BOOK IX. XV. 13-XVI. 2 



has been strained and has flowed down into the basin 

 put underneath to catch it, it is transferred to 

 earthenware vessels which are left open for a few 

 days until the fresh produce ceases to ferment ; and 

 it must be frequently skimmed with a ladle. Next 

 the fragments of the honey-combs, which have re- 

 mained in the bag, are handled again and the juice 

 squeezed out of them. What flows from them is 

 honey of the second quality and is stored apart by 

 itself by the more careful people, lest any of the 

 honey of the best flavour should deteriorate by having 

 this brought into contact with it. 



XVl. The yield of wax, though of little monetary Of the 

 value, must not be overlooked, since its use is neces- wax.'"^ ° 

 sary for many purposes. The remains of the honey- 

 combs, when they have been well squeezed, after 

 being carefully washed in fresh water, are thrown 

 into a brazen vessel; water is then added to them 

 and they are melted over a fire. When this has been 

 done, the wax is poured out and strained through 

 straw or rushes. It is then boiled over again a 

 second time in the same manner and poured in such 

 moulds as one has thought suitable, water having 

 been first added. When the wax has hardened, it is 

 easy to take it out, since the liquid which remains in 

 the bottom does not allow it \o stick to the moulds. 



Having now finished the discussion of the animals 2 

 kept at the farmhouse and their feeding, the part of 

 husbandry which still remains to be treated, namely 

 the cultivation of gardens, we -will now present in 

 verse in accordance with the desire which both you, 

 Publius Silvinus, and our friend Gallio '^ were pleased 

 to express. 



503 



