626Mentioned by Virgil, Eccl. iii. l. 38, and by Propertius, Eleg. iv. 1.
626Mentioned by Virgil, Eccl. iii. l. 38, and by Propertius, Eleg. iv. 1.
627Twenty-eighth of September.
627Twenty-eighth of September.
628Twenty-ninth of September.
628Twenty-ninth of September.
629Second of October.
629Second of October.
630Third of October.
630Third of October.
631Fourth of October.
631Fourth of October.
632Eighth of October.
632Eighth of October.
633Tenth of October.
633Tenth of October.
634Fifteenth of October.
634Fifteenth of October.
635Sixteenth of October.
635Sixteenth of October.
636Or Hyades, see c.66.
636Or Hyades, see c.66.
637Second of November.
637Second of November.
638Ninth of November.
638Ninth of November.
639Eleventh of November.
639Eleventh of November.
640In c. 35 of this Book.
640In c. 35 of this Book.
641“Frondarias fiscinas.” These must have been baskets of a very large size. The leaves were used for fodder.
641“Frondarias fiscinas.” These must have been baskets of a very large size. The leaves were used for fodder.
642This, Fée says, is diametrically opposite to the modern practice.
642This, Fée says, is diametrically opposite to the modern practice.
643The “culeus,” it is supposed, was of the same measure of capacity as the “dolium,” and held twenty amphoræ. The “pressura,” or “pressing,” was probably the utmost quantity that the pressing vat would hold at one time.
643The “culeus,” it is supposed, was of the same measure of capacity as the “dolium,” and held twenty amphoræ. The “pressura,” or “pressing,” was probably the utmost quantity that the pressing vat would hold at one time.
644“Lacus.”
644“Lacus.”
645“Mali rugis per cocleas bullantibus.” The whole of this passage is full of difficulties.
645“Mali rugis per cocleas bullantibus.” The whole of this passage is full of difficulties.
646“Tympana:” literally, “drums.”
646“Tympana:” literally, “drums.”
647Grape juice boiled down to one half; see B. xiv. c. 9.
647Grape juice boiled down to one half; see B. xiv. c. 9.
648Virgil mentions this in the Georgics, B. i. 295. Of course, it is nothing but an absurd superstition.
648Virgil mentions this in the Georgics, B. i. 295. Of course, it is nothing but an absurd superstition.
649First of January.
649First of January.
650Piscinis.
650Piscinis.
651I. e.before getting in the next year’s crop. Of course, he alludes only to wines of an inferior class, used for domestic consumption.
651I. e.before getting in the next year’s crop. Of course, he alludes only to wines of an inferior class, used for domestic consumption.
652In B. xiv.
652In B. xiv.
653In B. xv. c. 3.
653In B. xv. c. 3.
654Georg. i. 276.
654Georg. i. 276.
655In contradistinction to the two periods of full moon, and change of the moon, the only epochs in reference to it noticed by Pliny.
655In contradistinction to the two periods of full moon, and change of the moon, the only epochs in reference to it noticed by Pliny.
656In Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 11.
656In Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 11.
657Or “between moons.” The “change of the moon,” as we call it.
657Or “between moons.” The “change of the moon,” as we call it.
65851¼ minutes.
65851¼ minutes.
659Many of his statements are drawn from Aristotle’s Treatise, “De Mundo.”
659Many of his statements are drawn from Aristotle’s Treatise, “De Mundo.”
660Our mid-day.
660Our mid-day.
661From due north to due south.
661From due north to due south.
662Cardo.
662Cardo.
663“Arbusta.” The trees on which the vines were trained.
663“Arbusta.” The trees on which the vines were trained.
664I. e.the north-west of Africa; the Roman province so called.
664I. e.the north-west of Africa; the Roman province so called.
665In the next Chapter.
665In the next Chapter.
666Ventus Auster.
666Ventus Auster.
667In B. ii. c. 46.
667In B. ii. c. 46.
668Incendia.
668Incendia.
669See B. xvii. c. 2.
669See B. xvii. c. 2.
670See B. viii. c.75.
670See B. viii. c.75.
671He seems to be in error here, as he has nowhere made mention of this.
671He seems to be in error here, as he has nowhere made mention of this.
672Aristotle, on the other hand, and Columella, B. vii. c. 3, say “males.” See also B. viii. c. 72, where males are mentioned in connection with the north-wind. Also thenext Chapterin this Book.
672Aristotle, on the other hand, and Columella, B. vii. c. 3, say “males.” See also B. viii. c. 72, where males are mentioned in connection with the north-wind. Also thenext Chapterin this Book.
673In the last Chapter.
673In the last Chapter.
674Very similar to our compass, but describing only eight points of the wind, instead of thirty-two.
674Very similar to our compass, but describing only eight points of the wind, instead of thirty-two.
675“Tympanum,” a drum, similar in shape to our tambourines or else kettle-drums.
675“Tympanum,” a drum, similar in shape to our tambourines or else kettle-drums.
676See B. ii. c. 46.
676See B. ii. c. 46.
677Or the “summer” wind.
677Or the “summer” wind.
678Africus, or south-west.
678Africus, or south-west.
679Or, according to our mode of expression, the “second,” or “next but one.”
679Or, according to our mode of expression, the “second,” or “next but one.”
680Or, as we say, the “third.”
680Or, as we say, the “third.”
681Georg. i. 313,et seq.“Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvisAgricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo,omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.”
681Georg. i. 313,et seq.
“Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvisAgricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo,omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.”
“Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvisAgricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo,omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.”
“Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvisAgricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo,omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.”
“Sæpe ego, quum flavis messorem induceret arvis
Agricola, et fragili jam stringeret hordea culmo,
omnia ventorum concurrere prœlia vidi.”
682See the Treatise of Theophrastus on the Prognostics of the Weather.
682See the Treatise of Theophrastus on the Prognostics of the Weather.
683This, Fée observes, is confirmed by experience. Aratus, as translated by Avienus, states to a similar effect.
683This, Fée observes, is confirmed by experience. Aratus, as translated by Avienus, states to a similar effect.
684So Virgil, Georg. i. 427.
684So Virgil, Georg. i. 427.
685Coronam.
685Coronam.
686See B. ii. c. 6 and c. 36.
686See B. ii. c. 6 and c. 36.
687In c. 59 of this Book.
687In c. 59 of this Book.
688“Densum.” Fée says that this is in general confirmed by experience.
688“Densum.” Fée says that this is in general confirmed by experience.
689This results, Fée says, from the presence of thin, aqueous vapours, which portend a change in the atmosphere.
689This results, Fée says, from the presence of thin, aqueous vapours, which portend a change in the atmosphere.
690Fée attributes this phænomenon to hydrosulphuric gas, ignited in the air by an electric spark. The notion that these meteors are stars, was prevalent to a very recent period.
690Fée attributes this phænomenon to hydrosulphuric gas, ignited in the air by an electric spark. The notion that these meteors are stars, was prevalent to a very recent period.
691To which they proceed.
691To which they proceed.
692This, Fée says, is confirmed by experience.
692This, Fée says, is confirmed by experience.
693Or “Little Asses.”
693Or “Little Asses.”
694Præsepia.
694Præsepia.
695This, as Fée remarks, is consistent with experience.
695This, as Fée remarks, is consistent with experience.
696This, Fée remarks, appears to be consistent with general experience.
696This, Fée remarks, appears to be consistent with general experience.
697Theophrastus states to a similar effect, and it is confirmed by the experience of those who live in mountainous countries.
697Theophrastus states to a similar effect, and it is confirmed by the experience of those who live in mountainous countries.
698We still hear of the “white squalls” of the Mediterranean.
698We still hear of the “white squalls” of the Mediterranean.
699“‘Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.’——And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.”—1 Kings, xviii. 44, 45.
699“‘Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.’——And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.”—1 Kings, xviii. 44, 45.
700The truth of this, Fée says, he has personally experienced in the vallies of the Alps.
700The truth of this, Fée says, he has personally experienced in the vallies of the Alps.
701Terreni ignes.
701Terreni ignes.
702This, and the other phænomena here mentioned, result, as Fée says, from the hygrometric state of the air. Virgil mentions this appearance on the wick of the lamp, Georg. i. 392.
702This, and the other phænomena here mentioned, result, as Fée says, from the hygrometric state of the air. Virgil mentions this appearance on the wick of the lamp, Georg. i. 392.
703Fée thinks that this indicates fine weather rather than rain, as showing a pure state of the atmosphere.
703Fée thinks that this indicates fine weather rather than rain, as showing a pure state of the atmosphere.
704Sea “lungs.” See B. ix. c. 71.
704Sea “lungs.” See B. ix. c. 71.
705Ludentia.
705Ludentia.
706Virgil mentions these indications, Georg. i. 368-9.
706Virgil mentions these indications, Georg. i. 368-9.
707“Suus fragor.” The winds, Fée remarks, however violent they may be, make no noise unless they meet with an obstacle which arrests their onward progress.
707“Suus fragor.” The winds, Fée remarks, however violent they may be, make no noise unless they meet with an obstacle which arrests their onward progress.
708Theophrastus, Cicero, and Plutarch state to a similar effect; and it is corroborated by the experience of most mariners.
708Theophrastus, Cicero, and Plutarch state to a similar effect; and it is corroborated by the experience of most mariners.
709The ink-fish; Sepia loligo of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 21.
709The ink-fish; Sepia loligo of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. 21.
710Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 378.
710Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 378.
711“Fulicæ.” See B. x. c. 61, and B. xi. c. 44.
711“Fulicæ.” See B. x. c. 61, and B. xi. c. 44.
712Virgil says the same of the diver, or didapper, Georg. i. 361; and Lucan Pharsalia, v. 553.
712Virgil says the same of the diver, or didapper, Georg. i. 361; and Lucan Pharsalia, v. 553.
713Both Theophrastus and Ælian mention this.
713Both Theophrastus and Ælian mention this.
714It is not known what bird is here alluded to, but Fée is probably right in suggesting a sort of sea-mew, or gull.
714It is not known what bird is here alluded to, but Fée is probably right in suggesting a sort of sea-mew, or gull.
715This is still considered a prognostic of rain. Fée says that the swallow descends thus near to the surface to catch the insects on the wing which are now disabled from rising by the hygrometric state of the atmosphere.
715This is still considered a prognostic of rain. Fée says that the swallow descends thus near to the surface to catch the insects on the wing which are now disabled from rising by the hygrometric state of the atmosphere.
716This is confirmed by experience.
716This is confirmed by experience.
717On the contrary, Lucan says (Pharsalia, B. v. l. 549), that on the approach of rain, the heron soars in the upper regions of the air; and Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 364.
717On the contrary, Lucan says (Pharsalia, B. v. l. 549), that on the approach of rain, the heron soars in the upper regions of the air; and Virgil says the same, Georg. i. 364.
718Indecorâ lasciviâ.
718Indecorâ lasciviâ.
719Fée suggests that they probably do this to diminish the electric fluid with which the air is charged.
719Fée suggests that they probably do this to diminish the electric fluid with which the air is charged.
720Alienos sibi manipulos.
720Alienos sibi manipulos.
721This is confirmed by common experience.
721This is confirmed by common experience.
722“Repositoriis.” See B. xix. c.13, and B. xxx. c. 49.
722“Repositoriis.” See B. xix. c.13, and B. xxx. c. 49.
723See end of B. vii.
723See end of B. vii.
724See end of B. xii.
724See end of B. xii.
725See end of B. iii.
725See end of B. iii.
726See end of B. ii.
726See end of B. ii.
727See end of B. vii.
727See end of B. vii.
728See end of B. iii.
728See end of B. iii.
729See end of B. xiv.
729See end of B. xiv.
730See end of B. ii.
730See end of B. ii.
731See end of B. iii.
731See end of B. iii.
732See end of B. xi.
732See end of B. xi.
733See end of B. x.
733See end of B. x.
734See end of B. xi.
734See end of B. xi.
735See end of B. iii.
735See end of B. iii.
736See end of B. vii.
736See end of B. vii.
737See end of B. vii.
737See end of B. vii.
738A native of Sulmo, in the country of the Peligni, and one of the greatest poets of the Augustan age. It is most probable that his “Fasti” was extensively consulted by Pliny in the compilation of the present Book. Six Books of the Fasti have come down to us, but the remaining six have perished, if, indeed, they were ever written, which has been doubted by many of the learned.
738A native of Sulmo, in the country of the Peligni, and one of the greatest poets of the Augustan age. It is most probable that his “Fasti” was extensively consulted by Pliny in the compilation of the present Book. Six Books of the Fasti have come down to us, but the remaining six have perished, if, indeed, they were ever written, which has been doubted by many of the learned.
739See end of B. xiv.
739See end of B. xiv.
740See end of B. viii.
740See end of B. viii.
741See end of B. ii. It is supposed that there were several writers of this name, but it is impossible to say with certainty which of them is the one here referred to. It is probable, however, that it is either L. Ælius Tubero, the friend of Cicero, or else Q. Ælius Tubero, his son, that is alluded to.
741See end of B. ii. It is supposed that there were several writers of this name, but it is impossible to say with certainty which of them is the one here referred to. It is probable, however, that it is either L. Ælius Tubero, the friend of Cicero, or else Q. Ælius Tubero, his son, that is alluded to.
742L. Tarutius Firmianus, a mathematician and astronomer, and a friend and contemporary of Cicero and M. Varro. At the request of the latter, he took the horoscope of Romulus. It is generally supposed that he was of Etruscan descent.
742L. Tarutius Firmianus, a mathematician and astronomer, and a friend and contemporary of Cicero and M. Varro. At the request of the latter, he took the horoscope of Romulus. It is generally supposed that he was of Etruscan descent.
743The founder of the imperial dignity at Rome. His Commentaries are the only work written by him that has come down to us. His treatise on the Stars, which Pliny frequently quotes throughout this Book, was probably written under the inspection of the astronomer, Sosigenes.
743The founder of the imperial dignity at Rome. His Commentaries are the only work written by him that has come down to us. His treatise on the Stars, which Pliny frequently quotes throughout this Book, was probably written under the inspection of the astronomer, Sosigenes.
744See end of B. ii.
744See end of B. ii.
745Nothing is known of this writer. It has been suggested, however, that he may have been the same person as Papirius Fabianus, mentioned at the end of B. ii.
745Nothing is known of this writer. It has been suggested, however, that he may have been the same person as Papirius Fabianus, mentioned at the end of B. ii.
746See end of B. vii.
746See end of B. vii.
747See end of B. xvi.
747See end of B. xvi.
748See end of B. iii.
748See end of B. iii.
749See end of B x.
749See end of B x.
750L. Accius, or Attius, an early Roman tragic poet, and the son of a freedman, born aboutB.C.170. His tragedies were chiefly imitations from the Greek. He is highly praised by Cicero. The “Praxidica” here mentioned, is probably the same as the “Pragmatica” spoken of by Aulus Gellius, B. xx. c. 3. Only some fragments of his Tragedies are left.
750L. Accius, or Attius, an early Roman tragic poet, and the son of a freedman, born aboutB.C.170. His tragedies were chiefly imitations from the Greek. He is highly praised by Cicero. The “Praxidica” here mentioned, is probably the same as the “Pragmatica” spoken of by Aulus Gellius, B. xx. c. 3. Only some fragments of his Tragedies are left.
751See end of B. vii.
751See end of B. vii.
752See end of B. iii.
752See end of B. iii.
753See end of B. ii.
753See end of B. ii.
754See end of B. ii.
754See end of B. ii.
755See end of B. viii.
755See end of B. viii.
756See end of B. viii.
756See end of B. viii.
757See end of B. viii.
757See end of B. viii.
758See end of B. viii.
758See end of B. viii.
759See end of B. iv.
759See end of B. iv.
760Sec end of B. viii.
760Sec end of B. viii.
761See end of B. ix.
761See end of B. ix.
762See end of B. viii.
762See end of B. viii.
763See end of B. viii.
763See end of B. viii.
764See end of B. viii.
764See end of B. viii.
765See end of B. viii.
765See end of B. viii.
766See end of B. viii.
766See end of B. viii.
767See end of B. viii.
767See end of B. viii.
768See end of B. viii.
768See end of B. viii.
769See end of B. vi.
769See end of B. vi.
770See end of B. viii.
770See end of B. viii.
771See end of B. xiv.
771See end of B. xiv.
772See end of B. xv.
772See end of B. xv.
773See end of B. viii.
773See end of B. viii.
774See end of B. ii.
774See end of B. ii.
775See end of B. x.
775See end of B. x.
776See end of B. viii.
776See end of B. viii.
777See end of B. viii.
777See end of B. viii.
778See end of B. viii.
778See end of B. viii.
779See end of B. viii.
779See end of B. viii.
780See end of B. xii.
780See end of B. xii.
781See end of B. viii.
781See end of B. viii.
782Of Miletus, the most ancient of the Greek philosophers, and the founder of the Ionian school of Philosophy. He is said to have written upon the Solstice and the Equinox, and a work on Astronomy, in verse, was also attributed to him. It is, however, more generally believed, that he left no written works behind him, and that those attributed to him were forgeries.
782Of Miletus, the most ancient of the Greek philosophers, and the founder of the Ionian school of Philosophy. He is said to have written upon the Solstice and the Equinox, and a work on Astronomy, in verse, was also attributed to him. It is, however, more generally believed, that he left no written works behind him, and that those attributed to him were forgeries.
783See end of B. ii.
783See end of B. ii.
784An astronomer of Medama, or Medma, in Magna Græcia, and a disciple of Plato. He is said to have written a treatise on the winds, and Plutarch states that he demonstrated the figure of the moon.
784An astronomer of Medama, or Medma, in Magna Græcia, and a disciple of Plato. He is said to have written a treatise on the winds, and Plutarch states that he demonstrated the figure of the moon.
785An astronomer of Cyzicus, and a friend of Aristotle, whom he assisted in completing the discoveries of Eudoxus. He invented the cycle of seventy-six years, called after him the Calippic.
785An astronomer of Cyzicus, and a friend of Aristotle, whom he assisted in completing the discoveries of Eudoxus. He invented the cycle of seventy-six years, called after him the Calippic.
786Of Colonus, a geometrician, to whom Archimedes dedicated his works on the sphere and cylinder, and on spirals.
786Of Colonus, a geometrician, to whom Archimedes dedicated his works on the sphere and cylinder, and on spirals.
787A grammarian, who is supposed to have written a commentary on Aratus. Varro, De Ling. Lat. x. 10, speaks of him as making the distinctive characteristics of words to be eight in number.
787A grammarian, who is supposed to have written a commentary on Aratus. Varro, De Ling. Lat. x. 10, speaks of him as making the distinctive characteristics of words to be eight in number.
788A famous astronomer of Athens, to whom the discovery of the cycle of nineteen years has been attributed.
788A famous astronomer of Athens, to whom the discovery of the cycle of nineteen years has been attributed.
789There were several learned men of this name, but it appears impossible to say which of them is the one here alluded to; probably it is either the Pythagorean philosopher of Ægæ, who wrote on Predestination, or else the historian, a native of Pieria in Macedonia. There was also an astronomer of this name, a native of Naxos, and a friend of Eudoxus of Cnidos.
789There were several learned men of this name, but it appears impossible to say which of them is the one here alluded to; probably it is either the Pythagorean philosopher of Ægæ, who wrote on Predestination, or else the historian, a native of Pieria in Macedonia. There was also an astronomer of this name, a native of Naxos, and a friend of Eudoxus of Cnidos.