[2232] “Spinæ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinæ,” adopted by Sillig.
[2233] “Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greek ἄτλας, “much enduring,” Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The “hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be a non sequitur.
[2234] We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the “alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion.
[2235] “Vanas species.”
[2236] See B. xviii. c. 14.
[2237] “Pila.”
[2238] Identified by Ajasson with the chamses, or common crocodile of the Nile.
[2239] See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with the souchos of Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. It is equally amphibious with the other; and the account of its habits given by Pliny is probably founded on the fact that Upper Egypt, which it inhabits, is covered with a more aromatic vegetation than the other parts of that country.
[2240] See B. xii. c. 51.
[2241] See B. xviii. c. 17.