Dittander,1195 too, was originally an exotic plant: it is usually sown after the west winds have begun to prevail. As soon as it begins to shoot, it is cut down close to the ground, after which it is hoed and manured, a process which is repeated the succeeding year. After this, the shoots are fit for use, if the rigour of the winter has not injured them; for it is a plant quite unable to withstand any inclemency1196 of the weather. It grows to the height of a cubit, and has a leaf like that of the laurel,1197 but softer; it is never used except in combination with milk.