[2668] The Sonchus oleraceus of Linnæus, the common sow-thistle.
[2669] A poor old woman, who hospitably entertained Theseus when on his expedition for the purpose of slaying the Marathonian bull. Theseus instituted a sacrifice at Athens in honour of her. See Ovid, Remed. Am. l. 747, and Callim. Fragm. 40.
[2670] The Sonchus arvensis of Linnæus, the field sow-thistle.
[2671] The Sonchus oleraceus asper of Linnæus, the prickly-leafed sow-thistle. These plants are eaten as a salad in some countries. They possess but little energy in a medicinal point of view, but they are cooling and slightly laxative. The marvels here related by Pliny, Fée says, are entirely fabulous.
[2672] Sibthorpe thinks that this is the Chondrilla ramosissima of Linnæus; but Fée identifies it with the Chondrilla juncea of Linnæus. The Lactuca perennis has also been suggested. See B. xxi. cc. [52] and [65].
[2673] In the Isle of Lemnos, at the present day, a milky juice is extracted from the root of the Chondrilla juncea.
[2674] To keep the hairs in their proper place.
[2675] “Boleti.”
[2676] She having been put to death by him.
[2677] “Rimosa stria.”