There are, however, some tides which are of a peculiar nature, as in the Tauromenian Euripus[622], where the ebb and flow is more frequent than in other places, and in Eubœa, where it takes place seven times during the day and the night. The tides intermit three times during each month, being the 7th, 8th and 9th day of the moon[623]. At Gades, which is very near the temple of Hercules, there is a spring enclosed like a well, which sometimes rises and falls with the ocean, and, at other times, in both respects contrary to it. In the same place there is another well, which always agrees with the ocean. On the shores of the Bætis[624], there is a town where the wells become lower when the tide rises, and fill again when it ebbs; while at other times they remain stationary. The same thing occurs in one well in the town of Hispalis[625], while there is nothing peculiar in the other wells. The Euxine always flows into the Propontis, the water never flowing back into the Euxine[626]. CHAP. 101. (98.)—WONDERS OF THE SEA. All seas are purified at the full moon[627]; some also at stated periods. At Messina and Mylæ a refuse matter, like dung[628], is cast up on the shore, whence originated the story of the oxen of the Sun having had their stable at that place. To what has been said above (not to omit anything with which I am acquainted) Aristotle adds, that no animal dies except when the tide is ebbing. The observation has been often made on the ocean of Gaul; but it has only been found true with respect to man[629]. CHAP. 102. (99.)—THE POWER OF THE MOON OVER THE LAND AND THE SEA. Hence we may certainly conjecture, that the moon is not unjustly regarded as the star of our life[630]. This it is that replenishes the earth[631]; when she approaches it, she fills all bodies, while, when she recedes, she empties them. From this cause it is that shell-fish grow with her increase[632], and that those animals which are without blood more particularly experience her influence; also, that the blood of man is increased or diminished in proportion to the quantity of her light; also that the leaves and vegetables generally, as I shall describe in the proper place[633], feel her influence, her power penetrating all things. CHAP. 103. (100.)—THE POWER OF THE SUN. Fluids are dried up by the heat of the sun; we have therefore regarded it as a masculine star, burning up and absorbing everything[634]. CHAP. 104.—WHY THE SEA IS SALT.