461Sixteenth of February.
461Sixteenth of February.
462Twenty-second of February.
462Twenty-second of February.
463Fifth of March.
463Fifth of March.
464On the fifth of March, Ovid says, Fasti, iii. l. 407. Columella makes it rise on the sixth of the nones, or the second of March.
464On the fifth of March, Ovid says, Fasti, iii. l. 407. Columella makes it rise on the sixth of the nones, or the second of March.
465Eighth of March.
465Eighth of March.
466Or, more literally, the “Northern Fish.”
466Or, more literally, the “Northern Fish.”
467Fifteenth of March, the day on which he was assassinated, in accordance, it is said, with the prophecy of a diviner, who had warned him to beware of the ides of March.
467Fifteenth of March, the day on which he was assassinated, in accordance, it is said, with the prophecy of a diviner, who had warned him to beware of the ides of March.
468Eighteenth of March.
468Eighteenth of March.
469Twenty-first of March.
469Twenty-first of March.
470In c. 46 and c. 47.
470In c. 46 and c. 47.
471Seventh of February.
471Seventh of February.
472In B. xvii. c. 35.
472In B. xvii. c. 35.
473Fée approves of this method of weeding before the corn is in ear.
473Fée approves of this method of weeding before the corn is in ear.
474In a day, probably.
474In a day, probably.
475Georg. i. 63.
475Georg. i. 63.
476De Re Rust. 40.
476De Re Rust. 40.
477See B. xvii. c. 8.
477See B. xvii. c. 8.
478Alluding to his quotation from Cicero in c. 61.
478Alluding to his quotation from Cicero in c. 61.
479Or mastich.
479Or mastich.
480See c.7of this Book.
480See c.7of this Book.
481It is not known whence he derived this unfounded notion.
481It is not known whence he derived this unfounded notion.
482Twenty-fifth of March.
482Twenty-fifth of March.
483First of April.
483First of April.
484This passage is omitted in the original, but was probably left out by inadvertence.
484This passage is omitted in the original, but was probably left out by inadvertence.
485Third of April.
485Third of April.
486Fifth of April.
486Fifth of April.
487Eighth of April.
487Eighth of April.
488Eighteenth of April.
488Eighteenth of April.
489Sixteenth of April.
489Sixteenth of April.
490Twentieth of April.
490Twentieth of April.
491Twenty-first of April. See B. xix. c.24.
491Twenty-first of April. See B. xix. c.24.
492Fromὕειν, to rain.
492Fromὕειν, to rain.
493“Sus,” a pig.
493“Sus,” a pig.
494Twenty-fourth of April.
494Twenty-fourth of April.
495Twenty-fifth of April.
495Twenty-fifth of April.
496Twenty-sixth of April.
496Twenty-sixth of April.
497Twenty-seventh of April.
497Twenty-seventh of April.
498Twenty-eighth of April.
498Twenty-eighth of April.
499Second of May.
499Second of May.
500Eighth of May.
500Eighth of May.
501Tenth of May.
501Tenth of May.
502“Cuculus.” Sec B. x. c. 11.
502“Cuculus.” Sec B. x. c. 11.
503“Petulantiæ vales.” Perhaps “indecent,” or “wanton jokes:” at least, Hardouin thinks so.
503“Petulantiæ vales.” Perhaps “indecent,” or “wanton jokes:” at least, Hardouin thinks so.
504By causing quarrels, probably.
504By causing quarrels, probably.
505See B. xi. c. 34.
505See B. xi. c. 34.
506A quotation from some unknown poet, Sillig thinks.
506A quotation from some unknown poet, Sillig thinks.
507See B. xvi. c. 41.
507See B. xvi. c. 41.
508See Virgil, Ecl. iii. l. 111.
508See Virgil, Ecl. iii. l. 111.
509Eleventh of May.
509Eleventh of May.
510Thirteenth of May.
510Thirteenth of May.
511Twenty-first of May.
511Twenty-first of May.
512Twenty-second of May.
512Twenty-second of May.
513Second of June.
513Second of June.
514Seventh of June.
514Seventh of June.
515Tenth of June.
515Tenth of June.
516Fifteenth of June.
516Fifteenth of June.
517Twenty-first of June.
517Twenty-first of June.
518Twenty-fourth of June.
518Twenty-fourth of June.
519First of June.
519First of June.
520Columella, B. ii. c. 18.
520Columella, B. ii. c. 18.
521The varieties now known as Trifolium pratense, Trifolium rubens and Trifolium repens.
521The varieties now known as Trifolium pratense, Trifolium rubens and Trifolium repens.
522“Gramen.” Under this head, as Fée says, he probably includes the gramineous plants, known as Alopecurus, Phleum, Poa, Festuca, &c.
522“Gramen.” Under this head, as Fée says, he probably includes the gramineous plants, known as Alopecurus, Phleum, Poa, Festuca, &c.
523Probably the Lysimachia nummularia of Linnæus, which has a tendency to corrode the lips of the sheep that pasture on it.
523Probably the Lysimachia nummularia of Linnæus, which has a tendency to corrode the lips of the sheep that pasture on it.
524Known to us as “horse-tail;” varieties of which are the Equisetum fluviatile and the Equisetum palustre of Linnæus.
524Known to us as “horse-tail;” varieties of which are the Equisetum fluviatile and the Equisetum palustre of Linnæus.
525De Re Rust. c. 53.
525De Re Rust. c. 53.
526See Virgil’s Georg. i. 289.
526See Virgil’s Georg. i. 289.
527As to whetstones, for further information, see B. xxvi. c. 47.
527As to whetstones, for further information, see B. xxvi. c. 47.
528The word “falx,” “sickle” or “scythe,” is used here as denoting an implement for mowing, and not reaping.
528The word “falx,” “sickle” or “scythe,” is used here as denoting an implement for mowing, and not reaping.
529Similar in shape to our sickle, or reaping hook, no doubt.
529Similar in shape to our sickle, or reaping hook, no doubt.
530“Majoris compendii.” Similar to our reaping-hook, also. Fée thinks that the former was similar to the “faux faucille,” or false sickle, the latter to the common sickle of the French.
530“Majoris compendii.” Similar to our reaping-hook, also. Fée thinks that the former was similar to the “faux faucille,” or false sickle, the latter to the common sickle of the French.
531Fée says that this is the case in some parts of France.
531Fée says that this is the case in some parts of France.
532In c. 59 of this Book.
532In c. 59 of this Book.
533Twenty-fourth of June. See thelast Chapter.
533Twenty-fourth of June. See thelast Chapter.
534On this subject see B. xvi. c. 36. See also Varro, De Re Rust. B. i. c. 46, and Aulus Gellius, B. ix. c. 7.
534On this subject see B. xvi. c. 36. See also Varro, De Re Rust. B. i. c. 46, and Aulus Gellius, B. ix. c. 7.
535“Tenes Sidus.”
535“Tenes Sidus.”
536Twenty-sixth of June.
536Twenty-sixth of June.
537Fourth of July.
537Fourth of July.
538There is some confusion, apparently, here. Canicula, Syrius, or the Dog-star, belongs to the Constellation Canis Major; while Canis Minor a Constellation which contains the star Procyon, (“the forerunner of the Dog,”) precedes it.
538There is some confusion, apparently, here. Canicula, Syrius, or the Dog-star, belongs to the Constellation Canis Major; while Canis Minor a Constellation which contains the star Procyon, (“the forerunner of the Dog,”) precedes it.
539Fourth of July.
539Fourth of July.
540Fourteenth of July.
540Fourteenth of July.
541Seventeenth of July.
541Seventeenth of July.
542B. ii. c. 40, and B. xix. c. 25.
542B. ii. c. 40, and B. xix. c. 25.
543Twentieth of July.
543Twentieth of July.
544Twenty-third of July.
544Twenty-third of July.
545Thirtieth of July.
545Thirtieth of July.
546Sixth of August.
546Sixth of August.
547Eleventh of August.
547Eleventh of August.
548Eighth of August.
548Eighth of August.
549See B. xvii. c. 37.
549See B. xvii. c. 37.
550Carbunculus.
550Carbunculus.
551Cicero. De Div., B. ii. 201, Aristotle, Polit. B. i. c. 7, and Diogenes Laertius tell this story of Thales the philosopher; Pliny being the only one that applies it to Democritus.
551Cicero. De Div., B. ii. 201, Aristotle, Polit. B. i. c. 7, and Diogenes Laertius tell this story of Thales the philosopher; Pliny being the only one that applies it to Democritus.
552In the last Chapter. This passage is corrupt.
552In the last Chapter. This passage is corrupt.
553Mentioned by Seneca, Ep. 59.
553Mentioned by Seneca, Ep. 59.
554It was reserved for the latter part of the last century to discover that mildew operated on vegetation through the medium of minute, parasitical fungi. It is mostly attributed to defects in the light or the atmosphere, or else humidity in excess. See c.44of this Book.
554It was reserved for the latter part of the last century to discover that mildew operated on vegetation through the medium of minute, parasitical fungi. It is mostly attributed to defects in the light or the atmosphere, or else humidity in excess. See c.44of this Book.
555In B. ii. c. 6, for instance.
555In B. ii. c. 6, for instance.
556An onomatic prejudice, as Fée says, solely founded on the peculiarity of the name.
556An onomatic prejudice, as Fée says, solely founded on the peculiarity of the name.
557In the preceding Chapter.
557In the preceding Chapter.
558In the preceding Chapter.
558In the preceding Chapter.
559In B. xvi. c. 42.
559In B. xvi. c. 42.
560Twentieth of December.
560Twentieth of December.
561Or festival in honour of Robigo, the Goddess of mildew, on the twenty-fifth of April. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. iv. l. 907,et seq.
561Or festival in honour of Robigo, the Goddess of mildew, on the twenty-fifth of April. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. iv. l. 907,et seq.
562Robigo.
562Robigo.
563“Nineteen” is the proper number.
563“Nineteen” is the proper number.
564“Et cui præoccidere caniculam necesse est.” The real meaning of this passage would seem to be,—“Before which, as a matter of course, Canicula must set.” But if so, Pliny is in error, for Canicula, or Procyon, sets heliacallyafterthe Dog-star, though it rises before it. Hardouin observes, that it is abundantly proved from the ancient writers that it was the custom to sacrifice a puppy to Sirius, or the Dog-star, at the Robigalia. As Littré justly remarks, it would almost appear that Pliny intended, by his ambiguous language, to lead his readers into error.
564“Et cui præoccidere caniculam necesse est.” The real meaning of this passage would seem to be,—“Before which, as a matter of course, Canicula must set.” But if so, Pliny is in error, for Canicula, or Procyon, sets heliacallyafterthe Dog-star, though it rises before it. Hardouin observes, that it is abundantly proved from the ancient writers that it was the custom to sacrifice a puppy to Sirius, or the Dog-star, at the Robigalia. As Littré justly remarks, it would almost appear that Pliny intended, by his ambiguous language, to lead his readers into error.
565Twenty-eighth of April. The festival of Flora.
565Twenty-eighth of April. The festival of Flora.
566Twenty-third of April. This was the first, or Urban Vinalia: the second, or Rustic Vinalia, were held on the nineteenth of August.
566Twenty-third of April. This was the first, or Urban Vinalia: the second, or Rustic Vinalia, were held on the nineteenth of August.
567The same as the GreekΠιθοίγια, or “opening of the Casks.”
567The same as the GreekΠιθοίγια, or “opening of the Casks.”
568Tenth of May.
568Tenth of May.
569In B. xvi. c. 42, and in c. 66 of this Book.
569In B. xvi. c. 42, and in c. 66 of this Book.
570Second of June.
570Second of June.
571Twenty-fourth of June.
571Twenty-fourth of June.
572Fourth of July.
572Fourth of July.
573Seventeenth of July.
573Seventeenth of July.
574Twentieth of July.
574Twentieth of July.
575Twenty-third of July.
575Twenty-third of July.
576Nineteenth of August.
576Nineteenth of August.
577Eighth of August.
577Eighth of August.
578See B. x. c. 45, and c. 50. The popinjay, lapwing, and tit-mouse have been suggested.
578See B. x. c. 45, and c. 50. The popinjay, lapwing, and tit-mouse have been suggested.
579Virio. See B. x. c. 45.
579Virio. See B. x. c. 45.
580Columella, De Arborib. c. 13, gives similar advice.
580Columella, De Arborib. c. 13, gives similar advice.
581This absurd practice is mentioned in the Geoponica, B. v. c. 31.
581This absurd practice is mentioned in the Geoponica, B. v. c. 31.
582As to this fish, see B. ix. c. 17.
582As to this fish, see B. ix. c. 17.
583“Uva picta.” This absurdity does not seem to be found in any of Varro’s works that have come down to us.
583“Uva picta.” This absurdity does not seem to be found in any of Varro’s works that have come down to us.
584Nothing whatever is known of him or his works; and, as Fée says, apparently the loss is little to be regretted.
584Nothing whatever is known of him or his works; and, as Fée says, apparently the loss is little to be regretted.
585Rubeta rana.
585Rubeta rana.
586De Re Rust. 129. Cato, however, does not mention chalk, but Virgil (Georg. i. 178) does. Poinsinet thinks that this is a “lapsus memoriæ” in Pliny, but Fée suggests that there may have been an omission by the copyists.
586De Re Rust. 129. Cato, however, does not mention chalk, but Virgil (Georg. i. 178) does. Poinsinet thinks that this is a “lapsus memoriæ” in Pliny, but Fée suggests that there may have been an omission by the copyists.
587See the last Note. He recommends that it should be turned up with the hand, rammed down with “tenacious chalk,” and levelled with a large roller.
587See the last Note. He recommends that it should be turned up with the hand, rammed down with “tenacious chalk,” and levelled with a large roller.
588Both cow-dung and marc of olives are still employed in some parts of France, in preparing the threshing floor.
588Both cow-dung and marc of olives are still employed in some parts of France, in preparing the threshing floor.
589Palladius gives a long description of this contrivance, which seems to have been pushed forward by the ox; the teeth, which were sharp at the edge and fine at the point, catching the ears and tearing them off. But, as Fée says, the use of it must have been very disadvantageous, in consequence of the unequal height of the stalks. The straw, too, was sacrificed by the employment of it.
589Palladius gives a long description of this contrivance, which seems to have been pushed forward by the ox; the teeth, which were sharp at the edge and fine at the point, catching the ears and tearing them off. But, as Fée says, the use of it must have been very disadvantageous, in consequence of the unequal height of the stalks. The straw, too, was sacrificed by the employment of it.
590In contrarium juncto.
590In contrarium juncto.
591“Merges.” Supposed to be the same as the “batillum” of Varro. Its form is unknown, and, indeed, the manner in which it was used. It is not improbable that it was a fork, sharp at the edge, and similar to an open pair of scissars, with which the heads of corn were driven off, as it were; this, however, is only a mere conjecture. By the use of “atque,” it would almost appear that the “merges” was employed after the sickle had been used; but it is more probable that he refers to two different methods of gathering the ears of corn.
591“Merges.” Supposed to be the same as the “batillum” of Varro. Its form is unknown, and, indeed, the manner in which it was used. It is not improbable that it was a fork, sharp at the edge, and similar to an open pair of scissars, with which the heads of corn were driven off, as it were; this, however, is only a mere conjecture. By the use of “atque,” it would almost appear that the “merges” was employed after the sickle had been used; but it is more probable that he refers to two different methods of gathering the ears of corn.
592The roots and the stubble are, in reality, as good as a manure to the land.
592The roots and the stubble are, in reality, as good as a manure to the land.
593Called “tribulum;” a threshing-machine moved by oxen. Varro, De Re Rust. i. 52, gives a description of it. Fée says that it is still used in some parts of Europe.
593Called “tribulum;” a threshing-machine moved by oxen. Varro, De Re Rust. i. 52, gives a description of it. Fée says that it is still used in some parts of Europe.
594On the contrary, Fée says, the risk is greater from the depredations of birds, and the chance of the grain falling out in cutting, and gathering in. Spelt and rye may be left much longer than wheat or oats.
594On the contrary, Fée says, the risk is greater from the depredations of birds, and the chance of the grain falling out in cutting, and gathering in. Spelt and rye may be left much longer than wheat or oats.
595Columella, B. ii. c. i., gives the same advice.
595Columella, B. ii. c. i., gives the same advice.
596“Palea” seems here to mean “chaff;” though Fée understands it as meaning straw.
596“Palea” seems here to mean “chaff;” though Fée understands it as meaning straw.
597The chaff of millet, and not the straw, must evidently be intended here, for he says above that the straw—“culmus”—of millet is generally burnt.
597The chaff of millet, and not the straw, must evidently be intended here, for he says above that the straw—“culmus”—of millet is generally burnt.
598Muria dura.
598Muria dura.
599Georg. i. 84,et seq.Fée says that Virgil has good reason for his commendations, as it is a most excellent plan.
599Georg. i. 84,et seq.Fée says that Virgil has good reason for his commendations, as it is a most excellent plan.
600Palladius, i. 19, saystwofeet.
600Palladius, i. 19, saystwofeet.
601On account of the damp. Columella, however, recommends a mixture of sand, lime, and marc of olives for the floor; B. i. c. 6.
601On account of the damp. Columella, however, recommends a mixture of sand, lime, and marc of olives for the floor; B. i. c. 6.
602In B. xv. c. 8.
602In B. xv. c. 8.
603This is still done in the Valais, and has the great merit of preserving the corn from house and field-mice.
603This is still done in the Valais, and has the great merit of preserving the corn from house and field-mice.
604“Ventilare.” On the contrary, the weevil penetrates deep, and does not keep near the surface.
604“Ventilare.” On the contrary, the weevil penetrates deep, and does not keep near the surface.
605De Re Rust. ii. 21.
605De Re Rust. ii. 21.
606See B. ii. c. 48.
606See B. ii. c. 48.
607Those keep the best, Fée says, which have a farinaceous perisperm. Millet has but one coat.
607Those keep the best, Fée says, which have a farinaceous perisperm. Millet has but one coat.
608This, in reality, would tend to make them turn rancid all the sooner.
608This, in reality, would tend to make them turn rancid all the sooner.
609And so repel the attacks of insects.
609And so repel the attacks of insects.
610This would not only spoil the flavour, but absolutely injure the corn as well.
610This would not only spoil the flavour, but absolutely injure the corn as well.
611This also, if practised to any extent, would infallibly spoil the grain.
611This also, if practised to any extent, would infallibly spoil the grain.
612De Re Rust. i. 57.
612De Re Rust. i. 57.
613See B. xix. c.15: also Columella, De Re Rust. B. ii. c. 10.
613See B. xix. c.15: also Columella, De Re Rust. B. ii. c. 10.
614Twelfth of August.
614Twelfth of August.
615Twenty-second of August.
615Twenty-second of August.
616Twenty-eighth of August.
616Twenty-eighth of August.
617Fifth of September.
617Fifth of September.
618Ninth of September.
618Ninth of September.
619Twelfth of September.
619Twelfth of September.
620See the Rudens of Plautus, Prol. l. 69.
620See the Rudens of Plautus, Prol. l. 69.
621Sixteenth of September.
621Sixteenth of September.
622Eighteenth of September.
622Eighteenth of September.
623Twenty-first of September.
623Twenty-first of September.
624Commissura.
624Commissura.
625Twenty-fourth of September.
625Twenty-fourth of September.