[1631] Hist. Plant. iv. c.
[1632] The Olea Europæa of Linnæus. See B. xxi. c. 31.
[1633] This has not been observed to be the fact. It has been known to grow in ancient Mesopotamia, more than one hundred leagues from the sea.
[1634] It is supposed that it is indigenous to Asia, whence it was introduced into Africa and the South of Europe. There is little doubt that long before the period mentioned by Pliny, it was grown in Africa by the Carthaginians, and in the South of Gaul, at the colony of Massilia.
[1635] This work of Hesiod is no longer in existence; but the assertion is exaggerated, even if he alludes to the growth of the tree from seed. Fée remarks that a man who has sown the olive at twenty, may gather excellent fruit before he arrives at old age. It is more generally propagated by slips or sets. If the trunk is destroyed by accident, the roots will throw out fresh suckers.
[1636] This is the case. We may remark that the tree will grow in this country, but the fruit never comes to maturity.
[1637] Georg. ii. 85, also ii. 420.
[1638] Probably the Olea maximo fructu of Tournefort. It has its name from the Greek ὄρχις the “testis,” a name by which it is still known in some parts of Provence.
[1639] Or “shuttle” olive. Probably the modern pickoline, or long olive.
[1640] Probably the Olea media rotunda præcox of Tournefort. It is slightly bitter.