Upon this occasion we must not omit to mention the admiration that is lavished upon this plant by the Gauls. The Druids—for that is the name they give to their magicians2775—held nothing more sacred than the mistletoe and the tree that bears it, supposing always that tree to be the robur.2776 Of itself the robur is selected by them to form whole groves, and they perform none of their religious rites without employing branches of it; so much so, that it is very probable that the priests themselves may have received their name from the Greek name2777 for that tree. In fact, it is the notion with them that everything that grows on it has been sent immediately from heaven, and that the mistletoe upon it is a proof that the tree has been selected by God himself as an object of his especial favour.

The mistletoe, however, is but rarely found upon the robur; and when found, is gathered with rites replete with religious awe. This is done more particularly on the fifth day of the moon, the day which is the beginning of their months and years, as also of their ages, which, with them, are but thirty years. This day they select because the moon, though not yet in the middle of her course, has already considerable power and influence; and they call her by a name which signifies, in their language, the all-healing.2778 Having made all due preparation for the sacrifice and a banquet beneath the trees, they bring thither two white bulls, the horns of which are bound then for the first time. Clad in a white robe the priest ascends the tree, and cuts the mistletoe with a golden sickle, which is received by others in a white cloak.2779 They then immolate the victims, offering up their prayers that God will render this gift of his propitious to those to whom he has so granted it. It is the belief with them that the mistletoe, taken in drink, will impart fecundity to all animals that are barren, and that it is an antidote for all poisons.2780 Such are the religious feelings which we find entertained towards trifling objects among nearly all nations.

Summary.—Remarkable facts, narratives, and observations, one thousand one hundred and thirty-five.

Roman authors quoted.—M. Varro,2781 Fetialis,2782 Nigidius,2783 Cornelius Nepos,2784 Hyginus,2785 Massurius,2786 Cato,2787 Mucianus,2788 L. Piso,2789 Trogus,2790 Calpurnius Bassus,2791 Cremutius,2792 Sextius Niger,2793 Cornelius Bocchus,2794 Vitruvius,2795 Græcinus.2796

Foreign authors quoted.—Alexander Polyhistor,2797 Hesiod,2798 Theophrastus,2799 Democritus,2800 Homer, Timæus2801 the mathematician.