[234] Of course this assertion as to the nest of the kingfisher is altogether fabulous, and the sea-productions here described by Pliny were long considered, though destitute of leaves, flowers, and fruit, to belong to the vegetable kingdom. Peyssonnel, however, made the discovery that they belong to the animal kingdom, and that they owe their origin to a species of polyp.
[235] Or kingfisher. See B. x. c. 47.
[236] “Oculorum cicatrices.”
[237] See end of B. xx.
[238] See end of B. viii.
[239] See B. ix. c. 42.
[240] See B. ix. cc. 40, 67. The Bamberg MS. has here “rhine,” (the fish again mentioned in Chapter [53] of this Book) instead of “rana;” a reading which Sillig rejects. Hardouin conjectures that “raia” is the correct reading, the sea-frog having no sting or stickle in the tail.
[241] See B. ix. c. 67.
[242] Or sea-lizard, a fish again mentioned in Chapter [53] of this Book. Ælian also speaks of it, Hist. Nat. B. xii. c. 25; but it has not been hitherto identified.