[1165] Brassica eruca of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. [49].
[1166] Cresses, or nosesmart, the Lepidium sativum of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. [50].
[1167] “Quod nasum torqueat.”
[1168] The Ruta graveolens of Linnæus. See B. xx. c. [51]. This offensive herb, though looked upon by the Romans as a vegetable, is now only regarded as an active medicament of almost poisonous qualities.
[1169] A.U.C. 421.
[1170] It so happens that it thrives best on the same soil as the fig-tree.
[1171] This practice has no beneficial effect whatever.
[1172] This is not the fact; for its branches never come in contact with the ground.
[1173] Pliny has derived the greater part of this Chapter from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vii. c. 5, and Columella, B. xi. c. 3.
[1174] For the purpose of separating the seeds, which are slightly joined together; and of disengaging a portion of the perisperm. At the present day this is not done, for fear of bursting the kernel of the seed.