The medlar and the sorb[1] ought in propriety to be ranked under the head of the apple and the pear. Of the medlar[2] there are three varieties, the anthedon,[3] the setania,[4] and a third of inferior quality, which bears a stronger resemblance to the anthedon, and is known as the Gallic[5] kind. The setania is the largest fruit, and the palest in colour; the woody seed in the inside of it is softer, too, than in the others, which are of smaller size than the setania, but superior to it in the fragrance of their smell, and in being better keepers. The tree itself is one of very ample[6] dimensions: the leaves turn red before they fall: the roots are numerous, and penetrate remarkably deep, which renders it almost impossible to grub it up. This tree[7] did not exist in Italy in Cato's time.