There is still another distinction, which ought not to be omitted,—the fact, that many of the odoriferous plants never1980 enter into the composition of garlands, the iris1981 and the saliunca, for example, although, both of them, of a most exquisite odour. In the iris, it is the root1982 only that is held in esteem, it being extensively employed in perfumery and medicine. The iris of the finest quality is that found in Illyricum,1983 and in that country, even, not in the maritime parts of it, but in the forests on the banks of the river Drilon1984 and near Narona. The next best is that of Macedonia,1985 the plant being extremely elongated, white, and thin. The iris of Africa1986 occupies the third rank, being the largest of them all, and of an extremely bitter taste.

The iris of Illyricum comprehends two varieties—one of which is the raphanitis, so called from its resemblance to the radish,1987 of a somewhat red colour, and superior1988 in quality to the other, which is known as the “rhizotomus.” The best kind of iris is that which produces sneezing1989 when handled. The stem of this plant is a cubit in length, and erect, the flower being of various colours, like the rainbow, to which circumstance it is indebted for its name. The iris, too, of Pisidia1990 is far from being held in disesteem. Persons1991 who intend taking up the iris, drench the ground about it some three months before with hydromel, as though a sort of atonement offered to appease the earth; with the point of a sword, too, they trace three circles round it, and the moment they gather it, they lift it up towards the heavens.

The iris is a plant of a caustic nature, and when handled, it causes blisters like burns to rise. It is a point particularly recommended, that those who gather it should be in a state of chastity. The root, not only when dried,1992 but while still in the ground, is very quickly attacked by worms. In former times, it was Leucas and Elis that supplied us with the best oil1993 of iris, for there it has long been cultivated; at the present day, however, the best comes from Pamphylia, though that of Cilicia and the northern climates is held in high esteem.