The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 3 (of 6)

Chapter 289: CHAP. 22. (20.)—THREE VARIETIES OF THE MEDLAR.

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The work assembles systematic observations on animals, insects, and trees, combining natural history with practical notes. It surveys insect forms and habits, including bees, silk‑producing worms, spiders, and parasitic species, and discusses reproduction, classification, diseases, and useful products like honey and silk. It then examines animal anatomy in detail, limb by limb and organ by organ, comparing organs, vital functions, and bodily peculiarities across species. Later sections catalogue trees and exotic plants, describing aromatic gums, spices, frankincense, myrrh, and methods for producing and testing unguents and perfumes, and noting their uses and regions of origin.

CHAP. 22. (20.)—THREE VARIETIES OF THE MEDLAR.

The medlar and the sorb 1931 ought in propriety to be ranked under the head of the apple and the pear. Of the medlar 1932 there are three varieties, the anthedon,1933 the setania,1934 and a third of inferior quality, which bears a stronger resemblance to the anthedon, and is known as the Gallic 1935 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 1936 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 1937 did not exist in Italy in Cato’s time.