The maple, which is pretty nearly of the same[1] size as the lime, is inferior to the citrus[2] only for the beauty of its wood when employed for cabinet work, and the exquisite finish it admits of. There are numerous varieties[3] of this tree; the light maple, remarkable for the extreme whiteness of its wood, is known as the "Gallic"[4] maple in Italy beyond the Padus, being a native of the countries beyond the Alps. Another kind is covered with wavy spots running in all directions. In consequence of its superior beauty it has received its name,[5] from its strong resemblance to the marks which are seen in the tail of the peacock; the finest kinds are those which grow in Istria and Rhætia. An inferior sort of maple is known as "crassivenium."[6]

The Greeks distinguish the varieties according to their respective localities. The maple of the plains,[7] they say, is white, and not wavy; they give it the name of "glinon." On the other hand, the mountain maple,[8] they say, is of a more variegated appearance, and harder, the wood of the male tree being more particularly so, and the best adapted for spe- cimens of elegant workmanship. A third kind, again, according to the Greeks, is the zygia,[9] with a red wood, which is easily split, and a pale, rough bark. Other authors, however, prefer to make of this last a peculiar species, and give it in Latin the name of "carpinus."