CHAP. 61. (28.)—BRYON, ŒNANTHE, AND MASSARIS.
Bryon[1] also bears an affinity to these substances, being the
clusters of berries produced by the white poplar. The best
kinds grow in the vicinity of Cnidos, or in Caria, in spots that
are destitute of water, or else in dry and rugged localities. A
bryon of second-rate quality is produced from the cedar of
Lycia.[2] Œnanthe, too, bears an affinity to these substances,
being the clusters of the wild vine: it is gathered when it is
in flower, or, in other words, when it has the finest smell:
after which it is dried in the shade upon a linen sheet spread
beneath it, and then stored away in casks. The best sort is
that which comes from Parapotamia;[3] the next best kinds are
those made at Antiochia and Laodicea in Syria; and that of
third-rate quality, comes from the mountainous parts of Media;
this last, however, is preferable for medicinal purposes. Some
persons give the preference over all to that grown in the
island of Cyprus. As to that which comes from Africa, it
is solely used for medicinal purposes, being known by the
name of massaris.[4] Whatever country it may happen to be,
the white wild vine produces an œnanthe of superior quality
to the black.
1. From the Greek bo|u/on, "moss." He speaks again of these grapes
of the white poplar in B. xxiv. c. 34; also in c. 51 of the present Book.
Hardouin thinks that he is speaking of moss. Fée is of opinion, that the
blossoms or buds of the tree are meant, which have a fragrant smell. This
is the more probable, as we find Pliny here speaking of the ænanthe, or vine-flower, by which Fée supposes that he means the blossom of the Vitis
vinifera of Linnæus, which exhales a delightful perfume.
2. The bud, probably, of the Juniperus Lycia.
3. See B. vi. c. 31.
4. Said to have been a surname given by some nations to the god Bacchus.