Chap. 16.] 
THE CAEOB-TEEE. 
ISi 
other kinds of wood. It is a sign that it is fit for use"^^ when 
it begins to float. 
CHAP. 1 5. THE riG-TKEE OF CTPEIJS. 
The fig-tree that grows in Crete, and is known there as the 
Cyprian fig,*^^ bears some resemblance to the preceding one ; for 
it bears fruit upon the trunk of the tree, and upon the branches 
as well, when they have attained a certain degree of thickness. 
This tree, however, sends forth buds without any leaves, but 
similar in appearance to a root. The trunk of the tree is 
similar to that of the poplar, and the leaves to those of the elm. 
It produces four crops in the year, and germinates the same 
number of times, but its green fruit will not ripen unless an 
incision is made in it to let out the milky juice. The sweet- 
ness of the fruit and the appearance of the inside are in all 
respects similar to those of the fig, and in size it is about as 
large as a sorb-apple. 
CHAP. 16. (8.) THE CAKOB-TEEE. 
Similar to this is the carob-tree, by the lonians known as 
the ceraunia,"'^* which in a similar manner bears fruit from 
the trunk, this fruit being known by the name of siliqua," 
or pod." For this reason, committing a manifest error, 
some persons "^^ have called it the Egyptian fig; it being the 
fact that this tree does not grow in Egypt, but in Syria and 
Ionia, in the vicinity, too, of Cnidos, and in the island of 
Ehodes. It is always covered with leaves, and bears a white 
fiower with a very powerful odour. It sends forth shoots at 
This wood was very extensively used in Egypt for making the outer 
cases, or coffins, in which the mummies were enclosed. 
This account is borrowed almost entirely from Theophrastus, Hist. 
Plant, B. iv. c. 2. A variety of the sycamore is probably meant. It is 
still found in the Isle of Crete. 
He seems to mean that the buds do not shoot forth into leaves ; the 
reading, however, varies in the editions, and is extremely doubtful. 
^•^ Grossus. 
The Ceratonia siliqua of Linnaeus. It is of the same size as the sy- 
camore, but resembles it in no other respect. It is still common in the 
localities mentioned by Pliny, and in the south of Spain. 
''^ Theophrastus in the number, Hist. Plant, i. 23, and iv. 2. It bears 
no resemblance to the fig-tree, and the fruit is totally different from the 
fig. Pliny, too, is wrong iii saying that it does not grow in Egypt ; the 
fact being that it is found there in great abundance. 
