But of all these plants, it is the nettle that is the best known to us, the calyces[1] of the blossoms of which produce a purple down: it frequently exceeds two cubits even in height.[2] There are numerous varieties of this plant; the wild nettle, known also as the female nettle, does not inflict so bad a sting as the others. Among the several varieties of the wild nettle, the one known as the dog[3]-nettle, stings the worst, the stem of it even possessing that property; the leaves of the nettle are indented at the edge. There is one kind also, which emits a smell, known as the Herculanean[4] nettle. The seed of all the nettles is copious, and black. It is a singular fact that, though possessed of no spinous points, the down[5] of the nettle is of a noxious nature, and that, though ever so lightly touched, it will immediately produce an itching sensation, and raise a blister on the flesh similar in appearance to a burn: the well-known remedy for it is olive oil.

The stinging property of the nettle does not belong to the plant at the earliest period of its growth, but only developes itself under the influence of the sun. The plant first begins to grow in the spring, at which period it is by no means a disagreeable food;[6] indeed, it has become quite a religious observance to employ it as such, under the impression that it is a preventive from diseases the whole year through. The root, too, of the wild nettle, has the effect of rendering all meat more tender that is boiled with it.[7] The kind that is innoxious and destitute of all stinging properties, is known as the "la- mium."[8] Of the scorpio[9] we shall have occasion to speak when treating of the medicinal plants.