1115There is no doubt that the whole of this passage is in a most corrupt state, and we can only guess at its meaning. Sillig suggests a new reading, which, unsupported as it is by any of the MSS., can only be regarded as fanciful, and perhaps as a very slight improvement on the attempts to obtain a solution of the difficulty. Pliny’s main object seems to be to contrast the vines that entwine round poles and rise perpendicularly with those that creep horizontally.
1115There is no doubt that the whole of this passage is in a most corrupt state, and we can only guess at its meaning. Sillig suggests a new reading, which, unsupported as it is by any of the MSS., can only be regarded as fanciful, and perhaps as a very slight improvement on the attempts to obtain a solution of the difficulty. Pliny’s main object seems to be to contrast the vines that entwine round poles and rise perpendicularly with those that creep horizontally.
1116By throwing out fresh shoots every here and there. Fée, however, seems to think that he means that the grapes themselves, as they trail along the ground, suck up the juices with their pores. These are known in France as “running vines,” and are found in Berry and Anjou.
1116By throwing out fresh shoots every here and there. Fée, however, seems to think that he means that the grapes themselves, as they trail along the ground, suck up the juices with their pores. These are known in France as “running vines,” and are found in Berry and Anjou.
1117He must evidently be speaking of the size of thebunches. See the account of the grapes of Canaan, in Numbers xiii. 24.
1117He must evidently be speaking of the size of thebunches. See the account of the grapes of Canaan, in Numbers xiii. 24.
1118“Durus acinus,” or, according to some readings, “duracinus.”
1118“Durus acinus,” or, according to some readings, “duracinus.”
1119From the Greekβουμαστὸς, a cow’s teat, mentioned by Virgil, Georg. ii. 102.
1119From the Greekβουμαστὸς, a cow’s teat, mentioned by Virgil, Georg. ii. 102.
1120Or finger-grape.
1120Or finger-grape.
1121From the Greekλεπτορᾶγες, “small-berried.”
1121From the Greekλεπτορᾶγες, “small-berried.”
1122Pensili concamaratæ nodo.
1122Pensili concamaratæ nodo.
1123We have no corresponding word for the Latin “dolium.” It was an oblong earthen vessel, used for much the same purpose as our vats; new wine was generally placed in it. In times later than that of Pliny the dolia were made of wood.
1123We have no corresponding word for the Latin “dolium.” It was an oblong earthen vessel, used for much the same purpose as our vats; new wine was generally placed in it. In times later than that of Pliny the dolia were made of wood.
1124Hardouin speaks of these grapes as still growing in his time in the Valtelline, and remarkable for their excellence.
1124Hardouin speaks of these grapes as still growing in his time in the Valtelline, and remarkable for their excellence.
1125“A patientia.” Because they havesufferedfrom the action of the heat.
1125“A patientia.” Because they havesufferedfrom the action of the heat.
1126From the thinness of the skin.
1126From the thinness of the skin.
1127See c.24, also B. xxiii. c. 24.
1127See c.24, also B. xxiii. c. 24.
1128See B. iii. c. 5, and B. xxxiii. c. 24.
1128See B. iii. c. 5, and B. xxxiii. c. 24.
1129He died in the yearB.C.19.
1129He died in the yearB.C.19.
1130A vine sapling was the chief mark of the centurion’s authority.
1130A vine sapling was the chief mark of the centurion’s authority.
1131The reading “elatas,” has been adopted. If “lentas” is retained, it may mean, “promotion, slow though it be,” for the word “aquila” was often used to denote the rank of the “primipilus,” who had the charge of the eagle of the legion.
1131The reading “elatas,” has been adopted. If “lentas” is retained, it may mean, “promotion, slow though it be,” for the word “aquila” was often used to denote the rank of the “primipilus,” who had the charge of the eagle of the legion.
1132Because it was the privilege solely of those soldiers who were Roman citizens to be beaten with the vine sapling.
1132Because it was the privilege solely of those soldiers who were Roman citizens to be beaten with the vine sapling.
1133He alludes to the “vinea” used in besieging towns; the first notion of which was derived from the leafy roof afforded by the vines when creeping on the trellis over-head. It was a moveable machine, affording a roof under which the besiegers protected themselves against darts, stones, fire, and other missiles. Raw hides or wet cloths constituted the uppermost layer.
1133He alludes to the “vinea” used in besieging towns; the first notion of which was derived from the leafy roof afforded by the vines when creeping on the trellis over-head. It was a moveable machine, affording a roof under which the besiegers protected themselves against darts, stones, fire, and other missiles. Raw hides or wet cloths constituted the uppermost layer.
1134See B. xxiii. c. 19.
1134See B. xxiii. c. 19.
1135Many years ago, there were in the gardens of the Luxembourg one thousand four hundred varieties of the French grape, and even then there were many not to be found there; while, at the same time, it was considered that the French kinds did not form more than one-twentieth part of the species known in Europe.
1135Many years ago, there were in the gardens of the Luxembourg one thousand four hundred varieties of the French grape, and even then there were many not to be found there; while, at the same time, it was considered that the French kinds did not form more than one-twentieth part of the species known in Europe.
1136This vine was said to be of Grecian origin, and to have been conveyed by a Thessalian tribe to Italy, where it was grown at Aminea, a village in the Falernian district of Campania. It is supposed to have been the same as thegros plantof the French. The varieties mentioned by Pliny seem not to have been recognized by the moderns.
1136This vine was said to be of Grecian origin, and to have been conveyed by a Thessalian tribe to Italy, where it was grown at Aminea, a village in the Falernian district of Campania. It is supposed to have been the same as thegros plantof the French. The varieties mentioned by Pliny seem not to have been recognized by the moderns.
1137Fée does not give credit to this statement.
1137Fée does not give credit to this statement.
1138In allusion to the cotton-tree, or else the mulberry leaves covered with the cocoons of the silkworm. See B. vi. c. 20, and B. xii. c.21. Virgil, in the Georgics, has the well-known line:“Velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres.”
1138In allusion to the cotton-tree, or else the mulberry leaves covered with the cocoons of the silkworm. See B. vi. c. 20, and B. xii. c.21. Virgil, in the Georgics, has the well-known line:
“Velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres.”
“Velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres.”
“Velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres.”
“Velleraque ut foliis depectant tenuia Seres.”
1139See B. iii. c. 9, There are many vines, the wood of which is red, but this species has not been identified.
1139See B. iii. c. 9, There are many vines, the wood of which is red, but this species has not been identified.
1140From “apis,” a “bee.” He alludes, it is thought, to the muscatel grape, said to have had its name from “musca,” a “fly;” an insect which is greatly attracted by its sweetness.
1140From “apis,” a “bee.” He alludes, it is thought, to the muscatel grape, said to have had its name from “musca,” a “fly;” an insect which is greatly attracted by its sweetness.
1141Græcula.
1141Græcula.
1142Fée is inclined to think that he alludes to the vine of Corinth, the dried fruit of which are the currants of commerce.
1142Fée is inclined to think that he alludes to the vine of Corinth, the dried fruit of which are the currants of commerce.
1143From the Greekεὐγένεια.
1143From the Greekεὐγένεια.
1144How Taormina, in Sicily, where, Fée says, it is still to be found. The grapes are red, similar to those of Mascoli near Etna, and much esteemed.
1144How Taormina, in Sicily, where, Fée says, it is still to be found. The grapes are red, similar to those of Mascoli near Etna, and much esteemed.
1145Picata. See p.221.
1145Picata. See p.221.
1146I. e., pale straw colour.
1146I. e., pale straw colour.
1147It has been supposed that this vine received its name from “fæx;” the wine depositing an unusually large quantity of lees.
1147It has been supposed that this vine received its name from “fæx;” the wine depositing an unusually large quantity of lees.
1148It is doubtful whether this vine had its name from being grown in the district now called Bourges, or that of Bourdeaux. Dalechamps identifies it with theplant d’Orleans.
1148It is doubtful whether this vine had its name from being grown in the district now called Bourges, or that of Bourdeaux. Dalechamps identifies it with theplant d’Orleans.
1149The origin of its name is unknown. The text is evidently defective.
1149The origin of its name is unknown. The text is evidently defective.
1150By this name it would be understood that they were of an intermediate colour between rose and white, a not uncommon colour in the grape. Pliny, however, says otherwise, and he is supported by Columella.
1150By this name it would be understood that they were of an intermediate colour between rose and white, a not uncommon colour in the grape. Pliny, however, says otherwise, and he is supported by Columella.
1151C. Bauhin took this to mean one of the garden currant trees, the Ribes uva crispa of Linnæus, called by Bauhin Grossularia simplici acino, or else Spinosa agrestis. But, as Fée observes, the ancients were not so ignorant as to confound a vine with a currant-bush.
1151C. Bauhin took this to mean one of the garden currant trees, the Ribes uva crispa of Linnæus, called by Bauhin Grossularia simplici acino, or else Spinosa agrestis. But, as Fée observes, the ancients were not so ignorant as to confound a vine with a currant-bush.
1152Like the Portuguese grapes of the present day.
1152Like the Portuguese grapes of the present day.
1153Crisped and indented.
1153Crisped and indented.
1154This variety, according to Christian de la Vega, was cultivated abundantly in Grenada. The wordcocolab, according to some, meant cock’s comb. It is mentioned as a Spanish word by Columella.
1154This variety, according to Christian de la Vega, was cultivated abundantly in Grenada. The wordcocolab, according to some, meant cock’s comb. It is mentioned as a Spanish word by Columella.
1155Dalechamps says, that a similar wine was made at Montpellier, and that it was called “piquardant.”
1155Dalechamps says, that a similar wine was made at Montpellier, and that it was called “piquardant.”
1156See B. xxiii. cc. 20, 21.
1156See B. xxiii. cc. 20, 21.
1157Probably from “albus,” “white.” Poinsinet thinks that it may have been so called from the Celtic wordalb, oralp, a mountain, and that it grew on elevated spots. This, however, is probably fanciful.
1157Probably from “albus,” “white.” Poinsinet thinks that it may have been so called from the Celtic wordalb, oralp, a mountain, and that it grew on elevated spots. This, however, is probably fanciful.
1158Called by the Greeksἀμέθυστον, from its comparatively harmless qualities.
1158Called by the Greeksἀμέθυστον, from its comparatively harmless qualities.
1159Or “sober” vine.
1159Or “sober” vine.
1160Hardouin says that in his time it was still cultivated about Macerata, in the Roman States. Fée thinks that it may be one of the climbing vines, supported by forks, cultivated in the central provinces of France. See also B. xxiii. c. 19, as to the effects produced by its wine.
1160Hardouin says that in his time it was still cultivated about Macerata, in the Roman States. Fée thinks that it may be one of the climbing vines, supported by forks, cultivated in the central provinces of France. See also B. xxiii. c. 19, as to the effects produced by its wine.
1161Poinsinet gives a Celto-Scythian origin to this word, and says that it means “injured by fogs.” This appears to be supported in some measure by what is stated below.
1161Poinsinet gives a Celto-Scythian origin to this word, and says that it means “injured by fogs.” This appears to be supported in some measure by what is stated below.
1162See B. xvii. c.37.
1162See B. xvii. c.37.
1163Or “thorny” vine. Fée queries why it should be thus called.
1163Or “thorny” vine. Fée queries why it should be thus called.
1164This humid, marshy locality was noted for the badness of its grapes, and consequently of its wine.
1164This humid, marshy locality was noted for the badness of its grapes, and consequently of its wine.
1165Hardouin thinks that this is the “Marze mina” of the Venetians: whence, perhaps, its ancient name.
1165Hardouin thinks that this is the “Marze mina” of the Venetians: whence, perhaps, its ancient name.
1166“Testis.” See B. xxxv. c. 46.
1166“Testis.” See B. xxxv. c. 46.
1167From Murgentum, in Sicily. See B. iii. c. 14.
1167From Murgentum, in Sicily. See B. iii. c. 14.
1168From Pompeii, afterwards destroyed. See B. iii c. 9.
1168From Pompeii, afterwards destroyed. See B. iii c. 9.
1169Hardouin, as Fée thinks, without good reason, identifies this with the “Arelaca” of Columella.
1169Hardouin, as Fée thinks, without good reason, identifies this with the “Arelaca” of Columella.
1170Georgics, ii. 99.
1170Georgics, ii. 99.
1171This seems to be the meaning of “ultro solum lætius facit.” These two lines have been introduced by Sillig, from one of the MSS., for the first time.
1171This seems to be the meaning of “ultro solum lætius facit.” These two lines have been introduced by Sillig, from one of the MSS., for the first time.
1172Hardouin thinks that it is so called from Tuder, a town of Etruria. See B. iii. c. 19.
1172Hardouin thinks that it is so called from Tuder, a town of Etruria. See B. iii. c. 19.
1173Sillig suggests that the reading here is corrupt, and that Pliny means to say that the vine called Florentia is particularly excellent, and merely to state that the talpona, &c., are peculiar to Arretium: for, as he says, speaking directly afterwards in disparagement of them, it is not likely he would pronounce them “opima,” of “first-rate quality.”
1173Sillig suggests that the reading here is corrupt, and that Pliny means to say that the vine called Florentia is particularly excellent, and merely to state that the talpona, &c., are peculiar to Arretium: for, as he says, speaking directly afterwards in disparagement of them, it is not likely he would pronounce them “opima,” of “first-rate quality.”
1174From “talpa,” a “mole,” in consequence of its black colour.
1174From “talpa,” a “mole,” in consequence of its black colour.
1175“Album.”
1175“Album.”
1176Probably so called from the Etesian winds, which improved its growth.
1176Probably so called from the Etesian winds, which improved its growth.
1177Perhaps meaning “double-seeded.” We may here remark, that the wines of Tuscany, though held in little esteem in ancient times, are highly esteemed at the present day.
1177Perhaps meaning “double-seeded.” We may here remark, that the wines of Tuscany, though held in little esteem in ancient times, are highly esteemed at the present day.
1178The leaves of most varieties turn red just before the fall.
1178The leaves of most varieties turn red just before the fall.
1179And Baccius thinks that this is the kind from which the raisins of the sun, common in Italy, and more particularly in the Valley of Bevagna, the Mevania of Pliny, are made.
1179And Baccius thinks that this is the kind from which the raisins of the sun, common in Italy, and more particularly in the Valley of Bevagna, the Mevania of Pliny, are made.
1180Perhaps from “pumilio,” a dwarf.
1180Perhaps from “pumilio,” a dwarf.
1181The “royal” vine, according to Poinsinet, who would derive it from the Sclavonic “ban.”
1181The “royal” vine, according to Poinsinet, who would derive it from the Sclavonic “ban.”
1182Previously mentioned, p.228.
1182Previously mentioned, p.228.
1183The residence of Horace, now Tivoli.
1183The residence of Horace, now Tivoli.
1184Baccius says that the wine of this grape was thin like water, and that the vine was trained on lofty trees, a mode of cultivation still followed in the vicinity of Rome. Laurentum was situate within a short distance of it, near Ostia.
1184Baccius says that the wine of this grape was thin like water, and that the vine was trained on lofty trees, a mode of cultivation still followed in the vicinity of Rome. Laurentum was situate within a short distance of it, near Ostia.
1185See B. iii. c. 9.
1185See B. iii. c. 9.
1186So called from the smoky or intermediate colour of its grapes. Fée suggests that this may be the slow-ripening grape of France, called the “verjus,” or “rognon de coq.”
1186So called from the smoky or intermediate colour of its grapes. Fée suggests that this may be the slow-ripening grape of France, called the “verjus,” or “rognon de coq.”
1187Possibly meaning the “mouthful.”
1187Possibly meaning the “mouthful.”
1188Perhaps so called from Prusa in Bithynia, a district which bore excellent grapes.
1188Perhaps so called from Prusa in Bithynia, a district which bore excellent grapes.
1189Or the “turning” grape. A fabulous story no doubt, originating in the name, probably. Fée suggests that it may have originated in the not uncommon practice of letting the bunches hang after they were ripe, and then twisting them, which was thought to increase the juice.
1189Or the “turning” grape. A fabulous story no doubt, originating in the name, probably. Fée suggests that it may have originated in the not uncommon practice of letting the bunches hang after they were ripe, and then twisting them, which was thought to increase the juice.
1190In the modern Marches of Ancona.
1190In the modern Marches of Ancona.
1191Georgics, ii. 91,et seq.Sunt Thasiæ vites, sunt et Mareotides albæ:* * * * *Et passo Psithia utilior, tenuisque Lageos,Tentatura pedes olim, vincturaque linguam,Purpuræ, Preciæque——
1191Georgics, ii. 91,et seq.
Sunt Thasiæ vites, sunt et Mareotides albæ:* * * * *Et passo Psithia utilior, tenuisque Lageos,Tentatura pedes olim, vincturaque linguam,Purpuræ, Preciæque——
Sunt Thasiæ vites, sunt et Mareotides albæ:* * * * *Et passo Psithia utilior, tenuisque Lageos,Tentatura pedes olim, vincturaque linguam,Purpuræ, Preciæque——
Sunt Thasiæ vites, sunt et Mareotides albæ:* * * * *Et passo Psithia utilior, tenuisque Lageos,Tentatura pedes olim, vincturaque linguam,Purpuræ, Preciæque——
Sunt Thasiæ vites, sunt et Mareotides albæ:
* * * * *
Et passo Psithia utilior, tenuisque Lageos,
Tentatura pedes olim, vincturaque linguam,
Purpuræ, Preciæque——
1192A muscatel, Fée thinks.
1192A muscatel, Fée thinks.
1193Or “hard-berried.” Fée thinks that the maroquin, or Morocco grape, called the “pied de poule” (or fowl’s foot), at Montpellier, may be the duracinus.
1193Or “hard-berried.” Fée thinks that the maroquin, or Morocco grape, called the “pied de poule” (or fowl’s foot), at Montpellier, may be the duracinus.
1194Or “upright vine.” In Anjou and Herault the vines are of similar character.
1194Or “upright vine.” In Anjou and Herault the vines are of similar character.
1195The “finger-like” vine.
1195The “finger-like” vine.
1196The “pigeon” vine.
1196The “pigeon” vine.
1197Though very fruitful, it does not bear in large clusters (racemi), but only in small bunches (uvæ).
1197Though very fruitful, it does not bear in large clusters (racemi), but only in small bunches (uvæ).
1198The “three-foot” vine.
1198The “three-foot” vine.
1199Perhaps meaning the “rush” grape, from its shrivelled appearance.
1199Perhaps meaning the “rush” grape, from its shrivelled appearance.
1200See c.3of this Book.
1200See c.3of this Book.
1201The ordinary number of pips or stones is five. It is seldom that we find but one. Virgil mentions this grape, Georg. ii. 95.
1201The ordinary number of pips or stones is five. It is seldom that we find but one. Virgil mentions this grape, Georg. ii. 95.
1202“Chium.” This reading is doubtful. Fée says that between Narni and Terni, eight leagues from Spoleto, a small grape is found, without stones. It is called “uva passa,” or “passerina.” So, too, the Sultana raisin of commerce.
1202“Chium.” This reading is doubtful. Fée says that between Narni and Terni, eight leagues from Spoleto, a small grape is found, without stones. It is called “uva passa,” or “passerina.” So, too, the Sultana raisin of commerce.
1203“Grown for the table.”
1203“Grown for the table.”
1204Or “hard-berry.”
1204Or “hard-berry.”
1205Mentioned by Virgil, Georg. ii. 101.
1205Mentioned by Virgil, Georg. ii. 101.
1206Or pitch-grape.
1206Or pitch-grape.
1207Perhaps the “noirant,” or “teinturier” of the French.
1207Perhaps the “noirant,” or “teinturier” of the French.
1208Or “garland-clustered” vine.
1208Or “garland-clustered” vine.
1209Fée says that this is sometimes accidentally the case, but is not the characteristic of any variety now known.
1209Fée says that this is sometimes accidentally the case, but is not the characteristic of any variety now known.
1210Or “market-grapes.”
1210Or “market-grapes.”
1211The “ash-coloured.”
1211The “ash-coloured.”
1212The “russet-coloured.”
1212The “russet-coloured.”
1213Probably so called from its grey colour, like that of the ass.
1213Probably so called from its grey colour, like that of the ass.
1214Or “fox” vine. This variety is unknown.
1214Or “fox” vine. This variety is unknown.
1215So called from Alexandria, in Troas, not in Egypt. Phalacra was in the vicinity of Mount Ida.
1215So called from Alexandria, in Troas, not in Egypt. Phalacra was in the vicinity of Mount Ida.
1216As the leaves of the vine are universally divided, it has been considered by many of the commentators that this is not in reality a vine, but the Arbutus uva ursi of Linnæus. The fruit, however, of that ericaceous plant is remarkably acrid, and not sweet, as Pliny states. Fée rejects this solution.
1216As the leaves of the vine are universally divided, it has been considered by many of the commentators that this is not in reality a vine, but the Arbutus uva ursi of Linnæus. The fruit, however, of that ericaceous plant is remarkably acrid, and not sweet, as Pliny states. Fée rejects this solution.
1217Aubenas, in the Vivarais, according to Hardouin; Alps, according to Brotier. We must reject this assertion as fabulous.
1217Aubenas, in the Vivarais, according to Hardouin; Alps, according to Brotier. We must reject this assertion as fabulous.
1218InB.C.194, for his successes in Spain.
1218InB.C.194, for his successes in Spain.
1219Mode of culture, locality, climate, and other extraneous circumstances, work, no doubt, an entire change in the nature of the vine.
1219Mode of culture, locality, climate, and other extraneous circumstances, work, no doubt, an entire change in the nature of the vine.
1220Probably the first of the five that he has mentioned in c. 4.
1220Probably the first of the five that he has mentioned in c. 4.
1221He has only mentioned one sort in c.4.
1221He has only mentioned one sort in c.4.
1222See c.4.
1222See c.4.
1223See c.4.
1223See c.4.
1224We have no corresponding word for this beverage in the English language—a thin, poor liquor, made by pouring water on the husks and stalks after being fully pressed, allowing them to soak, pressing them again, and then fermenting the liquor. It was also called “vinum operarium,” or “labourer’s wine.” As stated in the present instance, grapes were sometimes stored in it for keeping.
1224We have no corresponding word for this beverage in the English language—a thin, poor liquor, made by pouring water on the husks and stalks after being fully pressed, allowing them to soak, pressing them again, and then fermenting the liquor. It was also called “vinum operarium,” or “labourer’s wine.” As stated in the present instance, grapes were sometimes stored in it for keeping.
1225A variety of the Aminean, as stated below.
1225A variety of the Aminean, as stated below.
1226See B. iii. c. 9.
1226See B. iii. c. 9.
1227The elder Africanus. He retired in voluntary exile to his country-seat at Liternum, where he died.
1227The elder Africanus. He retired in voluntary exile to his country-seat at Liternum, where he died.
1228Mercis.
1228Mercis.
1229The suggestion of Sillig has been adopted, for the ordinary reading is evidently corrupt, and absurd as well—“not in the very worst part of a favourite locality”—just the converse of the whole tenor of the story.
1229The suggestion of Sillig has been adopted, for the ordinary reading is evidently corrupt, and absurd as well—“not in the very worst part of a favourite locality”—just the converse of the whole tenor of the story.
1230The philosopher, and tutor of Nero.
1230The philosopher, and tutor of Nero.
1231Said to have been so called from Maron, a king of Thrace, who dwelt in the vicinity of the Thracian Ismarus. See B. iv. c. 18. Homer mentions this wine in the Odyssey, B. ix. c. 197,et seq.It was red, honey-sweet, fragrant. The place is still called Marogna, in Roumelia, a country the wines of which are still much esteemed.
1231Said to have been so called from Maron, a king of Thrace, who dwelt in the vicinity of the Thracian Ismarus. See B. iv. c. 18. Homer mentions this wine in the Odyssey, B. ix. c. 197,et seq.It was red, honey-sweet, fragrant. The place is still called Marogna, in Roumelia, a country the wines of which are still much esteemed.
1232See B. vii. c. 57.
1232See B. vii. c. 57.
1233Thus making “mulsum.”
1233Thus making “mulsum.”
1234B. ix. c. 208.
1234B. ix. c. 208.
1235Indomitus.
1235Indomitus.
1236By “black” wines he means those that had the same colour as our port.
1236By “black” wines he means those that had the same colour as our port.
1237Il. xi. 638. Od. x. 234.
1237Il. xi. 638. Od. x. 234.
1238Cybele. A wine called “Pramnian” was also grown in the island of Icaria, in Lesbos, and in the territory of Ephesus. The scholiast on Nicander says that the grape of the psythia was used in making it. Dioscorides says that it was a “protropum,” first-class wine, made of the juice that voluntarily flowed from the grapes, in consequence of their own pressure.
1238Cybele. A wine called “Pramnian” was also grown in the island of Icaria, in Lesbos, and in the territory of Ephesus. The scholiast on Nicander says that the grape of the psythia was used in making it. Dioscorides says that it was a “protropum,” first-class wine, made of the juice that voluntarily flowed from the grapes, in consequence of their own pressure.
1239B.C.121.
1239B.C.121.
1240“Cooking,” literally, or “boiling.”
1240“Cooking,” literally, or “boiling.”
1241The wines of Burgundy, in particular, become bitter when extremely old.
1241The wines of Burgundy, in particular, become bitter when extremely old.
1242See B. vii. c. 18.
1242See B. vii. c. 18.
1243Caligula.
1243Caligula.
1244By some remarkable and peculiar quality, such as in the Opimian wine.
1244By some remarkable and peculiar quality, such as in the Opimian wine.
1245“Testa,” meaning the amphora.
1245“Testa,” meaning the amphora.
1246See c.3of the present Book, where these “picata,” or “pitched-wines,” have been further described.
1246See c.3of the present Book, where these “picata,” or “pitched-wines,” have been further described.
1247On the contrary, Fée says, the coldest wines are those that contain the least alcohol, whereas those of Vienne (in modern Dauphiné) contain more than the majority of wines.
1247On the contrary, Fée says, the coldest wines are those that contain the least alcohol, whereas those of Vienne (in modern Dauphiné) contain more than the majority of wines.
1248He implies that wine is an antidote to the poisonous effects of hemlock. This is not the case, but it is said by some that vinegar is. It is the plant hemlock (cicuta) that is meant, and not the fatal draught that was drunk by Socrates and Philopœmen. See further in B. xxiii. c. 23, and B. xxv. c. 95.
1248He implies that wine is an antidote to the poisonous effects of hemlock. This is not the case, but it is said by some that vinegar is. It is the plant hemlock (cicuta) that is meant, and not the fatal draught that was drunk by Socrates and Philopœmen. See further in B. xxiii. c. 23, and B. xxv. c. 95.
1249Clitus and Callisthenes.
1249Clitus and Callisthenes.
1250Lacus.
1250Lacus.
1251The testa or amphora, made of earth.
1251The testa or amphora, made of earth.
1252As the wife of Augustus is meant, this reading appears preferable to “Julia.”
1252As the wife of Augustus is meant, this reading appears preferable to “Julia.”
1253Dion Cassius says “eighty-sixth.”
1253Dion Cassius says “eighty-sixth.”