ENQUIRY INTO PLANTS, VIII. vn. 5-7 



the field ; the ears in such cases 1 too are under- 

 sized and are called ' lambs.' 2 But no kind of 

 leguminous plant 3 can do anything of the kind, or at 

 least not to the same extent. In these various 

 ways 4 may new growth occur. 



Of the effects of climate, soil, and manuring. 



For growth and nourishment the climate is the 

 most important factor, and in general the character 

 of the season as a whole ; for when rain, fair weather 

 and storms occur opportunely, all crops bear well 

 and are fruitful, even if they be in soil which is 

 impregnated with salt or poor. Wherefore there is 

 an apt proverbial saying 5 that " it is the year which 

 bears and not the field." 



But the soil also makes much difference, according 

 as it is 6 fat or light, well watered or parched, and it 

 also makes quite as much difference what sort of air 

 and of winds prevails in that region ; for some soils, 7 

 though light and poor, produce a good crop because 

 the land has a fair aspect in regard to sea breezes. 

 But, as has been repeatedly said already, the same 

 breeze has not this effect in all places ; some places 

 are suited by a west, some by a north, some by a 

 south wind. 



Again the working of the soil and above all that 

 which is done before 8 the sowing has an important 

 effect ; for when the soil is well worked it bears 

 easily. Also dung is helpful by warming and 

 ripening the soil, for manured land gets the start by 

 as much as twenty days of that which has not been 



9 Quoted also G. P. 3. 23. 4. 

 6 e?z/a add. Sch. ' cf. OP. 3. 23. 5. 



. cf.C.P. 3. 20.6. 



189 



