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CHAP. XVII. [unspec A]
¶ Of the tree Lotus.
IN the same coast of Africk which regards Italy there growes Lotos, which they cal Celtis. A notable tree it is and of speciall marke: found also here among vs now in Italy, but toge∣ther with the soile it hath changed the nature. The fairest and goodliest of them be about the Syrtes and the Nasamones: they be as big and tall as Peare trees, howsoeuer Nepos Corne∣lius saith they are but little and low. The leaues be thick cut and indented: otherwise they are like to those of the Ilex or Holme tree. Many sorts there be of the Lote tree, and those for the most part according to their diuers and seuerall fruits. Howbeit ordinarily the fruit is as big [unspec B] as a bean, and of yellow colour as Saffron; yet before it is full ripe it changeth into sundry co∣lors like as grapes do. It growes thick among the branches of the tree in manner of myrtle ber∣ries, and not like to the cherries in Italy: and in those plants aboue named the meat thereof is so sweet and pleasant, that it hath giuen the name both to a nation and countrey, insomuch as the people be called Lotophagi: and withall, so welcome be all strangers thither, and so well contented with their entertainment, that they forget their owne natiue soile, for the loue they haue to this fruit when they haue once taken to it. By report, whoso eats thereof is free from the diseases of the belly. This fruit is counted the better which hath no kernell within: for there is another kind wherein the said kernell seems as hard as abone. Moreouer, out of this fruit there is prest a wine like to Mede, which the aboue named Nepos saith will not last aboue ten daies: who reporteth besides, that the inhabitants do stamp the berries thereof with wheat [unspec C] or frumentie into a past, and so put it vp in great barrels or such like vessells for the prouision of their food. Moreouer, we haue heard say that whole armies passing to and fro through Africke, haue fed thereof and had no other meat: the wood is blacke of colour, and much sought for it is to make pipes and fifes: of the root whereof hafts of daggers and kniues be made, besides o∣ther pretty deuises of small vse. Thus much as touching the nature of the Lote tree in those parts: for there is an herb also of that name [called Melilote.] As for the Egyptian •…•…otus it is a plant bearing a stalke, and growes in the marishes of Egypt: for when the waters of Nilus are fallen which drencht the countrey, this plant comes vp in the flat and waterie leuell along the riuer, with a stem like to the [Egyptian] bean, with leaues thrust close and thick together, howbeit shorter and lesse than those of the bean: in the top of which stalk it bears fruit in ma∣ner [unspec D] of an head, for cuts and chamfers and euery thing els like those of Poppy: within which be conta ned certain grains or seeds resembling Millet. The inhabitants of that countrey do pile together in heaps those heads, and so let them putrifie: afterwards they separate them, wash them faire, and when they be dry, stamp and mold them, and therof make their bread. A strange and wonderful thing it is that is reported besides, namely, That when the Sun goes down, those heads close vp and be couered with leaues, and remaine shut vntill the morning, at what time they open againe: and thus continne this course vntil they be ripe, and that the floure which is white doth fall of it selfe.