Chap. 16.] THE CAEOB-TEEE. 1 Si 



other kinds of wood. It is a sign that it is fit for use 70 when 

 it begins to float. 



CHAP. 1 5. THE FIG-TEEE OF CTPEUS. 



The fig-tree that grows in Crete, and is known there as the 

 Cyprian fig, 71 bears some resemblance to the preceding one ; for 

 it bears fruit upon the trunk of the tree, and upon the branches 

 as well, when they have attained a certain degree of thickness. 

 This tree, however, sends forth buds without any leaves, 72 but 

 similar in appearance to a root. The trunk of the tree is 

 similar to that of the poplar, and the leaves to those of the elm. 

 It produces four crops in the year, and germinates the same 

 number of times, but its green 73 fruit will not ripen unless an 

 incision is made in it to let out the milky juice. The sweet- 

 ness of the fruit and the appearance of the inside are in all 

 respects similar to those of the fig, and in size it is about as 

 large as a sorb-apple. 



CHAP. 16. (8.) THE CAEOB-TEEE. 



Similar to this is the carob-tree, by the Ionians known as 

 the " ceraunia," 74 which in a similar manner bears fruit from 

 the trunk, this fruit being known by the name of " siliqua," 

 or " pod." For this reason, committing a manifest error, 

 some persons 75 have called it the Egyptian fig; it being the 

 fact that this tree does not grow in Egypt, but in Syria and 

 Ionia, in the vicinity, too, of Cnidos, and in the island of 

 Ehodes. It is always covered with leaves, and bears a white 

 flower with a very powerful odour. It sends forth shoots at 



70 This wood was very extensively used in Egypt for making the outer 

 cases, or coffins, in which the mummies were enclosed. 



71 This account is borrowed almost entirely from Theophrastus, Hist. 

 Plant. B. iv. c. 2. A variety of the sycamore is probably meant. It is 

 still found in the Isle of Crete. 



72 He seems to mean that the buds do not shoot forth into leaves ; the 

 reading, however, varies in the editions, and is extremely doubtful. 



7:1 Grossus. 



74 The Ceratonia siliqua of Linnaeus. It is of the same size as the sy- 

 camore, but resembles it in no other respect. It is still common in the 

 localities mentioned by Pliny, and in the south of Spain. 



75 Theophrastus in the number, Hist. Plant, i. 23, and iv. 2. It bears 

 no resemblance to the fig-tree, and the fruit is totally different from the 

 fig. Pliny, too, is wrong in saying that it does not grow in Egypt ; the 

 fact being that it is found there in great abundance. 



