151There is no barley without a beard; it is clearly a variety of wheat that is alluded to.
151There is no barley without a beard; it is clearly a variety of wheat that is alluded to.
152Triticum spelta of Linnæus.
152Triticum spelta of Linnæus.
153“Semen,” the same as zea, or spelt.
153“Semen,” the same as zea, or spelt.
154Siligo.
154Siligo.
155Ἄμυλον.
155Ἄμυλον.
156De Re Rust. c. 87. This “amylum” seems somewhat to resemble our starch.
156De Re Rust. c. 87. This “amylum” seems somewhat to resemble our starch.
157The Hordeum distichum of Linnæus.
157The Hordeum distichum of Linnæus.
158Hordeum hexastichum of Linnæus. The Hordeum vulgare, or common barley, has but four rows.
158Hordeum hexastichum of Linnæus. The Hordeum vulgare, or common barley, has but four rows.
159These 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.
159These 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.
160A calcareous soil is the best adapted for barley.
160A calcareous soil is the best adapted for barley.
161Nova Carthago, or New Carthage.
161Nova Carthago, or New Carthage.
162This fallacious opinion is shared with Galen, De Facult. Anim. B. vi. c. 11.
162This fallacious opinion is shared with Galen, De Facult. Anim. B. vi. c. 11.
163Siligo.
163Siligo.
164Triticum.
164Triticum.
165The Triticum dicoccum, or spelt.
165The Triticum dicoccum, or spelt.
166Probably rye. See the nextChapter.
166Probably rye. See the nextChapter.
167Semen.
167Semen.
168In 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.
168In 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.
169Il. ii. c. 548: “the land that produces zea.”
169Il. ii. c. 548: “the land that produces zea.”
170Notἀπὸ τοῦ ζῆν, from “living.”
170Notἀπὸ τοῦ ζῆν, from “living.”
171Merely, as Fée says, from the faulty method employed in its preparation, as starch has, in all cases, the same physical appearance.
171Merely, as Fée says, from the faulty method employed in its preparation, as starch has, in all cases, the same physical appearance.
172In c. 17 of this Book.
172In c. 17 of this Book.
173In c. 3 of this Book.
173In c. 3 of this Book.
174“Puls,” like our porridge.
174“Puls,” like our porridge.
175Any food that was originally eaten with “puls,” and afterwards with bread, was so called, such as meat, vegetables, &c.
175Any 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.
176“Offam.” This word, which in the later writers signifies a “cake,” originally meant a hardened lump of porridge.
177Pulte fritillâ.
177Pulte 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.
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.
179“Sine virtute.” It is doubtful what is the meaning of this.
180Sine pondere.
180Sine pondere.
181In other places he says, most unaccountably, that wheat “degenerates into siligo.”
181In other places he says, most unaccountably, that wheat “degenerates into siligo.”
182As to this practice, see c.29.
182As to this practice, see c.29.
183“Quam vocant castratam.”
183“Quam vocant castratam.”
184From this account, it would appear that there were twenty-four sextarii to the modius; but the account in general is very contradictory.
184From this account, it would appear that there were twenty-four sextarii to the modius; but the account in general is very contradictory.
185Salt 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.
185Salt 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.27of this Book.
186“Artopticio.” See c.27of this Book.
187Without 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.
187Without 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.
188“Similago.” Founders still use meal occasionally for making moulds; it is also employed in making paper.
189The mention of “hundreds” here is evidently faulty, unless the other part of the passage is corrupt. Fée suggests twenty-two and twenty-seven.
189The mention of “hundreds” here is evidently faulty, unless the other part of the passage is corrupt. Fée suggests twenty-two and twenty-seven.
190But above we find him stating that “secundarius,” “seconds” flour, and “cibarius,” or “coarse,” meal, are the same thing. His contradictions cannot apparently be reconciled.
190But above we find him stating that “secundarius,” “seconds” flour, and “cibarius,” or “coarse,” meal, are the same thing. His contradictions cannot apparently be reconciled.
191The whole of this passage, as Brotier remarks, is evidently corrupt.
191The whole of this passage, as Brotier remarks, is evidently corrupt.
192Fée has no doubt that this was siligo, or winter-wheat, in a very high state of cultivation.
192Fée has no doubt that this was siligo, or winter-wheat, in a very high state of cultivation.
193Il. v. l. 195.
193Il. v. l. 195.
194There are still some varieties both of winter-wheat and spelt that have the beard.
194There are still some varieties both of winter-wheat and spelt that have the beard.
195It 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.
195It 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.
196Probably a variety of spelt, as Sprengel conjectures, from Galen and other writers. See c.16of this Book.
196Probably a variety of spelt, as Sprengel conjectures, from Galen and other writers. See c.16of this Book.
197Fée 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.
197Fée 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.
198The Latin word “degener” cannot here mean “degenerate,” in our sense of the word, but must merely imply a change of nature in the plant.
198The Latin word “degener” cannot here mean “degenerate,” in our sense of the word, but must merely imply a change of nature in the plant.
199See B. xvii. c. 3.
199See B. xvii. c. 3.
200We 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.
200We 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.
201Fée 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.
201Fée 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.
202The Triticum compositum of Linnæus; supposed to have originally come from Egypt or Barbary.
202The Triticum compositum of Linnæus; supposed to have originally come from Egypt or Barbary.
203“Centigranium.” Probably the same as the last.
203“Centigranium.” Probably the same as the last.
204In c. 10 of this Book.
204In c. 10 of this Book.
205See c.10.
205See c.10.
206Pinguius.
206Pinguius.
207Already mentioned in c. 10.
207Already mentioned in c. 10.
208See B. xix. c.47; and B. xx. c.57.
208See B. xix. c.47; and B. xx. c.57.
209This would rathergratethe grain thanpoundit, 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.
209This would rathergratethe grain thanpoundit, 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.
210Ruido.
210Ruido.
211It is surprising to find the Romans, not only kneading their bread with sea-water, but putting in it pounded bricks, chalk, and sand!
211It is surprising to find the Romans, not only kneading their bread with sea-water, but putting in it pounded bricks, chalk, and sand!
212Beard chaff; so called, probably, from the sharpness of the points, like needles (acus).
212Beard chaff; so called, probably, from the sharpness of the points, like needles (acus).
213See B. xxxiii. c. 3; where he says, that a fire lighted with this chaff, fuses gold more speedily than one made with maple wood.
213See B. xxxiii. c. 3; where he says, that a fire lighted with this chaff, fuses gold more speedily than one made with maple wood.
214The Tartars still employ millet as one of their principal articles of food. They also extract a kind of wine from it.
214The Tartars still employ millet as one of their principal articles of food. They also extract a kind of wine from it.
215Virgil alludes to this, Georg. iii. 463.
215Virgil alludes to this, Georg. iii. 463.
216Panic is still employed more than any other grain in the south of France.
216Panic is still employed more than any other grain in the south of France.
217Or grape-juice. This must have tended to affect the taste of the bread.
217Or grape-juice. This must have tended to affect the taste of the bread.
218Ervum.
218Ervum.
219“Cicercula.” See B. xxii. c.72.
219“Cicercula.” See B. xxii. c.72.
220This remark is founded upon just notions.
220This remark is founded upon just notions.
221Ostrearius.
221Ostrearius.
222Fromἄρτος, andλάγανον, bread and cake.
222Fromἄρτος, andλάγανον, bread and cake.
223Fromσπεύδω, to hasten. A sort of crumpet, probably.
223Fromσπεύδω, to hasten. A sort of crumpet, probably.
224Furnaceus.
224Furnaceus.
225Artopticeus.
225Artopticeus.
226“Clibanis.” The clibanus was a portable oven or mould, broader at the bottom than the top.
226“Clibanis.” The clibanus was a portable oven or mould, broader at the bottom than the top.
227Aquaticus.
227Aquaticus.
228See cc.10and29of this Book.
228See cc.10and29of this Book.
229It would appear to be somewhat similar to our rusks.
229It would appear to be somewhat similar to our rusks.
230Which endedA.U.C.586.
230Which endedA.U.C.586.
231A. 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.
231A. 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.
232Which in Pliny’s time signified “baker.”
232Which in Pliny’s time signified “baker.”
233The Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus, Fée says; or else the Lygeum spartum of Linnæus.
233The Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus, Fée says; or else the Lygeum spartum of Linnæus.
234As to the cereal so called, see c.10of this Book.
234As to the cereal so called, see c.10of this Book.
235Or perfumed oils.
235Or perfumed oils.
236See B. iii. c. 9. A volcanic district.
236See B. iii. c. 9. A volcanic district.
237In c. 20 of this Book.
237In c. 20 of this Book.
238Grain from which the husk is removed.
238Grain from which the husk is removed.
239A sub-carbonate of lime; it is still known in those parts of Campania, and is called “lumera.”
239A sub-carbonate of lime; it is still known in those parts of Campania, and is called “lumera.”
240Teneritatem.
240Teneritatem.
241From the Greek, meaning “white earth.”
241From the Greek, meaning “white earth.”
242Fée enquires, and with good reason, how the African mixture accommodated itself to the stomachs of those who ate it.
242Fée enquires, and with good reason, how the African mixture accommodated itself to the stomachs of those who ate it.
243Residue.
243Residue.
244Seconds.
244Seconds.
245Sieve flour.
245Sieve flour.
246A porridge or pap, made of ground grain. It is mentioned by Cato, c. 86.
246A porridge or pap, made of ground grain. It is mentioned by Cato, c. 86.
247The Faba vulgaris of the modern naturalists. It is supposed to have originally come from Persia.
247The Faba vulgaris of the modern naturalists. It is supposed to have originally come from Persia.
248It is said that this mixture is still employed in the Valais and in Savoy.
248It is said that this mixture is still employed in the Valais and in Savoy.
249Fabata.
249Fabata.
250Beans 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.
250Beans 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.
251The sacrifices offered to the Manes or spirits of deceased relations. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 565.
251The 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.
252“Brought home.” The bean was offered up, to ensure good luck.
253Didymus, in the Geoponica, B. ii. c. 33, repeats this absurdity.
253Didymus, in the Geoponica, B. ii. c. 33, repeats this absurdity.
254Georg. i. 215.
254Georg. i. 215.
255This notion still prevails, and the bean, while in blossom, is dug into the ground to manure it, both in England and France.
255This notion still prevails, and the bean, while in blossom, is dug into the ground to manure it, both in England and France.
256It does not appear, however, that this was done with the view of digging in the beans.
256It does not appear, however, that this was done with the view of digging in the beans.
257Or Bean Islands. See B. iv. c. 27.
257Or Bean Islands. See B. iv. c. 27.
258The 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.
258The 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.
259Pisum sativum of Linnæus.
259Pisum sativum of Linnæus.
260Meaning a wart or pimple on the face.
260Meaning a wart or pimple on the face.
261Cicer arietinum of the botanists.
261Cicer 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.
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.
263There are still the red and the white kinds, the large and the small.
263There are still the red and the white kinds, the large and the small.
264Cicercula: the Lathyrus sativus of Linnæus. It is difficult to cook and hard of digestion. See c.26.
264Cicercula: the Lathyrus sativus of Linnæus. It is difficult to cook and hard of digestion. See c.26.
265This must be said in reference to some of the pease when in a dried state.
265This must be said in reference to some of the pease when in a dried state.
266A 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.
266A 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.
26715th of October.
26715th of October.
2681st of November.
2681st of November.
269The Napo-brassica of Linnæus. The turnip cabbage, or rape-colewort.
269The Napo-brassica of Linnæus. The turnip cabbage, or rape-colewort.
270This taste, it is most probable, is nowhere in existence at the present day.
270This taste, it is most probable, is nowhere in existence at the present day.
271This is not by any means an exaggeration.
271This is not by any means an exaggeration.
272Acrimonia.
272Acrimonia.
273These 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.
273These 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.
274In reality, belonging to the Crucifera, the rape is hermaphroditical.
274In reality, belonging to the Crucifera, the rape is hermaphroditical.
275Wild 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.
275Wild 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.
276An enormous price, apparently.
276An enormous price, apparently.
277The Brassica napus of Linnæus.
277The Brassica napus of Linnæus.
2781st of March.
2781st of March.
279The Neptunalia and the Vulcanalia; 23rd of July and 23rd of August.
279The Neptunalia and the Vulcanalia; 23rd of July and 23rd of August.
280In consequence of the brittleness of the pod.
280In consequence of the brittleness of the pod.
281This is an exaggeration of certain phænomena observed in the leaves of all leguminous plants.
281This is an exaggeration of certain phænomena observed in the leaves of all leguminous plants.
282In B. xvii. c. 6.
282In 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,
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,
284From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 1. 11, &c.
284From Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. viii. c. 1. 11, &c.
285It is still thought that the lupine enriches the soil in which it grows.
285It is still thought that the lupine enriches the soil in which it grows.
286Marcellus Empiricus says, that boiled lupine meal, spread as a plaster, and laid on the abdomen, will destroy intestinal worms.
286Marcellus Empiricus says, that boiled lupine meal, spread as a plaster, and laid on the abdomen, will destroy intestinal worms.
287Vicia sativa of Linnæus.
287Vicia sativa of Linnæus.
288Or orobus, the Ervum ervilia of Linnæus.
288Or orobus, the Ervum ervilia of Linnæus.
289It 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.
289It 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.
290From Columella, B. ii. c. 11.
290From Columella, B. ii. c. 11.
291Trigonella fœnum Græcum of Linnæus.
291Trigonella fœnum Græcum of Linnæus.
292“Scarificatio.”
292“Scarificatio.”
293Probably the Secale cereale of Linnæus, cultivated rye.
293Probably the Secale cereale of Linnæus, cultivated rye.
294It is now held in high esteem in many parts of Europe.
294It is now held in high esteem in many parts of Europe.
295Rye has no bitterness, and this assertion has led some to doubt if it is identical with the “secale” of Pliny.
295Rye has no bitterness, and this assertion has led some to doubt if it is identical with the “secale” of Pliny.
296Perhaps identical with the Vicia cracca of Linnæus.
296Perhaps identical with the Vicia cracca of Linnæus.
297In c. 54 and 60, and elsewhere. See B. xvii. c. 35.
297In c. 54 and 60, and elsewhere. See B. xvii. c. 35.
298Probably, fitches.
298Probably, fitches.
299Fée suggests that this may be the Avena sterilis, or else the Avena fatua of Linnæus.
299Fée suggests that this may be the Avena sterilis, or else the Avena fatua of Linnæus.
300De Re Rust. B. i. c. 31.
300De Re Rust. B. i. c. 31.
301“Medica,” in Latin, a kind of clover, the Medicago sativa of Linnæus.
301“Medica,” in Latin, a kind of clover, the Medicago sativa of Linnæus.
302Fée is inclined to doubt this.
302Fée is inclined to doubt this.
303Pliny 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.
303Pliny 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.