[1157] Probably from “albus,” “white.” Poinsinet thinks that it may have been so called from the Celtic word alb, or alp, a mountain, and that it grew on elevated spots. This, however, is probably fanciful.
[1158] Called by the Greeks ἀμέθυστον, from its comparatively harmless qualities.
[1159] Or “sober” vine.
[1160] Hardouin says that in his time it was still cultivated about Macerata, in the Roman States. Fée thinks that it may be one of the climbing vines, supported by forks, cultivated in the central provinces of France. See also B. xxiii. c. 19, as to the effects produced by its wine.
[1161] Poinsinet gives a Celto-Scythian origin to this word, and says that it means “injured by fogs.” This appears to be supported in some measure by what is stated below.
[1163] Or “thorny” vine. Fée queries why it should be thus called.
[1164] This humid, marshy locality was noted for the badness of its grapes, and consequently of its wine.
[1165] Hardouin thinks that this is the “Marze mina” of the Venetians: whence, perhaps, its ancient name.
[1166] “Testis.” See B. xxxv. c. 46.