CHAP. 86.—TREES AS OLD AS THE CITY.

There is another lotus in the Vulcanal,[1] which Romulus erected with the tenth part of the spoil taken from the enemy: according to Massurius, it is generally considered to be as old as the City. The roots of this tree penetrate as far as the Forum of Cæsar, right across the meeting-places of the municipalities.[2] There was a cypress of equal age growing with it till towards the latter part of Nero's reign, when it fell to the ground, and no attempts were made to raise it again.

1. An area before the temple of Vulean.

2. "Stationes municipiorum." A sort of exchange, near the Forum, where the citizens met to discuss the topics of the day.