[1671] The Spanish olive, Hardouin says. Fée thinks that the name “superba,” “haughty,” is given figuratively, as meaning rough and austere.
[1672] The olives of the present Merida, in Spain, are of a rough, disagreeable flavour.
[1673] This seems to be the meaning of “pinguis;” but, as Fée observes, salt would have no such effect as here stated, but would impart a disagreeable flavour to the oil.
[1674] Fée regards this assertion as quite fabulous.
[1675] It will be stated in B. xxviii. c. 13, to what purposes this abominable collection of filth was applied.
[1676] 15th of July. He alludes to the inspection of the Equites, which originally belonged to the Censors, but afterwards to the Emperors. On this occasion there was “recognitio,” or “review,” and then a “transvectio,” or “procession” of the horsemen.
[1677] The ovation was a lesser triumph, at which the general entered the city not in a chariot, but on foot. In later times, however, the victor entered on horseback: and a wreath of myrtle, sometimes laurel, was worn by him. For further particulars as to the ovation, see c. [38] of the present Book.
[1678] Or “oleaster.”
[1679] De Re Rust. c. 6.
[1680] A middling or even poor soil is chosen for the olive at the present day.