45. Chap. 45.-Apiastrum, Or Melissophyllum.

CHAP. 45.—APIASTRUM, OR MELISSOPHYLLUM.

Hyginus gave the name of "apiastrum" to melissophyl- lum:[1] but that which grows in Sardinia is poisonous, and universally condemned. I speak here of this plant, because I feel it my duty to place before the reader every object which has been classified, among the Greeks, under the same name.

1. See B. xxi. c. 86: this is the Melissa officinalis of Linnæus, or balm- gentle, from which the bees gather honey, quite a different plant to apiastrum or wild parsley. The Sardinian plant here mentioned, is probably the same as the Ranunculus, mentioned in B. xxv. c. 109, where its iden- tification will be further discussed.