[247] The Faba vulgaris of the modern naturalists. It is supposed to have originally come from Persia.
[248] It is said that this mixture is still employed in the Valais and in Savoy.
[249] Fabata.
[250] Beans were used in ancient times, in place of balls or pebbles, in voting by ballot. Hence it has been suggested that Pythagoras, in recommending his disciples to abstain from beans, meant to advise them to have nothing to do with politics.
[251] The sacrifices offered to the Manes or spirits of deceased relations. See Ovid’s Fasti, B. ii. l. 565.
[252] “Brought home.” The bean was offered up, to ensure good luck.
[253] Didymus, in the Geoponica, B. ii. c. 33, repeats this absurdity.
[254] Georg. i. 215.
[255] This notion still prevails, and the bean, while in blossom, is dug into the ground to manure it, both in England and France.
[256] It does not appear, however, that this was done with the view of digging in the beans.