[2407] Or “service-tree,” the Sorbus domestica of Linnæus. It thrives just as well in a warm locality as a cold one.
[2408] The Betula alba of Linnæus. It was an object of terror not only in the hands of the Roman lictor, but in those of the pedagogue also, and is still to some extent. Hence it was formerly nicknamed “Arbor sapientiæ,” the “tree of wisdom.”
[2409] This is no longer done in France, but it is in Russia, where they extract from it an empyreumatic oil, which is used in preparing Russia leather, and which imparts to it its agreeable smell.
[2410] Boys, both of whose parents were surviving, used to carry before the bride a torch of white thorn. This thorn was, not improbably, the “Cratægus oxyacantha” of Linnæus, which bears a white flower. See B. xxiv. c. 66.
[2411] The Cytisus laburnum of Linnæus, also known as “false ebony,” still a native of the Alps.
[2412] But blackish in the centre; whence its name of false ebony.
[2413] Meaning the clusters of the flowers.
[2414] The Anthyllis barba Jovis of modern botanists. The leaves have upon them a silvery down, whence the name “argyrophylla,” given to it by Mænch.
[2415] But in c. [30], he says that the poplar grows on hilly or mountainous declivities.
[2416] This tree has not been satisfactorily identified; but Fée is of opinion that it is probably a variety of the willow, the Salix vitellina of Linnæus. Sprengel thinks that it is the Salix capræa.