Besides the two authors above-mentioned, Theophrastus,[1875] among the Greeks, has written on the subject of flowers. Some of our own writers also have given the title of “Anthologica” to their works, but no one, to my knowledge at least, has treated expressly[1876] of flowers. In fact, we ourselves have no intention here of discussing the mode of wearing chaplets, for that would be frivolous[1877] indeed; but shall proceed to state such particulars in relation to flowers as shall appear to us deserving of remark. CHAP. 10. (4.)—THE ROSE: TWELVE VARIETIES OF IT. The people of our country were acquainted with but very few garland flowers among the garden plants, and those few hardly any but the violet and the rose. The plant which bears the rose is, properly speaking, more of a thorn than a shrub—indeed, we sometimes find it growing on a bramble[1878] even; the flower having, even then, a pleasant smell, though by no means penetrating. The flower in all roses is originally enclosed in a bud,[1879] with a grained surface within, which gradually swells, and assumes the form of a green pointed cone, similar to our alabaster[1880] unguent boxes in shape. Gradually acquiring a ruddy tint, this bud opens little by little, until at last it comes into full blow, developing the calyx, and embracing the yellow-pointed filaments which stand erect in the centre of it. The employment of the rose in chaplets is, so to say, the least[1881] use that is made of it. The flower is steeped in oil, a practice which has prevailed from the times of the Trojan war, as Homer[1882] bears witness; in addition to which, it now forms an ingredient in our unguents, as mentioned on a previous occasion.[1883] It is employed also by itself for certain medicinal purposes, and is used in plasters and eye-salves[1884] for its penetrating qualities: it is used, also, to perfume the delicacies of our banquets, and is never attended with any noxious results.