CHAP. 36.—THE NYCTEGRETON, CHENOMYCHE, OR NYCTALOPS.
Democritus has regarded the nyctegreton [Note] as one of the
most singular of plants. According to that author, it is of a
dark red colour, has leaves like those of a thorn, and creeps
upon the ground. He says that it grows in Gedrosia [Note] more
particularly, and that it is taken up by the roots immediately
after the vernal equinox, and dried in the moonlight for thirty
days; after which preparation it emits light by night. He
states also, that the Magi and the kings of Parthia employ this plant in their ceremonies when they make a vow to
perform an undertaking; that another name given to it is
"chenomyche," [Note] from the circumstance that, at the very
sight of it, geese will manifest the greatest alarm; and that by
some persons, again, it is known as the "nyctalops," [Note] from the
light which it emits at a considerable distance by night.
