Chap. 44.] THE SILEK. 31 



is employed for similar purposes. The leaves too have this 

 additional use they are applied with polenta to serpiginous 

 sores. The seed, in doses of one drachma, is administered in 

 drink for injuries inflicted by spiders or the phalangium ; and 

 mixed with the grease of poultry, it is applied to boils. It is 

 very efficacious also for stings inflicted by all kinds of ser- 

 pents, the asp excepted. The decoction, used as a fomentation, 

 is curative of jaundice, phthiriasis, and lice; it also arrests 

 the catamenia when in excess. The ashes of the tree are 

 employed for all these purposes; there is a story told, too, 

 that, mixed with the urine of an ox, and taken in the food or 

 drink, they will act most effectually as an antaphrodisiac. 

 The charcoal too of this wood is quenched in urine of a similar 

 nature, and kept in a shady spot. When it is the intention of 

 the party to rekindle the flames 89 of desire, it is set on fire 

 again. The magicians say, 90 that the urine of an eunuch will 

 have a similar effect. 



CHAP. 43. THE BLOOD-RED SHRUB : ONE KEMEDT. 



Nor is the blood-red 91 shrub looked upon as a less ill- 

 omened 92 plant than the last. The inner bark of it is used to 

 re-open ulcers which have healed too rapidly. 



CHIP. 44. THE S1LER I THREE REMEDIES. 



The leaves of the siler, 93 applied to the forehead, allay 

 head-ache ; and the seed of it, beaten up with oil, is curative 

 of phthiriasis. Serpents also are greatly in dread of this tree, 

 and it is for this reason that the country-people are in the 

 habit of carrying a walking-stick made of it. 



89 This seems to be the meaning of " Idem cum liheat accendere re- 

 solvitur," though in the French translations it is rendered, " It crumbles 

 into ashes when an attempt is made to kindle it." Holland seems to have 

 rightly understood the passage, which probably bears reference to some 

 current superstition. 



90 " Magi." He probably alludes in this passage to the Magi of the 

 East. 91 See B. xvi. cc. 30, 43. 



3a The cornel, probably. It was looked upon as " infelix," or ill-omened, 

 because it was sacred to the Deities of the infernal regions. 



93 See B. xvi. c. 31. If this is the Salix vitellina, Fee says, all that 

 Pliny here states, as to its medicinal properties does not merit the slightest 

 attention. 



