969Fée thinks that it is the Tamarix orientalis of Delille.
969Fée thinks that it is the Tamarix orientalis of Delille.
970“Infelix,” meaning “sterile.” He seems to say this more particularly in reference to the brya, which Egypt produces. As to this use of the word “infelix,” see B. xvi. c.46.
970“Infelix,” meaning “sterile.” He seems to say this more particularly in reference to the brya, which Egypt produces. As to this use of the word “infelix,” see B. xvi. c.46.
971Sprengel and Fée identify this with the Ostrya vulgaris of Willdenow, the Carpinus ostrya of Linnæus.
971Sprengel and Fée identify this with the Ostrya vulgaris of Willdenow, the Carpinus ostrya of Linnæus.
972Or the “luckily named.” It grew on Mount Ordymnus in Lesbos. See Theophrastus, B. ii. c. 31.
972Or the “luckily named.” It grew on Mount Ordymnus in Lesbos. See Theophrastus, B. ii. c. 31.
973The Evonymus Europæus, or else the Evonymus latifolius of botanists, is probably intended to be indicated; but it is a mistake to say that it is poisonous to animals. On the contrary, Fée says that sheep will fatten on its leaves very speedily.
973The Evonymus Europæus, or else the Evonymus latifolius of botanists, is probably intended to be indicated; but it is a mistake to say that it is poisonous to animals. On the contrary, Fée says that sheep will fatten on its leaves very speedily.
974“Statim pestem denuntians.” Pliny appears to be in error here. In copying from Theophrastus, he seems to have found the wordφόνοςused, really in reference to a blood-red juice which distils from the plant; but as the same word also means slaughter, or death, he seems to have thought that it really bears reference to the noxious qualities of the plant.
974“Statim pestem denuntians.” Pliny appears to be in error here. In copying from Theophrastus, he seems to have found the wordφόνοςused, really in reference to a blood-red juice which distils from the plant; but as the same word also means slaughter, or death, he seems to have thought that it really bears reference to the noxious qualities of the plant.
975Fée censures the use of the word “siliqua,” as inappropriate, although the seed does resemble that of sesamum, the Sesamum orientale of Linnæus.
975Fée censures the use of the word “siliqua,” as inappropriate, although the seed does resemble that of sesamum, the Sesamum orientale of Linnæus.
976Or eonis. Fée suggests that in this story, which probably belongs to the region of Fable, some kind of oak may possibly be alluded to.
976Or eonis. Fée suggests that in this story, which probably belongs to the region of Fable, some kind of oak may possibly be alluded to.
977In the former editions, “adrachne”—the Arbutus integrifolia, Fée says, and not the Arbutus andrachne of Linnæus, as Sprengel thinks.
977In the former editions, “adrachne”—the Arbutus integrifolia, Fée says, and not the Arbutus andrachne of Linnæus, as Sprengel thinks.
978“Porcillaca.” The Portulaca oleracea of Linnæus.
978“Porcillaca.” The Portulaca oleracea of Linnæus.
979The Rhus cotinus of Linnæus, a sort of sumach.
979The Rhus cotinus of Linnæus, a sort of sumach.
980This is not the fact; the seeds when ripe are merely lost to view in the large tufts of down which grow on the stems.
980This is not the fact; the seeds when ripe are merely lost to view in the large tufts of down which grow on the stems.
981Generally supposed to be the same as the alaternus, mentioned in B. xvi. c.45. Some writers identify it with the Phyllirea angustifolia of Linnæus.
981Generally supposed to be the same as the alaternus, mentioned in B. xvi. c.45. Some writers identify it with the Phyllirea angustifolia of Linnæus.
982Probably the Ferula communis of Linnæus, the herb or shrub known as “fennel giant.”
982Probably the Ferula communis of Linnæus, the herb or shrub known as “fennel giant.”
983The Ferula glauca of Linnæus.
983The Ferula glauca of Linnæus.
984The Ferula nodiflora of Linnæus.
984The Ferula nodiflora of Linnæus.
985It is still used for that purpose in the south of Europe. The Roman schoolmasters, as we learn from Juvenal, Martial, and others, employed it for the chastisement of their scholars. Pliny is in error in reckoning it among the trees, it really having no pretensions to be considered such. It is said to have received its name from “ferio,” to “beat.”
985It is still used for that purpose in the south of Europe. The Roman schoolmasters, as we learn from Juvenal, Martial, and others, employed it for the chastisement of their scholars. Pliny is in error in reckoning it among the trees, it really having no pretensions to be considered such. It is said to have received its name from “ferio,” to “beat.”
986Sprengel thinks that this is the Thapsia asclepium of the moderns; but Fée takes it to be the Thapsia villosa of Linnæus.
986Sprengel thinks that this is the Thapsia asclepium of the moderns; but Fée takes it to be the Thapsia villosa of Linnæus.
987It was valued, Dioscorides says, for its cathartic properties.
987It was valued, Dioscorides says, for its cathartic properties.
988Either the Thapsia garganica of Willdenow, or the Thapsia villosa, found in Africa and the south of Europe, though, as Pliny says, the thapsia of Europe is mild in its effects compared with that of Africa. It is common on the coast of Barbary.
988Either the Thapsia garganica of Willdenow, or the Thapsia villosa, found in Africa and the south of Europe, though, as Pliny says, the thapsia of Europe is mild in its effects compared with that of Africa. It is common on the coast of Barbary.
989Pastillos.
989Pastillos.
990Nocturnis grassationibus.
990Nocturnis grassationibus.
991It is still used in Barbary for the cure of tetter and ringworm.
991It is still used in Barbary for the cure of tetter and ringworm.
992The story was, that Prometheus, when he stole the heavenly fire from Jupiter, concealed it in a stalk of narthex.
992The story was, that Prometheus, when he stole the heavenly fire from Jupiter, concealed it in a stalk of narthex.
993The “caper-tree,” the Capparis spinosa of Linnæus. Fée suggests that Pliny may possibly allude, in some of the features which he describes, to kinds less known; such, for instance, as the Capparis inermis of Forskhal, found in Arabia; the Capparis ovata of Desfontaines, found in Barbary; the Capparis Sinaica, found on Mount Sinai, and remarkable for the size of its fruit; and the Capparis Ægyptiaca of Lamarck, commonly found in Egypt.
993The “caper-tree,” the Capparis spinosa of Linnæus. Fée suggests that Pliny may possibly allude, in some of the features which he describes, to kinds less known; such, for instance, as the Capparis inermis of Forskhal, found in Arabia; the Capparis ovata of Desfontaines, found in Barbary; the Capparis Sinaica, found on Mount Sinai, and remarkable for the size of its fruit; and the Capparis Ægyptiaca of Lamarck, commonly found in Egypt.
994The stalk and seed were salted or pickled. The buds or unexpanded flowers of this shrub are admired as a pickle or sauce of delicate flavour.
994The stalk and seed were salted or pickled. The buds or unexpanded flowers of this shrub are admired as a pickle or sauce of delicate flavour.
995Fée remarks that this is not the truth, all the kinds possessing the same qualities. There may, however, have been some difference in the mode of salting or pickling them, and possibly productive of noxious effects.
995Fée remarks that this is not the truth, all the kinds possessing the same qualities. There may, however, have been some difference in the mode of salting or pickling them, and possibly productive of noxious effects.
996Probably from its thorns, that being the name of the sweet-briar, or dog-rose.
996Probably from its thorns, that being the name of the sweet-briar, or dog-rose.
997“Serpent grapes.”
997“Serpent grapes.”
998Sprengel and Fée take this to be the Cyperus fastigiatus of Linnæus, which Forskhal found in the river Nile.
998Sprengel and Fée take this to be the Cyperus fastigiatus of Linnæus, which Forskhal found in the river Nile.
999Spina regia. Some writers have considered this to be the same with the Centaurea solstitialis of Linnæus. Sprengel takes it to be the Cassyta filiformis of Linnæus, a parasitical plant of India. We must conclude, however, with Fée, that both the thorn and the parasite have not hitherto been identified.
999Spina regia. Some writers have considered this to be the same with the Centaurea solstitialis of Linnæus. Sprengel takes it to be the Cassyta filiformis of Linnæus, a parasitical plant of India. We must conclude, however, with Fée, that both the thorn and the parasite have not hitherto been identified.
1000The Makron Teichos. See B. iv. c. 11.
1000The Makron Teichos. See B. iv. c. 11.
1001From the various statements of ancient authors, Fée has come to the conclusion that this name was given to two totally different productions. The cytisus which the poets speak of as grateful to bees and goats, and sheep, he takes to be the Medicago arborea of Linnæus, known to us as Medic trefoil, or lucerne; while the other, a tree with a black wood, he considers identical with the Cytisus laburnum of Linnæus, the laburnum, or false ebony tree.
1001From the various statements of ancient authors, Fée has come to the conclusion that this name was given to two totally different productions. The cytisus which the poets speak of as grateful to bees and goats, and sheep, he takes to be the Medicago arborea of Linnæus, known to us as Medic trefoil, or lucerne; while the other, a tree with a black wood, he considers identical with the Cytisus laburnum of Linnæus, the laburnum, or false ebony tree.
1002A kind of vetch or tare. See B. xviii.
1002A kind of vetch or tare. See B. xviii.
1003“Frutex.” When speaking of it as a shrub, he seems to be confounding the tree with the plant.
1003“Frutex.” When speaking of it as a shrub, he seems to be confounding the tree with the plant.
1004Evidently in allusion to the tree.
1004Evidently in allusion to the tree.
1005He alludes to various kinds of fucus or sea-weed, which grows to a much larger size in the Eastern seas.
1005He alludes to various kinds of fucus or sea-weed, which grows to a much larger size in the Eastern seas.
1006The Mediterranean.
1006The Mediterranean.
1007Whence the word “fucus” of the naturalists.
1007Whence the word “fucus” of the naturalists.
1008Fée suggests that this may be the Laminaria saccharina of Linnæus, being one of the “ulvæ” often thrown up on the coasts of Europe.
1008Fée suggests that this may be the Laminaria saccharina of Linnæus, being one of the “ulvæ” often thrown up on the coasts of Europe.
1009The “green” plant.
1009The “green” plant.
1010The “girdle” plant.
1010The “girdle” plant.
1011The Fucus barbatus, probably, of Linnæus, or else the Fucus eroïdes.
1011The Fucus barbatus, probably, of Linnæus, or else the Fucus eroïdes.
1012They are in reality more long-lived than this.
1012They are in reality more long-lived than this.
1013Fée suggests that it is the Roccella tinctoria of Linnæus.
1013Fée suggests that it is the Roccella tinctoria of Linnæus.
1014The Zostera marina of Linnæus, according to Fée.
1014The Zostera marina of Linnæus, according to Fée.
1015The Ulva lactuca of the moderns, a very common sea-weed.
1015The Ulva lactuca of the moderns, a very common sea-weed.
1016The Fucus ericoïdes, Fée suggests, not unlike a fir in appearance.
1016The Fucus ericoïdes, Fée suggests, not unlike a fir in appearance.
1017Quercus. According to Gmellin, this is the Fucus vesiculosus of Linnæus. Its leaves are indented, somewhat similarly to those of the oak.
1017Quercus. According to Gmellin, this is the Fucus vesiculosus of Linnæus. Its leaves are indented, somewhat similarly to those of the oak.
1018Polybius, as quoted by Athenæus, says that in the Lusitanian Sea there are oaks that bear acorns, on which the thunnies feed and grow fat.
1018Polybius, as quoted by Athenæus, says that in the Lusitanian Sea there are oaks that bear acorns, on which the thunnies feed and grow fat.
1019On the contrary, Theophrastus says, B. iv. c. 7, that the sea-vine growsnearthe sea, from which Fée is disposed to consider it a phanerogamous plant. If, on the other hand, it is really a fucus, he thinks that the Fucus uvarius may be meant, the vesicles of which resemble a grape in shape.
1019On the contrary, Theophrastus says, B. iv. c. 7, that the sea-vine growsnearthe sea, from which Fée is disposed to consider it a phanerogamous plant. If, on the other hand, it is really a fucus, he thinks that the Fucus uvarius may be meant, the vesicles of which resemble a grape in shape.
1020He speaks of a madrepore, Fée thinks, the identity of which it is difficult to determine. Professor Pallas speaks of an Alcyonidium ficus, which lives in the Mediterranean and in the ocean, and which resembles a fig, and has no leaves, but its exterior is not red.
1020He speaks of a madrepore, Fée thinks, the identity of which it is difficult to determine. Professor Pallas speaks of an Alcyonidium ficus, which lives in the Mediterranean and in the ocean, and which resembles a fig, and has no leaves, but its exterior is not red.
1021Fée queries whether this may not be the Gorgonia palma of Linnæus, which has received its name from its resemblance to a small palm-tree.
1021Fée queries whether this may not be the Gorgonia palma of Linnæus, which has received its name from its resemblance to a small palm-tree.
1022These three, Fée thinks, are madrepores or zoophytes, which it would be vain to attempt to identify.
1022These three, Fée thinks, are madrepores or zoophytes, which it would be vain to attempt to identify.
1023That is, they dry up to the consistency of pumice.
1023That is, they dry up to the consistency of pumice.
1024“Sitiens.” Delille considers this as identical with his Acacia seyal, a thorny tree, often to be seen in the deserts of Africa.
1024“Sitiens.” Delille considers this as identical with his Acacia seyal, a thorny tree, often to be seen in the deserts of Africa.
1025Probably zoophytes now unknown.
1025Probably zoophytes now unknown.
1026Fée suggests that he may allude to the Madrepora fungites of Linnæus, the Fungus lapideus of Bauhin. These are found in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean; but, of course, the story of their appearance during rain is fabulous.
1026Fée suggests that he may allude to the Madrepora fungites of Linnæus, the Fungus lapideus of Bauhin. These are found in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean; but, of course, the story of their appearance during rain is fabulous.
1027Sharks; see B. ix. c. 70.
1027Sharks; see B. ix. c. 70.
1028The companions of Onesicritus and Nearchus.
1028The companions of Onesicritus and Nearchus.
1029Fée hazards a conjecture that this may be the Gorgonia scirpea of Pallas, found in the Indian Seas.
1029Fée hazards a conjecture that this may be the Gorgonia scirpea of Pallas, found in the Indian Seas.
1030One of the Gorgoniæ, Fée thinks; but its characteristics are not sufficiently stated to enable us to identify it.
1030One of the Gorgoniæ, Fée thinks; but its characteristics are not sufficiently stated to enable us to identify it.
1031A fable worthy of Sinbad the Sailor!
1031A fable worthy of Sinbad the Sailor!
1032“Isidis crinem.” Fée says that this is evidently black coral, the Gorgonia antipathes of Linnæus.
1032“Isidis crinem.” Fée says that this is evidently black coral, the Gorgonia antipathes of Linnæus.
1033“The eyelid of the Graces.” Fée is almost tempted to think that he means red coral.
1033“The eyelid of the Graces.” Fée is almost tempted to think that he means red coral.
1034Amatoriis.
1034Amatoriis.
1035Spatalia. Armlets or bracelets.
1035Spatalia. Armlets or bracelets.
1036By this apparently fabulous story, one would be almost inclined to think that he is speaking of a zoophyte.
1036By this apparently fabulous story, one would be almost inclined to think that he is speaking of a zoophyte.
1037See end of B. ii.
1037See end of B. ii.
1038See end of B. ii.
1038See end of B. ii.
1039See end of B vii.
1039See end of B vii.
1040Papirius Fabianus. See end of B. ii.
1040Papirius Fabianus. See end of B. ii.
1041See end of B. ii.
1041See end of B. ii.
1042See end of B. iii.
1042See end of B. iii.
1043Fabius Pictor. See end of B. x.
1043Fabius Pictor. See end of B. x.
1044See end of B. viii.
1044See end of B. viii.
1045See end of B. iii.
1045See end of B. iii.
1046Trogus Pompeius. See end of B. vii.
1046Trogus Pompeius. See end of B. vii.
1047See end of B. v.
1047See end of B. v.
1048See end of B. ii.
1048See end of B. ii.
1049See end of B.xii.
1049See end of B.xii.
1050See end of B.xii.
1050See end of B.xii.
1051See end of B. ii.
1051See end of B. ii.
1052See end of B.xii.
1052See end of B.xii.
1053See end of B. ii.
1053See end of B. ii.
1054See end of B. iii.
1054See end of B. iii.
1055See end of B. ii.
1055See end of B. ii.
1056See end of B.xii.
1056See end of B.xii.
1057See end of B. vii.
1057See end of B. vii.
1058See end of B. vi.
1058See end of B. vi.
1059See end of B.xii.
1059See end of B.xii.
1060See end of B. vii.
1060See end of B. vii.
1061See end of B. vi.
1061See end of B. vi.
1062See end of B. ii.
1062See end of B. ii.
1063See end of B.xii.
1063See end of B.xii.
1064See end of B.xii.
1064See end of B.xii.
1065See end of B. vi.
1065See end of B. vi.
1066See end of B. iv.
1066See end of B. iv.
1067See end of B. iv.
1067See end of B. iv.
1068See end of B.xii.
1068See end of B.xii.
1069See end of B. iv.
1069See end of B. iv.
1070See end of B. viii.
1070See end of B. viii.
1071See end of B.xii.
1071See end of B.xii.
1072See end of B.xii.
1072See end of B.xii.
1073See end of B.xii.
1073See end of B.xii.
1074See end of B. viii.
1074See end of B. viii.
1075Nothing certain is known of him; but he appears to be the geographer, a native of Lampsacus, mentioned by Strabo in B. xiii.
1075Nothing certain is known of him; but he appears to be the geographer, a native of Lampsacus, mentioned by Strabo in B. xiii.
1076See end of B.xii.
1076See end of B.xii.
1077See end of B.xii.
1077See end of B.xii.
1078See end of B.xii.
1078See end of B.xii.
1079See end of B. ii.
1079See end of B. ii.
1080See end of B. viii.
1080See end of B. viii.
1081See end of B. iii.
1081See end of B. iii.
1082A writer on Agriculture, or domestic economy; but nothing further is known of him.
1082A writer on Agriculture, or domestic economy; but nothing further is known of him.
1083See end of B. v.
1083See end of B. v.
1084Perhaps the same writer that is mentioned at the end of B.xi.
1084Perhaps the same writer that is mentioned at the end of B.xi.
1085For two physicians of this name, see end of B.xii.
1085For two physicians of this name, see end of B.xii.
1086One of his prescriptions is preserved in the works of Galen. Nothing else is known of him.
1086One of his prescriptions is preserved in the works of Galen. Nothing else is known of him.
1087See end of B.xii.
1087See end of B.xii.
1088See end of B.xii.
1088See end of B.xii.
1089See end of B.xii.
1089See end of B.xii.
1090See end of B.xii.
1090See end of B.xii.
1091See end of B.xii.
1091See end of B.xii.
1092See end of B.xii.
1092See end of B.xii.
1093See end of B.xii.
1093See end of B.xii.
1094See end of B.xii.
1094See end of B.xii.
1095See end of B.xii.
1095See end of B.xii.
1096This must be understood with considerable modification—many of the tropical trees and plants have been naturalized, and those of America more particularly, in Europe.
1096This must be understood with considerable modification—many of the tropical trees and plants have been naturalized, and those of America more particularly, in Europe.
1097He is probably wrong in looking upon the vine as indigenous to Italy. It was known in very early times in Egypt and Greece, and it is now generally considered that it is indigenous throughout the tract that stretches to the south, from the mountains of Mazandiran on the Caspian to the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Sea, and eastward through Khorassan and Cabul to the base of the Himalayas.
1097He is probably wrong in looking upon the vine as indigenous to Italy. It was known in very early times in Egypt and Greece, and it is now generally considered that it is indigenous throughout the tract that stretches to the south, from the mountains of Mazandiran on the Caspian to the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Sea, and eastward through Khorassan and Cabul to the base of the Himalayas.
1098The art of printing, Fée remarks, utterly precludes the recurrence of such a fact as this.
1098The art of printing, Fée remarks, utterly precludes the recurrence of such a fact as this.
1099In allusion to his poem, the “Works and Days,” the prototype of Virgil’s Georgics.
1099In allusion to his poem, the “Works and Days,” the prototype of Virgil’s Georgics.
1100He alludes to the legacy-hunters with which Rome abounded in his time. They are spoken of by Seneca, Tacitus, and Juvenal, in terms of severe reprobation.
1100He alludes to the legacy-hunters with which Rome abounded in his time. They are spoken of by Seneca, Tacitus, and Juvenal, in terms of severe reprobation.
1101This seems to be the meaning of “captatio;” much like what we call “toadying,” or “toad-eating.”
1101This seems to be the meaning of “captatio;” much like what we call “toadying,” or “toad-eating.”
1102The “liberales artes,” were those, the pursuit of which was not considered derogatory to the dignity of a free man.
1102The “liberales artes,” were those, the pursuit of which was not considered derogatory to the dignity of a free man.
1103Vita ipsa desiit.
1103Vita ipsa desiit.
1104Humilitas.
1104Humilitas.
1105In the Georgics.
1105In the Georgics.
1106Theophrastus reckons it among the trees; Columella, B. ii., considers it to occupy a middle position between a tree and a shrub. Horace, B. i. Ode 18, calls it a tree, “arbor.”
1106Theophrastus reckons it among the trees; Columella, B. ii., considers it to occupy a middle position between a tree and a shrub. Horace, B. i. Ode 18, calls it a tree, “arbor.”
1107Or “layers,” “propagines.”
1107Or “layers,” “propagines.”
1108Nubunt, properly “marry.” This is still done in Naples, and other parts of Italy. The use of vine stays there are unknown.
1108Nubunt, properly “marry.” This is still done in Naples, and other parts of Italy. The use of vine stays there are unknown.
1109“Mustum.” Pure, unfermented juice of the grape.
1109“Mustum.” Pure, unfermented juice of the grape.
1110See B. vii. c. 24.
1110See B. vii. c. 24.
1111Italia Transpadana.
1111Italia Transpadana.
1112See B. xxiv. c. 112. The Bauhins are of opinion that this is the Acer opulus of Willdenow, common in Italy, and very branchy.
1112See B. xxiv. c. 112. The Bauhins are of opinion that this is the Acer opulus of Willdenow, common in Italy, and very branchy.
1113“Tabulata in orbem patula.” He probably alludes to the branches extending horizontally from the trunk.
1113“Tabulata in orbem patula.” He probably alludes to the branches extending horizontally from the trunk.
1114“In palmam ejus.”
1114“In palmam ejus.”