218 
pltny's natural histoet. 
[Book XIV. 
ceded to Italy, that in this one blessing we may pronounce her 
to have surpassed those of all other nations of the earth, witli 
the sole exception of those that bear the various perfumes ? 
and even there, when the vine is in flower, there is not a per^ 
fume known which in exquisite sweetness can surpass it. 
The vine has been justly reckoned by the ancients among the 
trees, on account of its remarkable size. In the city of Popu- 
lonium, we see a statue of Jupiter formed of the trunk of a 
single vine, which has for ages remained proof against all 
decay ; and at Massilia, there is a patera made of the same 
wood. At Metapontum, the temple of Juno has long stood 
supported by pillars formed of the like material ; and even at 
the present day we ascend to the roof of the temple of Diana at 
Ephesus, by stairs constructed, it is said, of the trunk of a single 
vine, that was brought from Cyprus ; the vines of that island 
often attaining a most remarkable size. There is not a wood in 
existence of a more lasting nature than this ; I am strongly 
inclined, however, to be of opinion that the material of which 
these various articles were constructed was the wild vine. 
CHAP. 3. THE NATUEE OF THE GEAPE, AND THE CULTITATION OF 
THE VINE. 
The cultivated vine is kept down by pruning every year; 
and all the strength of the tree is drawn as much as possible 
into the shoots, or else thrown downwards to the sets indeed, 
it is only allowed to expand with the view of ensuring an 
abundant supply of juice, a result which is obtained in various 
modes according to the peculiarities of the climate and the 
nature of the soil. In Campania they attach'-^ the vine to the 
poplar : embracing the tree to which it is thus wedded, the 
vine grasps the branches with its amorous arms, and as it 
climbs, holds on with its knotted trunk, till it has reached the 
very summit ; the height being sometimes so stupendous that 
the vintager when hired is wont to stipulate for his funeral 
pile and a grave at the owner's expense. The vine keeps 
1^ Theophrastus reckons it among the trees ; Cohimella, B. ii., considers 
it to occupy a middle position between a tree and a shrub. Horace, B, i. 
Ode 18, calls it a tree, " arbor.' 
^'^ Or layers," propagines.'* 
13 Nubunt, properly marry." This is still done in Naples, and other 
parts of Italy. The use of vine stays there are unknown. 
