fall of its leaf does not take place till after they have retired for the winter. CHAP. 25. (14.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE LINDEN-TREE. In the linden-tree the male[2364] and the female are totally different. In the male the wood is hard and knotty, of a redder hue, and with a stronger smell; the bark, too, is thicker, and, when taken off, has no flexibility. The male bears neither seed nor blossom as the female does, the trunk of which is thicker, and the wood white and of excellent quality. It is a singular[2365] thing, but no animal will touch the fruit of this tree, although the juice of the leaves and the bark is sweet. Between the bark and the wood there are a number of thin coats, formed by the union of numerous fine membranes; of these they make those bands[2366] which are known to us as “tiliæ.” The finer membranes are called “philyræ,” and are rendered famous by the honourable mention that the ancients have made of them as ribbons for wreaths[2367] and garlands. The wood of this tree is proof against the attacks of worms:[2368] it is of moderate height[2369] only, but of very considerable utility. CHAP. 26. (15.)—TEN VARIETIES OF THE MAPLE. The maple, which is pretty nearly of the same[2370] size as the lime, is inferior to the citrus[2371] only for the beauty of its wood when employed for cabinet work, and the exquisite finish it admits of. There are numerous varieties[2372] 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.” CHAP. 27. (16.)—BRUSCUM: MOLLUSCUM; THE STAPHYLODENDRON.