Chapter 467

2522B. xviii. c. 51.

2522B. xviii. c. 51.

2523B. xv. c.19.

2523B. xv. c.19.

2524This is not the fact: the fruits of all trees have their proper time for ripening.

2524This is not the fact: the fruits of all trees have their proper time for ripening.

2525He speaks here in too general terms; the pear, for instance, is not more fruitful when old than when young.

2525He speaks here in too general terms; the pear, for instance, is not more fruitful when old than when young.

2526He speaks of the process of caprification. See B. xv. c.21.

2526He speaks of the process of caprification. See B. xv. c.21.

2527So our proverb, “Soon ripe, soon rotten;” applicable to mankind as well as trees. See B. xxiii. c. 23.

2527So our proverb, “Soon ripe, soon rotten;” applicable to mankind as well as trees. See B. xxiii. c. 23.

2528See B. xv. c.27. The mulberry tree will live for several centuries.

2528See B. xv. c.27. The mulberry tree will live for several centuries.

2529This stimulates the sap, and adds to its activity: but the tree grows old all the sooner, being the more speedily exhausted.

2529This stimulates the sap, and adds to its activity: but the tree grows old all the sooner, being the more speedily exhausted.

2530In cc.9-14of the present Book.

2530In cc.9-14of the present Book.

2531This passage is quite unintelligible; and it is with good reason that Fée questions whether Pliny really understood the author that he copied from.

2531This passage is quite unintelligible; and it is with good reason that Fée questions whether Pliny really understood the author that he copied from.

2532Fée remarks, that Pliny does not seem to know that the catkin is an assemblage of flowers, and that without it the tree would be totally barren.

2532Fée remarks, that Pliny does not seem to know that the catkin is an assemblage of flowers, and that without it the tree would be totally barren.

2533Pliny blunders sadly here, in copying from Theophrastus, B. iii. c. 16. He mixes up a description of the box and the cratægus, or holm-oak, making the latter to be a seed of the former: and he then attributes a mistletoe to the box, which Theophrastus speaks of as growing on the cratægus.

2533Pliny blunders sadly here, in copying from Theophrastus, B. iii. c. 16. He mixes up a description of the box and the cratægus, or holm-oak, making the latter to be a seed of the former: and he then attributes a mistletoe to the box, which Theophrastus speaks of as growing on the cratægus.

2534See c.93, where he enlarges on the varieties of the mistletoe.

2534See c.93, where he enlarges on the varieties of the mistletoe.

2535See B. xxiv. c. 71.

2535See B. xxiv. c. 71.

2536He means the garden or border-box, mentioned in c.28of this Book.

2536He means the garden or border-box, mentioned in c.28of this Book.

2537See B. xiii. c.17: the African lotus, probably; the Zizyphus lotus of Desfontaines.

2537See B. xiii. c.17: the African lotus, probably; the Zizyphus lotus of Desfontaines.

2538This statement is entirely incorrect. If a tree loses the terminal bud, it will grow no higher; but it will not die if the extremities of the branches are cut. Such, in fact, is much more likely to happen when they are all cut off, from the extreme loss of juices which must naturally ensue at the several cicatrices united.

2538This statement is entirely incorrect. If a tree loses the terminal bud, it will grow no higher; but it will not die if the extremities of the branches are cut. Such, in fact, is much more likely to happen when they are all cut off, from the extreme loss of juices which must naturally ensue at the several cicatrices united.

2539The Celtis australis of Linnæus. Pliny is in error in calling this tree the “Grecian bean.” In B. xiii. c.22, he erroneously calls the African lotus by the name of “celtis,” which only belongs to the lotus of Italy; that of Africa being altogether different.

2539The Celtis australis of Linnæus. Pliny is in error in calling this tree the “Grecian bean.” In B. xiii. c.22, he erroneously calls the African lotus by the name of “celtis,” which only belongs to the lotus of Italy; that of Africa being altogether different.

2540The bark, which is astringent, is still used in preparing skins, and a black colouring matter extracted from the root is employed in dyeing wool.

2540The bark, which is astringent, is still used in preparing skins, and a black colouring matter extracted from the root is employed in dyeing wool.

2541Quite an accidental resemblance, if, indeed, it ever existed.

2541Quite an accidental resemblance, if, indeed, it ever existed.

2542“Oculus”—the bud on the trunk.

2542“Oculus”—the bud on the trunk.

2543This must be either a mistake or an exaggeration; the cherry never being a very large tree.

2543This must be either a mistake or an exaggeration; the cherry never being a very large tree.

2544It is evident that he is speaking of the epidermis only, and not the cortical layers and the liber.

2544It is evident that he is speaking of the epidermis only, and not the cortical layers and the liber.

2545The roots of trees being ligneous, “carnosæ,” Fée remarks, is an inappropriate term.

2545The roots of trees being ligneous, “carnosæ,” Fée remarks, is an inappropriate term.

2546Georg. ii. 291.

2546Georg. ii. 291.

2547“Lagenas.” Fée takes this to mean here vessels to hold liquids, and remarks that the workers in wicker cannot attain this degree of perfection at the present day.

2547“Lagenas.” Fée takes this to mean here vessels to hold liquids, and remarks that the workers in wicker cannot attain this degree of perfection at the present day.

2548Pliny is in error in rejecting this notion.

2548Pliny is in error in rejecting this notion.

2549See B. xii. c.5, and B. xiii. c.29. What Pliny states of the fir, or Abies pectinata, Theophrastus relates of theπεύκη, or Abies excelsa of Decandolles. There is little doubt that in either case the statement is incorrect.

2549See B. xii. c.5, and B. xiii. c.29. What Pliny states of the fir, or Abies pectinata, Theophrastus relates of theπεύκη, or Abies excelsa of Decandolles. There is little doubt that in either case the statement is incorrect.

2550On the contrary, the roots of trees increase in size till the period of their death.

2550On the contrary, the roots of trees increase in size till the period of their death.

2551By preventing the action of the air from drying the roots, and so killing the tree.

2551By preventing the action of the air from drying the roots, and so killing the tree.

2552A grove, probably, consecrated to the Muses.

2552A grove, probably, consecrated to the Muses.

2553These stories must be regarded as either fables or impostures; though it is very possible for a tree to survive after the epidermis has been removed with the adze.

2553These stories must be regarded as either fables or impostures; though it is very possible for a tree to survive after the epidermis has been removed with the adze.

2554See B. xvii. c.9.

2554See B. xvii. c.9.

2555In c.7of this Book.

2555In c.7of this Book.

2556It is not improbable that he has in view here the passage in Virgil’s Georgics, B. ii. l. 109,et seq.

2556It is not improbable that he has in view here the passage in Virgil’s Georgics, B. ii. l. 109,et seq.

2557Or balm of Gilead. See B. xii. c.54. Bruce assures us that it is indigenous to Abyssinia; if so, it has been transplanted in Arabia. It is no more to be found in Judæa.

2557Or balm of Gilead. See B. xii. c.54. Bruce assures us that it is indigenous to Abyssinia; if so, it has been transplanted in Arabia. It is no more to be found in Judæa.

2558This is inserted, as it is evident that the text without it is imperfect. Fée says that even in Judæa it was transplanted from Arabia.

2558This is inserted, as it is evident that the text without it is imperfect. Fée says that even in Judæa it was transplanted from Arabia.

2559As to the identification of the cinnamomum of Pliny, see B. xii. cc.41and42, and the Notes.

2559As to the identification of the cinnamomum of Pliny, see B. xii. cc.41and42, and the Notes.

2560As to the question of the identity of the amomum, see B. xii. c.28.

2560As to the question of the identity of the amomum, see B. xii. c.28.

2561See B. xii. c.26.

2561See B. xii. c.26.

2562This cannot be the ordinary Piper nigrum, or black pepper, which does not deserve the title “arbor.” It is, no doubt, the pepper of Italy, which he mentions in B. xii. c.14.

2562This cannot be the ordinary Piper nigrum, or black pepper, which does not deserve the title “arbor.” It is, no doubt, the pepper of Italy, which he mentions in B. xii. c.14.

2563The Cassia Italica, probably, of B. xii. c.43. The cassia of the East could not possibly survive in Italy. The fact is, no doubt, that the Romans gave the names of cassia, piper, and amomum, to certain indigenous plants, and then persuaded themselves that they had the genuine plants of the East.

2563The Cassia Italica, probably, of B. xii. c.43. The cassia of the East could not possibly survive in Italy. The fact is, no doubt, that the Romans gave the names of cassia, piper, and amomum, to certain indigenous plants, and then persuaded themselves that they had the genuine plants of the East.

2564See B. xii. c.30.

2564See B. xii. c.30.

2565Under the name of Cedrus, no doubt, several of the junipers have been included. See B. xiii. c.11.

2565Under the name of Cedrus, no doubt, several of the junipers have been included. See B. xiii. c.11.

2566Fée is inclined to doubt this statement. The myrtle has been known to stand the winters of Lower Brittany.

2566Fée is inclined to doubt this statement. The myrtle has been known to stand the winters of Lower Brittany.

2567Owing, no doubt, as Fée says, solely to bad methods of cultivation. The same, too, with the grafted peach and the Greek nut or almond.

2567Owing, no doubt, as Fée says, solely to bad methods of cultivation. The same, too, with the grafted peach and the Greek nut or almond.

2568The Cupressus sempervirens of Linnæus, the Cupressus fastigiata of Decandolle.

2568The Cupressus sempervirens of Linnæus, the Cupressus fastigiata of Decandolle.

2569De Re Rust. cc. 48, 151.

2569De Re Rust. cc. 48, 151.

2570“Morosa;” meaning that it reaches maturity but very slowly.

2570“Morosa;” meaning that it reaches maturity but very slowly.

2571Tristis tentantum sensu torquebit amaror.—Virg. Georg. ii. 247.

2571Tristis tentantum sensu torquebit amaror.—Virg. Georg. ii. 247.

2572This statement is exaggerated.

2572This statement is exaggerated.

2573It is still to be seen very frequently in the cemeteries of Greece and Constantinople.

2573It is still to be seen very frequently in the cemeteries of Greece and Constantinople.

2574The cypress is in reality monœcious, the structure of the same plant being both male and female.

2574The cypress is in reality monœcious, the structure of the same plant being both male and female.

2575This was formerly done with the cypress, in England, to a considerable extent. Such absurdities are now but rare.

2575This was formerly done with the cypress, in England, to a considerable extent. Such absurdities are now but rare.

2576The Cupressus fastigiata of Decandolle: and a variety of the Cupressus sempervirens of Linnæus.

2576The Cupressus fastigiata of Decandolle: and a variety of the Cupressus sempervirens of Linnæus.

2577The Cupressus horizontalis of Miller; the variety B of the C. sempervirens of Linnæus.

2577The Cupressus horizontalis of Miller; the variety B of the C. sempervirens of Linnæus.

2578The present name given to this tree in the island of Crete, is the “daughter’s dowry.”

2578The present name given to this tree in the island of Crete, is the “daughter’s dowry.”

2579De Re Rust. c. 151.

2579De Re Rust. c. 151.

2580B. iii. c. 12.

2580B. iii. c. 12.

2581This, Fée says, is the case with none of the coniferous trees.

2581This, Fée says, is the case with none of the coniferous trees.

2582Of course this spontaneous creation of the cypress is fabulous; and, indeed, the whole account, which is borrowed from Theophrastus, is greatly exaggerated.

2582Of course this spontaneous creation of the cypress is fabulous; and, indeed, the whole account, which is borrowed from Theophrastus, is greatly exaggerated.

2583B. xix. c. 15.

2583B. xix. c. 15.

2584This story, which is borrowed from Theophrastus, is evidently fabulous.

2584This story, which is borrowed from Theophrastus, is evidently fabulous.

2585Meaning Asia Minor.

2585Meaning Asia Minor.

2586Hist. Plant. B. iii c. 10.

2586Hist. Plant. B. iii c. 10.

2587See B. vi. c. 23.

2587See B. vi. c. 23.

2588Bacchus, after the alleged conquest by him of India, was said to have returned crowned with ivy, and seated in a car drawn by tigers.

2588Bacchus, after the alleged conquest by him of India, was said to have returned crowned with ivy, and seated in a car drawn by tigers.

2589It is a mistake to suppose that the ivy exhausts the juices of trees. Its tendrils fasten upon the cortical fissures; and, if the tree is but small, its development is apt to be retarded thereby. It is beneficial, rather than destructive, to walls.

2589It is a mistake to suppose that the ivy exhausts the juices of trees. Its tendrils fasten upon the cortical fissures; and, if the tree is but small, its development is apt to be retarded thereby. It is beneficial, rather than destructive, to walls.

2590This plant is really monœcious or androgynous.

2590This plant is really monœcious or androgynous.

2591The Rosa Eglanteria.

2591The Rosa Eglanteria.

2592The Hedera helix of Linnæus, or, possibly, a variety of it with variegated leaves.

2592The Hedera helix of Linnæus, or, possibly, a variety of it with variegated leaves.

2593The Hedera arborea of C. Bauhin, the common ivy.

2593The Hedera arborea of C. Bauhin, the common ivy.

2594The Hedera major sterilis of C. Bauhin.

2594The Hedera major sterilis of C. Bauhin.

2595The first variety of the common ivy, the Hedera helix of Linnæus.

2595The first variety of the common ivy, the Hedera helix of Linnæus.

2596A wreath of ivy was the usual prize in the poetic contests.

2596A wreath of ivy was the usual prize in the poetic contests.

2597See B. v. c. 16, and B. vi. c. 23.

2597See B. v. c. 16, and B. vi. c. 23.

2598The “red berry” and the “golden fruit.”

2598The “red berry” and the “golden fruit.”

2599The berries are yellow in the first variety of the common ivy, the Hedera poetica of C. Bauhin.

2599The berries are yellow in the first variety of the common ivy, the Hedera poetica of C. Bauhin.

2600This is the case sometimes with the black ivy, the Hedera arborea of C. Bauhin. Only isolated cases, however, are to be met with.

2600This is the case sometimes with the black ivy, the Hedera arborea of C. Bauhin. Only isolated cases, however, are to be met with.

2601There is an ivy of this kind, the Hedera humi repens of botanists; but most of the commentators are of opinion that it is the ground ivy, the Glechoma hederacea of Linnæus, that is spoken of. Sprengel takes it to be the Anthirrinum Azarina, from which opinion, however, Fée dissents.

2601There is an ivy of this kind, the Hedera humi repens of botanists; but most of the commentators are of opinion that it is the ground ivy, the Glechoma hederacea of Linnæus, that is spoken of. Sprengel takes it to be the Anthirrinum Azarina, from which opinion, however, Fée dissents.

2602The Smilax aspera of Linnæus; the sarsaparilla plant.

2602The Smilax aspera of Linnæus; the sarsaparilla plant.

2603Fée is inclined to question this; but the breadth of the tablets may have been very small in this instance.

2603Fée is inclined to question this; but the breadth of the tablets may have been very small in this instance.

2604Of course this is fabulous: though it is not impossible that the writing on the tablets may sometimes have caused “a noise in the world,” and that hence the poets may have given rise to this story.

2604Of course this is fabulous: though it is not impossible that the writing on the tablets may sometimes have caused “a noise in the world,” and that hence the poets may have given rise to this story.

2605Pliny borrows this fabulous story from Cato, De Re Rust. c. 3.

2605Pliny borrows this fabulous story from Cato, De Re Rust. c. 3.

2606The reeds cannot be appropriately ranked among the shrubs.

2606The reeds cannot be appropriately ranked among the shrubs.

2607For musical purposes, namely.

2607For musical purposes, namely.

2608B. v. c. 20.

2608B. v. c. 20.

2609“Calamus.” The so-called reed of the East, used for making darts and arrows, does not belong to the genus Arundo, but to those of the Bambos and Nastus.

2609“Calamus.” The so-called reed of the East, used for making darts and arrows, does not belong to the genus Arundo, but to those of the Bambos and Nastus.

2610Few readers of history will fail to recollect the report made to King Henry V. by Davy Gam, before the battle of Agincourt:—“The enemy are so numerous,” said the messenger, “that their arrows will darken the sun.” “We must e’en be content to fight in the dark then,” was the warrior’s reply.

2610Few readers of history will fail to recollect the report made to King Henry V. by Davy Gam, before the battle of Agincourt:—“The enemy are so numerous,” said the messenger, “that their arrows will darken the sun.” “We must e’en be content to fight in the dark then,” was the warrior’s reply.

2611See B. vii. c. 2. This is probably an exaggeration. He alludes to the Bambos arundinacea of Lamarck, the Arundo arbor of C. Bauhin.

2611See B. vii. c. 2. This is probably an exaggeration. He alludes to the Bambos arundinacea of Lamarck, the Arundo arbor of C. Bauhin.

2612The Arundo donax of Linnæus.

2612The Arundo donax of Linnæus.

2613Or the pipe-reed.

2613Or the pipe-reed.

2614The tibia, or pipe, was played lengthwise, like the flageolet or clarionet.

2614The tibia, or pipe, was played lengthwise, like the flageolet or clarionet.

2615A variety of the Arundo donax. The Orchomenian reed is of the same class. The fistula was played sideways; and seems to have been a name given both to the Syrinx or the Pandæan pipes, and the flute, properly so called.

2615A variety of the Arundo donax. The Orchomenian reed is of the same class. The fistula was played sideways; and seems to have been a name given both to the Syrinx or the Pandæan pipes, and the flute, properly so called.

2616In the last Chapter. The Arundo donax, probably, so far as European warfare was concerned.

2616In the last Chapter. The Arundo donax, probably, so far as European warfare was concerned.

2617A variety of the Arundo donax of Linnæus.

2617A variety of the Arundo donax of Linnæus.

2618This is not the fact.

2618This is not the fact.

2619The Arundo versicolor of Miller.

2619The Arundo versicolor of Miller.

2620Constantinus and Schneider, upon Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. iv. c. 11, suspect the correctness of this word.

2620Constantinus and Schneider, upon Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. iv. c. 11, suspect the correctness of this word.

2621See B. xx. c. 88, and B. xxxii. c. 52.

2621See B. xx. c. 88, and B. xxxii. c. 52.

2622The Arundo phragmites of Linnæus. The Plotias, no doubt, was only a variety of it.

2622The Arundo phragmites of Linnæus. The Plotias, no doubt, was only a variety of it.

2623“Arundo tibialis.” The story about the time taken by it to grow, and the increase of the waters, is, of course, fabulous.

2623“Arundo tibialis.” The story about the time taken by it to grow, and the increase of the waters, is, of course, fabulous.

2624The “yoke reed,” or “reed for a double flute.”

2624The “yoke reed,” or “reed for a double flute.”

2625Perhaps so called from the silkiness of its flossy pinicules.

2625Perhaps so called from the silkiness of its flossy pinicules.

2626This seems to be the meaning of “ad inclusos cantus.”

2626This seems to be the meaning of “ad inclusos cantus.”

2627B. xviii. c. 74.

2627B. xviii. c. 74.

2628Lingulis.

2628Lingulis.

2629The words “dextræ” and “sinistræ,” denote the treble and the bass flutes; it is thought by some, because the former were held with the right hand, and the latter with the left. Two treble or bass flutes were occasionally played on at the same time.

2629The words “dextræ” and “sinistræ,” denote the treble and the bass flutes; it is thought by some, because the former were held with the right hand, and the latter with the left. Two treble or bass flutes were occasionally played on at the same time.

2630See B. xiii. c.32.

2630See B. xiii. c.32.

2631These were of the variety Zeugites, previously mentioned.

2631These were of the variety Zeugites, previously mentioned.

2632Fée suggests, that what he mentions here may not have been a reed at all, but one of the cyperaceous plants, the papyrus, perhaps.

2632Fée suggests, that what he mentions here may not have been a reed at all, but one of the cyperaceous plants, the papyrus, perhaps.

2633De Re Rust. c. 6. It was the donax that was thus employed; as it is in France at the present day.

2633De Re Rust. c. 6. It was the donax that was thus employed; as it is in France at the present day.

2634Oculis. See B. xvii. c.33.

2634Oculis. See B. xvii. c.33.

2635See B. xix. c. 42.

2635See B. xix. c. 42.

2636The white willow, Salix Alba of Linnæus.

2636The white willow, Salix Alba of Linnæus.

2637The Salix vitellina more particularly is used in France for this purpose.

2637The Salix vitellina more particularly is used in France for this purpose.

2638The Salix helix of Linnæus.

2638The Salix helix of Linnæus.

2639The Salix amygdalina of Linnæus.

2639The Salix amygdalina of Linnæus.

2640De Re Rust. c. 6. Fée remarks that the notions of modern agriculturists are very different on this point.

2640De Re Rust. c. 6. Fée remarks that the notions of modern agriculturists are very different on this point.

2641The Salix purpurea of Linnæus: the Salix vulgaris rubens of C. Bauhin.

2641The Salix purpurea of Linnæus: the Salix vulgaris rubens of C. Bauhin.

2642This belongs, probably, to the Salix helix of Linnæus.

2642This belongs, probably, to the Salix helix of Linnæus.

2643Fée queries whether this may not be the Salix incana of Schrank and Hoffmann, the bark of which is a brown green.

2643Fée queries whether this may not be the Salix incana of Schrank and Hoffmann, the bark of which is a brown green.

2644Belonging to the Salix helix of Linnæus.

2644Belonging to the Salix helix of Linnæus.

2645Belonging to the Salix purpurea of Linnæus.

2645Belonging to the Salix purpurea of Linnæus.

2646Field-mouse or squirrel colour. See B. viii. c. 82. The same, probably, as the Salix vitellina of Linnæus.

2646Field-mouse or squirrel colour. See B. viii. c. 82. The same, probably, as the Salix vitellina of Linnæus.

2647A variety, Fée thinks, of the Salix rubens.

2647A variety, Fée thinks, of the Salix rubens.

2648The Scirpus lacustris of Linnæus.

2648The Scirpus lacustris of Linnæus.

2649And not in front of them.

2649And not in front of them.

2650Mapalia.

2650Mapalia.

2651Egypt, namely.

2651Egypt, namely.

2652The bramble is sometimes found on the banks of watery spots and in marshy localities, but more frequently in mountainous and arid spots.

2652The bramble is sometimes found on the banks of watery spots and in marshy localities, but more frequently in mountainous and arid spots.

2653Known to us as blackberries. This tree is the Rubus fruticosus of Linnæus; the same as the Rubus tomentosus, and the Rubus corylifolius of other modern botanists.

2653Known to us as blackberries. This tree is the Rubus fruticosus of Linnæus; the same as the Rubus tomentosus, and the Rubus corylifolius of other modern botanists.

2654The Rosa canina of Linnæus: the dog-rose or Eglantine.

2654The Rosa canina of Linnæus: the dog-rose or Eglantine.

2655The Rubus Idæus of botanists; the ordinary raspberry.

2655The Rubus Idæus of botanists; the ordinary raspberry.

2656See B. xxiv. c. 75.

2656See B. xxiv. c. 75.

2657See B. xxiv. c. 35.

2657See B. xxiv. c. 35.

2658They are still used for dyeing, but not for staining the hair.

2658They are still used for dyeing, but not for staining the hair.

2659Only as a purgative, probably.

2659Only as a purgative, probably.

2660Though the acid it contains would curdle milk, still its natural acridity would disqualify it from being used for making cheese.

2660Though the acid it contains would curdle milk, still its natural acridity would disqualify it from being used for making cheese.

2661The white sap or inner bark; the aubier of the French. Fée remarks, that its supposed analogy with fat is incorrect.

2661The white sap or inner bark; the aubier of the French. Fée remarks, that its supposed analogy with fat is incorrect.

2662He means the outer ligneous layers of the wood. They differ only in their relative hardness.

2662He means the outer ligneous layers of the wood. They differ only in their relative hardness.

2663“Pulpæ.” The ligneous fibres which form the tissue of the bark.

2663“Pulpæ.” The ligneous fibres which form the tissue of the bark.

2664“Venæ.” By this term he probably means the nutritive vessels and the ligneous fibres united. It was anciently the general belief that the fibres acted their part in the nutriment of the tree.

2664“Venæ.” By this term he probably means the nutritive vessels and the ligneous fibres united. It was anciently the general belief that the fibres acted their part in the nutriment of the tree.

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