4. Chap. 4.-The Nature Of The Plane-Tree.

CHAP. 4.—THE NATURE OF THE PLANE-TREE.

This circumstance took place about the time of the capture of the City of Rome; and to such high honour, in the course of time, did the plane-tree attain, that it was nurtured by pouring wine upon it, it being found that the roots were greatly strengthened by doing[1] so. Thus have we taught the very trees, even, to be wine-bibbers!

1. It has been remarked that, in reality, this process would only tend to impede its growth. Macrobius tells us, that Hortensius was guilty of this singular folly.