[1252] As the wife of Augustus is meant, this reading appears preferable to “Julia.”
[1253] Dion Cassius says “eighty-sixth.”
[1254] See B. iii. c. 22, and B. xvii. c. [3]. Pucinum was in Istria, and the district is said still to produce good wine; according to Dalechamps, the place is called Pizzino d’Istria.
[1255] The hills of Setia, looking down on the Pomptine Marshes: now Sezza, the wine of which is of no repute.
[1256] See B. iii. c. 9.
[1257] See B. iii. c. 9. Between Fundi and Setia; a locality now of no repute for its wines. In B. xxiii. c. 19, Pliny says, that the Cæcuban vine was extinct: but in B. xvii. c. [3], he says that in the Pomptine Marshes it was to be found.
[1258] This was the case, it has been remarked, with Madeira some years ago.
[1259] This is the most celebrated of all the ancient wines, as being more especially the theme of the poets.
[1260] See B. xi. c. [97]. The wines of the Falernian district are no longer held in any esteem; indeed, all the Campanian wines are sour, and of a disagreeable flavour.
[1261] It appears to have been exceedingly rich in alcohol.