BOOK XV I. xcv. 250-251 



a new generation, becaiisc it is then rising in strength 

 and not one half of its full size. HaiHn;Lr the moon in 

 a native word that means ' heahng all things,' they 

 prepare a ritual sacrifice and banquet beneath a tree 

 and bring up two white bulls, whose horns are bound 

 for tlie first time on this occasion. A priest arrayed 

 in white vestments cHmbs the tree and with a 

 golden sickle cuts down the mistletoe, which is 

 caught in a white cloak. Then finally they kill the 

 victims, praying to God to render his gift propitious 

 to those on whom he has bestowed it. They beheve 

 that mistletoe given in drink will impart fertiHty to 

 any animal that is barren. and that it is an antidote 

 for all poisons, So powerful is the superstition in 

 regard to trifling matters that frequently prevails 

 among the races of mankind. 



551 



