[352] All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée says, is erroneous.
[353] Probably the Asclepias nigra of Linnæus, black swallow-wort.
[354] The Asclepias nigra has no such medicinal effects as those mentioned by Pliny.
[355] The Vinca major and Vinca minor of Linnæus, the greater and smaller periwinkle. Fée is at a loss to know why it should be called “Egyptian,” as it is a plant of Europe.
[356] “Laurel-shaped” and “many-cornered.”
[357] In B. xix. c. 30.
[358] Fée says that the Dracontion of the Greeks and the Dracunculus of the Latins are identical, being represented in modern Botany by the Arum dracunculus of Linnæus, the common dragon.
[359] From “draco,” a “dragon” or “serpent.” Fée says, that it is not to its roots, but to its spotted stem, resembling the skin of an adder, that it owes its name.
[360] “Virus.” Fée says that the Arum dracunculus has a strong, fetid odour, and all parts of it are acrid and caustic, while the Arum colocasia has an agreeable flavour when boiled.
[361] This, Fée says, is fabulous.