■J7(> 
Doubtless that author selected it on account of the 
estimation in which it was held for ornamental works. 
“ In die most high and palmy state of Rome,” at least 
as refers to luxury and refinement, tables, and various 
odier fancy articles, were made out of the knots or 
swellings of the wood, which, being often beautifully and 
curiously marked, commanded immense prices. Pliny 
gives the following description of this part of the 
timber: — “ The bruscum, or knur, is wonderfully fair, 
but die molluscum is counted most precious; both of 
diem knobs and swellings out of the tree. The bruscum 
is more intricately crisped, the molluscum not so much; 
and, had we trees large enough to saw into tables, it 
would be preferred before. the citron; but now they 
use it only for small table-books, and, with its thin 
boards, to wainscot bed testers. The bruscum is of a 
blackish kind, with which they make tables.” 
Evelyn, after citing this quotation, goes on to state 
the enormous sums expended in that madly luxurious 
age on these fancies; and then remarks that, “ when the 
men at any rime reproached their wives for their wanton 
expensiveness in pearls and other rich trifles, they were 
wont to retort, and turn the tables upon their husbands.” 
Hence is supposed to have originated the well-known 
proverb of turning the tables upon any one ! 
