CHAP. 22. (20.)—THREE VARIETIES OF THE MEDLAR.
The medlar and the sorb [Note] ought in propriety to be ranked
under the head of the apple and the pear. Of the medlar [Note]
there are three varieties, the anthedon, [Note] the setania, [Note] and a
third of inferior quality, which bears a stronger resemblance
to the anthedon, and is known as the Gallic [Note] kind. The setania is the largest fruit, and the palest in colour; the woody seed
in the inside of it is softer, too, than in the others, which are of
smaller size than the setania, but superior to it in the fragrance
of their smell, and in being better keepers. The tree itself is
one of very ample [Note] dimensions: the leaves turn red before they
fall: the roots are numerous, and penetrate remarkably deep,
which renders it almost impossible to grub it up. This tree [Note]
did not exist in Italy in Cato's time.
