142 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTOBT. [Book XXV. 
eye from time to time, it removes the disease called " plum- 
bum,''^ which affects that organ, 
CHAP. 98. THE FIRST KIND OF CAPNOS, KNOWN ALSO AS CHICKEN's 
FOOT : ONE REMEDY. 
The first kind of capnos,^ known also as ^'chicken's foot,"^^ is 
found growing on walls and hedges: it has very thin, 
straggling branches, with a purple blossom. It is used in a 
green state, and the juice of it disperses films upon the eyes ; 
hence it is that it is employed as an ingredient in medicinal 
compositions for the eyes. 
CHAP. 99. THE ARBORESCENT CAPNOS I THREE REMEDIES. 
There is another kind^^ of capnos also, similar both in name 
and properties, but different in appearance. It is a branchy 
plant, is extremely delicate, has leaves like those of coriander, 
is of an ashy colour, and bears a purple flower : it grows in 
gardens, and amid crops of barley. Employed in the form of 
an ointment for the eyes, it improves the sight, producing 
tears in the same way that smoke does, to which, in fact, it 
owes its name. It has the effect also of preventing the eye- 
lashesj when pulled out, from growing again. 
CHAP, 100. THE ACORON OR AGRION *. FOURTEEN REMEDIES. 
The acoron^^ has leaves similar to those of the iris,^^ only 
narrower, and with a longer stalk ; the roots of it are black, 
and not so veined, but in other respects are similar to those of | 
the iris, have an acrid taste and a not unpleasant smell, and j 
act as a carminative. The best roots are those grown inj 
Pontus, the next best those of Galatia, and the next those of 
^* " Lead disease,'^ apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouiii| 
thinks. j 
Or " smoke-plant so called from its smell, which resembles that of if 
smoke or soot. 
Pedes gallinacei." Identified by Fee with the Corydalis digitata of 
Persoon, or else the C. bulbosa, or C. fabacea, several varieties of Fu- 
mitory. 
^'^ Identified by Fee with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck, Small- 
leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have also 
been mentioned. 
The Acorus calamus of LinnjBus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling flag.i 
See B. xii. c. 48. so gee B. xxi. c. 19. 
