[2981] From γλωττὰ, “a tongue.” It is not known what bird is alluded to.
[2982] Bellon thinks that this is the proyer, or prayer, of the French; Aldrovandus considers it to be the ortolan.
[2983] Gesner suggests from “asinus,” an “ass;” its feathers sticking up like the ears of that animal. Dalechamps thinks it is because its voice resembles the braying of an ass; the name “otus” is from the Greek for “ear.”
[2984] Either hemlock or hellebore.
[2985] “Despui suetum.” See B. xxviii. c. 7. As Hardouin says, in modern times they are considered delicate eating; but Schenkius, Obsers. Med. B. i., states, that if the bird has eaten hellebore, epilepsy is the consequence to the person who partakes of its flesh.
[2986] See B. iv. c. 18.
[2987] A friend of Augustus, sent by him with proposals to Antony, B.C. 41.
[2988] The colour of the “factio,” or “party” of charioteers. See p. [217].
[2989] Galgulus.
[2990] Cuvier suggests, that these birds may have been the Tringa pugnax of Linnæus and Buffon, the males of which engage in most bloody combats with each other on the banks of rivers, in spring.