[1761] The Mala cotonea silvestris of Bauhin; the Cydonia vulgaris of modern botanists.
[1762] “Mala.” The term “malum,” somewhat similar to “pome” with us, was applied to a number of different fruits: the orange, the citron, the pomegranate, the apricot, and others.
[1763] Or peach.
[1765] Or “pound-weight” pears: the Pirus volema of Linnæus.
[1766] Or “hard-berry”—probably in reference to the firmness of the flesh. It is generally thought to be the nectarine.
[1767] “Præcocia.” It is generally thought that in this name originates the word “apricot,” the Prunus Armeniaca of Linnæus. There is, however, an early peach that ripens by the middle of July, though it is very doubtful if it was known to Pliny.
[1768] “From above.”
[1769] Perhaps the Prunus ungarica of naturalists, the black damask plum; or else the Prunus perdrigona, the perdrigon.
[1770] Probably the Prunus galatensis of naturalists.