CHAP. 95.—FENNEL: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES.
Fennel has been rendered famous by the serpent, which
tastes it, as already [Note] stated, when it casts its old skin, and
sharpens its sight with the juice of this plant: a fact which has
led to the conclusion that this juice must be beneficial, also, in a
high degree to the human sight. Fennel-juice is gathered when
the stem is swelling with the bud; after which it is dried in
the sun and applied as an ointment with honey. This plant
is to be found in all parts of the world. The most esteemed
preparation from it, is that made in Iberia, from the tear-like
drops which exude [Note] from the stalk and the seed fresh-ga-
thered. The juice is extracted, also, from incisions made in
the root at the first germination of the plant.
