CHAP. 16.—MAGYDARIS.

There is another[1] variety of this plant, known as "magydaris,"[2] of a more delicate nature, less active in its effects, and destitute of juice. It grows in the countries adjacent to Syria,[3] but is not to be found in the regions of Cyrenaica. There grows also upon Mount Parnassus,[4] in great abundance, a plant to which some persons give the name of "laserpitium:" by means of all these varieties, adulterations are effected of a production that is held in the highest esteem for its salutary qualities and its general usefulness. The chief proofs of its genuineness consist in its colour, which ought to be slightly red without, and when broken quite white and transparent within; the drops of it, too, should melt very rapidly on the application of spittle. It is extensively employed for medi- cinal purposes.[5]

1. The whole of this paragraph has been borrowed from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. vi. c. iii.

2. Sprengel takes this to be the Laserpitium ferulaceum of Linnæus, but Fée thinks it is more than doubtful if the identity can be established.

3. From Theophrastus. Dioscorides says, on the other hand, that it grows in Libya.

4. From Littré we learn that M. Fraas has suggested that the Magydaris and Laserpitium are possibly the Ferula Tingitana, and the Ptychotis verticillata of Decandolle, which last he has found upon high mountains in the lower region of pines, on Mount Parnassus, among others.

5. See B. xxii. cc. 48, 49.