[2098] Linnæus and other authorities identify this with the Clematis of Dioscorides, the Vinca major and minor of modern botany, our periwinkle. Fée, however, is inclined to identify it with the Chamædaphne, or ground-laurel of B. xv. c. 39, the Ruscus racemosus of Linnæus.
[2099] See c. [38] of this Book.
[2100] This method of cultivation, also mentioned by Theophrastus, is never employed in modern horticulture.
[2101] In c. 10 of this Book.
[2103] “Honey-leaf.” The Melissa officinalis of Linnæus: our balm-gentle. It is the same as the “apiastrum,” though Pliny has erroneously made them distinct plants.
[2104] “Wax-flower.” The Cerinthe major of Linnæus: the greater honeywort.
[2105] See B. xi. c. 8. On the contrary, Virgil says, Georg. iv. l. 20, that a wild olive-tree should be planted near the hives, to protect them with its shade. Varro says also, De Re Rust. iii. 16, that the bee extracts honey from the olive-tree; but according to Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. ix. c. 64, it is from the leaf, and not the flower of that tree that the honey is extracted.
[2106] See B. xv. c. 31. Fée is inclined to doubt the correctness of the assertion here made by Pliny.
[2107] See B. xiv. c. 5. The remedies for the diseases of bees in modern times are of a very similar nature, but attention is equally paid to the proper ventilation of the hives.