[2251] A variety of the Quercus racemosa, which produces the green gall-nut of Aleppo, considered in modern, as in ancient, times the choicest in quality.
[2252] Theophrastus says the end of June.
[2253] Its growth, in reality, is not so rapid as this.
[2254] Such a thing is never seen at the present day.
[2255] In Syria, we have mentioned the galls of Aleppo in Note [2251].
[2256] This is the case when the inside has been eaten away by the insect that breeds there; of course, in such case it is hollow, light, and worthless.
[2257] The ancients were not aware that the gall was produced from the eggs of the cynips, deposited upon the leaf or bark of the tree. Tan and gallic acid are its principal component parts.
[2258] A substance quite unknown now; but it is very doubtful if Pliny is rightly informed here.
[2259] A fungous gall, produced by the Cynips fungosa. It is not used for any domestic purpose at the present day.
[2260] This kind of gall is now unknown. Fée questions the assertion about its juice.