[2698] This, as Fée remarks, is the case. All kinds of fungi, too, it is said, may be eaten with impunity, if first boiled in salt water.
[2699] In reality, rain only facilitates their developement.
[2700] In B. xix. c. 15.
[2701] In B. xix. c. 15.
[2702] In B. xix. c. 15. Asafœtida, Fée says, if it bears any relation to the laser of the ancients, had till very recently the reputation of being an emmenagogue, a hydragogue, a vermifuge, and a purgative. Applied topically, too, it is emollient, and is used for the cure of corns and tumours. Whatever Laser may have been, there is little doubt that much that is here stated by Pliny is either fabulous or erroneous.
[2703] “Cauterium.”
[2704] What Pliny here says of Laser, Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 94, says of the root of Silphium.
[2705] “Dead” corns.
[2706] Or pottage—“In sorbitione.”
[2707] Probably to prevent it turning sour on the stomach.