CHAP. 6. (2.)—THE CHAMÆPLATANUS. WHO WAS THE FIRST
TO CLIP GREEN SHRUBS.
For we find in Italy some plane-trees, which are known as
chamæplatani, [Note] in consequence of their stunted growth; for
we have discovered the art of causing abortion in trees even,
and hence, even in the vegetable world we shall have occasion
to make mention of dwarfs, an unprepossessing subject in every
case. This result is obtained in trees, by a peculiar method
adopted in planting and lopping them. C. Matius, [Note] a member
of the Equestrian order, and a friend of the late Emperor
Augustus, invented the art of clipping arbours, within the last
eighty years.
