span class="label">2546</span></a> Supposed to be the Salsola tragus of Linnæus, kali, or glass-wort.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2547_2547"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2547_2547"><span class="label">2547</span></a> Not the Asparagus officinalis, Fée says, but the Asparagus acutifolius, -the stem of which is somewhat prickly.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2548_2548"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2548_2548"><span class="label">2548</span></a> See B. xxi. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_56">56</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_104">104</a>, in which last Chapter it is called “leucanthes.” -Desfontaines suggests that it may be either the Carduus leucographus, -or the Cnicum Casabonæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2549_2549"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2549_2549"><span class="label">2549</span></a> Literally, “many-cornered.” “Leucacantha” means “whitethorn,” -and “Leucanthes” “white-flowered.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2550_2550"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2550_2550"><span class="label">2550</span></a> Fée thinks this very improbable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2551_2551"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2551_2551"><span class="label">2551</span></a> It must not be confounded, Fée says, with the Helxine, a tuberous -root, mentioned in B. xxi. c. 56. He thinks also that Pliny is in error -in giving it the name of “Perdicium,” which may possibly have been a -synonym of the other Helxine. Fée comes to the conclusion that the -Perdicium of B. xxi. c. 62, if not the same as the Helxine of c. 56, cannot -be identified; that the Helxine of B. xxi. c. 56, is the Acarna gummifera; -and that the Helxine here mentioned is identical with the Perdicium of -this and the next Chapter, being the Parietaria officinalis of Linnæus, -parietary or wall pellitory. The confusion has probably arisen from the -similarity of the name of the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἰξίνη</span>, the plant mentioned in B. xxi. c. 56, -and the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἑλξίνη</span>, the Helxine of the present Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2552_2552"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2552_2552"><span class="label">2552</span></a> “Perdices.” As stated in the last Note, the name has probably been -given in error to the Helxine or pellitory.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2553_2553"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2553_2553"><span class="label">2553</span></a> Or horehound.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2554_2554"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2554_2554"><span class="label">2554</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_64">64</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2555_2555"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2555_2555"><span class="label">2555</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἕλκω</span>, to “drag.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2556_2556"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2556_2556"><span class="label">2556</span></a> In c. 56. Properly the “Ixine.” See Note <a href="#Footnote_2551_2551" class="fnanchor">2551</a> above.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2557_2557"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2557_2557"><span class="label">2557</span></a> Pellitory possesses no colouring properties whatever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2558_2558"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2558_2558"><span class="label">2558</span></a> It has no medicinal virtues beyond acting, possibly, in some degree, -as a diuretic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2559_2559"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2559_2559"><span class="label">2559</span></a> The Parthenium of Celsus, mentioned by Pliny in B. xxi. 104, is not -identical with this Perdicium (though there also he gives it that name), but -is the Matricaria Parthenium of Linnæus, a different plant. See Notes to -c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_19">19</a>. B. xxii</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2560_2560"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2560_2560"><span class="label">2560</span></a> In reference to what was said at the beginning of the preceding -Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2561_2561"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2561_2561"><span class="label">2561</span></a> Or “pitcher plant.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2562_2562"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2562_2562"><span class="label">2562</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_16">16</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2563_2563"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2563_2563"><span class="label">2563</span></a> Plutarch, in his life of Pericles, tells the same story about the slave, -but does not speak of the appearance of Minerva. He relates a story, -however, of her appearance to Sylla, pointing out a spot near the Acropolis, -where the Parthenium grew.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2564_2564"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2564_2564"><span class="label">2564</span></a> Or “Virgin” plant, Minerva being called “Parthenos,” the “virgin.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2565_2565"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2565_2565"><span class="label">2565</span></a> One who “cooks entrails.” See B. xxxiv. cc. 19 and 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2566_2566"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2566_2566"><span class="label">2566</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_56">56</a>. The white is identified with the Acarna gummifera -of Linnæus, the dark or black with the Brotera corymbosa of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2567_2567"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2567_2567"><span class="label">2567</span></a> See B. xii. c. 33.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2568_2568"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2568_2568"><span class="label">2568</span></a> Viscus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2569_2569"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2569_2569"><span class="label">2569</span></a> Olivier states (<i>Voyage dans l’Empire Ottoman</i>, i. 312) that the women -in the isles of Naxos and Scio still chew this glutinous substance, in the -same manner that mastich is used in other places.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2570_2570"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2570_2570"><span class="label">2570</span></a> Fée is inclined to doubt this, and thinks that, as it is a creeping -plant, the name may have been derived from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">χαμαί</span>, “on the ground.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2571_2571"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2571_2571"><span class="label">2571</span></a> Theophrastus, Galen, and Dioscorides state to the same effect, and -Fée thinks it possible it may possess a certain degree of activity.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2572_2572"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2572_2572"><span class="label">2572</span></a> Fée says that it possesses no such poisonous properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2573_2573"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2573_2573"><span class="label">2573</span></a> Rheum, or catarrhs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2574_2574"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2574_2574"><span class="label">2574</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὖλον φόνον</span>, “dreadful death,” a name which, Fée observes, -it does not merit, its properties not being poisonous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2575_2575"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2575_2575"><span class="label">2575</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κυνὸς ὄζη</span> “smell of a dog.” This is a more justifiable appellation, -as the smell of it is very disagreeable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2576_2576"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2576_2576"><span class="label">2576</span></a> The Cochlearia coronopus of Linnæus, crow’s-foot, or buck’s-horn -plantain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2577_2577"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2577_2577"><span class="label">2577</span></a> The Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus, alkanet, orcanet, or dyers’ bugloss.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2578_2578"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2578_2578"><span class="label">2578</span></a> See B. xii. c. 46.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2579_2579"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2579_2579"><span class="label">2579</span></a> This plant is no longer used for medicinal purposes; but Fée thinks -that, as the leaves in all probability contain nitrate of potash, they may -have diuretic properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2580_2580"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2580_2580"><span class="label">2580</span></a> The Anchusa Italica of Linnæus, according to Fée, false alkanet, or -wild bugloss. Though resembling the genuine plant in its external -features, it has no colouring properties. Sprengel identifies it with the -Lithospermum fruticosum of Linnæus, a plant, as Fée remarks, very different -in its appearance from the genuine alkanet.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2581_2581"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2581_2581"><span class="label">2581</span></a> In erroneously giving it this name, Fée remarks that Pliny has confounded -the pseudoanchusa with the <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἔχιον</span> of the Greeks, the Echium rubrum -of Linnæus, and has attributed to it the characteristics of the latter plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2582_2582"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2582_2582"><span class="label">2582</span></a> Fée remarks, that all that Pliny says of the medicinal properties of -this plant does not merit the honour of a discussion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2583_2583"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2583_2583"><span class="label">2583</span></a> Fée identifies it with the Echium Creticum of Linnæus. Desfontaines -takes it to be the Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus. Fée is of opinion -that the name really given to this plant was “enchrysa,” and not “anchusa.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2584_2584"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2584_2584"><span class="label">2584</span></a> The Lithospermum fruticosum of Linnæus; cromill, or stone-crap.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2585_2585"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2585_2585"><span class="label">2585</span></a> Fée, adopting the opinion of Sibthorpe, thinks that under these names -Pliny is speaking of <i>several</i> varieties of the Anthemis, or camomile, and he -identifies them as follows: the Leucanthemis, or white camomile, he considers -to be the same as the Anthemis Chia of Linnæus; the Eranthemis -to be the Anthemis rosea of Sibthorpe; the Melanthion to be the Anthemis -tinctoria, or dyers’ camomile of Sibthorpe: and the Chamæmelon to be the -Matricaria chamomilla of Linnæus, the common camomile. Sprengel -differs from these opinions as to the identification of the several varieties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2586_2586"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2586_2586"><span class="label">2586</span></a> “Spring flower.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2587_2587"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2587_2587"><span class="label">2587</span></a> “Ground apple.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2588_2588"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2588_2588"><span class="label">2588</span></a> “Black flower.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2589_2589"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2589_2589"><span class="label">2589</span></a> “Malinis,” apple-colour.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2590_2590"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2590_2590"><span class="label">2590</span></a> See Note <a href="#Footnote_2585_2585" class="fnanchor">2585</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2591_2591"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2591_2591"><span class="label">2591</span></a> “Fruticis.” The camomile is still extensively used in medicine for -fomentations, and the decoction of it is highly esteemed, taken fasting, as -a tonic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2592_2592"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2592_2592"><span class="label">2592</span></a> Il. xiv. 347.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2593_2593"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2593_2593"><span class="label">2593</span></a> The Melilotus officinalis of Linnæus. See B. xiii. c. 32, and the -Notes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2594_2594"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2594_2594"><span class="label">2594</span></a> White specks in the black of the eye, with a red tinge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2595_2595"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2595_2595"><span class="label">2595</span></a> Or “Mother of the Lotus;” the Nymphæa lotus of Linnæus. See B. -xiii. c. 32. “Ex loto sata” may probably mean that it springs from the -seed of the lotus, in which case, as Fée remarks, it must be identified with -the Lotus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2596_2596"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2596_2596"><span class="label">2596</span></a> B. xviii. c. 67, and B. xix. c. 58.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2597_2597"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2597_2597"><span class="label">2597</span></a> This apparent marvel is owing to the necessity of light to certain -flowers for the purposes of fecundation, while those which open at night -require more moisture than light for their reproduction.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2598_2598"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2598_2598"><span class="label">2598</span></a> Or “three-grained,” probably, Fée says, from the three cells in the -capsule. He identifies this plant with the Croton tinctorium of Linnæus, -the turnsole, or sun-flower.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2599_2599"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2599_2599"><span class="label">2599</span></a> Fée identifies it with the Heliotropium Europæum of Linnæus, the -heliotrope, or verrucaria. The Heliotropium of Ovid and other poets, -with a violet or blue flower, is, no doubt, a different plant, and is identified -by Sprengel, Desfontaines, and Fée with the Hesperis matronalis of Linnæus, -rocket or julian, or, as we not inaptly call it, from its pleasant smell, -cherry-pie. Pliny speaks of his Heliotropium as having a “blue flower,” -cœruleum. This is probably an error on his part, and it is supposed by -commentators that he read in the Greek text <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὑποπόρφυρον</span>, “somewhat -purple,” by mistake for <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὑπόπυῤῥον</span>, “somewhat red,” as we find it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2600_2600"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2600_2600"><span class="label">2600</span></a> As known at the present day, they grow to a much greater height -than this.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2601_2601"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2601_2601"><span class="label">2601</span></a> This, Fée remarks, cannot apply to either the Heliotropium Europæum -or the Croton tinctorium. He thinks it not improbable that Pliny -may have named one plant, and given a description of another.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2602_2602"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2602_2602"><span class="label">2602</span></a> The Heliotropium Europæum, Fée says, has no medicinal properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2603_2603"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2603_2603"><span class="label">2603</span></a> Midday, namely.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2604_2604"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2604_2604"><span class="label">2604</span></a> “Sic firmior.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2605_2605"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2605_2605"><span class="label">2605</span></a> The “wart plant;” from “verruca,” a “wart.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2606_2606"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2606_2606"><span class="label">2606</span></a> This notion arose probably, Fée thinks, from the clusters of its flowers -resembling the tail of a scorpion in appearance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2607_2607"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2607_2607"><span class="label">2607</span></a> Probably an inflammation of the membranes of the brain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2608_2608"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2608_2608"><span class="label">2608</span></a> At the beginning of this Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2609_2609"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2609_2609"><span class="label">2609</span></a> “Scorpion’s tail.” Dioscorides gives this name to the Helioscopium, -or great Heliotropium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2610_2610"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2610_2610"><span class="label">2610</span></a> Fée is surprised that no mention is made of its colouring properties, -it being extremely rich in the colouring principle, and having been much -used in former times for dyeing purposes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2611_2611"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2611_2611"><span class="label">2611</span></a> This notion, Fée says, was long attached to the Heliotropium Europæum, -and to it, it is indebted for its present name of “verrucaria.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2612_2612"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2612_2612"><span class="label">2612</span></a> “Cortex seminis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2613_2613"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2613_2613"><span class="label">2613</span></a> Fée identifies it with the Asplenium trichomanes of Linnæus, spleen-wort, -or ceterach. The Adiantum of Hippocrates and other Greek writers, -he takes to be the Adiantum capillus Veneris of Linnæus, Venus’ hair, or -maiden hair. Though Pliny would seem not to have been acquainted -with the latter plant, he ascribes to the first one many of its properties and -characteristics, deriving his information, probably, from a writer who was -acquainted with both. See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_60">60</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2614_2614"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2614_2614"><span class="label">2614</span></a> From <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀ</span>, “not,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">διαίνω</span>, “to wet.” This is owing, Fée remarks, -to the coat of waxen enamel or varnish with which the leaves are -provided. The same is the case also with the leaf of the cabbage and -other plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2615_2615"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2615_2615"><span class="label">2615</span></a> The Asplenium trichomanes, Fée says, would not admit of being -clipped for ornamental gardening.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2616_2616"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2616_2616"><span class="label">2616</span></a> “Fine hair,” and “thick hair.” These names originated more probably -in the appearance of the plant than in any effects it may have produced -as a dye for the hair.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2617_2617"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2617_2617"><span class="label">2617</span></a> On the contrary, Fée says, the root is composed of numerous fibres.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2618_2618"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2618_2618"><span class="label">2618</span></a> “Stone-breaking.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2619_2619"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2619_2619"><span class="label">2619</span></a> Fée is of opinion that they possess no such property.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2620_2620"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2620_2620"><span class="label">2620</span></a> Loss of the hair.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2621_2621"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2621_2621"><span class="label">2621</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_65">65</a>. The Picris asplenioides of Linnæus, Fée thinks, -though Sprengel identifies it with the Helminthia echioides of Linnæus; -but the leaves of that plant are not round.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2622_2622"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2622_2622"><span class="label">2622</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_67">67</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2623_2623"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2623_2623"><span class="label">2623</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_68">68</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2624_2624"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2624_2624"><span class="label">2624</span></a> “Plant of the heroes.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2625_2625"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2625_2625"><span class="label">2625</span></a> Mere varieties of the plant, so called with reference, probably, to the -relative energy of their properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2626_2626"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2626_2626"><span class="label">2626</span></a> Regarded in a medicinal point of view the bulb of the asphodel possesses -some emollient properties, and nothing more. As an application to -sores and abscesses it may reduce the inflammation, and being rich in -mucilage, the pulp may form a nourishing food. All the other statements -as to its medicinal properties are, as Fée remarks, quite fabulous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2627_2627"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2627_2627"><span class="label">2627</span></a> Theriaca, p. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2628_2628"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2628_2628"><span class="label">2628</span></a> In B. xxi. c. 68.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2629_2629"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2629_2629"><span class="label">2629</span></a> This practice, as Fée remarks, was based on sound principles, the -acrid properties of the bulbs being removed by boiling.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2630_2630"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2630_2630"><span class="label">2630</span></a> Most medicinal roots are gathered at this period, their properties -being, as Pliny says, most fully developed in the autumn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2631_2631"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2631_2631"><span class="label">2631</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2632_2632"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2632_2632"><span class="label">2632</span></a> Other readings are Diocles, Socles, and Socrates. If “Sophocles” is -the correct reading, all memorials of this physician have perished, beyond -the mention made of him by Cælius Aurelianus, Chron. c. i.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2633_2633"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2633_2633"><span class="label">2633</span></a> “Vitia.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2634_2634"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2634_2634"><span class="label">2634</span></a> The Atriplex halimus of Linnæus, sea orach. Belon says that it is -found in great abundance in Candia, the ancient Crete, where it is known -as “halimatia,” and the tops of the stalks are used as food.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2635_2635"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2635_2635"><span class="label">2635</span></a> Hence its name, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἅλιμον</span>, from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἅλς</span>, the “sea,” and not, as Pliny says, -from its salt taste.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2636_2636"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2636_2636"><span class="label">2636</span></a> “Mitius.” Fée says that if this word means “cultivated,” the -plant mentioned cannot be the Atriplex halimus; in which case he is -inclined to identify it with the Atriplex portulacoides of Linnæus; the -leaves and young stalks of which, preserved in vinegar, have an agreeable -taste.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2637_2637"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2637_2637"><span class="label">2637</span></a> Some other plant, probably, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2638_2638"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2638_2638"><span class="label">2638</span></a> As to the Acanthus or thorn, in a more general sense, see B. xxiv. -c. 66, and the Notes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2639_2639"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2639_2639"><span class="label">2639</span></a> Pliny the Younger speaks of the Acanthus being used for a similar -purpose, Epist. B. v. Ep. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2640_2640"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2640_2640"><span class="label">2640</span></a> The Acanthus spinosus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2641_2641"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2641_2641"><span class="label">2641</span></a> The Acanthus mollis of Linnæus; the brankursine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2642_2642"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2642_2642"><span class="label">2642</span></a> “Lad’s love.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2643_2643"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2643_2643"><span class="label">2643</span></a> “Black-leafed.” Fée thinks it probable that this name may have been -given to the variety “niger,” of Miller, which grows in great abundance -in Sicily and Italy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2644_2644"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2644_2644"><span class="label">2644</span></a> “Bull’s side,” apparently. Fée says that the identification of this -plant is quite uncertain; the Buplevrum rigidum of Linnæus, the Buplevrum -Baldense of Willdenow, and the Ammi majus of Linnæus, having -been suggested. The first, he thinks, could never have been used as a -vegetable, and the second is only found on Mount Baldo in Carniola, and -in Croatia. Though the Ammi majus is more than a cubit in height, and -could never have been used as a vegetable, he looks upon it as the most -likely of the three. The seeds of it were formerly used as a carminative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2645_2645"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2645_2645"><span class="label">2645</span></a> Sprengel and Desfontaines consider it to be the Buplevrum rotundifolium: -but Fée is of a contrary opinion, and thinks that it is impossible -to identify it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2646_2646"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2646_2646"><span class="label">2646</span></a> Though Hardouin attempts to defend him, it is more than probable -that it is Pliny himself who is in error here; and that he has confounded -the plant Buprestis with the insect of that name, which belongs to the -class of Cantharides, and received its name (burn-cow) from its fatal effects -when eaten by cattle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2647_2647"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2647_2647"><span class="label">2647</span></a> See B. xxx. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2648_2648"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2648_2648"><span class="label">2648</span></a> “Stag’s food.” Fée adopts the opinion of Sprengel and Sibthorpe, -that this is the Pastinaca sativa of Linnæus, the cultivated parsnip. -Desfontaines identifies it with the Sium sisarum; but, as Fée says, that -plant is but rarely found in Greece.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2649_2649"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2649_2649"><span class="label">2649</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_18">18</a>. For the olusatrum, see B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_46">46</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2650_2650"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2650_2650"><span class="label">2650</span></a> The parsnip is no longer employed for its medicinal properties; but -for a long time, the seed was looked upon as a diuretic and febrifuge. -The root contains a considerable quantity of saccharine matter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2651_2651"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2651_2651"><span class="label">2651</span></a> Sprengel identifies it with the Chærophyllum sativum of Linnæus, the -scandix cerifolium, our common chervil; but Fée considers it to be the -same as the Scandix pecten Veneris of Linnæus, the Venus’ comb chervil. -Pliny has mentioned a “scandix” also in B. xxi. c. 52, but erroneously, -Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2652_2652"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2652_2652"><span class="label">2652</span></a> It is not used for any medicinal purposes at the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2653_2653"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2653_2653"><span class="label">2653</span></a> Acharn. A. ii. sc. 4: “Get some scandix from your mother, and give -it me.” The same joke also appears in the “Equites;” and A. Gellius, -B. xv. c. 20, says that Theopompus speaks of the mother of Euripides as -having been a greengrocer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2654_2654"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2654_2654"><span class="label">2654</span></a> Fée identifies it with the Anthriscus odoratus of Linnæus, the cultivated -chervil. See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">52</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2655_2655"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2655_2655"><span class="label">2655</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_65">65</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2656_2656"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2656_2656"><span class="label">2656</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">52</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2657_2657"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2657_2657"><span class="label">2657</span></a> This is the Caucalis grandiflora of Linnæus, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2658_2658"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2658_2658"><span class="label">2658</span></a> “Medicine for the heart.” All these statements as to its medicinal -properties, are quite erroneous, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2659_2659"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2659_2659"><span class="label">2659</span></a> “Pituitas.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2660_2660"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2660_2660"><span class="label">2660</span></a> On Antidotes for the stings of serpents. See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2661_2661"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2661_2661"><span class="label">2661</span></a> The Sium angustifolium has been named, but Fée prefers identifying -it with the Sium latifolium of Linnæus, water-parsley.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2662_2662"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2662_2662"><span class="label">2662</span></a> Fée says that at the present day it is held in suspicion as an article -of food, and that it is said to produce madness in ruminating animals. -He thinks it not improbable that Pliny here attributes to it some of the -properties which in reality belong to cresses.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2663_2663"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2663_2663"><span class="label">2663</span></a> See B. xxvi. c. 25. Sprengel identifies it with the Carduus marianus -of Linnæus. Fée inclines, however, to the belief that it is the -Sonchus palustris of Linnæus; the marsh sow-thistle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2664_2664"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2664_2664"><span class="label">2664</span></a> Sprengel identifies it with the Scolymus maculatus of Linnæus, but -Fée prefers the Scolymus Hispanicus of Linnæus, the Spanish thistle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2665_2665"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2665_2665"><span class="label">2665</span></a> Fée says that the Scolymus grandiflorus is still eaten in Barbary.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2666_2666"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2666_2666"><span class="label">2666</span></a> The “meadow-plant.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2667_2667"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2667_2667"><span class="label">2667</span></a> Works and Days, l. 582.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2668_2668"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2668_2668"><span class="label">2668</span></a> The Sonchus oleraceus of Linnæus, the common sow-thistle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2669_2669"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2669_2669"><span class="label">2669</span></a> A poor old woman, who hospitably entertained Theseus when on -his expedition for the purpose of slaying the Marathonian bull. Theseus -instituted a sacrifice at Athens in honour of her. See Ovid, Remed. Am. -l. 747, and Callim. Fragm. 40.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2670_2670"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2670_2670"><span class="label">2670</span></a> The Sonchus arvensis of Linnæus, the field sow-thistle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2671_2671"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2671_2671"><span class="label">2671</span></a> The Sonchus oleraceus asper of Linnæus, the prickly-leafed sow-thistle. -These plants are eaten as a salad in some countries. They possess -but little energy in a medicinal point of view, but they are cooling -and slightly laxative. The marvels here related by Pliny, Fée says, are -entirely fabulous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2672_2672"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2672_2672"><span class="label">2672</span></a> Sibthorpe thinks that this is the Chondrilla ramosissima of Linnæus; -but Fée identifies it with the Chondrilla juncea of Linnæus. The Lactuca -perennis has also been suggested. See B. xxi. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_52">52</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_65">65</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2673_2673"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2673_2673"><span class="label">2673</span></a> In the Isle of Lemnos, at the present day, a milky juice is extracted -from the root of the Chondrilla juncea.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2674_2674"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2674_2674"><span class="label">2674</span></a> To keep the hairs in their proper place.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2675_2675"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2675_2675"><span class="label">2675</span></a> “Boleti.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2676_2676"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2676_2676"><span class="label">2676</span></a> She having been put to death by him.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2677_2677"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2677_2677"><span class="label">2677</span></a> “Rimosa stria.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2678_2678"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2678_2678"><span class="label">2678</span></a> This description would apply to many of the fungi known as toadstools -at the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2679_2679"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2679_2679"><span class="label">2679</span></a> A true description, Fée says, of the agaric oronge, or the laseras -mushroom.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2680_2680"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2680_2680"><span class="label">2680</span></a> The true origin of fungi has not been discovered till a comparatively -recent period, since the days of Linnæus even. It is now known -that they are propagated by microscopic granules which are lodged in -particular receptacles, or else by a dissolution and dispersion of their filamentous -tissues.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2681_2681"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2681_2681"><span class="label">2681</span></a> “Clavus caligaris.” A nail of a caliga, or military boot. See B. -vii. c. 44, and B. ix. c. 33.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2682_2682"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2682_2682"><span class="label">2682</span></a> The peasants, Fée says, who are in the habit of gathering them, may -probably be better trusted than the most learned authors that have written -on the subject. He thinks it the best plan, however, to avoid all risks, -by confining ourselves to the use of the common field mushroom, the morel, -and one or two other well-known kinds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2683_2683"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2683_2683"><span class="label">2683</span></a> A prejudice entirely without foundation, Fée remarks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2684_2684"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2684_2684"><span class="label">2684</span></a> Fée says that from this it is evident that Pliny understands only the -stalk mushrooms under the name of “boleti;” the fungi which adhere to -trees living more years, many of them, than Pliny mentions days.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2685_2685"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2685_2685"><span class="label">2685</span></a> “Ex pituita.” Fée thinks that under the name of “boleti,” Pliny -means exclusively agaries or mushrooms of the division Amanites, which -contains both the best and the most noxious kinds—the oronge for instance, -and the false oronge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2686_2686"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2686_2686"><span class="label">2686</span></a> The Agaricus campestris of Linnæus, Fée thinks, our common field -mushroom, or, possibly, the Agaricus deliciosus of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2687_2687"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2687_2687"><span class="label">2687</span></a> The Agaricus procerus of Schœfer, probably, the tall columelle, Fée -thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2688_2688"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2688_2688"><span class="label">2688</span></a> A cap worn by the Flamen; or chief-priest, of a somewhat conical -shape; very similar in form to the Russian helmet of the present day.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2689_2689"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2689_2689"><span class="label">2689</span></a> “Swine mushrooms.” Fée suggests that this may be the Boletus -edulis of Bulliard.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2690_2690"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2690_2690"><span class="label">2690</span></a> A valued friend of the philosopher Seneca, as we learn from Tacitus, -and Seneca’s Epistles, Ep. 63.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2691_2691"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2691_2691"><span class="label">2691</span></a> See Martial’s Epigrams, B. i. Ep. 21.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2692_2692"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2692_2692"><span class="label">2692</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 11. In that passage, however, the pine is mentioned, -and not the beech.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2693_2693"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2693_2693"><span class="label">2693</span></a> In B. xx. c. 13, <i>et passim</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2694_2694"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2694_2694"><span class="label">2694</span></a> Fée says that the fungi are but little used in modern medicine: the -white bolet, he says, or larch bolet, is sometimes employed as a purgative, -and some German writers have spoken in praise of the Boletus suaveolens -of Bulliard as a remedy for pulmonary phthisis. The agaric known as -amadue, or German tinder, is also employed in surgery. Fée remarks that -all that Pliny says as to the medicinal properties of mushrooms and fungi -is more or less hazardous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2695_2695"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2695_2695"><span class="label">2695</span></a> Rheums, or catarrhs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2696_2696"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2696_2696"><span class="label">2696</span></a> See B. xxxiv. c. 50.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2697_2697"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2697_2697"><span class="label">2697</span></a> “Sucinis novaculis.” This may possibly mean “knives of amber;” -and it is not improbable that the use of amber may have been thought a -means of detecting the poisonous qualities of fungi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2698_2698"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2698_2698"><span class="label">2698</span></a> This, as Fée remarks, is the case. All kinds of fungi, too, it is said, -may be eaten with impunity, if first boiled in salt water.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2699_2699"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2699_2699"><span class="label">2699</span></a> In reality, rain only facilitates their developement.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2700_2700"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2700_2700"><span class="label">2700</span></a> In B. xix. c. 15.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2701_2701"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2701_2701"><span class="label">2701</span></a> In B. xix. c. 15.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2702_2702"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2702_2702"><span class="label">2702</span></a> In B. xix. c. 15. Asafœtida, Fée says, if it bears any relation to the -laser of the ancients, had till very recently the reputation of being an emmenagogue, -a hydragogue, a vermifuge, and a purgative. Applied topically, -too, it is emollient, and is used for the cure of corns and tumours. -Whatever Laser may have been, there is little doubt that much that is here -stated by Pliny is either fabulous or erroneous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2703_2703"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2703_2703"><span class="label">2703</span></a> “Cauterium.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2704_2704"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2704_2704"><span class="label">2704</span></a> What Pliny here says of Laser, Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 94, says of the -root of Silphium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2705_2705"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2705_2705"><span class="label">2705</span></a> “Dead” corns.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2706_2706"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2706_2706"><span class="label">2706</span></a> Or pottage—“In sorbitione.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2707_2707"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2707_2707"><span class="label">2707</span></a> Probably to prevent it turning sour on the stomach.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2708_2708"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2708_2708"><span class="label">2708</span></a> Dioscorides, however, gives this advice, B. iii. c. 94.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2709_2709"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2709_2709"><span class="label">2709</span></a> In c. 56 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2710_2710"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2710_2710"><span class="label">2710</span></a> It is this, in fact, combined with its utility, that ought to cause it to -be so highly esteemed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2711_2711"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2711_2711"><span class="label">2711</span></a> In B. xi. c. 4, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2712_2712"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2712_2712"><span class="label">2712</span></a> Bee-bread, or bee-glue.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2713_2713"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2713_2713"><span class="label">2713</span></a> In B. xi. c. 6. It is a vegetable substance, Fée says, not elaborated -by the bees. It is still employed in medicine, he says, for resolutive -fumigations.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2714_2714"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2714_2714"><span class="label">2714</span></a> The Babylonians employed it for the purpose of embalming.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2715_2715"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2715_2715"><span class="label">2715</span></a> It is of an emollient nature, and is preferred to sugar for sweetening -liquids, in a multitude of instances.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2716_2716"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2716_2716"><span class="label">2716</span></a> Fée denies this; but there is no doubt that honey has this tendency -with some persons.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2717_2717"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2717_2717"><span class="label">2717</span></a> Fée says that this is not the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2718_2718"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2718_2718"><span class="label">2718</span></a> In B. xi. c. 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2719_2719"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2719_2719"><span class="label">2719</span></a> In B. xxi. c. 44.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2720_2720"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2720_2720"><span class="label">2720</span></a> “Aqua mulsa.” See B. xiv. c. 20, where it is described as Hydromeli, -or Melicraton.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2721_2721"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2721_2721"><span class="label">2721</span></a> Fée says that this must have been a wholesome beverage, but that it -would cease to be so after undergoing fermentation. In the description -of its uses there are some errors, Fée says, combined with some rational -observations.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2722_2722"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2722_2722"><span class="label">2722</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">29</a>; also c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_61">61</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2723_2723"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2723_2723"><span class="label">2723</span></a> This seems to be the meaning of “præparci” here, though it generally -signifies “niggardly,” or “sordid.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2724_2724"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2724_2724"><span class="label">2724</span></a> Fée combats this theory at considerable length; but there can be -little doubt that the same substance has not the same taste to all individuals.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2725_2725"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2725_2725"><span class="label">2725</span></a> Seneca makes a similar observation, De Irâ, B. iii. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2726_2726"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2726_2726"><span class="label">2726</span></a> “Animi seu potius animæ.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2727_2727"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2727_2727"><span class="label">2727</span></a> It is the oil, Fée says, and not the hydromel, that combats the effects -of the white lead, a subcarbonate of lead.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2728_2728"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2728_2728"><span class="label">2728</span></a> In B. xxi. c. 105.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2729_2729"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2729_2729"><span class="label">2729</span></a> Mead, or metheglin.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2730_2730"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2730_2730"><span class="label">2730</span></a> This is, perhaps, the meaning of “nervis” here, but it is very doubtful. -See Note <a class="fnanchor">312</a>, in p. 77 of Vol. III.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2731_2731"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2731_2731"><span class="label">2731</span></a> “Mulsum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2732_2732"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2732_2732"><span class="label">2732</span></a> “Dulci.” Fée thinks, but erroneously, that by this word he means -“must,” or grape-juice, and combats the assertion. Honied wine, he -says, is used at the present day (in France, of course,) as a popular cure -for recent wounds and inveterate ulcers. As a beverage, it was very highly -esteemed by the ancients. See B. vii. c. 54.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2733_2733"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2733_2733"><span class="label">2733</span></a> “Hospes.” It may possibly mean his “guest,” but the other is -more probable.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2734_2734"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2734_2734"><span class="label">2734</span></a> “Intus mulso, foris oleo.” The people of Corsica were famous for -being long-lived, which was attributed to their extensive use of honey.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2735_2735"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2735_2735"><span class="label">2735</span></a> “Regius morbus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2736_2736"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2736_2736"><span class="label">2736</span></a> Honied wine being considered so noble a beverage, Celsus says, that -“during its cure, the patient must be kept to his chamber, and the mind -must be kept cheerful, with gaiety and pastimes, for which reason it is -called the ‘royal disease,’” B. iii. c. 24. In the text Pliny calls it “arquatorum -morbus,” the “disease of the bow-like,” if we may be allowed the -term. The origin of this term, according to Scribonius Largus, is the word -“arcus,” the rainbow, from a fancied resemblance of the colour of the -skin, when affected with jaundice, to the green tints of the rainbow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2737_2737"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2737_2737"><span class="label">2737</span></a> In B. xiv. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2738_2738"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2738_2738"><span class="label">2738</span></a> In B. xi. c. 8, and B. xxi. c. 49.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2739_2739"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2739_2739"><span class="label">2739</span></a> When it curdles on the stomach.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2740_2740"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2740_2740"><span class="label">2740</span></a> In c. 49 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2741_2741"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2741_2741"><span class="label">2741</span></a> “Malagmata.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2742_2742"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2742_2742"><span class="label">2742</span></a> Fée, at some length, and with considerable justice, combats this -assertion; though at the same time he remarks that Pliny is right in calling -the attention of the medical world to the use of simple substances.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2743_2743"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2743_2743"><span class="label">2743</span></a> “Scripulatim”—“By scruples.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2744_2744"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2744_2744"><span class="label">2744</span></a> He forgets that many of them could only be produced by the agency -of an Eastern sun.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2745_2745"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2745_2745"><span class="label">2745</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_20">20</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2746_2746"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2746_2746"><span class="label">2746</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 5.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2747_2747"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2747_2747"><span class="label">2747</span></a> Fée says that it can have no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2748_2748"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2748_2748"><span class="label">2748</span></a> The bran of wheat, Fée says, is of a soothing nature, and that of -barley slightly astringent.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2749_2749"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2749_2749"><span class="label">2749</span></a> See B. xv. c. 12, and B. xvii. c. 14.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2750_2750"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2750_2750"><span class="label">2750</span></a> The only truth in this statement, Fée says, is, that wheat bran makes -a good gargle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2751_2751"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2751_2751"><span class="label">2751</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_19">19</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2752_2752"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2752_2752"><span class="label">2752</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 80. This insect, or weevil, Fée says, is the Calandra -granaria. It strongly resembles the worm or maggot found in nuts. It -can be of no efficacy whatever for the removal of carious teeth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2753_2753"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2753_2753"><span class="label">2753</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 20.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2754_2754"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2754_2754"><span class="label">2754</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_13">13</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2755_2755"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2755_2755"><span class="label">2755</span></a> Or multipede. For these purposes, as Fée says, it is of no use -whatever.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2756_2756"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2756_2756"><span class="label">2756</span></a> It is no better, Fée says, than rye or barley-meal.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2757_2757"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2757_2757"><span class="label">2757</span></a> See B. xviii. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_19">19</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2758_2758"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2758_2758"><span class="label">2758</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 29.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2759_2759"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2759_2759"><span class="label">2759</span></a> “Trimestris.” See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_12">12</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2760_2760"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2760_2760"><span class="label">2760</span></a> Fée remarks, that this meal is still valued for its maturative properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2761_2761"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2761_2761"><span class="label">2761</span></a> Hair-grass, probably, or darnel. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44">44</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2762_2762"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2762_2762"><span class="label">2762</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 14. Injections of meal are still employed, Fée says, -for diarrhœa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2763_2763"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2763_2763"><span class="label">2763</span></a> The flour of the grain called “far,” Fée thinks. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10">10</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2764_2764"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2764_2764"><span class="label">2764</span></a> This statement is probably founded upon the notion that corn has -the property of attracting liquids, even when enclosed in vessels.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2765_2765"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2765_2765"><span class="label">2765</span></a> A paste of this kind, if applied to a recent wound, would have the -effect of preventing cicatrization, and giving free access to the flow of -blood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2766_2766"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2766_2766"><span class="label">2766</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_19">19</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2767_2767"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2767_2767"><span class="label">2767</span></a> Or “flour.” See B. xiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_26">26</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2768_2768"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2768_2768"><span class="label">2768</span></a> Fée remarks, that the Greeks <i>were</i> acquainted with alica, to which -they gave the name of <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">χόνδρος</span>; indeed, Galen expressly states that it was -well known in the days of Hippocrates, who says that it is more nourishing -than ptisan. Festus says that alica is so called, “quod alit,” because -it nourishes the body.—See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_29">29</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2769_2769"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2769_2769"><span class="label">2769</span></a> In c. 55 of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2770_2770"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2770_2770"><span class="label">2770</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_24">24</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2771_2771"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2771_2771"><span class="label">2771</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_25">25</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2772_2772"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2772_2772"><span class="label">2772</span></a> “Mel frugum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2773_2773"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2773_2773"><span class="label">2773</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_22">22</a>. It is still used in medicine in Egypt, and as a -cosmetic.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2774_2774"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2774_2774"><span class="label">2774</span></a> Or “bad habit.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2775_2775"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2775_2775"><span class="label">2775</span></a> In B. xv. c. 7. See also B. xxiii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_49">49</a>. Fée thinks it not unlikely -that oil of sesame might have this effect. The people of Egypt still look -upon this grain as an antophthalmic, but, as Fée says, without any good -reason.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2776_2776"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2776_2776"><span class="label">2776</span></a> “Like sesame.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2777_2777"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2777_2777"><span class="label">2777</span></a> Sprengel has identified this plant, the “smaller” Sesamoides of Dioscorides, -with the Astragalus sesameus of Linnæus, or else with the Reseda -canescens. Other naturalists have mentioned the Catananche cærulea of -Linnæus, the Passerina hirsuta of Linnæus, and the Passerina polygalæofolia -of Lapeyrouse. Fée is of opinion that it has not been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2778_2778"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2778_2778"><span class="label">2778</span></a> Altogether a different plant; Sprengel identifies it with the Reseda -Mediterranea, but Fée dissents from that opinion, and is inclined to agree -with the opinion of Dalechamps, that it is the Daphne Tartonraira of Linnæus, -which is a strong purgative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2779_2779"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2779_2779"><span class="label">2779</span></a> In B. xxv c. 106.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2780_2780"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2780_2780"><span class="label">2780</span></a> Fée remarks that this Chapter includes a number of gross prejudices -which it is not worth while to examine or contradict.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2781_2781"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2781_2781"><span class="label">2781</span></a> “Hordeum murinum.” Anguillara, Matthioli, and Sprengel identify -it with the Lolium perenne of Linnæus; but, as Fée says, it is clear that -Pliny had in view the modern Hordeum murinum, mouse-barley.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2782_2782"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2782_2782"><span class="label">2782</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_15">15</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2783_2783"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2783_2783"><span class="label">2783</span></a> At the present day, as Fée says, oatmeal is preferred to barley-meal.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2784_2784"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2784_2784"><span class="label">2784</span></a> Being our “barley-water,” in fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2785_2785"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2785_2785"><span class="label">2785</span></a> Our “starch” probably. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17">17</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2786_2786"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2786_2786"><span class="label">2786</span></a> A prejudice, Fée says, which is totally without foundation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2787_2787"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2787_2787"><span class="label">2787</span></a> Bread, as made at the present day, is but little used in modern medicine, -beyond being the basis of many kinds of poultices. A decoction of -bread with laudanum, is known in medicine, Fée says, as the “white -decoction.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2788_2788"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2788_2788"><span class="label">2788</span></a> “Unseparated from the bran.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2789_2789"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2789_2789"><span class="label">2789</span></a> Probably like the military bread, made of the coarsest meal, and unfermented.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2790_2790"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2790_2790"><span class="label">2790</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_12">12</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2791_2791"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2791_2791"><span class="label">2791</span></a> “Saccos.” See B. xiv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2792_2792"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2792_2792"><span class="label">2792</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_30">30</a>. Bean meal is but little used in modern medicine, -but most that Pliny here says is probably well founded; with the exception, -however, of his statement as to its employment for diseases of the chest.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2793_2793"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2793_2793"><span class="label">2793</span></a> Most of the properties here ascribed to the lentil, Fée says, are quite -illusory.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2794_2794"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2794_2794"><span class="label">2794</span></a> This, Fée remarks, is not the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2795_2795"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2795_2795"><span class="label">2795</span></a> This statement, Fée thinks, is probably conformable with truth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2796_2796"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2796_2796"><span class="label">2796</span></a> Fée remarks, that we must not confound the cholera of the ancients -with the Indian cholera, our cholera morbus. Celsus describes the cholera -with great exactness, B. iv. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2797_2797"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2797_2797"><span class="label">2797</span></a> They would be of no benefit, Fée thinks, in such a case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2798_2798"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2798_2798"><span class="label">2798</span></a> It bears no relation whatever to the lentil, not being a leguminous -plant. Fée would include under this head the Lemna minor, the Lemna -gibba, and the Lemna polyrrhiza of modern botany, all being found together -in the same stagnant water.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2799_2799"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2799_2799"><span class="label">2799</span></a> Fée remarks, that Pliny is clearly speaking of two essentially different -plants under this name; the first, he thinks, may very probably be the -Ervum tetraspermum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2800_2800"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2800_2800"><span class="label">2800</span></a> This, Fée thinks, is the Salvia officinalis of Linnæus, our common -sage, which has no affinity whatever with the lentil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2801_2801"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2801_2801"><span class="label">2801</span></a> Sprengel thinks that he is speaking here of the Salvia triloba of -Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2802_2802"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2802_2802"><span class="label">2802</span></a> The Trygon pastinaca of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2803_2803"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2803_2803"><span class="label">2803</span></a> “Sage,” the plant, no doubt, that he has been describing.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2804_2804"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2804_2804"><span class="label">2804</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32">32</a>. Fée thinks that the wild cicer is identical with -our cultivated one, the Cicer rietinum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2805_2805"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2805_2805"><span class="label">2805</span></a> See B. xviii. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_26">26</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32">32</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2806_2806"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2806_2806"><span class="label">2806</span></a> Or “ram’s head” cicer; from its fancied resemblance to it: the name -is still given to the cultivated plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2807_2807"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2807_2807"><span class="label">2807</span></a> Or “pigeon” cicer. See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_32">32</a>. Fée thinks it probable that -this plant may be a variety of the Ervum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2808_2808"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2808_2808"><span class="label">2808</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 38. The Ervum ervilia of Linnæus; it is no longer -employed in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2809_2809"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2809_2809"><span class="label">2809</span></a> Fée says that this is the case, and that the use of it is said to produce -a marked debility.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2810_2810"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2810_2810"><span class="label">2810</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_10">10</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2811_2811"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2811_2811"><span class="label">2811</span></a> Fée remarks that it is surprising to find the ancients setting so much -value on the lupine, a plant that is bitter and almost nauseous, difficult to -boil, and bad of digestion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2812_2812"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2812_2812"><span class="label">2812</span></a> It must be the rue, Fée says, that acts as the vermifuge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2813_2813"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2813_2813"><span class="label">2813</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_24">24</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2814_2814"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2814_2814"><span class="label">2814</span></a> Lees of olive oil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2815_2815"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2815_2815"><span class="label">2815</span></a> This is not the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2816_2816"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2816_2816"><span class="label">2816</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 22. Racine, in his letters to Boileau, speaks of a -chorister of Notre Dame, who recovered his voice by the aid of this plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2817_2817"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2817_2817"><span class="label">2817</span></a> It is still used, Fée says, for coughs.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2818_2818"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2818_2818"><span class="label">2818</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 22.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2819_2819"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2819_2819"><span class="label">2819</span></a> Dioscorides says, horehound. The Horminum, apparently, has not -been identified.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2820_2820"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2820_2820"><span class="label">2820</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_44">44</a>. Darnel acts upon the brain to such an extent as -to produce symptoms like those of drunkenness; to which property it is -indebted for its French name of <i>ivraie</i>. It is no longer used in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2821_2821"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2821_2821"><span class="label">2821</span></a> Georg. i. 153; “Infelix lolium, et steriles dominantur avenæ.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2822_2822"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2822_2822"><span class="label">2822</span></a> Fée identifies this plant with the Cuscuta Europæa of Linnæus. -Sprengel takes it to be the Panicum verticillatum of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2823_2823"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2823_2823"><span class="label">2823</span></a> The Avena sativa of Linnæus; the cultivated oat, and not the Greek -oat of B. xviii. c. 42.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2824_2824"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2824_2824"><span class="label">2824</span></a> The term “locusta” has been borrowed by botanists to characterize -the fructification of gramineous plants.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2825_2825"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2825_2825"><span class="label">2825</span></a> In B. xviii. c. 44. The present, Fée thinks, is a different plant from -the Cuscuta Europæa, and he identifies it with the Orobanche caryophyllacea -of Smith, or else the Orobanche ramosa of Linnæus. The Orobanche -is so called from its choking (<span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἄγχει</span>) the orobus or ervum. It is -also found to be injurious to beans, trefoil, and hemp. In Italy, the stalks -are eaten as a substitute for asparagus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2826_2826"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2826_2826"><span class="label">2826</span></a> See B. viii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_43">43</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2827_2827"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2827_2827"><span class="label">2827</span></a> See B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2828_2828"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2828_2828"><span class="label">2828</span></a> As to the beers of the ancients, see B. xiv. c. 29. Very few particulars -are known of them; but we learn from the Talmud, where it is -called <i>zeitham</i>, that zythum was an Egyptian beverage made of barley, wild -saffron, and salt, in equal parts. In the Mishna, the Jews are enjoined -not to use it during the Passover.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2829_2829"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2829_2829"><span class="label">2829</span></a> “Spuma;” literally, “foam.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2830_2830"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2830_2830"><span class="label">2830</span></a> A physician who lived, probably, at the end of the second or the beginning -of the first century <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>, as he was one of the tutors of Heraclides -of Erythræ. His definition of the pulse has been preserved by Galen, De -Differ. Puls. B. iv. c. 10, and an anecdote of him is mentioned by Sextus -Empiricus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2831_2831"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2831_2831"><span class="label">2831</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2832_2832"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2832_2832"><span class="label">2832</span></a> A native of Mytilene, in the island of Lesbos, the earliest of the -Æolian lyric poets. He flourished at the latter end of the seventh century -<span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span> Of his Odes only a few fragments, with some Epigrams, have -come down to us.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2833_2833"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2833_2833"><span class="label">2833</span></a> In contradistinction to the fruits which hang from trees.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2834_2834"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2834_2834"><span class="label">2834</span></a> See B. xvii. c. 18.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2835_2835"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2835_2835"><span class="label">2835</span></a> In B. xii. cc. 60 and 61.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2836_2836"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2836_2836"><span class="label">2836</span></a> All this passage is found in Dioscorides, B. v. c. 1, who probably -borrowed it from the same sources as our author.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2837_2837"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2837_2837"><span class="label">2837</span></a> Fée remarks, that all the statements here made as to the medicinal -properties of the vine are entirely unfounded, except that with reference -to the bark of the vine: as it contains a small quantity of tannin, it might -possibly, in certain cases, arrest hæmorrhage.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2838_2838"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2838_2838"><span class="label">2838</span></a> This cannot be the bryony, Fée says, but simply a variety of the grape -vine with white fruit. See further in c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_5">5</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2839_2839"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2839_2839"><span class="label">2839</span></a> “Impetigines.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2840_2840"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2840_2840"><span class="label">2840</span></a> Alkaline ashes, which would differ but very little, Fée says, from those -of other vegetable productions.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2841_2841"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2841_2841"><span class="label">2841</span></a> This statement as to the caustic properties of the ashes is based upon -truth.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2842_2842"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2842_2842"><span class="label">2842</span></a> In B. xii. c. 60.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2843_2843"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2843_2843"><span class="label">2843</span></a> Saracenus, upon Dioscorides, B. v. c. 6, thinks that Pliny, in copying -from the Greek, has made a mistake here, and that he has taken <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὖλον</span>, -the “gums,” for <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὐλὴ</span>, a “cicatrix;” the corresponding passage in -Dioscorides being <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὖλα πλαδαρὰ</span>, “flaccidity,” or “humidity of the -gums.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2844_2844"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2844_2844"><span class="label">2844</span></a> In B. xii. c. 61. See also B. xiii. c. 2, B. xiv. c. 18, and B. xv. c. 7. -Œnanthe, or vine-blossom, possesses no active medicinal properties, and -the statements made here by Pliny are in all probability unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2845_2845"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2845_2845"><span class="label">2845</span></a> Not the white vine, or Bryonia alba of modern botany, but probably -some variety of the cultivated vine with white fruit. The flower of the -bryony is inodorous, and would be of no utility in the composition of -perfumes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2846_2846"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2846_2846"><span class="label">2846</span></a> “Pterygia.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2847_2847"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2847_2847"><span class="label">2847</span></a> See B. xii. c. 61. It was prepared from vine-blossoms gathered in -Africa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2848_2848"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2848_2848"><span class="label">2848</span></a> This remark is founded, in a great measure, upon fact. The skin of -the black grape contains a colouring principle in considerable abundance, -and a small proportion of tannin; that of the white grape possesses no -colouring principle, but a considerable quantity of tannin. The white -grape contains more saccharine matter than the black one, and they are -both of them of a laxative nature.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2849_2849"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2849_2849"><span class="label">2849</span></a> Littré remarks, that under the name of “lethargus,” a febrile malady -is probably meant, which belongs probably to the class of pseudo-continuous -fevers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2850_2850"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2850_2850"><span class="label">2850</span></a> Fée thinks that in reality there can be little or no difference in their -effects, but that, being eaten in larger quantities at the vintage than afterwards, -it stands to reason that the result will be different.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2851_2851"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2851_2851"><span class="label">2851</span></a> The fermentation, producing a certain amount of alcohol, would -naturally produce this result.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2852_2852"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2852_2852"><span class="label">2852</span></a> “Sapa:” must boiled down to one-third.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2853_2853"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2853_2853"><span class="label">2853</span></a> This, as Fée remarks, is quite impossible; grapes put in rain-water -would spoil immediately, and become totally unfit to eat.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2854_2854"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2854_2854"><span class="label">2854</span></a> By the transformation, namely, of the juices into alcohol.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2855_2855"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2855_2855"><span class="label">2855</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2856_2856"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2856_2856"><span class="label">2856</span></a> A notion quite unfounded, as Fée remarks. See B. xiv. c. 18.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2857_2857"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2857_2857"><span class="label">2857</span></a> A prejudice equally destitute of foundation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2858_2858"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2858_2858"><span class="label">2858</span></a> Grape-stones have an astringent effect, and Fée states that in modern -times an oil is extracted from them of an agreeable flavour, and applicable -to many economical purposes. They are no longer used in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2859_2859"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2859_2859"><span class="label">2859</span></a> In B. xiv. c. 22.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2860_2860"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2860_2860"><span class="label">2860</span></a> Hence the name “theriaca,” from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">θὴρ</span>, a “wild animal,” and <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἀκέομαι</span>, -“to cure.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2861_2861"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2861_2861"><span class="label">2861</span></a> By reason, probably, of their astringent properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2862_2862"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2862_2862"><span class="label">2862</span></a> Though no longer used medicinally, they are still considered to be -good pectorals.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2863_2863"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2863_2863"><span class="label">2863</span></a> See B. xx. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_23">23</a> and <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_81">81</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2864_2864"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2864_2864"><span class="label">2864</span></a> “Ceria;” known in modern medicine as “favus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2865_2865"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2865_2865"><span class="label">2865</span></a> The Pastinaca opopanax of Linnæus. See B. xii. c. 57.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2866_2866"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2866_2866"><span class="label">2866</span></a> Identified with the Delphinium staphis agria of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2867_2867"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2867_2867"><span class="label">2867</span></a> “Taminian grape.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2868_2868"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2868_2868"><span class="label">2868</span></a> Or wild vine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2869_2869"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2869_2869"><span class="label">2869</span></a> The fruit is formed of three oblong capsules, containing a triangular -seed of black brown colour, about the size of a kidney bean.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2870_2870"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2870_2870"><span class="label">2870</span></a> This is not the white vine or bryony, mentioned in c. 16 of this -Book, but the Tamus communis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2871_2871"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2871_2871"><span class="label">2871</span></a> The seeds, which are remarkably pungent and powerful in their -effects, are only used, at the present day, in medicinal preparations for -cattle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2872_2872"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2872_2872"><span class="label">2872</span></a> This is still done at the present day; to which it is indebted for its -French name <i>l’herbe pediculaire</i>, or louse-plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2873_2873"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2873_2873"><span class="label">2873</span></a> Pliny seems again to have fallen into the error of mistaking <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὖλον</span>, -the “gums” for <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">οὐλὴ</span>, a “cicatrix;” the corresponding passage in Dioscorides, -B. iv. c. 156, being “defluxions of the gums.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2874_2874"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2874_2874"><span class="label">2874</span></a> They would be of no use whatever, Fée says, for such a purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2875_2875"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2875_2875"><span class="label">2875</span></a> As tending to carry off “pituita,” or phlegm.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2876_2876"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2876_2876"><span class="label">2876</span></a> In B. xii. c. 61.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2877_2877"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2877_2877"><span class="label">2877</span></a> “Ampelos agria.” Fée observes, that this Chapter is full of errors, -Pliny beginning by speaking of the wild vine, the variety Labrusca of the -Vitis vinifera of Linnæus, and then proceeding to describe what is really -the Bryonia dioica of modern botany, and applying its characteristics to -the wild vine, or labrusca.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2878_2878"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2878_2878"><span class="label">2878</span></a> This is not the case with the wild vine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2879_2879"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2879_2879"><span class="label">2879</span></a> The root of the wild vine is not of a purgative nature.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2880_2880"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2880_2880"><span class="label">2880</span></a> As already stated, this is not identical with the wild vine, but is the -Tamus communis of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2881_2881"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2881_2881"><span class="label">2881</span></a> The Solanum dulcamara of modern botany has been suggested; -though there is but little resemblance between the leaves of that variety of -nightshade and those of the wild vine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2882_2882"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2882_2882"><span class="label">2882</span></a> The Bryonia alba of Linnæus; the bryony, white vine, or white jalap.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2883_2883"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2883_2883"><span class="label">2883</span></a> This description, Fée says, is pretty correct, and the account of its -properties sufficiently exact. It is a violent poison, and is no longer used -in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2884_2884"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2884_2884"><span class="label">2884</span></a> It is still called by the French <i>navet du diable</i>, or devil’s turnip.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2885_2885"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2885_2885"><span class="label">2885</span></a> “Exulcerant corpus.” Our author, Fée says, may here be taxed -with some exaggeration.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2886_2886"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2886_2886"><span class="label">2886</span></a> The fruit is no longer used for this purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2887_2887"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2887_2887"><span class="label">2887</span></a> It is a matter of extreme doubt if there is any foundation for this -statement.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2888_2888"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2888_2888"><span class="label">2888</span></a> It would be productive of no good effect in such case, nor, indeed, in -most of the cases here mentioned.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2889_2889"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2889_2889"><span class="label">2889</span></a> “Purgat” is the reading given by Sillig; but, judging from the corresponding -passage in Dioscorides, <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ὑποταράττει</span>, “turbat,” or “conturbat,” -is the proper reading.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2890_2890"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2890_2890"><span class="label">2890</span></a> “Pterygiis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2891_2891"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2891_2891"><span class="label">2891</span></a> This is in reality not the modern bryony, or white vine, but the -Tamus communis of Linnæus, the black vine, or <i>taminier</i> of the French, -the uva taminia, probably, of Chapter 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2892_2892"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2892_2892"><span class="label">2892</span></a> In the last Chapter.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2893_2893"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2893_2893"><span class="label">2893</span></a> The shoots of the Tamus communis are still eaten in Tuscany as a -substitute for asparagus, to which, however, they are inferior in quality. -It is there known by the name of <i>tamaro</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2894_2894"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2894_2894"><span class="label">2894</span></a> An absurdity, as Fée remarks, not worthy of discussion. The same, -too, as to the next assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2895_2895"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2895_2895"><span class="label">2895</span></a> Of course there are as many varieties of must, or grape-juice, as -there are of wines. Must is of a purgative and emollient nature, but is -no longer employed in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2896_2896"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2896_2896"><span class="label">2896</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_30">30</a> of this Book. Of course there is little or no truth in this -assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2897_2897"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2897_2897"><span class="label">2897</span></a> In reality it has no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2898_2898"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2898_2898"><span class="label">2898</span></a> See B. x. c. 86.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2899_2899"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2899_2899"><span class="label">2899</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_36">36</a>, and B. xxx. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2900_2900"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2900_2900"><span class="label">2900</span></a> In cases of poisoning by opium or hemlock, the use of it, Fée says, -would be prejudicial.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2901_2901"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2901_2901"><span class="label">2901</span></a> See B. xxi. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_105">105</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2902_2902"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2902_2902"><span class="label">2902</span></a> “Toxica.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2903_2903"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2903_2903"><span class="label">2903</span></a> In B. xiv. cc. 8, 9, 10. It is impossible, with any degree of accuracy, -to discuss the properties of these various wines, as they no longer -exist.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2904_2904"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2904_2904"><span class="label">2904</span></a> “Cognominatum” appears to be a better reading than “cognominatus,” -which Sillig has adopted; as it is much more probable that the -work received its name from the subject than that the writer did.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2905_2905"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2905_2905"><span class="label">2905</span></a> All these wines are described in B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2906_2906"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2906_2906"><span class="label">2906</span></a> “Nervis.” As to the meaning of this word, see B. xi. c. 88.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2907_2907"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2907_2907"><span class="label">2907</span></a> These wines also are described in B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2908_2908"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2908_2908"><span class="label">2908</span></a> “Feritas.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2909_2909"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2909_2909"><span class="label">2909</span></a> The colour of our Port.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2910_2910"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2910_2910"><span class="label">2910</span></a> “Apothecis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2911_2911"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2911_2911"><span class="label">2911</span></a> “Cariem trahunt.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2912_2912"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2912_2912"><span class="label">2912</span></a> While the ancients thought that the cariousness or results of old age -were removed by the agency of smoke.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2913_2913"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2913_2913"><span class="label">2913</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 6.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2914_2914"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2914_2914"><span class="label">2914</span></a> “Saliva.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2915_2915"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2915_2915"><span class="label">2915</span></a> In the time of the Emperor Tiberius. See B. xiv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2916_2916"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2916_2916"><span class="label">2916</span></a> Odyssey, B. iv. l. 219, <i>et seq.</i></p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2917_2917"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2917_2917"><span class="label">2917</span></a> “Sapientiam vino obumbrari.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2918_2918"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2918_2918"><span class="label">2918</span></a> Works and Days, l. 594.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2919_2919"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2919_2919"><span class="label">2919</span></a> “Merum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2920_2920"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2920_2920"><span class="label">2920</span></a> It is surprising, as Fée says, to find coriander enumerated among the -poisons. Mistletoe, too, and mercury are neither of them poisons. As to -hemlock, see B. xiv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2921_2921"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2921_2921"><span class="label">2921</span></a> See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 722, 791.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2922_2922"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2922_2922"><span class="label">2922</span></a> See B. xi. c. 71.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2923_2923"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2923_2923"><span class="label">2923</span></a> This method is still employed with race-horses. See B. xiv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2924_2924"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2924_2924"><span class="label">2924</span></a> It is still a very prevalent notion that the growth of dogs is stunted -by giving them raw spirits.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2925_2925"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2925_2925"><span class="label">2925</span></a> The wines of Surrentum and Stata were Campanian wines.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2926_2926"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2926_2926"><span class="label">2926</span></a> “Volgo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2927_2927"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2927_2927"><span class="label">2927</span></a> “Sacco.” A strainer of linen cloth. See B. xiv. c. 28, and B. xix. -c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_19">19</a>. While it diminished the strength, however, it was considered to -injure the flavour.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2928_2928"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2928_2928"><span class="label">2928</span></a> In that case, Fée says, they would differ but little from the wines of -the present day. See B. xiv. c. 25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2929_2929"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2929_2929"><span class="label">2929</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 24.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2930_2930"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2930_2930"><span class="label">2930</span></a> See B. xiv. cc. 9, 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2931_2931"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2931_2931"><span class="label">2931</span></a> “Sapa.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2932_2932"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2932_2932"><span class="label">2932</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2933_2933"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2933_2933"><span class="label">2933</span></a> Surrentine, Alban, Falernian, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2934_2934"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2934_2934"><span class="label">2934</span></a> The colour of Tent and Burgundy.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2935_2935"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2935_2935"><span class="label">2935</span></a> The colour of Port.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2936_2936"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2936_2936"><span class="label">2936</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 25.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2937_2937"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2937_2937"><span class="label">2937</span></a> See B. xiv. cc. 3, 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2938_2938"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2938_2938"><span class="label">2938</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 4: Vol. III. p. 227.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2939_2939"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2939_2939"><span class="label">2939</span></a> “Tremore nervorum;” perhaps “nervousness.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2940_2940"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2940_2940"><span class="label">2940</span></a> See B. xi. c. 71. There is little doubt that generous wine promotes -the rapid circulation of the blood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2941_2941"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2941_2941"><span class="label">2941</span></a> In B. xiv. cc. 18, 19, 20.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2942_2942"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2942_2942"><span class="label">2942</span></a> In accordance with the suggestion of Sillig, we insert “sunt quæ,” -otherwise the passage is defective.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2943_2943"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2943_2943"><span class="label">2943</span></a> This would be a vigorous liquor, Fée thinks, and a good tonic; -similar, in fact, to the modern antiscorbutic wines.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2944_2944"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2944_2944"><span class="label">2944</span></a> Fée queries whether this was made from the fermented berries, or -from an infusion of them in wine. In the former case it would bear some -slight resemblance to our gin.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2945_2945"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2945_2945"><span class="label">2945</span></a> “Apsinthites.” See B. xiv. c. 19.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2946_2946"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2946_2946"><span class="label">2946</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2947_2947"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2947_2947"><span class="label">2947</span></a> In B. xiv. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2948_2948"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2948_2948"><span class="label">2948</span></a> The vinegar of the present day does not appear to have any such -property.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2949_2949"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2949_2949"><span class="label">2949</span></a> Celsus says the same thing, B. i. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2950_2950"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2950_2950"><span class="label">2950</span></a> “Posca,” or vinegar and water, sometimes mixed with eggs, was the -common drink of the lower classes at Rome, and of the soldiers when on -service.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2951_2951"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2951_2951"><span class="label">2951</span></a> There is little doubt that it would be advantageous to employ vinegar -in such a case; the animal would be compelled to withdraw its hold, and -vomiting would be facilitated. Strong salt and water, Fée thinks, would -be still more efficacious.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2952_2952"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2952_2952"><span class="label">2952</span></a> It would be of no use whatever, Fée thinks, in any of these cases.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2953_2953"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2953_2953"><span class="label">2953</span></a> An operation which, though known to the Greeks and Romans, appears -to have been completely lost sight of in the middle ages.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2954_2954"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2954_2954"><span class="label">2954</span></a> Or leather bag, “utrem.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2955_2955"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2955_2955"><span class="label">2955</span></a> See B. xxx. c. 21. From Livy and Plutarch we learn that Hannibal -employed this method of splitting the rocks when making his way across -the Alps. Fée, at considerable length, disputes the credibility of this -account, and thinks it only a wonderful story invented by the Romans to -account for their defeat by Hannibal.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2956_2956"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2956_2956"><span class="label">2956</span></a> See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_5">5</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2957_2957"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2957_2957"><span class="label">2957</span></a> Sillig has little doubt that this passage is incomplete, and that the -end of it should be to the effect, “the result of which was, that he was -effectually cured.” A very similar story is related of Servius Clodius, a -Roman knight, in B. xxv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2958_2958"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2958_2958"><span class="label">2958</span></a> In B. xx. c. 39. It is still employed in medicine; but the statements -here made, as Fée says, do not merit a serious discussion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2959_2959"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2959_2959"><span class="label">2959</span></a> See B. xiv. c. 21. The modern oxymel, as Fée remarks, consists of -honey dissolved in white vinegar, and bears no resemblance to the monstrous -composition here described, and which no stomach, he says, could -possibly support.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2960_2960"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2960_2960"><span class="label">2960</span></a> See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 723, 776.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2961_2961"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2961_2961"><span class="label">2961</span></a> Fée thinks that there may be some foundation for this statement, as -vinegar acts efficaciously as a remedy to the effects of narcotic poisons. -Mistletoe, as already stated, is not a poison.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2962_2962"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2962_2962"><span class="label">2962</span></a> Grape-juice boiled down to one-third. See B. xiv. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2963_2963"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2963_2963"><span class="label">2963</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_18">18</a> of this Book. The account here given of the medicinal -properties of sapa is altogether unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2964_2964"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2964_2964"><span class="label">2964</span></a> A worm that grows in the pine-tree, the Phalæna bombyx pityocampa -of Linnæus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2965_2965"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2965_2965"><span class="label">2965</span></a> A mere absurdity, of course. See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_18">18</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2966_2966"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2966_2966"><span class="label">2966</span></a> The lees of wine are charged with sub-tartarate of potash, a quantity -of colouring matter more or less, and a small proportion of wine. They -are no longer used in medicine. Under the term “fæx vini,” Pliny includes -the pulp or husks of grapes after the must has been expressed.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2967_2967"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2967_2967"><span class="label">2967</span></a> In consequence of the carbonic gas disengaged before the fermentation -is finished, asphyxia being the result.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2968_2968"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2968_2968"><span class="label">2968</span></a> By the use of this term he evidently means grape husks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2969_2969"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2969_2969"><span class="label">2969</span></a> Or flower-de-luce. See B. xxi. cc. <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_19">19</a>, <a href="#BOOK_XXI_CHAP_83">83</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2970_2970"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2970_2970"><span class="label">2970</span></a> Wine-lees would only have the effect of increasing the inflammation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2971_2971"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2971_2971"><span class="label">2971</span></a> See B. xxiv. c. 67.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2972_2972"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2972_2972"><span class="label">2972</span></a> Their properties are similar to those of wine-lees, but they are no -longer used in medicine. The statements here made by our author, Fée -remarks, are entirely fabulous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2973_2973"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2973_2973"><span class="label">2973</span></a> Or horned serpent. See B. xi. c. 45.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2974_2974"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2974_2974"><span class="label">2974</span></a> See B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_71">71</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2975_2975"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2975_2975"><span class="label">2975</span></a> This, as Fée observes, is probably the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2976_2976"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2976_2976"><span class="label">2976</span></a> It must be remembered that red hair was greatly admired by the -Romans.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2977_2977"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2977_2977"><span class="label">2977</span></a> The thicker parts of boiled grape-juice. These lees have no affinity -with those of wine or vinegar.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2978_2978"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2978_2978"><span class="label">2978</span></a> They are rich in tannin and gallic acid, and Fée states that they -have been proposed as a substitute for quinine. The statements here made -by Pliny, he says, in reference to their properties, are hypothetical.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2979_2979"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2979_2979"><span class="label">2979</span></a> “Nervosis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2980_2980"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2980_2980"><span class="label">2980</span></a> No medicinal use is now made of it, but its properties would be very -similar to those of the leaves.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2981_2981"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2981_2981"><span class="label">2981</span></a> Impure metallic oxide. See B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_4">4</a>, and B. xxxiv. c. 52. The -ashes of the branches would be an impure sub-carbonate of potass, which -would act, Fée says, as a powerful irritant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2982_2982"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2982_2982"><span class="label">2982</span></a> A sort of pyroligneous acid, which would have the noxious effect of -throwing inward the eruptions.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2983_2983"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2983_2983"><span class="label">2983</span></a> This juice or tear (lacrima) Fée thinks to be the same with the Enhæmon, -mentioned in B. xii. c. 38; the properties of which are quite inactive, -though Dioscorides, B. i. c. 139, speaks of it as a poison.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2984_2984"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2984_2984"><span class="label">2984</span></a> Probably in consequence of the tannin and gallic acid, which it contains -in great abundance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2985_2985"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2985_2985"><span class="label">2985</span></a> Fée says that all these statements as to the medicinal properties of olives are false.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2986_2986"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2986_2986"><span class="label">2986</span></a> Or preserved olives. See B. xv. c. 4.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2987_2987"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2987_2987"><span class="label">2987</span></a> B. xv. c. 8.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2988_2988"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2988_2988"><span class="label">2988</span></a> Fée thinks that it would exercise quite a contrary effect. Marc of -olives is no longer used in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2989_2989"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2989_2989"><span class="label">2989</span></a> It would produce no good effect in the treatment of ulcers.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2990_2990"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2990_2990"><span class="label">2990</span></a> Fée remarks that it would have no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2991_2991"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2991_2991"><span class="label">2991</span></a> See B. xii. c. 60.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2992_2992"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2992_2992"><span class="label">2992</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_21">21</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2993_2993"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2993_2993"><span class="label">2993</span></a> Fée thinks that it might prove useful in this case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2994_2994"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2994_2994"><span class="label">2994</span></a> Unboiled.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2995_2995"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2995_2995"><span class="label">2995</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_35">35</a>. There is no analogy, Fée says, between marc of olives -and the leaves of the wild olive.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2996_2996"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2996_2996"><span class="label">2996</span></a> This is hardly a peculiarity, for he has said already that the cultivated -olive is employed with honey to arrest the flow of blood.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2997_2997"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2997_2997"><span class="label">2997</span></a> The tannin which it contains in great abundance may possibly have -this effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2998_2998"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2998_2998"><span class="label">2998</span></a> In B. xv. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2999_2999"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2999_2999"><span class="label">2999</span></a> See B. xii. c. 60.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3000_3000"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3000_3000"><span class="label">3000</span></a> See B. xii. c. 60. An inferior kind of omphacium.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3001_3001"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3001_3001"><span class="label">3001</span></a> “Non mordeat.” Probably in the sense of “have no pungency.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3002_3002"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3002_3002"><span class="label">3002</span></a> Or “Œnanthinum.” See B. xii. c. 61, and B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3003_3003"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3003_3003"><span class="label">3003</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_30">30</a> of this Book.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3004_3004"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3004_3004"><span class="label">3004</span></a> Fée remarks, that a modern physician would dread to administer such -a dose, rue being a very dangerous plant in its effects. He also remarks -that it is doubtful whether Pliny is speaking throughout this Chapter of -olive oil or of oil of œnanthe; and such is the fact, though most probably -the latter is intended to be spoken of.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3005_3005"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3005_3005"><span class="label">3005</span></a> “Ptisanæ succo.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3006_3006"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3006_3006"><span class="label">3006</span></a> Fée thinks that it can have no such efficacy, whether it be olive oil -or oil of œnanthe that is the subject of discussion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3007_3007"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3007_3007"><span class="label">3007</span></a> “Acapni.” See B. xi. c. 15.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3008_3008"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3008_3008"><span class="label">3008</span></a> “Oleum cicinum.” See B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3009_3009"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3009_3009"><span class="label">3009</span></a> It is still used in medicine for the same purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3010_3010"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3010_3010"><span class="label">3010</span></a> “Præcordia;” either the diaphragm, or the parts above it, such as -the heart and chest.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3011_3011"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3011_3011"><span class="label">3011</span></a> See B. ix. c. 52.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3012_3012"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3012_3012"><span class="label">3012</span></a> See B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3013_3013"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3013_3013"><span class="label">3013</span></a> Fée is at a loss to know how these wicks could have been made: -most probably, however, the seeds were beaten up into a pulp for the purpose. -The oil is still used for lamps in some countries, though, as Pliny -says, in consequence of its extreme thickness, the light it gives is not -good.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3014_3014"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3014_3014"><span class="label">3014</span></a> “A sole ustis.” Not <i>coup de soleil</i>, or “sun-stroke,” as Littré renders -it. Oil of almonds is still a favourite ingredient in cosmetics.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3015_3015"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3015_3015"><span class="label">3015</span></a> There is no truth, Fée says, in this assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3016_3016"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3016_3016"><span class="label">3016</span></a> Fixed oil of laurel contains a certain proportion of volatile oil, to -which it is indebted for the excellence of its smell. It is still used as a -liniment for rheumatic pains and other affections.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3017_3017"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3017_3017"><span class="label">3017</span></a> As prepared by the ancients, it has no analogous properties with oil of -laurel. Myrtle oil is no longer used in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3018_3018"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3018_3018"><span class="label">3018</span></a> Such is not the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3019_3019"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3019_3019"><span class="label">3019</span></a> The wild myrtle, or little holly. See B. xv. c. 7. The oil would be -inodorous, and not possessed, as Pliny says, of properties similar to those -of oil of myrtle.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3020_3020"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3020_3020"><span class="label">3020</span></a> See B. xv. c. 7. Fée thinks that it may have possibly been prepared -from a decoction of leaves of cypress.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3021_3021"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3021_3021"><span class="label">3021</span></a> See B. xiii. cc. 1. 29, and B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3022_3022"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3022_3022"><span class="label">3022</span></a> See B. xv. c. 7. Oil of walnuts is used but little in medicine at the -present day, but it is employed for numerous other purposes.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3023_3023"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3023_3023"><span class="label">3023</span></a> “Granum Cnidium.” See B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3024_3024"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3024_3024"><span class="label">3024</span></a> It would only resemble castor oil in its drastic properties; the latter -is a fixed natural oil, the former an artificial one.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3025_3025"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3025_3025"><span class="label">3025</span></a> See B. xv. c. 7. An oil is still extracted in Italy from the fruit of -the Pistacia lentiscus; but it is no longer used in medicine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3026_3026"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3026_3026"><span class="label">3026</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">ἄκοπος</span>, “relieving weariness.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3027_3027"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3027_3027"><span class="label">3027</span></a> Or “ben.” See B. xii c. 46, and B. xv. c. 7. Oil of ben is still -made, but it has no such effects as those mentioned by our author.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3028_3028"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3028_3028"><span class="label">3028</span></a> Pliny appears to have made the same error here in compiling from -the Greek, as he has done in Chapters 4 and 13, in mistaking the Greek -word signifying “scars,” for that meaning “gums.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3029_3029"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3029_3029"><span class="label">3029</span></a> In B. xii. c. 51, and B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3030_3030"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3030_3030"><span class="label">3030</span></a> The cyprus, or henna, is but little known in Europe: but it is employed -for many purposes in the East. The leaves, which have a powerful -smell, are used for the purpose of dyeing and staining various parts of the -body.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3031_3031"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3031_3031"><span class="label">3031</span></a> Pliny has most probably committed an error here in mentioning the -“strutheum,” or sparrow-quince; for the corresponding passage in Dioscorides, -B. i. c. 124, speaks of the “struthion,” the Gypsophila struthium -of Linnæus, or possibly, as Littré thinks, the Saponaria officinalis. See -B. xix. c. <a href="#BOOK_XIX_CHAP_18">18</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3032_3032"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3032_3032"><span class="label">3032</span></a> This, Fée thinks, may probably be the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3033_3033"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3033_3033"><span class="label">3033</span></a> See B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3034_3034"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3034_3034"><span class="label">3034</span></a> In B. xii. c. 54. Balm of Mecca, Fée says, possesses properties little -different from the turpentines extracted from the Coniferæ.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3035_3035"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3035_3035"><span class="label">3035</span></a> “Tremulis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3036_3036"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3036_3036"><span class="label">3036</span></a> In B. xii. c. 59. Whatever malobathrum may have been, this was an -artificial oil, no doubt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3037_3037"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3037_3037"><span class="label">3037</span></a> “Hyoscyaminum.” A fixed oil with narcotic properties, and most -probably, highly dangerous in its effects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3038_3038"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3038_3038"><span class="label">3038</span></a> From the Greek <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">θέρμος</span>, a lupine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3039_3039"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3039_3039"><span class="label">3039</span></a> In B. xxi. c. 75.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3040_3040"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3040_3040"><span class="label">3040</span></a> A fixed oil, charged with a small proportion of essential oil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3041_3041"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3041_3041"><span class="label">3041</span></a> Fée is of opinion that applied to the body it would exterminate -vermin.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3042_3042"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3042_3042"><span class="label">3042</span></a> Malignant cancer.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3043_3043"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3043_3043"><span class="label">3043</span></a> In B. xxi. c. 11.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3044_3044"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3044_3044"><span class="label">3044</span></a> In B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3045_3045"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3045_3045"><span class="label">3045</span></a> Similar, probably, to the narcotic oil, or <i>baume tranquille</i> of the French.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3046_3046"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3046_3046"><span class="label">3046</span></a> See B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3047_3047"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3047_3047"><span class="label">3047</span></a> In B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3048_3048"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3048_3048"><span class="label">3048</span></a> Probably because its oleaginous properties would tend to prevent imbibition -and absorption, while its narcotic qualities would in some degree -neutralize the strength of the wine. Almonds have a somewhat similar -effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3049_3049"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3049_3049"><span class="label">3049</span></a> “Pissinum.” See B. xv. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3050_3050"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3050_3050"><span class="label">3050</span></a> This is not the fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3051_3051"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3051_3051"><span class="label">3051</span></a> On the contrary, they are used at the present day as a pectoral; and -many so-called pectoral sirops are prepared from them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3052_3052"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3052_3052"><span class="label">3052</span></a> See B. vi. c. 37, and B. xiii. c. 9.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3053_3053"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3053_3053"><span class="label">3053</span></a> They have no properties, when burnt, to distinguish them from the -ashes of other vegetables.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3054_3054"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3054_3054"><span class="label">3054</span></a> Impure metallic oxide.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3055_3055"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3055_3055"><span class="label">3055</span></a> “Calliblephara.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3056_3056"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3056_3056"><span class="label">3056</span></a> See B. xii. cc. 46, 47.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3057_3057"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3057_3057"><span class="label">3057</span></a> Fée is of opinion that this is not the “myrobalanum” of B. xii. c. -46, the behen or ben nut, but the phœnicobalanus of c. 47 in that Book; -and, indeed, there can be little doubt that Pliny has committed an error -here in substituting one for the other.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3058_3058"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3058_3058"><span class="label">3058</span></a> “Ciet,” “promote,” is the reading adopted by Sillig, but “sistit” -is supported by the parallel passage in Dioscorides.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3059_3059"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3059_3059"><span class="label">3059</span></a> See B. xii. c. 62, and the Note, in reference to the mistake which -Pliny appears to have committed in reference to this term.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3060_3060"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3060_3060"><span class="label">3060</span></a> In reality, it is quite inert.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3061_3061"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3061_3061"><span class="label">3061</span></a> In consequence of the malic and tartaric acid which they contain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3062_3062"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3062_3062"><span class="label">3062</span></a> Quinces are of an astringent nature; and an astringent sirop, Fée -says, is still prepared from them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3063_3063"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3063_3063"><span class="label">3063</span></a> They are no longer used for this purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3064_3064"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3064_3064"><span class="label">3064</span></a> Fée observes that it has no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3065_3065"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3065_3065"><span class="label">3065</span></a> B. xiii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3066_3066"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3066_3066"><span class="label">3066</span></a> Or “sparrow-quince.” See B. xv. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3067_3067"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3067_3067"><span class="label">3067</span></a> He states this so gravely, that he would almost appear to believe it.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3068_3068"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3068_3068"><span class="label">3068</span></a> “Honey apples.” See B. xv. c. 15, where this apple is also called -the “musteum.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3069_3069"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3069_3069"><span class="label">3069</span></a> A purgative sirop of apples, causing thirst, was made by the ancients, -the receipt for which was attributed to King Sapor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3070_3070"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3070_3070"><span class="label">3070</span></a> Or “round” apples. See B. xv. c. 15.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3071_3071"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3071_3071"><span class="label">3071</span></a> See B. xii. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3072_3072"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3072_3072"><span class="label">3072</span></a> See B. xi. c. 15, and B. xii. c. 7.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3073_3073"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3073_3073"><span class="label">3073</span></a> As Fée says, this observation is quite unaccountable. He queries -whether a sweet fruit may not possibly be meant, the sweet lime, for instance, -the flavour of which is very sickly, and would require to be -heightened by the assistance of an acid.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3074_3074"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3074_3074"><span class="label">3074</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 34; where, however, he has only distinguished them -according to their flavour, sweet, vinous, &c.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3075_3075"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3075_3075"><span class="label">3075</span></a> “Without pips.” See B. xiii. c. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3076_3076"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3076_3076"><span class="label">3076</span></a> This and the previous precaution given, Fée considers to be mere -puerilities.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3077_3077"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3077_3077"><span class="label">3077</span></a> Than that of the ordinary grape, probably.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3078_3078"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3078_3078"><span class="label">3078</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3079_3079"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3079_3079"><span class="label">3079</span></a> The “leather apple,” apparently. It is more probable, as Hardouin -says, that it was so called from the toughness of the rind.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3080_3080"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3080_3080"><span class="label">3080</span></a> “Pterygiis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3081_3081"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3081_3081"><span class="label">3081</span></a> See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3082_3082"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3082_3082"><span class="label">3082</span></a> “Alumen scissum.” See B. xxxi. c. 39, and B. xxxv. c. 52.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3083_3083"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3083_3083"><span class="label">3083</span></a> See B. xii. c. 15, and B. xxiv. c. 77.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3084_3084"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3084_3084"><span class="label">3084</span></a> An absurd notion, without any apparent foundation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3085_3085"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3085_3085"><span class="label">3085</span></a> All vegetable productions rich in tannin are thought to possess the -property of acting as a vermifuge.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3086_3086"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3086_3086"><span class="label">3086</span></a> The calyx of the blossom of the pomegranate. Its properties are -remarkably astringent.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3087_3087"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3087_3087"><span class="label">3087</span></a> This would be nearly an impossibility, as the calyx is hard and coriaceous, -and of considerable size. Nothing, however, is allowed to stand -in the way of superstition.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3088_3088"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3088_3088"><span class="label">3088</span></a> “Ipsa corpuscula.” The <i>exact</i> meaning of this expression is somewhat -doubtful: Hardouin takes it to be the lower part of the cytinus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3089_3089"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3089_3089"><span class="label">3089</span></a> In B. xiii. c. 34.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3090_3090"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3090_3090"><span class="label">3090</span></a> The corolla of the flower. Dioscorides, B. i. c. 152, makes the “balaustium” -to be the blossom of the wild pomegranate, and the “cytinus” -to be that of the cultivated fruit. Theophrastus, however, and Galen, -give the same account of the cytinus as Pliny. Holland has this quaint -marginal Note on the passage: “Here is Pliny out of the way;” not improbably -in reference to the statement of Dioscorides.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3091_3091"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3091_3091"><span class="label">3091</span></a> Or Quinarius. See Introduction to Vol. III.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3092_3092"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3092_3092"><span class="label">3092</span></a> These statements, Fée says, are quite unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3093_3093"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3093_3093"><span class="label">3093</span></a> See B. xii. c. 15, and B. xxiv. c. 77.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3094_3094"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3094_3094"><span class="label">3094</span></a> Fée thinks that there is no doubt that this was really the pomegranate, -left to grow wild. Dalechamps and Fée suggest that, misled by the -resemblance of the Greek names, Pliny has here attributed to the wild -pomegranate the properties attributed to the red poppy, or corn poppy. -Hardouin, however, is not of that opinion, and thinks that the mention of -the <i>roots</i> of the plant proves that Pliny has not committed any error here; -as in B. xx. c. 77, he has attributed the narcotic effects of the poppy to -the head only.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3095_3095"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3095_3095"><span class="label">3095</span></a> This depends considerably, as Fée says, upon the kind of pear.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3096_3096"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3096_3096"><span class="label">3096</span></a> See B. xv. c. 16.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3097_3097"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3097_3097"><span class="label">3097</span></a> There is no truth whatever in this statement.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3098_3098"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3098_3098"><span class="label">3098</span></a> They are equally inefficacious for the purpose,</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3099_3099"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3099_3099"><span class="label">3099</span></a> See B. xxiv. c. 1. An absurdity, upon which Fée has uselessly expended -a dozen lines of indignation.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3100_3100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3100_3100"><span class="label">3100</span></a> In reality it has no affinity with vinegar or any other acid, and the -fact that it curdles milk is no proof whatever that such is the case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3101_3101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3101_3101"><span class="label">3101</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17">17</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3102_3102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3102_3102"><span class="label">3102</span></a> Being of a caustic nature, it might have this effect, Fée thinks. It -is, however, no longer employed in medicine. He is also of opinion that -the juice of the fig-tree might be useful in making cheese.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3103_3103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3103_3103"><span class="label">3103</span></a> Here, also, the caustic nature of their juices might render them -useful.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3104_3104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3104_3104"><span class="label">3104</span></a> “Ceria:” now known in surgery as “favus.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3105_3105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3105_3105"><span class="label">3105</span></a> This and the next statement are equally untrue.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3106_3106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3106_3106"><span class="label">3106</span></a> See B. xv. c. 19.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3107_3107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3107_3107"><span class="label">3107</span></a> “Medicatæ.” See B. xvi. c. 51.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3108_3108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3108_3108"><span class="label">3108</span></a> They produce heart-burn and flatulency.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3109_3109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3109_3109"><span class="label">3109</span></a> “Ad carnes eos transtulit.” Dalechamps takes this to mean “showed -them that the flesh was increased by eating figs.” This Pythagoras was -probably the Samian pugilist who gained a victory in Ol. 48.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3110_3110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3110_3110"><span class="label">3110</span></a> This herb is rich in mucilage, and of a soothing nature.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3111_3111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3111_3111"><span class="label">3111</span></a> “Æris flore.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3112_3112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3112_3112"><span class="label">3112</span></a> “Pterygiis.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3113_3113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3113_3113"><span class="label">3113</span></a> This is the case, as they are remarkably rich in alkaline salts. The -assertion, however, as to their properties, is, as Fée says, hypothetical.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3114_3114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3114_3114"><span class="label">3114</span></a> “Thymos.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3115_3115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3115_3115"><span class="label">3115</span></a> Metallic ashes, or dross. See B. xxxiv. c. 52.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3116_3116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3116_3116"><span class="label">3116</span></a> “Suavitatem.” Fée is justly at a loss to understand how this could -be. It is doubtful whether Pliny does not mean that by the use of this -substance meat was <i>kept fresh</i>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3117_3117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3117_3117"><span class="label">3117</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17">17</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3118_3118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3118_3118"><span class="label">3118</span></a> Fée thinks that, owing to its acridity, it may possibly have this effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3119_3119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3119_3119"><span class="label">3119</span></a> There is probably no foundation for this statement.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3120_3120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3120_3120"><span class="label">3120</span></a> Favus.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3121_3121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3121_3121"><span class="label">3121</span></a> Plutarch, Sympos. ii. 7, tells the same absurd story.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3122_3122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3122_3122"><span class="label">3122</span></a> To “erineon,” the Greek for wild fig.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3123_3123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3123_3123"><span class="label">3123</span></a> Supposed to be the Campanula rapunculus of Linnæus, the rampion; -though Fée expresses some doubts. Guilandin has suggested the -Hieracium Sabaudum of Linnæus, an opinion which Fée thinks not altogether -destitute of probability.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3124_3124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3124_3124"><span class="label">3124</span></a> The leaves of this tree contain a large proportion of tannin, to -which they owe their astringent properties.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3125_3125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3125_3125"><span class="label">3125</span></a> Prunes, the produce of the plum-tree, called the plum of Saint Julien, -are still used as a purgative.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3126_3126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3126_3126"><span class="label">3126</span></a> A most singular assertion, as Fée says, and one that universal experience -proves to be unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3127_3127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3127_3127"><span class="label">3127</span></a> On the contrary, it quenches thirst.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3128_3128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3128_3128"><span class="label">3128</span></a> Fée thinks that, owing to the hydro-cyanic acid which the kernels -contain, there may possibly be some foundation for this statement of their -curative effects.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3129_3129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3129_3129"><span class="label">3129</span></a> Both the root and the fruit are of an astringent nature. From this -fruit an extract is prepared, Fée says, rich in tannin, and called in France -Acacia nostras, from its resemblance to the juice of the Egyptian Acacia.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3130_3130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3130_3130"><span class="label">3130</span></a> “Limus.” Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Evernia prunastri -of modern botany. It has been suggested, however, that Pliny has committed -an error here, and that in copying from the Greek source he has -mistaken the author’s mention of the cure of lichens by the gum of the -plum-tree, for an account of a lichen which grows on the tree. Such, in -fact, is the statement of Dioscorides in B. i. c. 174, though he does not -mention chaps and condylomata.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3131_3131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3131_3131"><span class="label">3131</span></a> In B. xiii. cc, 14, 15, where he calls it a fig-tree. He alludes to the -sycamore.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3132_3132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3132_3132"><span class="label">3132</span></a> See B. xvi. c. 72.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3133_3133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3133_3133"><span class="label">3133</span></a> This statement is entirely unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3134_3134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3134_3134"><span class="label">3134</span></a> Considering that the leaves and bark are rich in tannin and gallic -acid, it might be worth while to ascertain if there is any truth in this -assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3135_3135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3135_3135"><span class="label">3135</span></a> But Horace says, Sat. B. ii. s. 4, l. 22, that mulberries are remarkably -wholesome as a dessert.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3136_3136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3136_3136"><span class="label">3136</span></a> In B. xvi. c. 41.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3137_3137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3137_3137"><span class="label">3137</span></a> “All-healing,” “mouth-medicine,” and “medicine for the trachea.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3138_3138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3138_3138"><span class="label">3138</span></a> See B. xii. c. 60. A rob, or sirop of mulberries is prepared for much -the same purposes at the present day, but without the omphacium, myrrh, -or saffron. An “arteriace” is also mentioned in B. xx. c. <a href="#BOOK_XX_CHAP_79">79</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3139_3139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3139_3139"><span class="label">3139</span></a> Hermolaüs Barbarus is possibly right in suggesting “cytini,” which -name has been previously mentioned in connection with the calyx of the -pomegranate.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3140_3140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3140_3140"><span class="label">3140</span></a> From the account given by Dioscorides, B. i. c. 181, this appears to -he the meaning of the passage, which is very elliptically expressed, if, indeed, -it is not imperfect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3141_3141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3141_3141"><span class="label">3141</span></a> In a powdered state, probably, as mentioned by Dioscorides.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3142_3142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3142_3142"><span class="label">3142</span></a> The use of the word “conluebant” would almost make it appear that -he is speaking of a liquid.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3143_3143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3143_3143"><span class="label">3143</span></a> The juice (if, indeed, Pliny intends to specify it as an ingredient) -will not, as Fée remarks, combine with oil. Dioscorides says, B. i. c. 180, -that the <i>leaves</i> are bruised and applied with oil to burns.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3144_3144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3144_3144"><span class="label">3144</span></a> Black cherries, Fée says, bigaroons, and others, with a firm flesh, -are the most unwholesome. See B. xv. c. 30.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3145_3145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3145_3145"><span class="label">3145</span></a> This property. Fée says, is attributed by some, in modern times, not -to the flesh, or pericarpus of the cherry, but to the stalks of the fruit.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3146_3146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3146_3146"><span class="label">3146</span></a> See B. xv. c. 22.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3147_3147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3147_3147"><span class="label">3147</span></a> See B. xv. c. 23.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3148_3148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3148_3148"><span class="label">3148</span></a> They are no longer used in medicine, Fée says, but the buds of the -pine and fir, the properties of which are analogous, are still used, though -not in cases of hæmoptysis.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3149_3149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3149_3149"><span class="label">3149</span></a> In a rancid state particularly, they would have this effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3150_3150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3150_3150"><span class="label">3150</span></a> Fée thinks that the mixture might be useful in these cases.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3151_3151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3151_3151"><span class="label">3151</span></a> See B. xv. c. 24.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3152_3152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3152_3152"><span class="label">3152</span></a> “Hilariorem.” At the present day it is not a decoction of the root, -but the fixed oil of the kernels, that is used as a cosmetic; for which purpose -it is used with oil of sweet almonds and wax.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3153_3153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3153_3153"><span class="label">3153</span></a> Their narcotic effect is owing to the prussic, or hydro-cyanic, acid -which they contain.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3154_3154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3154_3154"><span class="label">3154</span></a> Almonds were a favourite food with the monks in the middle ages; -not improbably because they tended to dispel the fumes of wine. Almond -milk, similar to our custard, was a standing dish at their “charities” and -anniversaries.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3155_3155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3155_3155"><span class="label">3155</span></a> See B. xviii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XVIII_CHAP_17">17</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3156_3156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3156_3156"><span class="label">3156</span></a> They would he of no use whatever in these cases.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3157_3157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3157_3157"><span class="label">3157</span></a> Otherwise turpentine.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3158_3158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3158_3158"><span class="label">3158</span></a> See B. xxii. c. <a href="#BOOK_XXII_CHAP_71">71</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3159_3159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3159_3159"><span class="label">3159</span></a> See Note <a href="#Footnote_3154_3154" class="fnanchor">3154</a> above. Plutarch tells us that Drusus, the brother of -Tiberius, one of the greatest drinkers of his time, used almonds for this -purpose. Fée will not believe that they have any such preventive effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3160_3160"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3160_3160"><span class="label">3160</span></a> Almonds will kill small animals, birds, for instance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3161_3161"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3161_3161"><span class="label">3161</span></a> They are much more used in modern medicine than bitter almonds.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3162_3162"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3162_3162"><span class="label">3162</span></a> There is some ground, Fée says, for this assertion.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3163_3163"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3163_3163"><span class="label">3163</span></a> See B. xv. c. 24, where Pliny expresses himself at a loss as to their -identification.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3164_3164"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3164_3164"><span class="label">3164</span></a> See B. xv. c. 24.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3165_3165"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3165_3165"><span class="label">3165</span></a> <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">Κάρυα</span>, from <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κάρος</span>, “heaviness,” or <span lang="grc" xml:lang="grc">κάρη</span>, the “head.” See Vol. -III. p. 316.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3166_3166"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3166_3166"><span class="label">3166</span></a> A mere prejudice, no doubt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3167_3167"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3167_3167"><span class="label">3167</span></a> The rancidity of the oil which they contain, renders them irritating -to the throat and stomach.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3168_3168"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3168_3168"><span class="label">3168</span></a> Fée remarks, that it is difficult to see how this could be done.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3169_3169"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3169_3169"><span class="label">3169</span></a> This statement, as Fée remarks, is quite unfounded.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3170_3170"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3170_3170"><span class="label">3170</span></a> This assertion is also entirely imaginary.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3171_3171"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3171_3171"><span class="label">3171</span></a> “Cortex juglandium.” Fée says that by this term is meant, not the -green outer shell, husk, or pericarpus of the walnut, but the bark of the -tree.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3172_3172"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3172_3172"><span class="label">3172</span></a> This asserted use of them has not been verified by modern experience.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3173_3173"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3173_3173"><span class="label">3173</span></a> The various receipts for the preparation of this Mithridate or antidote -differ very widely; and, indeed, the probability is, as Dr. Heberden -says, that Mithridates was as much a stranger to his own antidote, as -modern physicians have since been to the medicines daily advertised under -their names. Mithridates is said to have so fortified himself against all -noxious drugs and poisons, that none would produce any effect when he -attempted to destroy himself—a mere fable, no doubt.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3174_3174"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3174_3174"><span class="label">3174</span></a> This, we are told by Galen, was regularly done by the Emperor -Marcus Aurelius, De Antid. B. i. c. i.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3175_3175"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3175_3175"><span class="label">3175</span></a> See B. xv. c. 24.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3176_3176"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3176_3176"><span class="label">3176</span></a> An emulsion of them fresh, with honey, might be useful, Fée thinks, -in such a case.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3177_3177"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3177_3177"><span class="label">3177</span></a> Either of these additions would certainly neutralize the good effects -of the emulsion. The addition of raisin wine, however, is recommended -by Dioscorides.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3178_3178"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3178_3178"><span class="label">3178</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 10.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3179_3179"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3179_3179"><span class="label">3179</span></a> They are of no efficacy whatever for such a purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3180_3180"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3180_3180"><span class="label">3180</span></a> See B. xv. c. 25. They are no longer used in medicine, and, as Fée -says, it is extremely doubtful if they possess any of the properties here attributed -to them.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3181_3181"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3181_3181"><span class="label">3181</span></a> They are still looked upon as very nourishing, as, indeed, is the case -with all the feculent fruits.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3182_3182"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3182_3182"><span class="label">3182</span></a> See B. xv. c. 26.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3183_3183"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3183_3183"><span class="label">3183</span></a> They are productive of colic and diarrhœa.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3184_3184"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3184_3184"><span class="label">3184</span></a> See B. xiii. c. 16.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3185_3185"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3185_3185"><span class="label">3185</span></a> See B. xv. c. 31.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3186_3186"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3186_3186"><span class="label">3186</span></a> The juice of the sap would, to all appearance, produce an acetate or -oxide of iron.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3187_3187"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3187_3187"><span class="label">3187</span></a> See B. xv. c. 28.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3188_3188"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3188_3188"><span class="label">3188</span></a> All parts of the laurel, the berries in particular, are impregnated with -an essential oil with a powerful odour and of an exciting nature. Upon -this volatile principle, and nothing else, the whole of its medicinal properties -are based.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3189_3189"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3189_3189"><span class="label">3189</span></a> This assertion, Fée says, is no better than fabulous.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3190_3190"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3190_3190"><span class="label">3190</span></a> See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. ll. 723, 776.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3191_3191"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3191_3191"><span class="label">3191</span></a> See the Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 719.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3192_3192"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3192_3192"><span class="label">3192</span></a> “Irino.” See B. xiii. c. 2.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3193_3193"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3193_3193"><span class="label">3193</span></a> This assertion, Fée says, is untrue.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3194_3194"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3194_3194"><span class="label">3194</span></a> See B. xv. c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3195_3195"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3195_3195"><span class="label">3195</span></a> All these statements as to the properties of the berries, Fée says, are -hypothetical and more than doubtful.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3196_3196"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3196_3196"><span class="label">3196</span></a> The Laurus nobilis of modern botany.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3197_3197"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3197_3197"><span class="label">3197</span></a> A statement, Fée says, that is altogether illusory.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3198_3198"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3198_3198"><span class="label">3198</span></a> Of the berries, Fée thinks.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3199_3199"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3199_3199"><span class="label">3199</span></a> See c. <a href="#BOOK_XXIII_CHAP_45">45</a> of this Book; also B. xxvii. c. 13.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3200_3200"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3200_3200"><span class="label">3200</span></a> Fée thinks that this oil, in conjunction with adipose substances, might -be useful for the treatment of rheumatic affections.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3201_3201"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3201_3201"><span class="label">3201</span></a> The Ruscus hypophyllum of Linnæus. It is quite inodorous, Fée -says, and has no analogous properties whatever with the next-mentioned -plant.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3202_3202"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3202_3202"><span class="label">3202</span></a> See B. xv. c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3203_3203"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3203_3203"><span class="label">3203</span></a> In B. xv. c. 39.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3204_3204"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3204_3204"><span class="label">3204</span></a> The peasantry of France, Fée says, still use as a purgative the berries -of the Daphne mezereum, and of the Daphne laureola; and in Aragon -and Catalonia, the leaves of the Thymelea are used for a similar purpose. -The employment of them, however, is not unattended with danger.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3205_3205"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3205_3205"><span class="label">3205</span></a> A variety with white berries, but which variety it appears impossible -to say.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3206_3206"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3206_3206"><span class="label">3206</span></a> See B. xv. c. 37.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3207_3207"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3207_3207"><span class="label">3207</span></a> The leaves and berries are bitter, and rich in volatile oil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3208_3208"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3208_3208"><span class="label">3208</span></a> This is consistent with fact.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3209_3209"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3209_3209"><span class="label">3209</span></a> A work of some kind, (perhaps a play, if the comic writer, Menander, -is the person alluded to) the title of which means “the Women Dining -together.” Hardouin, with justice, ridicules the notion of Ortelius that -this is the name of some place or town.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3210_3210"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3210_3210"><span class="label">3210</span></a> The astringency communicated by the tannin which they contain -would probably make them useful for dysentery; if at the same time, as -Fée says, they are not too exciting, by reason of their essential oil.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3211_3211"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3211_3211"><span class="label">3211</span></a> See B. xi. c. 71.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3212_3212"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3212_3212"><span class="label">3212</span></a> “Succus seminis.” Sillig has “succus feminis,” apparently a misprint—the -only one that has been met with thus far in his elaborate edition.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3213_3213"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3213_3213"><span class="label">3213</span></a> It might change the colour of the hair, but for a short time only.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3214_3214"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3214_3214"><span class="label">3214</span></a> See B. xv. c. 37.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3215_3215"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3215_3215"><span class="label">3215</span></a> Cerates, or adipose or oleaginous plasters.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3216_3216"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3216_3216"><span class="label">3216</span></a> In reality they have no such effect.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3217_3217"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3217_3217"><span class="label">3217</span></a> “Pterygia.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3218_3218"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3218_3218"><span class="label">3218</span></a> Fée says here—“Pliny terminates, by a credulity quite unworthy of -him, a Chapter, full of false or exaggerated assertions, relative to the properties -of the myrtle.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3219_3219"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3219_3219"><span class="label">3219</span></a> Or “myrtle-wine.” See B. xiv. c. 19; also B. xv. c. 35.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3220_3220"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3220_3220"><span class="label">3220</span></a> “Alarum perfusiones.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3221_3221"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3221_3221"><span class="label">3221</span></a> See B. xv. cc. 7, 37: the Ruscus aculeatus of Linnæus, or little -holly of the French, belonging to the Asparagea, and not the myrtles.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3222_3222"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3222_3222"><span class="label">3222</span></a> Being of the same family, of course there is a great resemblance.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3223_3223"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3223_3223"><span class="label">3223</span></a> In reality they have no such lithotriptic nature, Fée says.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3224_3224"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3224_3224"><span class="label">3224</span></a> A kindred plant with the one already mentioned by our author: it -is still used for making brooms in some parts of Europe.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3225_3225"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3225_3225"><span class="label">3225</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3226_3226"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3226_3226"><span class="label">3226</span></a> See end of B. xiv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3227_3227"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3227_3227"><span class="label">3227</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3228_3228"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3228_3228"><span class="label">3228</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3229_3229"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3229_3229"><span class="label">3229</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3230_3230"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3230_3230"><span class="label">3230</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3231_3231"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3231_3231"><span class="label">3231</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3232_3232"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3232_3232"><span class="label">3232</span></a> For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii; for Fabianus Sabinus, see -end of B. xviii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3233_3233"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3233_3233"><span class="label">3233</span></a> See end of B. iii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3234_3234"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3234_3234"><span class="label">3234</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3235_3235"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3235_3235"><span class="label">3235</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3236_3236"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3236_3236"><span class="label">3236</span></a> See end of B. ii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3237_3237"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3237_3237"><span class="label">3237</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3238_3238"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3238_3238"><span class="label">3238</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xix</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3239_3239"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3239_3239"><span class="label">3239</span></a> See end of B. viii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3240_3240"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3240_3240"><span class="label">3240</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3241_3241"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3241_3241"><span class="label">3241</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3242_3242"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3242_3242"><span class="label">3242</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3243_3243"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3243_3243"><span class="label">3243</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3244_3244"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3244_3244"><span class="label">3244</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3245_3245"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3245_3245"><span class="label">3245</span></a> See end of B. iv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3246_3246"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3246_3246"><span class="label">3246</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3247_3247"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3247_3247"><span class="label">3247</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3248_3248"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3248_3248"><span class="label">3248</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_388">xxi</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3249_3249"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3249_3249"><span class="label">3249</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3250_3250"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3250_3250"><span class="label">3250</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3251_3251"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3251_3251"><span class="label">3251</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3252_3252"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3252_3252"><span class="label">3252</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3253_3253"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3253_3253"><span class="label">3253</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3254_3254"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3254_3254"><span class="label">3254</span></a> See end of B. xv.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3255_3255"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3255_3255"><span class="label">3255</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3256_3256"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3256_3256"><span class="label">3256</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3257_3257"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3257_3257"><span class="label">3257</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3258_3258"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3258_3258"><span class="label">3258</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3259_3259"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3259_3259"><span class="label">3259</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3260_3260"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3260_3260"><span class="label">3260</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3261_3261"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3261_3261"><span class="label">3261</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3262_3262"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3262_3262"><span class="label">3262</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3263_3263"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3263_3263"><span class="label">3263</span></a> See end of B. vii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3264_3264"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3264_3264"><span class="label">3264</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3265_3265"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3265_3265"><span class="label">3265</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3266_3266"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3266_3266"><span class="label">3266</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3267_3267"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3267_3267"><span class="label">3267</span></a> See end of B. xi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3268_3268"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3268_3268"><span class="label">3268</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3269_3269"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3269_3269"><span class="label">3269</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3270_3270"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3270_3270"><span class="label">3270</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3271_3271"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3271_3271"><span class="label">3271</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3272_3272"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3272_3272"><span class="label">3272</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3273_3273"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3273_3273"><span class="label">3273</span></a> See end of B. vi.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3274_3274"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3274_3274"><span class="label">3274</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3275_3275"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3275_3275"><span class="label">3275</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3276_3276"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3276_3276"><span class="label">3276</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3277_3277"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3277_3277"><span class="label">3277</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3278_3278"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3278_3278"><span class="label">3278</span></a> See end of B. xii.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3279_3279"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3279_3279"><span class="label">3279</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3280_3280"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3280_3280"><span class="label">3280</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3281_3281"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3281_3281"><span class="label">3281</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_205">xIx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3282_3282"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3282_3282"><span class="label">3282</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3283_3283"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3283_3283"><span class="label">3283</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3284_3284"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3284_3284"><span class="label">3284</span></a> See end of B. <a href="#Page_303">xx</a>.</p></div> - -<p class="center"> -END OF VOL. IV.</p> - -<p class="center">J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER, WOKING, SURREY.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="transnote chapter"><p>Transcriber’s Notes:—</p> - -<p class="noindent padt1 padb1">The spelling, hyphenation, punctuation and accentuation are as the -original, except for apparent typographical errors which have been -silently corrected.</p> - -<p class="noindent">The footnotes for each of the six volumes have been renumbered, the -references to notes in other volumes have been changed accordingly.</p> - -<p class="noindent">Footnote [2369] in the original incorrectly reads:—</p> -<div class="blockquote"><p class="noindent">The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxiii. c. -108.</p></div> -<p class="noindent">This has been changed to:—</p> -<div class="blockquote"><p class="noindent">The Solanum nigrum of Linnæus, or black night-shade. See B. xxi. c. -108.</p></div> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Natural History of Pliny, volume 4 -(of 6), by Pliny, the Elder - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF PLINY *** - -***** This file should be named 61113-h.htm or 61113-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/1/1/61113/ - -Produced by Turgut Dincer, Stephen Rowland, Tony Browne, -Brian Wilcox and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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