ENQUIRY INTO PLANTS, IX. i. 7-11. 2 



and is done on a smaller scale ; for the flow of juice 

 is less. In those plants whose stem and root are 

 both cut the stem is cut first, as also with silphium ; 

 and the juices so obtained are called respectively 

 stalk-juice and root-juice, of which the latter is the 

 better, for it is clear transparent and less liquid. 

 The stalk-juice is more liquid, and for this reason 

 they sprinkle meal l over it to make it clot. The 

 Libyans know the season for cutting, for it is they 

 that gather the silphium. 2 So also do the root- 

 diggers and those that collect medicinal juices, for 

 these too tap the stems earlier. And in general 

 all those who collect whether roots or juices observe 

 the season which is appropriate in each case. And 

 this remark applies generally. 



Of resinous trees and the methods of collecting resin and pitch. 



II. 3 Resin is made in the following manner : in 

 fir it is done by removing the resinous wood after the 

 tree has been tapped ; for then the juice flows into 

 the hole so made in greater abundance ; in silver-fir 

 and Aleppo pine it is done by tapping the wood, after 

 tasting it. For there is no fixed rule for all alike ; 

 thus with terebinth they tap both the stem and the 

 branches ; but the juice which runs into the stem is 

 always more abundant and better than that which 

 flows into the branches. 



There are also differences in 4 the resin obtained 

 from different trees. The best is that of terebinth ; 

 for it sets firm, is the most fragrant, arid has the most 

 delicate smell ; but the yield is not abundant. Next 

 comes that of silver-fir and Aleppo pine, for these are 

 more delicate than that of the fir. But that of the fir 

 8 PliD. 16. 57. 4 Kara conj. W.; ravra Ald.H. 



223 



