The maple, which is pretty nearly of the same2370 size as the lime, is inferior to the citrus2371 only for the beauty of its wood when employed for cabinet work, and the exquisite finish it admits of. There are numerous varieties2372 of this tree; the light maple, remarkable for the extreme whiteness of its wood, is known as the “Gallic”2373 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,2374 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.”2375

The Greeks distinguish the varieties according to their respective localities. The maple of the plains,2376 they say, is white, and not wavy; they give it the name of “glinon.” On the other hand, the mountain maple,2377 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 specimens of elegant workmanship. A third kind, again, according to the Greeks, is the zygia,2378 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.”