334 
plikt's natural histoet. 
[Book XV. 
laurel, by some known as the Idean, by others as the hypo- 
glottion/'^^ by others as the carpophyllon,"^® and by others, 
again, as the " hypelates."'''^ Prom the root it throws out 
branches three quarters of a foot in length ; it is much used 
in ornamental gardening, and for making wreaths, and it has 
a more pointed leaf than that of the myrtle, and superior to it 
in softness, whiteness, and size : the seed, which lies between 
the leaves, is red. This last kind grows in great abundance 
on Mount Ida and in the vicinity of Heraclea in Pontus : it is 
only found, however, in mountainous districts. 
The laurel, too, known as the daphnoides,^^ is a variety that 
has received many different names : by some it is called the 
Pelasgian laurel, by others the euthalon, and by others the 
stephanon Alexandri.'^^ This is also a branchy shrub, with a 
thicker and softer leaf than that of the ordinary laurel: if 
tasted, it leaves a burning sensation in the mouth and throat : 
the berries are red, inclining to black. The ancient writers 
have remarked, that in their time there was no species of 
laurel in the island of Corsica. Since then, however, it has been 
planted there, and has thrived well. 
CHAP, 40. — HISTOEICAL ANECDOTES CONNECTED WITH THE LAUEEL. 
This tree is emblematical of peace when a branch of it 
is extended, it is to denote a truce between enemies in arms. 
Eor the Eomans more particularly it is the messenger of joyful 
tidings, and of victory : it accompanies the despatches'^ of the 
general, and it decorates the lances and javelins of the soldiers 
and the fasces which precede their chief. It is of this tree 
that branches are deposited on the lap of Jupiter All-good and 
All-great,'^ so often as some new victory has imparted uni- 
''^ " The tongue below." This, Fee justly says, would appear to he 
a more appropriate name for the taxa, mentioned above. 
From the berry being attached to the leaf. 
''''' " The thrower out from below," perhaps. 
78 'Sprengel thinks that it is the Clematis vitalba of Linnaeus. Fuch- 
sius identifies it with the Daphne laureola of Linnaeus ; and Fee thinks it 
may be either that or the Daphne mezereum of Linnaeus. 
79 u Qrown of Alexander." 
80 Curiously enough, it is generally considered now more suggestive of 
war than of peace. 
81 The despatches were wrapped in laurel leaves. 
82 Optimus Maximus. 
