[1530] “Good for sauces.”
[1531] In B. xix. c. 44.
[1532] The Lepidium sativum of Linnæus, cresses or nose-smart.
[1533] This opinion is corroborated by Dioscorides, B. ii. c. 185, and confirmed by the author of the Geoponica, B. xii. c. 27. Fée inclines to the opinion of Dioscorides, and states that is highly antiscorbutic.
[1534] In B. xix. c. 44.
[1535] The two varieties, the white and the black, are no longer distinguished. The only variety now recognized, Fée says, is that with crisped leaves.
[1536] “Furunculos.” Gangrenous sores, probably.
[1537] “Unguibus scabris,” i. e. for the removal of malformed nails, with the view to the improvement of their appearance.
[1538] The Lepidium Iberis of Linnæus, Fée thinks.
[1539] The Ruta graveolens of Linnæus. The Romans, singularly enough, valued this offensive plant as a condiment for their dishes, and a seasoning for their wines.—See B. xiv. c. 19: and at the present day even, it is admired for its smell, Fée says, by the ladies of Naples. The Italians use it also for their salads. Its smell is thought to prevent infection, for which reason it is still used, in country-places, at funerals, and is placed before prisoners when tried criminally, for the prevention, it is said, of gaol fever.