[327] Pliny has here committed a singular error in translating from Theophrastus, de Causis, B. iv. c. 14, who only says that a cold wind in the vicinity of Philippi makes the beans difficult to cook or boil, ἀτεράμονες. From this word he has coined two imaginary plants, the “ateramon,” and the “teramon.” Hardouin defends Pliny, by suggesting that he has borrowed the passage from another source, while Fée doubts if he really understood the Greek language.
[328] More probably one of the Coleoptera. He borrows from Theophrastus, Hist. Anim. B. viii. c. 10.
[329] This will only prevent the young plants from becoming a prey to snails and slugs.
[330] This plan is attended with no good results.
[331] Georg. i. 193. It is generally said that if seed is steeped in a solution of nitre, and more particularly hydrochloric acid, it will germinate with accelerated rapidity; the produce, however, is no finer than at other times.
[332] “Fractæ.” Perhaps, more properly “crushed”
[333] The odour of cypress, or savin, Fée thinks, might possibly keep away noxious insects.
[334] The “always living,” or perennial plant, our “house-leek,” the Sedum acre of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 102.
[335] “Little finger,” from the shape of the leaves.
[336] He must have allowed himself to be imposed upon in this case.