532 
pliky's katijeal histoet. 
[Book XVII. 
Though manure is grateful to the tree, still it is necessary to 
be careful not to apply it while the sun is hot, or while it 
is too new, or more stimulating than is absolutely necessary. 
The dung of swine will burn^^ up the vine, if used at shorter 
intervals than those of five years ; unless, indeed, it is mixed 
with water. The same is the case, too, with the refuse of the cur- 
rier's workshop, unless it is well diluted with water : manure 
will scorch also, if laid on land too plentifully. It is generally 
considered the proper proportion, to use three modii to every ten 
feet square ; this, however, the nature of the soil must decide. 
CHAP. 47. MEDICAMENTS POE TEEES. 
Wounds and incisions of trees are treated also with pigeon 
dung and swine manure. If pomegranates are acid, the roots 
of the tree are cleared, and swine's dung is applied to them : 
the result is, that in the first year the fruit will have a vinous 
flavour, but in the succeeding one it will be sweet. Some 
persons are of opinion that the pomegranate should be watered 
four times a year with a mixture of human urine and water, 
at the rate of an amphora to each tree ; or else that the ex- 
tremities of the branches should be sprinkled with silphium^''^ 
steeped in wine. The stalk of the pomegranate should be 
twisted, if it is found to split while on the tree. The fig, too, 
should be drenched with the amurca of olives, and other trees 
when they are ailing, with lees of wine ; or else lupines may 
be sown about the roots. The water, too, of a decoction of 
lupines is beneficial to the fruit, if poured upon the roots of 
the tree. When it thunders at the time of the Yulcanalia,^^ 
the figs fall ofi" ; the only remedy for which is to have the area 
beneath ready covered with barley- straw. Lime applied to 
the roots of the tree makes cherries come sooner to maturity, 
and ripen more rapidly. The best plan, too, with the cherry, 
as with all other kinds, is to thin the fruit, so that that which 
is left behind may grow all the larger. 
(28.) There are some trees, again, which thrive all the better 
for being maltreated,^* or else are stimulated by pungent sub- 
stances ; the palm and the mastich for instance, which derive 
nutriment from salt water.^^ Ashes have the same virtues as 
51 Agriculturists, Fee says, are not agreed upon this question. 
52 Or laser. See B. xix. c. 15. ^3 gee B. xviii. c. 35. 
Poena emendantur. 
55 It is veiy doubtful whether tliis is not likely to prove very injurious 
to them. This passage is from Theoplirastus, De Causis, B. iii. c. 23, 
