76 NUTRITIVE PLANTS. 



" is by Strabo reckoned nine hundred stadia, or one hundred and 

 twelve miles and a half in circuit, and about four hundred stadia, ot 

 fifty miles, from the island of Mytelene. The principal mountain, 

 called by the ancients Pelinaeus, presents to view a long lofty range 

 of bare rock, reflecting the sun's rays, but toward its base it is well 

 cultivated, and rewards the labours of the husbandman by its rich 

 produce. The slopes are clothed with vines ; the groves of lemon, 

 orange and citron trees, regularly planted, at once perfume the air 

 with the odour of their blossoms, and delight the eye with their 

 golden fruit. Myrtles and jessamines are interspersed with cypresses, 

 olive, and palm trees; amidst these the tall minares rise, and white 

 houses glitter, dazzling the beholder." It is, however, a considera- 

 ble deduction from the happiness which the inhabitants of so de- 

 lightful a spot might otherwise enjoy, that the island is very subject 

 to earthquakes. 



The vineyards of Scio have been ever celebrated. They still 

 form a considerable part of the riches of this island : its wines, so 

 boasted of by the ancients, continue to deserve their reputation ; 

 and immortalized by Virgil, still 'taste sweet in song.' Ecl. V. 



Ante focum, si frigus erit ; si messis, in umbra; 

 Vina novum fundam calathis Arvisia nectar. 



The ritual feast shall overflow with wine, 

 And Chios richest nectar shall be thine ; 

 On the warm hearth in winter's chilling hour 

 We'll sacrifice ; at summer in a bow'r, 



Warton, 



In some parts of the Mark of Brandenburg the inhabitants 

 apply themselves to the cultivation of the vine. Near Potsdam are a 

 great number of vineyards, for the planting of which the Elector 

 Frederick William caused layers to be brought from the best wine 

 countries. 



The south side of the county of Hohenlohe, in the circle of 

 Franconia, has vineyards extending several miles. 



Vines are much cultivated in Italy. In autumn the vintage is a 

 time of general festivity, when the common people give themselves 

 up to all manner of licentiousness. 



