The reddish appearance of the waters of this sea is due to the prevalence of a minute bright red plant, which is a kind of sea-weed. This plant is said to be so small that twenty-five millions of them can live and thrive in one square inch. From it is made a beautiful red dye, which tradition says was used hundreds of years ago. In some places, where the weed is not found, the waters are blue or green. To the Hebrews it was known as Yam Sûph, the sea of weeds or sedge.
96. What was the Parthenopean Republic?
This was the name given to the state into which the kingdom of Naples was transformed by the French Republicans, Jan. 23, 1799, and which lasted only till the following June. The name is derived from Parthenope, an ancient name for Naples.
97. What is the origin of the names of the months?
January is derived from Janus, the god of the year, to whom this month was sacred.
February is from Februus, an old Italian divinity, or from Februa, the Roman festival of expiation, celebrated on the 15th of this month. January and February were added to the Roman calendar by Numa, Romulus having previously divided the year into ten months.
March is from Mars, the god of war, and reputed father of Romulus. It was the first month of the Roman calendar.
April is from the Latin Aperire, to open, from the opening of the buds, or the bosom of the earth in producing vegetation.
May is from Maia, the mother of Mercury, to whom the Romans offered sacrifices on the first day of this month.
June is from Juno, the sister and wife of Jupiter, to whom this month was sacred.