54 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTOEY. [Book XX JV. 



growing in craggy localities, and never exceeds a palm in 

 height. It is of a purgative 33 nature, and carries off phlegm 

 and bile ; for which purposes, the leaves are boiled with twice 

 the quantity of wormwood, and the decoction taken with 

 honey. The leaves, applied to ulcers, have a detergent effect. 

 It is said, that if a person gathers it before sunrise, taking care 

 to mention that he is gathering it for the cure of white specks 34 

 in the eyes, and then wears it as an amulet, it will effect a cure : 

 as also that, gathered in any way, it is beneficial for the eyes 

 of beasts of burden and cattle. 



CHAP. 83. THE CHAMJSSYCE : EIGHT REMEDIES. 



The chamsesyce 35 has leaves similar to those of the lentil, and 

 lying close to the ground ; it is found growing in dry, rocky, 

 localities. A decoction of it in wine is remarkably useful as a 

 liniment for improving 36 the sight, and for dispersing cataract, 

 cicatrizations, films, and cloudiness of the eyes. Applied in a 

 pledget of linen, as a pessary, it allays pains in the uterus ; 

 and used topically 37 it removes warts and excrescences of all 

 kinds. It is very useful also for hardness of breathing. 



CHAP. 84. THE CHAIOECTSSOS : ONE REMEDY. 



The chamsecissos 38 has ears like 39 those of wheat, with 

 numerous leaves, and small branches, about five in number. 

 When in blossom it might almost be taken for the white violet : 

 the root of it is diminutive. For sciatica, the leaves of it are 

 taken, seven days consecutively, in doses of three oboli, in two 

 cyathi of wine : this is a very bitter potion, however. 



CHAP. 85. THE CHAMJELEUCE, FARFABTJM, OR FARFUGITJM I ONE 



REMEDY. 



The charnseleuce 40 is known among us as the " farfarum" or 

 " farfugium :" it grows on the banks of rivers, and has a leaf 



33 This, Fee says, is consistent with modern experience ; indeed it is 

 drastic to a dangerous extent. 34 " Albugines." 



35 Or " ground fig." The Euphorbia chamassyce, or annual spurge. 



36 The juices are irritating and acrid, and would in reality be highly 

 dangerous to the eyes. 



37 Owing to its caustic powers, it really is good for the removal of warts. 



38 Or " ground-ivy." SeeB. xvi. c. 62, and c. 49 of this Book. 



39 Fee says that this comparison is not strictly correct. 



40 The " ground-poplar." See B. xxvi. c. 19. Identified with the 

 Tussilago farfara of Linnaeus ; our colt's-foot. 



