If it is considered really desirable to recognize a third variety of the daucus, there is a plant[776] of this nature very similar to the staphylinos, known as the “pastinaca[777] erratica,” with an oblong seed and a sweet root. Quadrupeds will touch none of these plants, either in winter or in summer, except indeed, after abortion.[778] The seed of the various kinds is used, with the exception of that of Crete, in which case it is the root that is employed; this root being particularly useful for the stings of serpents. The proper dose is one drachma, taken in wine. It is administered also to cattle when stung by those reptiles. CHAP. 65.—THE THERIONARCA: TWO REMEDIES. The therionarca, altogether a different plant from that of the Magi,[779] grows in our own climates, and is a branchy plant, with greenish leaves, and a rose-coloured flower. It has a deadly effect upon serpents, and the very contact of it is sufficient to benumb[780] a wild beast, of whatever kind it be. CHAP. 66.—THE PERSOLATA OR ARCION; EIGHT REMEDIES. The persolata,[781] a plant known to every one, and called “arcion” by the Greeks, has a leaf, larger, thicker, more swarthy, and more hairy than that of the gourd even, with a large white root. This plant also is taken, in doses of two denarii, in wine. CHAP. 67.—CYCLAMINOS OR TUBER TERRÆ: TWELVE REMEDIES. So too, the root of cyclaminos[782] is good for injuries inflicted by serpents of all kinds. It has leaves smaller than those of ivy, thinner, more swarthy, destitute of angles, and covered with whitish spots. The stem is thin and hollow, the flowers of a purple colour, and the root large and covered with a black rind; so much so, in fact, that it might almost be taken for the root of rape. This plant grows in umbrageous localities, and by the people of our country is known as the “tuber terræ.”[783] It ought to be grown in every house, if there is any truth in the assertion that wherever it grows, noxious spells can have no effect. This plant is also what is called an “amulet;” and taken in wine, they say, it produces all the symptoms and appearances of intoxication. The root is dried, cut in pieces, like the squill, and put away for keeping. When wanted, a decoction is made of it, of the consistency of honey. Still, however, it has some deleterious[784] properties; and a pregnant woman, it is said, if she passes over the root of it, will be sure to miscarry. CHAP. 68.—THE CYCLAMINOS CISSANTHEMOS: FOUR REMEDIES.