436 PLINY* S NATTJBAL HISTORY. [Book X"VL 



from the Greek name 92 for that tree. In fact, it is the notion 

 with them that everything that grows on it has been sent 

 immediately from heaven, and that the mistletoe upon it is a 

 proof that the tree has been selected by God himself as an 

 object of his especial favour. 



The mistletoe, however, is but rarely found upon the robur; 

 and when found, is gathered with rites replete with religious 

 awe. This is done more particularly on the fifth day of the 

 moon, the day which is the beginning of their months and 

 years, as also of their ages, which, with them, are but thirty 

 years. This day they select because the moon, though not 

 yet in the middle of her course, has already considerable 

 power and influence ; and they call her by a name which sig- 

 nifies, in their language, the all-healing. 93 Having made aU 

 due preparation for the sacrifice and a banquet beneath the 

 trees, they bring thither two white bulls, the horns of which 

 are bound then for, the first time. Clad in a white robe the 

 priest ascends the tree, and cuts the mistletoe with^a golden 

 sickle, which is received by others in a white cloak. 84 They 

 then immolate the victims, offering up their prayers that God 

 will render this gift of his propitious to those to whom he has 

 so granted it. It is the belief with them that the mistletoe, 

 taken in drink, will impart fecundity to all animals that are 

 barren, and that it is an antidote for all poisons. 95 Such are 

 the religious feelings which we find entertained towards trifling 

 objects among nearly all nations. 



Summary. — Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, 

 one thousand one hundred and thirty-five. 



Roman authors quoted.— M. Yarro, 96 Fetialis, 97 Nigidius, 98 

 Cornelius Nepos," Hyginus, 1 Massurius, 2 Cato, 3 Mucianus, 4 



» Apiic, an " oak." It is much more probable that it was of Celtic 

 Griffin. "' 93 Omnia sanantem. 



w " Sagurn." Properly, a " military cloak.". 



95 It was, in comparatively recent times, supposed to be efficacious for 

 ., r 96 ggg gj}(J of g. ij. 



epi 97 G Author of a History or Annals of Eome. Nothing further is known 



othim. , „ _ .. 



s* See end of B. vi. 99 See end of B. u. 



i See end of B. iii. 2 See end of B vn. 



3 See end of B. iii. 4 See end of B. u. 



