436 
PLINT's 1!?ATUEAL histoey. 
from the Greek name^- for that tree. In fact, it is the notion 
with them that everything that grows on it has been sent 
immediately from heaven, and that the mistletoe "upon it is a 
proof that the tree has been selected by God himself as an 
object of his especial favour. 
The mistletoe, however, is but rarely found upon the robni- ; 
and when found, is gathered with rites replete with religious 
awe. This is done more particularly on the fifth day of the 
moon, the day which is the beginning of their months and 
years, as also of their ages, which, with them, are but thirty 
years. This day they select because the moon, though not 
yet in the middle of her course, has already considerable 
power and influence ; and they call her by a name which sig- 
nifies, in their language, the all-healing.^^ Having made all 
due preparation for the sacrifice and a banquet beneath the 
trees, they bring thither two white bulls, the horns of which 
are bound then for the first time. Clad in a white robe the 
priest ascends the tree, and cuts the mistletoe with a golden 
sickle, which is received by others in a white cloak.^* They 
then immolate the victims, ofiering up their prayers that God 
will render this gift of his propitious to those to whom he has 
so granted it. It is the belief with them that the mistletoe, 
taken in drink, will impart fecundity to aU animals that are 
barren, and that it is an antidote for all poisons.^^ Such are 
the religious feelings which we find entertained towards trifling 
objects among nearly all nations. 
SuMMAEY. — ^Eemarkable facts, narratives, and observations, 
one thousand one hundred and thirty-five. 
EoMA?r AUTHOES auoTED. — M. Yarro,^^ Fctialis,^'' JSiigidius,^' 
Cornelius ^^Tepos,^^ Hyginus,^ Massurius,^ Cato,^ Mucianus,* 
^- ApvL\ an " oak." It is much more probable that it was of Celtic 
©rigin. Omnia sanantem. 
" Sagum." Properly, a " mihtary cloak." 
95 It was, in comparatively recent times, supposed to be efficacious for 
epilepsy. See end of B. ii. 
97 Author of a History or Annals of Eome. Nothing further is knowa 
of him. 
»^ See end of B. vi, ^9 See end of B. ii. 
^ See end of B. iii. ^ gee end of B. vii. 
3 See end of B. iii. * See end of B. ii. 
