PENTANDRIA. 



55 



and the Nasamones, of the size of the pear-tree, 

 though Cornelius Nepos speaks of it as a shrub. The 

 leaf is more serrated, otherwise it might be taken for 

 the leaf of the evergreen oak. Of this Lotus there 

 are many varieties, and those differences, most con- 

 spicuous in the fruit. This fruit is of the size of a 

 bean, and of a saffron colour, but before it is ripe it 

 undergoes many changes of hue, like the grape. The 

 fruit is produced in clusters, among branches, like 

 Myrtle-berries, and not as cherries are with us in 

 Italy. The fruit affords so sweet a food, that is has 

 given name to a people and a district. — The better sort 

 is without stone, for there is one kind which has a 

 bony nut. From the fruit, wine is also expressed, 

 like mulso ; a which the before-mentioned Nepos says 

 will not keep more than ten days : they take the 

 berries and pound them with wheat corn, and make 

 food, which is laid up in tubs : moreover, we 

 have even heard of an army marching to and fro 

 through Africa, having been fed with it. The wood 

 is of a black colour, and in request to make pipes to 

 play upon. Of the root is made the hafts of knives, 

 and other things of less account. This is the nature 

 of the tree in that country ." ; ' 



Among modern travellers Dr. Shaw says, that the 

 fruit is now common in the Deserts, and other parts of 

 Barbaryj is still in great repute, and sold in the 



a Mulso is usually translated Mede : it was a new wine 

 mixed with honey, and often used in libations, 

 b Pliny, Lib. xiii. C. 17. De arbore Loto. 



