[1272] Written to the Senate, also to Cicero. We learn from Suetonius that they were partly written in cipher.
[1273] Messina, at the present day, exports wines of very good quality, and which attain a great age.
[1274] It was sound, light, and not without body.
[1275] “Lagenæ.” The same spot, now Taormina in Sicily, between Catania and Messina, still produces excellent wines.
[1276] See B. iii. c. 18. Fée says that this is thought to have been the wine of Syrol, of last century, grown near Ancona.
[1277] “Palma.” Notwithstanding this suggestion, it is more generally supposed that they had their name from the place called Palma, near Marano, on the Adriatic. Its wines are still considered of agreeable flavour.
[1278] The wines of modern Cezena enjoy no repute, owing, probably, to the mode of making them.
[1279] Probably so called because it was brought into fashion by Mæcenas.
[1280] See Georg. ii. 95. The wines of the Tyrol, the ancient Rhætia, are still considered as of excellent quality.
[1281] Of Adria, or the Adriatic Sea.