Columella: DE RE RUSTICA LIBRI XII

I. Claudius Augustalis, tam ingenuae naturae quam eruditionis adulescens, conplurium studiosorum et praecipue agricolarum sermonibus instigatus extudit mihi, cultus hortorum prosa ut oratione conponerem. Nec me tamen fallebat hic eventus rei, cum praedictam materiam carminis legibus inplicarem.

1. Claudius Augustalis, a youth as much of ingenuous nature as of erudition, instigated by the discourses of many devotees and especially of agriculturists, hammered out of me that I should compose the cultivation of gardens in prose rather than in verse-oratory. Nor, however, did this outcome of the affair escape me, when I involved the aforesaid material in the laws of song.

[2] Sed tibi, Publi Silvine, pertinaciter expetenti versificationis nostrae gustum, negare non sustinebam, facturus mox, si conlibuisset, quod nunc adgredior, ut holitoris curam subtexerem vilici officiis. Quae quamvis primo rei rusticae libro videbar aliquatenus exsecutus, quoniam tamen ea simili desiderio noster [idem] Augustalis saepius flagitabat, numerum, quem iam quasi consummaveram, voluminum excessi et hoc undecimum praeceptum rusticationis memoriae tradidi.

[2] But to you, Publius Silvinus, persistently demanding a taste of our versification, I could not bear to refuse, being about soon, if it had pleased, to do what I now set about: namely, to weave the care of the market‑gardener beneath the steward’s offices. And although in the first book on agriculture I seemed in some measure to have carried these matters out, since nevertheless our same Augustalis was more often clamoring for them with a like desire, I exceeded the number of volumes which I had, as it were, already completed, and consigned to record this 11th precept of rustication.

[3] Vilicum fundo familiaeque praeponi convenit aetatis nec primae nec ultimae. Nam servitia sic tirunculum contemnunt ut senem, quoniam alter nondum novit opera ruris, alter exsequi iam non potest, atque hunc adulescentia neglegentem, senectus illum facit pigrum. Media igitur aetas huic officio est aptissima, poteritque ab anno quinto et tricesimo usque in sexagesimum et quintum, si non interveniant fortuita corporis vitia, satis validi fungi muneribus agricolae.

[3] It is fitting that a villicus be set over the farm and the household, of an age neither first nor last. For the slaves despise a tyro just as they do an old man, since the former does not yet know the works of the countryside, the latter can no longer carry them out, and youth makes this one negligent, old age makes that one slothful. Therefore middle age is most apt for this office, and from the thirty-fifth year up to the sixty-fifth, if fortuitous defects of the body do not intervene, one sufficiently strong will be able to discharge the functions of a farmer.

[4] Quisquis autem destinabitur huic negotio, sit oportet idem scientissimus robustissimusque, ut et doceat subiectos et ipse commode faciat, quae praecipit. Siquidem nihil recte sine exemplo docetur aut discitur praestatque vilicum magistrum esse operariorum, non discipulum, cum etiam de patre familiae prisci moris exemplum Cato dixerit: "Male agitur cum domino, quem vilicus docet."

[4] Whoever shall be destined for this business ought to be both most knowing and most robust, so that he may both teach those subject to him and himself properly do the things which he prescribes. For indeed nothing is taught or learned rightly without an example, and it is preferable that the bailiff be the master of the laborers, not a disciple, since even concerning the paterfamilias Cato gave an example of ancient custom: "It goes badly with the master whom the bailiff teaches."

[5] Itaque in Oeconomico Xenophontis, quem Marcus Cicero Latino sermoni tradidit, egregius ille Ischomachus Atheniensis, rogatus a Socrate, utrumne, si res familiaris desiderasset, mercari vilicum tamquam fabrum an a se instituere consueverit: Ego vero, inquit, ipse instituo. Etenim qui me absente in meum locum substituitur et vicarius meae diligentiae succedit, is ea quae ego scire debet. Sed et haec nimium prisca et eius quidem temporis sunt, quo idem Ischomachus negabat quemquam rusticari nescire.

[5] And so in the Oeconomicus of Xenophon, which Marcus Cicero delivered to the Latin speech, that distinguished Ischomachus the Athenian, when asked by Socrates whether, if the family property had been in need, he was accustomed to purchase a bailiff as one would a craftsman, or to train him from himself: “I indeed,” he says, “train him myself.” For he who, I being absent, is substituted in my place and succeeds as the vicar of my diligence, ought to know the things that I know. But even these are too old-fashioned, and are of that very time when that same Ischomachus was denying that anyone was ignorant of how to farm.

[6] Nos autem memores ignorantiae nostrae vigentis sensus adulescentulos corporisque robusti peritissimis agricolis conmendemus, quorum monitionibus vel unus ex multis (nam est difficile erudire) non solum rusticationis, sed imperandi consequatur scientiam. Quidam enim quamvis operum probatissimi artifices, imperitandi parum prudentes, aut saevius aut etiam lenius agendo rem dominorum corrumpunt.

[6] But we, mindful of our own ignorance, should commend youths of vigorous sense and robust body to the most skilled agriculturists, by whose admonitions even one out of many (for it is difficult to educate) may obtain knowledge not only of rustication, but of commanding. For certain men, although most approved craftsmen of works, being too little prudent in the matter of commanding, by acting either too harshly or even too leniently, ruin their masters’ estate.

[7] Quare, sicut dixi, docendus et a pueritia rusticis operibus edurandus multisque prius experimentis inspiciendus erit futurus vilicus, nec solum an perdidicerit disciplinam ruris, sed an etiam domino fidem ac benivolentiam exhibeat, sine quibus nihil prodest vilici summa scientia. Potissimum est autem in eo magisterio scire et existimare, quale officium et qualis labor sit cuique iniungendus. Nam nec valentissimus possit exsequi, quod imperatur, si nesciat, quid agat, nec peritissimus, si sit invalidus.

[7] Wherefore, as I said, the future bailiff must be taught and from boyhood hardened by rustic works, and first be inspected by many trials, not only whether he has thoroughly learned the discipline of the countryside, but also whether he shows to his master faith and benevolence, without which the highest knowledge of a bailiff profits nothing. The chief thing, moreover, in that mastership is to know and to judge what duty and what kind of labor is to be enjoined upon each person. For neither could the very strongest carry out what is commanded, if he does not know what he is doing, nor the most skilled, if he is infirm.

[8] Qualitas itaque cuiusque rei consideranda est. Quippe aliqua sunt opera tantummodo virium tamquam promovendi onera portandique, aliqua etiam sociata viribus et arti, ut fodiendi arandique, ut segetes et prata desecandi; nonnullis minus virium, plus artis adhibetur, sicut putationibus insitionibusque vineti; plurimum etiam scientia pollet in aliquibus, ut in pastione pecoris atque eiusdem medicina.

[8] Therefore the quality of each matter must be considered. For there are some works that are solely of strength, as of moving forward burdens and carrying them; others also are allied with strength and art (skill), as digging and plowing, as cutting down crops and meadows; in some, less of strength, more of art is applied, as in the prunings and graftings of the vineyard; and in certain tasks science (knowledge) prevails most of all, as in the pasturage of cattle and the medicine of the same.

[9] Quorum omnium officiorum vilicus, quod iam dixi prius, aestimator bonus esse non potest, nisi fuerit etiam peritus, ut in unoquoque corrigere queat perperam factum. Neque enim satis est reprehendisse peccantem, si non doceat recti viam. Libenter igitur eadem loquor: tam docendus est futurus vilicus quam futurus figulus aut faber.

[9] Of all these offices the bailiff, as I have already said before, cannot be a good appraiser unless he also be expert, so that in each case he may be able to correct what has been done amiss. For it is not enough to have reprehended the one at fault, if he does not teach the way of what is right. Willingly, therefore, I say the same things: the future bailiff must be taught just as much as the future potter or craftsman.

Et haud facile dixerim, num illa tanto expeditiora sint discentibus artificia, quanto minus ampla sunt.

And I would not easily say whether those arts are the more expeditious for learners, the less ample they are.

[10] Rusticationis autem magna et diffusa materia est, partesque si velimus eius percensere, vix numero conprehendamus. quare satis admirari nequeo, quod primo scriptorum meorum exordio iure conquestus sum, ceterarum artium minus vitae necessariarum repertos antistites, agriculturae neque discipulos neque praeceptores inventos; nisi magnitudo rei fecerit reverentiam vel discendi vel profitendi pene inmensam scientiam, cum tamen non ideo turpi desperatione oportuerit eam neglegi.

[10] But the subject-matter of rustication is great and diffuse, and if we should wish to reckon its parts, we scarcely could comprehend them by number. Wherefore I cannot sufficiently marvel, as I rightly complained at the very outset of my writings, that for other arts less necessary to life there have been found high-priests, but for agriculture neither disciples nor preceptors have been discovered; unless the magnitude of the matter has produced a reverence for either learning or professing a nearly immeasurable knowledge—although not on that account ought it to have been neglected in shameful desperation.

[11] Nam nec oratoria disciplina deseritur, quia perfectus orator nusquam repertus est, nec philosophia, quia nullus consummatae sapientiae, sed e contrario plurimi semet ipsos exhortantur vel aliquas partes earum addiscere, quamvis universas percipere non possint. Etenim quae probabilis ratio est obmutescendi, quia nequeas orator esse perfectus, aut in socordiam conpelli, quia desponderis sapientiam?

[11] For neither is the oratorical discipline abandoned because a perfect orator has nowhere been found, nor philosophy, because there is no one of consummate wisdom; but on the contrary, very many exhort themselves to learn even some parts of them, although they cannot perceive them entire. Indeed, what plausible reason is there for becoming mute because you cannot be a perfect orator, or for being driven into sloth because you have despaired of wisdom?

[12] Magnae rei, quantulumcumque possederis, fuisse participem, non minima est gloria. Quis ergo, inquis, docebit futurum vilicum, si nullus professor est? Et ego intellego, difficillimum esse ab uno velut auctore cuncta rusticationis consequi praecepta.

[12] To have been a participant in a great matter, however small a share you have possessed, is no mean glory. Who then, you say, will teach the future farm-steward, if there is no professor? And I too understand that it is most difficult to acquire all the precepts of agriculture from one, as it were, author.

Verumtamen ut universae disciplinae vix aliquem consultum, sic plurimos partium eius invenias magistros, per quos efficere queas perfectum vilicum. Nam et arator reperiatur aliquis bonus et optimus fossor aut foeni sector nec minus arborator et vinitor, tum etiam veterinarius et probus pastor, qui singuli rationem scientiae suae desideranti non subtrahant.

Nevertheless, just as in the entire discipline you scarcely find anyone expert, so you may find very many masters of its parts, through whom you may be able to make a perfect farm-steward. For both some good plowman may be found, and an excellent digger or mower of hay, and no less a tree-pruner and vine-dresser, then also a veterinarian and an honest shepherd, who, each individually, do not withhold from the one desiring it the method of their science.

[13] Igitur conplurium agrestium formatus artibus, qui susceperit officium vilicationis, in primis convictum domestici multoque magis exteri vitet. Somni et vini sit abstinentissimus, quae utraque sunt inimicissima diligentiae. Nam et ebrioso cura officii pariter cum memoria subtrahitur et somniculoso plurima effugiunt.

[13] Therefore, formed by several agrarian arts, whoever has undertaken the office of vilication (farm-stewardship), let him, first of all, avoid the conviviality of the household, and much more that of outsiders. Let him be most abstinent of sleep and of wine, both of which are most inimical to diligence. For to the drunken man the care of his office is withdrawn together with his memory, and to the drowsy very many things slip away.

Quid enim possit aut ipse agere aut cuiquam dormiens imperare?

For what, indeed, can he either do himself or command anyone, while sleeping?

[14] Tum etiam sit a venereis amoribus aversus; quibus si se dediderit, non aliud quicquam possit cogitare quam illud, quod diligit. Nam vitiis eiusmodi pellectus animus nec praemium iucundius quam fructum libidinis nec supplicium gravius quam frustrationem cupiditatis existimat. Igitur primus omnium vigilet familiamque semper ad opera cunctantem pro temporibus anni festinanter producat et strenue ipse praecedat.

[14] Then also let him be averse from venereal loves; if he has surrendered himself to them, he can think of nothing other than that which he loves. For a mind seduced by vices of this sort esteems no reward more agreeable than the fruit of libido, nor any punishment more grievous than the frustration of desire. Therefore, first of all let him keep watch, and always lead out the household, when they linger, to their tasks, hastily according to the seasons of the year, and let him himself go before vigorously.

Plurimum enim refert colonos a primo mane opus adgredi nec lentos per otium pigre procedere.

For it matters very much that the tenant-farmers set upon the work from first dawn, and not, being slow, proceed lazily through idleness.

[15] Siquidem Ischomachus idem ille, "Malo," inquit, "unius agilem atque industriam quam decem hominum neglegentem et tardam operam."

[15] Since indeed that same Ischomachus said, "I prefer," he says, "the agile and industrious work of one man to the negligent and tardy work of ten men."

[16] Quippe plurimum adfert mali, si operario tricandi potestas fiat. Nam ut in itinere conficiendo saepe dimidio maturius pervenit is, qui naviter et sine ullis concessationibus permeavit, quam is, qui cum sit una profectus, umbras arborum fonticulorumque amoenitatem vel aurae refrigerationem captavit, sic in agresti negotio dici vix potest, quid navus operarius ignavo et cessatore praestet.

[16] Indeed it brings the greatest harm, if a workman be given the power of procrastinating. For as, in completing a journey, he who has traversed it briskly and without any cessations often arrives in half the time than he who, though he set out together, has sought the shades of the trees, the amenity of little springs, or the refrigeration of the breeze, so in agricultural business it can scarcely be said how far an industrious workman excels a sluggard and a loiterer.

[17] Hoc igitur custodire oportet vilicum, ne statim a prima luce familia cunctanter et languide procedat, sed velut in aliquod proelium cum vigore et alacritate animi praecedentem eum tamquam ducem strenue sequatur; variisque exhortationibus in opere ipso exhilaret laborantes et interdum, tamquam deficienti succursurus, ferramentum auferat parumper et ipse fungatur eius officio moneatque sic fieri debere, ut ab ipso fortiter sit effectum.

[17] This, therefore, the steward ought to keep watch over: that from first light the workforce not proceed lingeringly and languidly, but, as into some battle, with vigor and alacrity of spirit they should strenuously follow him, going before them as a leader; and by various exhortations he should exhilarate those laboring, and sometimes, as if about to succor one failing, he should take away the tool for a little while and himself discharge its office, and admonish that thus it ought to be done, as it has been stoutly effected by himself.

[18] Atque ubi crepusculum incesserit, neminem post se relinquat, sed omnes subsequatur more optimi pastoris, qui e grege nullam pecudem patitur in agro relinqui. Tum vero, cum tectum subierit, idem faciat, quod ille diligens opilio, nec in domicilio suo statim delitiscat, sed agat cuiusque maximam curam. Sive quis, quod accidit plerumque, sauciatus in opere noxam ceperit, adhibeat fomenta, sive aliter languidior est, in valetudinarium confestim deducat et convenientem ei ceteram curationem adhiberi iubeat.

[18] And when the crepuscule has set in, let him leave no one behind him, but follow after all in the manner of the best shepherd, who allows no beast of the flock to be left in the field. Then indeed, when he has gone under the roof, let him do the same as that diligent shepherd, nor let him straightway skulk in his domicile, but let him take the greatest care of each person. Whether anyone—as happens for the most part—has been wounded in the work and has incurred harm, let him apply fomentations; or if otherwise he is somewhat languid, let him at once conduct him to the infirmary and order that the remaining treatment suitable to him be applied.

[19] Eorum vero, qui recte valebunt, non minor habenda erit ratio, ut cibus et potio sine fraude a cellariis praebeatur, consuescatque rusticos circa larem domini focumque familiarem semper epulari atque ipse in conspectu eorum similiter epuletur sitque frugalitatis exemplum; nec nisi sacris diebus accubans cenet festosque sic agat, ut fortissimum quemque et frugalissimum largitionibus prosequatur, nonnumquam etiam mensae suae adhibeat et velit aliis quoque honoribus dignari.

[19] Of those, indeed, who will be in sound health, no lesser account must be had, that food and drink be supplied without fraud by the cellarers, and that the rustics become accustomed always to dine around the master’s hearth and the household fire, and that he himself likewise dine in their sight and be an example of frugality; nor let him, reclining, take dinner except on sacred days, and let him keep feast-days thus, that he pursue each bravest and most frugal with largesses, sometimes even invite them to his own table and be willing to deem them worthy of other honors as well.

[20] Tum etiam per ferias instrumentum rusticum, sine quo nullum opus effici potest, recognoscat et saepius inspiciat ferramenta eaque semper duplicia conparet ac subinde refecta custodiat, ne si quod in opere vitiatum fuerit, a vicino petendum sit, quia plus in operis servorum avocandis quam in pretio rerum eiusmodi dependitur.

[20] Then also during holidays let him review the rustic instruments, without which no work can be brought to effect, and more often inspect the iron tools, and let him always procure them in duplicate and keep them in custody, refurbished from time to time, lest, if any should have been damaged in the work, it have to be sought from a neighbor, because more is expended in calling the slaves off their work than in the price of things of this sort.

[21] Cultam vestitamque familiam utiliter magis habeat quam delicate, id est munitam diligenter a frigoribus et imbribus, quae utraque prohibentur optime pellibus manicatis et sagaceis cucullis; idque si fiat, omnis pene hiemalis dies in opere tolerari possit. Quare tam vestem servitiorum quam, ut dixi, ferramenta bis debebit omnibus mensibus recensere. nam frequens recognitio nec inpunitatis spem nec peccandi locum praebet.

[21] Let him have the household, well-groomed and well-clothed, more usefully than delicately—that is, carefully fortified against cold and rains, both of which are best warded off by sleeved pelts and coarse woolen cowls; and if this be done, almost every winter day can be endured at work. Therefore he ought to review both the clothing of the servants and, as I said, the tools twice in every month. For frequent recognition affords neither a hope of impunity nor room for offending.

[22] Itaque mancipia [vincta, quae sunt] ergastuli, per nomina cotidie citare debebit atque explorare, ut sint diligenter conpedibus innexa, tum etiam custodiae sedes an tuta et recte munita sit; nec, si quem dominus aut ipse vinxerit, sine iussu patrisfamiliae resolvat. Sacrificia nisi ex praecepto domini facere nesciat; haruspicem sagamque sua sponte non noverit, quae utraque genera vana superstitione rudes animos infestant.

[22] And so he ought daily to cite by names and inspect the slaves [bound, which are] of the workhouse, to the end that they be diligently linked with fetters, and also whether the seat of custody is safe and rightly fortified; nor, if the master or he himself has bound anyone, should he release him without the order of the paterfamilias. Let him not know to perform sacrifices except by the precept of the master; let him not of his own accord know a haruspex or a saga, both of which kinds infest untutored minds with vain superstition.

[23] Non urbem, non ullas nundinas, nisi vendendae aut emendae rei necessariae causa, frequentaverit. Neque enim coloniae suae terminos egredi debet nec absentia sua familiae cessandi aut delinquendi spatium dare. Semitas novosque limites in agro fieri prohibeat.

[23] Let him not frequent the city, nor any market-days, except for the necessary purpose of selling or buying what is needed. For he ought not to go beyond the boundaries of his colony, nor by his absence give to his household an opportunity for idling or delinquency. Let him forbid footpaths and new boundary-lines to be made in the field.

Hospitem, nisi ex amicitia domini, quam rarissime recipiat. Ad ministeria sua conservos non adhibeat nec ulli terminos egredi, nisi magna coegerit necessitas, permittat.

Let him receive a guest, unless from the master’s friendship, as rarely as possible. For his ministries let him not employ fellow-slaves, nor permit anyone to go beyond the boundaries, unless great necessity has compelled.

[24] Pecuniam domini neque in pecore nec in aliis rebus promercalibus occupet. Haec enim res avocat vilici curam et eum negotiatorem potius facit quam agricolam nec umquam sinit eum cum rationibus domini paria facere, sed ubi nummum est numeratio, res pro nummis ostenditur. Itaque tam istud vitandum habebit quam hercule fugiendum venandi aut aucupandi studium, quibus rebus plurimae operae avocantur.

[24] He is not to engage the master’s money either in livestock or in other mercantile things. For this matter calls off the steward’s care and makes him a negotiator rather than a farmer, nor does it ever allow him to come out even with the master’s accounts; but where there is a reckoning in coin, the thing is shown in exchange for coins. And so he will hold that to be as much to be avoided as—by Hercules!—the passion for hunting or bird-catching, by which pursuits very many labors are called away.

[25] Iam illa, quae etiam in maioribus imperiis difficulter custodiuntur, considerare debebit, ne aut crudelius aut remissius agat cum subiectis; semperque foveat bonos et sedulos, parcat etiam minus probis, et ita temperet, ut magis eius vereantur severitatem, quam ut saevitiam detestentur, poteritque id custodire, si maluerit cavere, ne peccet operarius, quam, cum peccaverit, sero punire. Nulla est autem vel nequissimi hominis amplior custodia quam cotidiana operis exactio.

[25] Now those things which are difficult to keep even under greater commands he ought to consider, lest he act either more cruelly or more remissly with his subjects; and let him always foster the good and the sedulous, spare even the less upright, and so temper himself that they fear his severity rather than detest his savagery; and he will be able to maintain this, if he prefers to beware that the workman not transgress, rather than, when he has transgressed, to punish late. Moreover, there is no more ample custody even of the most wicked man than the daily exaction of work.

[26] Nam illud verum est M. Catonis oraculum: "Nihil agendo homines male agere discunt." Itaque curabit vilicus, ut iusta reddantur, idque non aegre consequetur, si semper se repraesentaverit.

[26] For that oracle of M. Cato is true: "By doing nothing, men learn to do ill." And so the overseer will take care that what is due be rendered, and he will readily achieve this, if he is always present.

[27] Sic enim et magistri singulorum officiorum diligenter exsequentur sua munia et familia post operis exercitationem fatigata cibo quietique potius ac somno quam maleficiis operam dabit. In universa porro villicatione, sicut in cetera vita, pretiosissimum est intellegere quemque, nescire se quod nesciat, semperque cupere, quod ignoret, addiscere.

[27] Thus both the masters of each of the offices will diligently execute their functions, and the household, wearied after the exercise of work, will give its effort to food and to rest and sleep rather than to malefactions. In the whole business of villication, moreover, just as in the rest of life, it is most precious for each to understand that he does not know what he does not know, and always to desire to learn what he is ignorant of.

[28] Nam etsi multum prodest scientia, plus tamen obest inprudentia vel neglegentia, maxime in rusticatione, cuius est disciplinae caput semel fecisse, quicquid exegerit ratio culturae; nam quamvis interdum emendata sit perperam facti vel inprudentia vel neglegentia, res tamen ipsa iam domino decoxit nec mox in tantum exuberat, ut et iacturam capitis amissi restituat et quaestum resarciat.

[28] For although knowledge profits much, imprudence or negligence harms more, most of all in rustication, whose discipline’s chief point is to have done once whatever the reason of cultivation has required; for although the imprudence or negligence of a thing done wrongly is sometimes emended, the thing itself has already boiled down for the owner, nor does it soon so exuberate as to both restore the loss of the capital that has been lost and repair the profit.

[29] Praelabentis vero temporis fuga quam sit inreparabilis, quis dubitet? Eius igitur memor praecipue semper caveat, ne inprovidus ab opere vincatur. Res est agrestis insidiosissima cunctanti; quod ipsum expressius vetustissimus auctor Hesiodus hoc versu significavit: aiei d' amboliergos aner ataisi palaiei.

[29] But of the flight of time as it slips past, who would doubt how irreparable it is? Therefore, mindful of it, let him especially always beware, lest, unprovident, he be beaten off from his work. Farming is a most insidious business for one who delays; which very thing the most ancient author Hesiod signified more expressly by this verse: “the man who always puts off work wrestles with disasters.”

Quare vulgare illud de arborum positione rusticis usurpatum "serere ne dubites," id vilicus ad agri totum cultum referri iudicet credatque praetermissas non duodecim horas, sed annum perisse, nisi sua quaque die, quod instat, effecerit.

Wherefore that common saying about the planting of trees, employed by rustics, “do not hesitate to plant,” let the steward judge to be referred to the whole cultivation of the field, and let him believe that not twelve hours, but a year, has perished, unless on each day he accomplishes what is at hand.

[30] Nam cum propriis pene momentis fieri quidque debeat, si unum opus tardius, quam oporteat, peractum sit, ceterae quoque, quae sequuntur, culturae post iusta tempora serius adhibentur, omnisque turbatus operis ordo spem totius anni frustratur. Quare necessaria est menstrui cuiusque officii monitio ea, quae pendet ex ratione siderum caeli.

[30] For since each thing ought to be done at its nearly proper moments, if a single work has been completed more slowly than it ought, the other cultivations too, which follow, are applied later than their right times, and the whole disturbed order of work frustrates the hope of the entire year. Wherefore a monition of each monthly office is necessary, one which depends upon the reckoning of the stars of the sky.

[31] Nam, ut ait Vergilius,

[31] For, as Vergil says,

tam sunt Arcturi sidera nobis
Haedorumque dies servandi et lucidus anguis,
quam quibus in patriam ventosa per aequora vectis
pontus et ostriferi fauces tentantur Abydi.

just so much are the stars of Arcturus for us,
and the days of the Kids and the lucid Serpent, to be kept in watch,
as for those who, borne toward their fatherland across windy waters,
essay the sea and the narrows of oyster‑bearing Abydos.

Contra quam observationem multis argumentationibus disseruisse me non infitior in iis libris, quos adversus astrologos conposueram. Sed illis disputationibus exigebatur id, quod inprobissime Chaldaei pollicentur, ut certis quasi terminis ita diebus statis aeris mutationes respondeant.

I do not deny that I have discoursed with many argumentations against such an observation in those books which I had composed against astrologers. But in those disputations this was being required: that which the Chaldaeans most shamelessly promise, namely, that the changes of the air correspond, just as to certain, as it were, termini, so also to fixed days.

[32] In hac autem ruris disciplina non desideratur eiusmodi scrupulositas, sed quod dicitur pingui Minerva quamvis utile continget vilico tempestatis futurae praesagium, si persuasum habuerit, modo ante, modo post, interdum etiam stato die orientis vel occidentis conpetere vim sideris. Nam satis providus erit, cui licebit ante multos dies cavere suspecta tempora.

[32] Yet in this rural discipline such scrupulosity is not required, but, as it is said, “with a fat Minerva,” though useful, there will befall the bailiff a presage of future weather, if he has become persuaded that the power of a star is apt to coincide, now earlier, now later, and sometimes even on a fixed day, with its rising or its setting. For he will be sufficiently provident, to whom it shall be permitted many days beforehand to guard against suspect seasons.

II. Itaque praecipiemus, quid quoque mense faciendum sit, sic temporibus accommodantes opera ruris, ut permiserit status caeli; cuius varietatem mutationemque, si ex hoc commentario fuerit praemonitus vilicus, aut numquam decipietur aut certe non frequenter. Et ne desciscamus ab optimo vate, quod ait ille, vere novo terram proscindere incipiat.

2. Therefore we shall prescribe what must be done in each month, thus accommodating the works of the countryside to the times, as the state of the sky will have permitted; the variety and mutation of which, if the bailiff be forewarned from this commentary, he will either never be deceived or at any rate not frequently. And lest we fall away from the best vates, as he says, let him begin to plough the earth in the new spring.

[2] Novi autem veris principium non sic observare rusticus debet, quemadmodum astrologus, ut exspectet certum illum diem, qui veris initium facere dicitur, sed aliquid etiam sumat de parte hiemis, quoniam consumpta bruma iam intepescit annus permittitque clementior dies opera moliri.

[2] But the rustic ought not to observe the beginning of the new spring in the same way as an astrologer, to wait for that fixed day which is said to make the beginning of spring; rather he should even take something from the portion of winter, since, midwinter consumed, the year already grows warm and the more clement day permits one to undertake works.

[3] Possit igitur ab Idibus Ianuariis, ut principem mensem Romani anni observet, auspicari culturarum officia; quorum alia ex pristinis residua consummabit atque alia futuri temporis inchoabit. Satis autem erit per dimidios menses exsequi quodque negotium, quia neque praefestinatum opus nimium inmature videri possit ante quindecim dies factum nec rursus post totidem nimium tarde.

[3] He may therefore, from the Ides of January, so as to observe the first month of the Roman year, inaugurate the tasks of cultivation; of which he will complete some that remain from earlier works, and he will initiate others for the time to come. Moreover, it will be sufficient to carry out each business by half-months, because a work done in haste can neither seem too premature if done before fifteen days, nor, on the other hand, too late after the same number.

Dies caelestes:

Celestial days:

[4] Id. Ian. Ventosa tempestas et incertus status.
XVIII Kal.

[4] The Ides of January. Windy weather and an uncertain state.
18th before the Kalends.

Febr. Tempestas incerta.
XVII Kal.

Feb. Uncertain weather.
17 Kal.

Febr. Sol in Aquarium transit; Leo mane incipit occidere; Africus, interdum Auster cum pluvia.
XVI Kal.

Feb. The Sun passes into Aquarius; Leo begins to set in the morning; Africus, sometimes Auster with rain.
16 Kal.

Febr. Cancer desinit occidere; hiemat.
XV Kal.

Feb. Cancer ceases to set; it is wintry.
15 Kalends.

Febr. Aquarius incipit oriri, ventus Africus, tempestatem significat.
XI Kal.

Feb. Aquarius begins to rise, the Africus wind, it signifies a storm.
11 Kalends.

Febr. Fidicula vespere occidit, dies pluvius.

Feb. The Lyre sets in the evening, a rainy day.

[5] VIIII Kal. Febr. Ex occasu pristini sideris significat tempestatem, interdum etiam tempestas.

[5] 9 Kalends of February. From the setting of the former star it signifies stormy weather; sometimes even a tempest.

VI Kal. Febr. Leonis quae est in pectore clara stella occidit, nonnumquam significat, hiemps bipertitur.

6 Kal. Febr. the bright star of Leo which is in the breast sets, sometimes it signifies, winter is bisected.

V Kal. Febr. Auster aut Africus, hiemat, pluvius dies.

5 Kal. Feb. South or Southwest wind; it is wintry; a rainy day.

III Kal. Febr. Delphinus incipit occidere, item Fidicula occidere, significat.

3 Kal. Febr. The Dolphin begins to set, likewise the Lyre to set; it signifies.

Pridie Kal. Febr. Eorum, quae supra, siderum occasus tempestatem facit, interdum tantummodo significat.

The day before the Kalends of February. The setting of the stars mentioned above makes stormy weather; sometimes it only signifies it.

[6] Hoc igitur semestrium et deinceps sequentia tempestatibus adnotatis percensuimus, quo cautior vilicus, ut iam dixi, vel abstinere possit operibus vel festinationem adhibere. Itaque ab Idibus Ianuariis, quod habetur tempus inter brumam et adventum Favonii, si maior est vineae vel arbusti modus, quicquid ex autumno putationis superfuit, repetendum est, sed ita, ne matutinis temporibus vitis saucietur, quoniam pruinis et gelicidiis nocturnis adhuc rigentes materiae ferrum reformidant.

[6] Therefore we have reviewed this half-year and, thereafter, the following ones, with the weather noted, so that the more cautious bailiff, as I have already said, may either refrain from works or apply haste. And so, from the Ides of January, which is held to be the time between the winter solstice and the coming of the Favonius, if the measure of the vineyard or the arbustum is larger, whatever pruning remained over from autumn must be taken up again—but in such a way that the vine not be wounded in the morning hours, since timbers still stiffened by hoarfrosts and nightly freezes shrink from the iron.

[7] Itaque dum hae regelatae secentur, usque in horam secundam vel tertiam poterunt vepres attenuari, ne incremento suo agrum occupent, segetes emundari, acervi virgarum fieri, ligna denique confici, ut tum demum tepenti iam die putatio administretur. Apricis etiam et macris aut aridis locis prata iam purganda et a pecore sunt defendenda, ut faeni sit copia.

[7] And so, while these, once thawed, are being cut, up to the second or third hour the brambles can be attenuated, lest by their increase they occupy the field; the standing crops be cleansed; heaps of rods be made; finally, firewood be made ready—so that then at last, with the day now tepid, pruning may be administered. Also, in sunny and lean or arid places, the meadows are now to be purged and to be defended from livestock, so that there may be a plenty of hay.

[8] Siccos quoque et pingues agros tempestivum est proscindere. Nam uliginosi et mediocris habitus sub aestatem vervagendi sunt, macerrimi vero et aridi post aestatem primo autumno arandi et subinde conserendi. Sed iugerum agri pinguis hoc tempore anni commode duabus operis proscinditur, quia hibernis pluviis adhuc madens terra facilem cultum sui praebet.

[8] It is seasonable also to break up dry and rich fields. For the waterlogged and of middling habit are to be fallowed toward the summer, but the very lean and arid, after the summer, are to be plowed in early autumn and thereafter sown. But a iugerum of rich field at this time of year is conveniently broken up by two days of work, because the earth, still wet with the winter rains, offers an easy cultivation of itself.

[9] Eodemque mense ante Kalendas Februarias sariendae segetes autumnales, sive illae seminis adorei sunt, quod quidam far vennuculum vocant, seu tritici, earumque tempestiva sarritio est, cum enata frumenta quattuor fibrarum esse coeperunt. Hordeum quoque maturum, quibus superest opera, nunc demum sarire debebunt.

[9] And in the same month, before the Kalends of February, the autumnal sown fields are to be hoed, whether they are of the seed of adoreum (which some call far vennuculum) or of wheat; and their timely hoeing is when the sprung-up grains have begun to have four blades. Barley too, when it is well-advanced, for those who have labor to spare, must now at last be hoed.

[10] Sed et faba eandem culturam exigit, si iam coliculus eius in quattuor digitos altitudinis creverit; nam prius sarruisse nimium teneram non expedit. ervum melius quidem priore mense nec tamen inprobe hoc ipso vel proximo seremus. Nam Martio nullo modo terrae conmittendum esse rustici praecipiunt.

[10] But the fava bean too demands the same cultivation, if already its little stalk has grown to four fingers in height; for to have hoed it earlier, being too tender, is not expedient. Ervil (vetch) indeed we would more suitably sow in the prior month, yet not amiss in this very one or the next. For husbandmen prescribe that in March it must by no means be committed to the earth.

[11] Vineae, quae sunt palatae et ligatae, recte iam fodiuntur. Surculi, qui primi florem adferunt, statim circa Idus inserendi sunt, ut cerasiorum, tuburum, amygdalorum persicorumque. Ridicis vel etiam palis conficiendis idoneum tempus est, nec minus in aedificia succidere arborem convenit.

[11] Vineyards which are staked and tied are rightly now being dug. Scions that first bring forth blossom ought at once, about the Ides, to be grafted, such as those of cherry trees, jujubes, almonds, and peaches. It is a suitable time for making ridices, or even stakes, nor is it less proper to fell timber for buildings.

Sed utraque melius fiunt luna decrescente ab vicesima usque in tricesimam, quoniam omnis materia sic caesa iudicatur carie non infestari.

But both are done better with the moon waning from the twentieth up to the thirtieth, since all material cut thus is judged not to be infested by decay.

[12] Palos una opera caedere et exputatos acuere centum numero potest, ridicas autem querneas sive oleagineas findere et dedolatas utraque parte exacuere numero sexaginta, item ad lucubrationem vespertinam palos decem vel ridicas quinque conficere totidemque per antelucanam lucubrationem.

[12] In one operation one can cut stakes and, after pruning them, sharpen them to the number of 100; but to split quercine or olive-wood rails and, after hewing them down, sharpen them on both sides, to the number of 60; likewise, for evening lucubration, to fashion 10 stakes or 5 rails, and the same number during pre-dawn lucubration.

[13] Materies si roborea est, ab uno fabro dolari ad unguem debet per quadratos pedes viginti; haec erit vehis una. Pinus autem quinque et viginti pedum aeque ab uno expeditur, quae et ipsa vehis dicitur; nec minus ulmus et fraxinus pedum triginta, cupressus autem pedum quadraginta, tum etiam sexagenum pedum abies atque populus singulis operis ad unguem quadrantur, atque omnes eae mensurae similiter vehes appellantur.

[13] If the timber is oaken, it ought to be hewn by one craftsman, to a nicety, to the amount of twenty square feet; this will be one load (vehis). But a pine of twenty-five feet likewise is dispatched by one man, and this too is called a vehis; no less an elm and an ash of thirty feet, and a cypress of forty feet; then also a fir and a poplar of sixty feet are squared to a nicety as single tasks, and all those measures alike are called vehes.

[14] His etiam diebus maturi agni et reliqui fetus pecudum nec minus maiora quadripedia charactere signari debent.

[14] In these same days the mature lambs and the remaining offspring of the flocks, and no less the larger quadrupeds, ought to be branded with a character.

Kal. Febr. Fidis incipit occidere, ventus Eurinus et interdum Auster cum grandine est.

Kal. Feb. The Lyre (Fidis) begins to set; there is the Eurus wind, and sometimes the Auster with hail.

III Non. Febr. Fidis tota et Leo medius occidit, Corus aut Septentrio, nonnumquam Favonius.

3 Nones of Feb. the Lyre entirely and the middle of Leo set, Corus or Septentrio, sometimes Favonius.

Non. Febr. Mediae partes Aquarii oriuntur, ventosa tempestas.

Nones of February. The middle parts of Aquarius rise, windy weather.

[15] VII Id. Febr. Callisto sidus occidit, Favonii spirare incipiunt. VI Id. Febr.

[15] February 7. The constellation of Callisto sets, the Favonian winds begin to blow. February 8.

Ventosa tempestas.
III Id. Febr. Eurus.

Windy weather.
3rd day before the Ides of February. East wind.

Per hosce dies locis maritimis et calidis ac siccis prata vel arva purgantur et in faenum submittuntur.

During these days, in maritime places and in warm and dry ones, meadows or fields are purged and are set for hay.

[16] Reliquae partes vinearum propter brumam vel frigora omissae nunc palandae et adligandae sunt, ne postea tumentes gemmae laedantur et oculi adterantur. Item vinearum fossio iisdem locis peragenda est arbustorumque sive putatio sive adligatio finienda, quorum iusta certa esse non possunt. Inter Nonas deinde et Idus pomorum seminaria facienda sunt et maturae plantae de seminariis in scrobes transferendae.

[16] The remaining parts of the vineyards, left aside because of the winter solstice or the colds, must now be staked and tied, lest later the swelling buds be harmed and the eyes be worn. Likewise, the digging of the vineyards must be completed in those same places, and for the arbusta either pruning or tying must be finished, for which no fixed rule can be set. Then between the Nones and the Ides nurseries of fruit-trees must be made, and mature plants from the nurseries must be transferred into planting pits.

[17] Pastinatio quoque, quae mense Decembri vel Ianuario coepta est, iam nunc includenda et vitibus conserenda est. Pastinatur autem terreni iugerum ita, ut solum in altitudinem trium pedum defodiatur operis octoginta vel in altitudinem dupondii semissis operis quinquaginta vel ad bipedalium, quae est altitudo duorum pedum, operis quadraginta.

[17] Trenching too, which was begun in the month of December or January, should now be concluded and planted with vines. Moreover, a iugerum of ground is trenched thus: the soil is dug down to a depth of 3 feet, requiring 80 units of work; or to a depth of 2½ feet, requiring 50 units of work; or to the bipedal depth, which is a depth of 2 feet, requiring 40 units of work.

[18] Haec tamen in agro sicco surculis conserendis minima pastinationis mensura est. Nam holeribus deponendis possit vel sesquipedalis altitudo satisfacere, quae plerumque in singula iugera triginta operis conficitur. Hoc eodem tempore stercoris pars in prata egerenda, pars oleis et ceteris arboribus inspargenda, quin etiam vinearia diligenter facienda malleolusque quam [recentissimus] curiosissime pangendus.

[18] Yet, in a dry field, for setting in shoot-cuttings, this is the minimal measure of trenching. For vegetable plantings a one-and-a-half‑foot depth can suffice, which is generally completed, per each iugerum, at thirty work‑units. At this same time part of the manure is to be carried out onto the meadows, part to be sprinkled upon the olives and the other trees; indeed the vineyard-works must be done diligently, and the malleolus cutting, as [most recent] as possible, must be planted with the greatest care.

[19] Populos et salices et fraxinos, prius quam frondeant, plantasque ulmorum nunc ponere utile est, ante autem satas nunc exputare et circumfodere ac summas earum aestivas radices amputare. sarmenta e vineis nondum fossis atque arbustis et segetibus ramos aut rubos, quicquid denique iacens facile fodientem vel alio genere terram molientem potest inpedire, nunc egerere et ad sepem adplicare oportet, rosaria nova conserere vel antiqua curare, harundineta nunc ponere vel etiam pristina colere, salicta facere vel deputare, runcare ac fodere, genistam semine vel plantis in pastinato vel etiam sulco deponere.

[19] Poplars and willows and ash-trees, before they leaf out, and the plants of elms, it is useful now to set; but those planted earlier now to prune out and dig around and to amputate their upper, summer roots. The sarments from vineyards not yet dug over, and in arbor-vineyards and sown fields the branches or brambles—whatever, in short, lying can easily impede one who is digging or in any other way working the soil—ought now to be carried out and set against the hedge; to plant new rose-gardens or tend the old; to set reed-beds now or also cultivate the former; to make willow-beds or to pollard them; to weed and to dig; to plant broom (genista) by seed or plants in pastinated ground or even in a furrow.

[20] Trimestrium quoque satio non est aliena huic tempori, quamvis tepidis regionibus melius administretur per mensem Ianuarium.

[20] The sowing of three-month crops too is not alien to this time, although in mild regions it is better administered through the month of January.

Id. Febr. Sagittarius vespere occidit, vehementer hiemat.
XVI Kal.

Ides of February. Sagittarius sets in the evening, it is intensely wintry.
16 days before the Kalends.

Mart. Vespere Crater oritur, venti mutatio.
XV Kal.

March. In the evening the Crater rises, a change of winds.
15 Kalends.

Mart. Sol in Pisces transitum facit, nonnumquam ventosa tempestas.

March. The Sun makes a transit into Pisces, sometimes windy weather.

[21] XIII et XII Kal. Mart. Favonius vel Auster cum grandine et nimbis.

[21] 13 and 12 days before the Kalends of March. Favonius or Auster with hail and rain-clouds.

X Kal. Mart. Leo desinit occidere, venti septentrionales, qui vocantur ornithiai, per dies triginta esse solent, tum et hirundo advenit.

10 Kalends of March. Leo ceases to set, the northern winds, which are called ornithiai, are accustomed to last for thirty days, then too the swallow arrives.

VIIII Kal. Mart. Arcturus prima nocte oritur, frigidus dies Aquilone vel Coro, interdum pluvia.

9 Kalends of March. Arcturus rises in the first part of the night, a cold day with Aquilo or Caurus, sometimes rain.

VIII Kal. Mart. Sagitta crepusculo incipit oriri, variae tempestates, alcyonei dies vocantur, in Atlantico quidem mari summa tranquillitas notata est.

8 days before the Kalends of March. Sagitta begins to rise at twilight, varied weather, they are called the Halcyon days, indeed in the Atlantic sea the greatest tranquility has been noted.

[22] VII Kal. Mart. Ventosa tempestas, hirundo conspicitur.

[22] 7 days before the Kalends of March. Windy weather, a swallow is sighted.

Per hos dies frigidis locis earum rerum, quas supra scripsimus, tempestiva est administratio, locis autem calidioribus, quamvis sera, tamen necessaria. Ceterum malleoli et viviradicis positio huius temporis esse videtur optima.

Through these days, in cold places a timely administration of those things which we have written above is seasonable; but in warmer places, although late, nevertheless it is necessary. Moreover, the position/planting of vine-slips (malleoli) and of live-root stock (viviradix) seems of this time to be the best.

[23] Nec tamen deterior etiam inter Kalendas et Idus sequentis mensis, utique si non sit ferventissima regio; si vero etiam magis frigida, vel melior. Insitio quoque arborum atque vitium tepidis locis hoc tempore commode administrabitur.
Kal.

[23] Nor, however, is it worse even between the Calends and the Ides of the next month, especially if it is not a most torrid region; indeed, if even colder, all the better. The grafting also of trees and vines, in tepid places, will at this time be conveniently administered.
Kalends.

Mart. Africus, interdum Auster cum grandine.

March: the Africus, sometimes the Auster with hail.

[24] VI Non. Mart. Vindemitor apparet, quem Graeci trygetera dicunt, septentrionales venti.

[24] 6 Nones of March. Vindemitor appears, whom the Greeks call Trygetera, northern winds.

IIII Non. Mart. Favonius, interdum Auster, hiemat.

4 Nones of March. Favonius, sometimes Auster, wintry weather.

Non. Mart. Equus mane oritur, flatus Aquilonis.

Nones of March. The Horse rises in the morning, the blowing of Aquilon.

III Id. Mart. Piscis aquilonius desinit oriri, septentrionales venti.
Pridie Id. Mart.

3 Ides of March. The Aquilonian Fish ceases to rise, septentrional winds.
The day before the Ides of March.

Argo navis exoritur, Favonius aut Auster, interdum Aquilo.

The ship Argo rises, Favonius or Auster, sometimes Aquilo.

[25] His diebus commode instruuntur horti, de quibus suo loco dicam secretius, ne inter hanc quasi turbam operum neglegentius holitoris officia descripsisse videar aut nunc ordinem reliquarum culturarum coeptum interrupisse.

[25] In these days the gardens are suitably set in order, about which in its own place I will speak more particularly, lest, amid this, as it were, crowd of operations, I should seem to have described the kitchen-gardener’s duties more negligently, or now to have interrupted the order of the remaining cultivations that I have begun.

[26] Igitur a Kalendis Martiis eximia est vitium putatio usque in X Kal. Apr., si tamen se gemmae nondum moveant. Surculi quoque silentes ad insitionem nunc praecipue utiliterque leguntur, et ipsa insitio vitium atque arborum longe nunc est optima.

[26] Therefore from the Kalends of March the pruning of vines is exceptional up to the 10 Kal. Apr., provided, however, that the buds have not yet begun to stir. Dormant shoots too are now most profitably gathered for grafting, and the grafting itself of vines and of trees is now by far the best.

Frigidis quoque locis et umidis vitium satio nunc praecipua est, sed et ficulnea cacumina iam tumentia utilissime deponuntur. Sartura quoque frumentorum iteratur egregie; modios tres una opera recte sarit.

In cold and humid places too, the sowing of vines is now especially optimal; and the fig-tree tops, already swelling, are most usefully laid down. The weeding (sartura) of the grains is likewise excellently repeated; with a single operation one properly hoes three modii.

[27] Prata purgare et a pecore defendere iam tempestivum est; locis quidem calidis et siccis etiam a mense Ianuario, ut supra diximus, id fieri debet; nam frigidis vel a Quinquatribus prata recte submittuntur.

[27] To purge the meadows and defend them from livestock is now seasonable; indeed in warm and dry places even from the month of January, as we said above, this ought to be done; for in cold regions from the Quinquatrus the meadows are rightly submitted to grazing.

[28] Scrobes omnis generis, quos eris autumno consiturus, hoc tempore fieri oportebit; eorum quaternarii, hoc est quoquoversus pedum quaternum, si est commodum terrenum, quattuordecim ab uno fiunt, ternarii autem decem et octo. Ceterum ad deponendas vites vel non magni incrementi arbores sulcus, qui sit pedum centum et viginti, latitudine bipedanea, in altitudinem deprimi debet dupondii semissis, eumque similiter una opera efficit.

[28] Pits of every kind, which you will be planting in autumn, ought at this time to be made; of these, the four-foot ones, that is, 4 feet each way, if the ground is suitable, 14 are made by one man, but of the three-foot ones, 18. Moreover, for setting down vines or trees of no great growth, a trench, which is 120 feet in length and 2 feet in width, ought to be sunk to a depth of 2½ feet, and likewise a single day’s work accomplishes it.

[29] Rosarium serotinum perfossum et cultum habere iam tempus est. Oleis laborantibus circum radices amurcam, quae salem non habeat, nunc conveniet infundere; maximis sex congii, mediocribus arboribus urna satisfaciunt, ceteris aestimanda erit portio. Sed tamen quae nihil vitii habuerint, aliquanto laetiores fient, si amurca rigentur insulsa.

[29] It is now time to have the late-season rosarium thoroughly dug through and cultivated. For olive trees that are laboring, it will now be suitable to pour amurca, which does not have salt, around the roots; for the very large ones six congii, for medium trees an urna suffices, and for the rest the portion will have to be estimated. But nevertheless those which have no defect will become somewhat more luxuriant if they are watered with unsalted amurca.

[30] Nonnulli hoc optimum tempus esse seminariis instituendis dixerunt. Tum etiam bacas lauri et murti ceterorumque viridium semina in areolas disserere praeceperunt. Orthocissos et hederas ab Idibus Februariis vel etiam Kalendis Martiis poni oportere iidem censuerunt.

[30] Some have said that this is the best time for instituting nurseries. Then too they prescribed to sow in little beds the berries of laurel and myrtle and the seeds of the other evergreens. The same men judged that orthocissos and ivies ought to be planted from the Ides of February, or even the Kalends of March.

Id. Mart. Nepa incipit occidere, significat tempestatem.

Ides of March. The scorpion begins to set, it signifies a tempest.

[31] XVII Kal. Apr. Nepa occidit, hiemat.

[31] 17 days before the Kalends of April. The Scorpion sets, it is wintry.

XVI Kal. Apr. Sol in Arietem transitum facit, Favonius vel Corus.

16 days before the Kalends of April. The Sun makes a transition into Aries, the West wind or the North-west wind.

XII Kal. Apr. Equus occidit mane, septentrionales venti.

12 days before the Kalends of April. The Horse sets in the morning, septentrional winds.

X Kal. Apr. Aries incipit exoriri, pluvius dies, interdum ninguit.

10 Kal. Apr. Aries begins to rise, a rainy day, sometimes it snows.

VIIII et VIII Kal. Apr. Aequinoctium vernum, tempestatem significat.

9 and 8 Kal. Apr. The vernal equinox; it signifies a storm.

[32] Ab Idibus eadem, quae supra, utique peragenda sunt. Optime autem uliginosa et pinguia loca nunc demum proscinduntur; at quae mense Ianuario vervacta fecimus, nunc ultima parte Martii sunt iteranda. Et si quae pergulae vitium generosarum vel si quae in agris aut vepribus singulares arbores maritae a putatoribus relictae sunt, ante Kalendas Apriles utique deputari debent; post quam diem sera et infructuosa fit eiusmodi rerum cultura.

[32] From the Ides, the same things as above must by all means be performed. Most suitably, however, the waterlogged and fat places are only now at last ploughed up; but those which we fallow-ploughed in the month of January must now, in the last part of March, be gone over again. And if any vine-arbors of choice vines, or if any single trees in the fields or in the brambles married to vines, have been left by the pruners, they must certainly be pruned before the Kalends of April; after which day the cultivation of matters of this sort becomes late and unfruitful.

[33] Milii quoque et panici haec prima satio est, quae peragi debet circa Idus Apriles. Vtriusque seminis sextarii quini singula iugera occupant. Quin etiam pecus lanatum ceteraque quadripedia tempus idoneum est castrandi.

[33] For millet and panic-grass this is the first sowing as well, which ought to be completed around the Ides of April. Five sextarii of each seed are required for a single iugerum. Moreover, it is a suitable time for castrating the wool-bearing flock and the other quadrupeds.

Locis autem tepidis ab Idibus Februariis usque in Idus Apriles, at locis frigidis ab Idibus Martiis usque in Idus Maias omnia recte pecora castrantur.

But in warm locales from the Ides of February up to the Ides of April, and in cold locales from the Ides of March up to the Ides of May, all livestock are properly castrated.

[34] Kal. Apr. Nepa occidit mane, tempestatem significat.

[34] Kalends of April. The Scorpion sets in the morning; it signifies a tempest.

Non. Apr. Favonius aut Auster cum grandine, nonnumquam hoc idem pridie.

Nones of April: West wind (Favonius) or South wind (Auster) with hail; sometimes this same on the day before.

VIII Id. Apr. Vergiliae vespere celantur, interdum hiemat.
VII Id. Apr.

8th day before the Ides of April. The Pleiades are hidden in the evening, sometimes it is wintry.
7th day before the Ides of April.

Et VI et V Austri et Africi, tempestatem significat.
IIII Id. Apr. Sole oriente Libra occidere incipit, interdum tempestatem significat.

And on the 6th and 5th, the south and the Afric (southwest) winds signify a tempest.
4 Id. Apr. At sunrise, Libra begins to set, sometimes it signifies a tempest.

[35] Pridie Id. Apr. Suculae celantur, hiemat.
His diebus locis frigidis prima vinearum fossio utique ante Idus peragenda est, quaeque mense Martio post confectum aequinoctium fieri debuerunt, nunc denique quam primum exsequenda sunt.

[35] The day before the Ides of April the Pleiades are hidden; it is wintry weather.
In these days, in cold places, the first digging of the vineyards must by all means be completed before the Ides, and the things which ought to have been done in the month of March after the equinox was completed must now at last be executed as soon as possible.

Fici vitesque adhuc recte inseruntur; seminaria, quae sunt ante facta, runcari et adhuc commode fodiri possunt. Oves Tarentinae radice lanaria lavari debent, ut tonsurae praeparentur.
Id. Apr., Vt supra, Libra occidit, hiemat.

Fig-trees and vines are still rightly grafted; the nurseries which were made before can be weeded and still conveniently dug. Tarentine sheep ought to be washed with the wool-workers’ alkali (soapwort), so that they may be prepared for shearing.
The Ides of April: As above, Libra sets, wintry weather prevails.

[36] XVIII Kal. Mai. Ventosa tempestas et imbres nec hoc constanter.

[36] 18 days before the Kalends of May. Windy weather and rains, and not even this consistently.

XV Kal. Mai. Sol in Taurum transitum facit, pluviam significat.

April 17. The Sun makes a transit into Taurus, it signifies rain.

XIIII Kal. Mai. Suculae se vespere celant, pluviam significat.

14 Kal. May. The Suculae hide themselves in the evening, it signifies rain.

XI Kal. Mai. Ver bipertitur, pluvia et nonnumquam grando.

11th day before the Kalends of May. Spring is divided in two: rain, and sometimes hail.

X Kal. Mai. Vergiliae cum sole oriuntur, Africus vel Auster, dies umidus.

10 Kal. May. The Vergiliae rise with the sun, Africus or Auster, a humid day.

VIIII Kal. Mai. Prima nocte Fidicula apparet, tempestatem significat.

9th day before the Kalends of May. In the first watch of the night the Little Lyre appears; it signifies a storm.

IIII Kal. Mai. Auster fere cum pluvia.

4 Kalends of May. Auster generally with rain.

[37] III Kal. Mai. Mane Capra exoritur, Austrinus dies, interdum pluviae.

[37] 3 Kal. May. In the morning the She-Goat (Capra) rises, an austral day, sometimes rains.

Pridie Kal. Mai. Canis se vespere celat; tempestatem significat.

The day before the Kalends of May. The Dog hides itself in the evening; it signifies a tempest.

Per hos dies eadem, quae supra, persequemur, possuntque, si iam librum remittunt, inseri oleae vel emplastrari ceteraeque pomiferae arbores eodem emplastrationis genere inseri.

During these days we shall pursue the same things as above, and, if now they loosen the bark (liber), olives can be grafted or plastered, and the other fruit-bearing trees grafted by the same kind of plastering.

[38] Sed et prima pampinatio recte inchoatur, dum prorepentes oculi digito decuti possint. Si qua praeterea in vineis aut fossor disturbavit aut neglegentia omisit, diligens vinitor restituere debet et fracta iuga considerate resarcire aut disiectos palos reponere, ita ne teneros pampinos explantet. eodem tempore secundi fetus pecudes signari oportet.

[38] But also the first pampination is rightly begun, while the eyes (buds) creeping forth can be knocked off with a finger. If, moreover, in the vineyards anything either the digger has disturbed or negligence has omitted, the diligent vintner ought to restitute it, and considerately resarcinate the broken yokes, or replace the scattered stakes, in such a way that he does not explant the tender vine-shoots. At the same time the second offspring of the flocks ought to be marked.

[39] Kal. Maiis, hoc biduo sol unam dicitur tenere particulam, Sucula cum sole exoritur.
VI Non.

[39] Kalends of May, in this two-day span the sun is said to hold one portion, Sucula rises with the sun.
6 before the Nones.

Mai. Septentrionales venti.
V Non.

May. Northern winds.
5 Nones.

Mai. Centaurus totus apparet, tempestatem significat.
III Non.

May. The whole Centaurus appears, it signifies a storm.
3 Nones.

Mai. Idem sidus pluviam significat.
Pridie Non.

May. The same constellation signifies rain.
The day before the Nones.

Mai. Nepa medius occidit, tempestatem significat.
Non.

May. The middle of the Scorpion sets, it signifies a tempest.
Nones.

Mai. Vergiliae exoriuntur mane, Favonius.
VII Id. Mai.

May. The Vergiliae (Pleiades) rise in the morning, Favonius (the West Wind).
May 9.

Aestatis initium, Favonius aut Corus, interdum et pluviae.

The beginning of summer, Favonius or Corus, and sometimes also rains.

[40] VI Id. Mai. Vergiliae totae apparent, Favonius aut Corus, interdum et pluviae.
III Id. Mai.

[40] 6 Ides of May. The Pleiades appear in full, the Favonius or the Corus, and sometimes also rains.
3 Ides of May.

Fidis mane oritur, significat tempestatem.

The Lyre rises in the morning, it signifies a tempest.

Per hos dies runcandae segetes sunt, faenisiciae instituendae. bonus operarius prati iugerum desecat nec minus mille ducentos manipulos unus obligat, qui sint singuli quaternarum librarum. Arbores quoque tempus est ablaqueatas circumfodere et operire; una opera novellas circumfodiet arbores LXXX, mediocres LXV, magnas L.

During these days the grain-fields are to be weeded, and haymaking is to be instituted. A good workman cuts down a iugerum of meadow, and one binds not less than 1,200 bundles, each being of 4 pounds. It is also time to dig around and cover the trees that have been ablaqueated; in one day’s work he will dig around 80 young trees, 65 medium, 50 large.

[41] Hoc mense seminaria omnia crebre fodere oportet. Sed et a Kalendis Martiis usque in Idus Septembres omnibus mensibus non solum seminariis, sed etiam novellis vineis danda fossio est. Iisdem diebus, ubi praegelidum et pluvium caelum est, oleae putantur et muscantur.

[41] In this month all the nurseries ought to be dug frequently. But also from the Kalends of March up to the Ides of September, in all the months, digging must be given not only to the nurseries but also to the young vineyards. On these same days, when the sky is very-chilly and rainy, the olive-trees are pruned and de-mossed.

Ceterum tepidis regionibus duobus temporibus anni facere istud oportebit, primo ab Idibus Octobribus usque in Idus Decembres, iterum ab Idibus Februariis usque in Idus Martias, si tamen arbor librum non remittit.

Moreover, in temperate regions it will be proper to do that at two seasons of the year: first from the Ides of October up to the Ides of December, again from the Ides of February up to the Ides of March, provided, however, that the tree does not let the bark slip.

[42] Hoc eodem mense in pastinato seminario novissima positio est olearis taleae, eamque oportet, cum panxeris, fimo et cinere mixtis oblinere et superponere muscum, ne sole findatur. Sed hoc idem opus melius fiet ultima parte mensis Martii vel prima mensis Aprilis et ceteris temporibus, quibus praecepimus seminaria plantis vel ramis conserere.

[42] In this same month, in the trenched nursery the very last planting is that of olive cuttings, and these you ought, when you have planted them, to plaster with manure and ashes mixed, and to place moss over them, lest it be split by the sun. But this same work will be done better in the last part of the month of March or the first of the month of April, and at the other times at which we have prescribed to stock the nurseries with slips or branches.

[43] Id. Mai. Fidis mane exoritur, Auster aut Eurinus, interdum dies umidus.

[43] Ides of May. Fidis rises in the morning, South Wind or Eurinus, sometimes a wet day.

XVII Kal. Iun. Idem, quod supra.

May 16. The same as above.

XVI et XV Kal. Iun. Eurinus vel Auster cum pluvia.

16 and 15 days before the Kalends of June. Eurinus or Auster with rain.

XIIII Kal. Iun. Sol in Geminos introitum facit.

14 days before the Kalends of June. The Sun makes an entry into Gemini.

XII Kal. Iun. Suculae exoriuntur, septentrionales venti, nonnumquam Auster cum pluvia.

12 Kal. Jun. The Sucklings (Hyades) rise, northern (septentrional) winds, sometimes the Auster with rain.

XI et X Kal. Iun. Arcturus mane occidit, tempestatem significat.

11 and 10 Kalends of June. Arcturus sets in the morning, it signifies a tempest.

VIII et VII et VI Kal. Iun. Capra mane exoritur, septentrionales venti.

8 and 7 and 6 days before the Kalends of June. Capra rises in the morning, septentrional winds.

[44] Ab Idibus usque in Kalendas Iunias veteranam vineam, priusquam florere incipiat, iterum fodere oportet, eandemque et ceteras omnes vineas identidem pampinare. Quod si saepius feceris, puerilis una opera iugerum vineti pampinabit. quibusdam regionibus oves nunc tondentur, et pecoris nati aut amissi ratio accipitur.

[44] From the Ides up to the Kalends of June, one ought to dig the veteran vineyard again, before it begins to flower, and to pampinate that same vineyard and all the other vineyards repeatedly. But if you do it more often, with the labor of one boy a iugerum of vineyard will be pampinated. In certain regions the sheep are now shorn, and an account is taken of the stock born or lost.

Item qui lupinum stercorandi agri causa sevit, nunc demum aratro subvertit.

Likewise, he who sowed lupine for the sake of manuring the field now at last turns it under with the plow.

[45] Kal. Iun. Et IIII Non.

[45] Kalends of June and the 4th day before the Nones of June.

Aquila exoritur, tempestas ventosa et interdum pluvia.
VII Id. Iun. Arcturus occidit, Favonius aut Corus.

Aquila rises, weather windy and sometimes rainy.
7th day before the Ides of June. Arcturus sets, Favonius or Corus.

IIII Id. Iun. Delphinus vespere exoritur, Favonius, interdum rorat.

4 before the Ides of June. The Dolphin rises in the evening, the West Wind, sometimes it drizzles.

[46] His diebus, si opere victi sumus, eadem quae extremo mense Maio facienda sunt. Item omnes arbores frugiferae circumfossae aggerari debent, ut ante solstitium id opus peractum sit. Quin etiam pro conditione regionis et caeli terra vel proscinditur vel iteratur, eaque, si est difficilis, proscinditur operis tribus, iteratur duabus, tertiatur una, lirantur autem iugera duo bis opera una.

[46] In these days, if we are overcome by the work, the same things must be done as at the end of the month of May. Likewise all fruit-bearing trees, having been dug around, ought to be banked up, so that before the solstice that work may be completed. Nay more, according to the condition of the region and the sky (climate), the soil is either ploughed or gone over again; and if it is difficult, it is broken up with three labors, gone over again with two, third‑ploughed with one; moreover, two iugera are laid out in ridges twice by a single day’s work.

At si facilis est terra, proscinditur iugerum duabus operis, iteratur una, lirantur una iugera quattuor, cum in subacta iam terra latiores porcae sulcantur.

But if the soil is easy, a iugerum is first-ploughed with two works, is gone-over-again with one, and with one work four iugera are ridged, since on land already subdued wider ridges are ploughed.

[47] Quae ratio colligit, ut per autumnum facile possint uno iugo tritici obseri modii centum quinquaginta ceterorumque leguminum modii centum. Iisdem his diebus area triturae praeparanda est; ut quaeque res desecta erit, in eam conferatur. Vinearum quoque quibus maior est modus iteratus esse debet ante solstitium.

[47] This method reckons that during autumn with a single yoke it is easy to sow 150 modii of wheat and 100 modii of the other legumes. In these same days the threshing-floor is to be prepared, so that whatever produce has been cut may be brought into it. Likewise, those vineyards whose extent is greater ought to be worked over a second time before the solstice.

[48] Pabulum, si facultas est, vel nunc vel etiam superioribus quindecim diebus, qui fuerunt ante Kalendas Iunias, praeberi pecori oportet. A Kalendis autem Iuniis, si iam defecit viridis herba, usque in ultimum autumni frondem caesam praebebimus.

[48] Fodder, if there is the means, either now or even in the preceding fifteen days which were before the Kalends of June, ought to be provided to the herd. From the Kalends of June, however, if the green grass has already failed, we will provide cut frondage right up to the end of autumn.

Id. Iun. Calor incipit.

The Ides of June. Heat begins.

[49] XIII Kal. Iul. Sol introitum Cancro facit, tempestatem significat.

[49] 13 days before the Kalends of July. The Sun makes its entry into Cancer, it signifies stormy weather.

XI Kal. Iul. Anguifer, qui Graece dicitur ophiouchos mane occidit, tempestatem significat.

11 Kal. Jul. Serpent-bearer, which in Greek is called Ophiouchos, sets in the morning, it signifies a storm.

VIII et VII et VI Kal. Iul. Solstitium, Favonius et calor.

8 and 7 and 6 days before the Kalends of July. Solstice, Favonius and heat.

III Kal. Iul. Ventosa tempestas.

3 Kalends of July. Windy storm.

[50] His diebus eadem, quae supra. Sed et viciam in pabulum secare oportet, priusquam siliquae eius durentur, hordeum metere, fabam serotinam ducere, fabam maturam conterere et paleas eius diligenter recondere, hordeum terere paleasque omnis recondere, alveos castrare, quos subinde nono quoque aut decimo die a Kalendis Maiis considerare et curare oportet. Nunc autem si sunt pleni atque operculati favi, demetendi sunt; sin autem maiore parte vacant aut sine operculis adaperti sunt, nondum esse maturos significatur, itaque mellatio est differenda.

[50] In these days, the same things as above. But one ought also to cut vetch into fodder before its pods (siliquae) harden, to reap barley, to pull up the late bean, to thresh the ripe bean and store away its chaff carefully, to thresh the barley and store away all the chaff, to “castrate” (i.e., prune) the hives, which one ought, moreover, to inspect and tend every ninth or tenth day from the Kalends of May (May 1). Now, however, if the honeycombs are full and capped, they must be cut off; but if for the greater part they are empty or opened without cappings, it is signified that they are not yet mature, and so the honey-harvest (mellation) is to be deferred.

Quidam in provinciis transmarinis vel hoc vel sequente mense sesama serunt.

Some, in the overseas provinces, sow sesame either in this or in the following month.

[51] Kal. Iul. Favonius vel Auster et calor.

[51] Kalends of July. Favonius or Auster and heat.

IIII Non. Iul. Corona occidit mane.

4 Nones of July. Corona sets in the morning.

Pridie Non. Iul. Cancer medius occidit, calor.

The day before the Nones of July: mid-Cancer sets, heat.

VIII Id. Iul. Capricornus medius occidit.
VII Id. Iul.

8 Ides of July. The middle of Capricorn sets.
7 Ides of July.

Cepheus vespere exoritur, tempestatem significat.
VI Id. Iul. Prodromi flare incipiunt.

Cepheus rises in the evening, it signifies a storm.
6 Ides of July. The Forerunners begin to blow.

[52] His diebus eadem, quae supra. Sed et proscissum vervactum optime nunc iteratur et silvestris ager decrescente luna utilissime exstirpatur.
Id. Iul.

[52] In these days, the same things as above. But also the proscissum and the vervactum are now repeated to best effect, and the woodland field is most usefully extirpated with the moon waning.
Ides of July.

Procyon exoritur mane, tempestatem significat.
XIII Kal. Aug.

Procyon rises in the morning, it signifies a tempest.
13th day before the Kalends of August.

Sol in Leonem transitum facit, Favonius.
[IX Kal. Aug.

The sun makes a transit into Leo, Favonius.
[9 Kal. Aug.

Leonis in pectore clara stella exoritur. Interdum tempestatem significat].
VIII Kal. Aug.

In the breast of Leo a bright star rises. Sometimes it signifies a tempest].
8 Kal. Aug.

Aquarius incipit occidere clare, Favonius vel Auster.

Aquarius begins to set clearly, Favonius or Auster.

[53] VII Kal. Aug. Canicula apparet, caligo aestuosa.

[53] 7 Kalends of Aug. Canicula (the Dog-star) appears, sweltering haze.

VI Kal. Aug. Aquila exoritur.

6th day before the Kalends of August. Aquila rises.

IIII Kal. Aug. Leonis in pectore clara stella exoritur; interdum tempestatem significat.

4 days before the Kalends of Aug. The bright star in the breast of Leo rises; sometimes it signifies a storm.

III Kal. Aug. Aquila occidit; significat tempestatem.

3 days before the Kalends of August. Aquila sets; it signifies a storm.

[54] His diebus locis temperatis et maritimis messis conficitur, et intra dies triginta, quam desecta est, stramenta praecisa in acervum congeruntur. Iugerum stramentorum opera una desecat, quibus remotis, priusquam sol acrior exurat terram, omnes arbores, quae fuerant in segete, circumfodere et adobruere oportet. Item quibus magna sementis praeparatur, nunc debent iterare.

[54] In these days, in temperate and maritime places, the harvest is brought to completion, and within thirty days from when it has been cut, the cut straw is piled into a heap. One work-crew cuts the straw of a iugerum; when these have been removed, before the harsher sun scorches the earth, all the trees which had been in the grain-field ought to be dug around and earthed up. Likewise, where a great sowing is being prepared, they ought now to go over it again.

[55] Nam de fodiendis colendisve novellis vineis saepius iam dixi, nullum esse mensem omittendum, donec autumnale aequinoctium conficiatur. Meminisse autem oportebit, ut per hos et Augusti mensis dies antelucanis et vespertinis temporibus frondem pecudibus caedamus. Item quascumque vineas culturi sumus, ne per aestum, sed mane usque in tertiam et a decima usque in crepusculum fodiamus.

[55] For about digging and or cultivating young vineyards I have already said rather often that no month is to be omitted until the autumnal equinox is accomplished. One must remember, moreover, that throughout these days and the days of the month of August we should cut foliage for the livestock at antelucan and vespertine times. Likewise, whatever vineyards we are going to cultivate, let us not hoe during the heat, but in the morning up to the third hour, and from the tenth up to crepuscule let us dig.

[56] Quibusdam regionibus, sicut in Cilicia et Pamphylia, hoc mense sesama seruntur, Italiae autem regionibus umidis possunt ultimo mense Iunio seri. Quin etiam tempus est ficulneis arboribus caprificum suspendere, quod quidam existimant idcirco fieri debere, ne fructus decidat et ut celerius ad maturitatem perveniat.

[56] In certain regions, as in Cilicia and Pamphylia, sesame are sown in this month; but in the moist regions of Italy they can be sown at the end of the month of June. Indeed it is also the time to suspend the caprificus upon fig-trees, which some think ought to be done for this reason: lest the fruit fall, and that it may reach maturity more quickly.

Kal. Aug. Etesiae.

Kalends of August. Etesian winds.

Pridie Non. Aug. Leo medius exoritur, tempestatem significat.

The day before the Nones of August. The middle Lion rises, it signifies a tempest.

[57] VII Id. Aug. Aquarius occidit medius, nebulosus aestus.
Pridie Id. Aug.

[57] 7 days before the Ides of August. Aquarius sets in the middle, a nebulous heat.
The day before the Ides of August

Fidis occidit mane, autumnus incipit.
His diebus eadem quae supra. Nonnullis tamen locis favi demetuntur; qui si non sunt melle repleti nec operculati, differenda est in mensem Octobrem mellatio.

The Lyre sets in the morning; autumn begins.
In these days, the same things as above. However, in some places the honeycombs are cut off; which, if they are not filled with honey nor operculated, the honey-harvesting is to be deferred to the month of October.

Id. Aug. Delphini occasus tempestatem significat.
XVIIII Kal.

Ides of August. The setting of Delphinus signifies a tempest.
19 Kalends.

Sept. Eiusdem sideris matutinus occasus tempestatem significat.

Sept. The morning setting of the same constellation signifies a storm.

[58] XIII Kal. Sept. Sol in Virginem transitum facit.

[58] 13 days before the Kalends of Sept. The Sun makes a transit into Virgo.

Hoc et sequenti die tempestatem significat, interdum et tonat. Hoc eodem die Fidis occidit. X Kal.

This and on the following day it signifies a tempest, and at times it even thunders. On this same day Fidis sets. 10 Kal.

Sept. Ex. Eodem sidere tempestas plerumque oritur et pluvia. VII Kal.

Sept. From the same constellation a storm for the most part arises, and rain. 7 Kal.

Sept. Vindemitor exoritur mane et Arcturus incipit occidere, interdum pluvia.
III Kal.

Sept. Vindemitor rises in the morning and Arcturus begins to set, sometimes rain.
3 Kalends.

Sept. Vmeri Virginis exoriuntur, Etesiae desinunt flare et interdum hiemat.

Sept. The shoulders of the Virgin rise, the Etesian winds cease to blow, and sometimes it is wintry weather.

[59] Pridie Kal. Sept. Andromeda vespere exoritur, interdum hiemat.

[59] On the day before the Kalends of September, Andromeda rises in the evening; sometimes it storms.

His quidem diebus arbores ficorum inoculant, quod genus insitionis emplastratio vocatur, idque licet vel commodius facere superiore mense post Idus Iulias, quo tempore etiam aliarum arborum nonnulli emplastrationem faciunt.

In these days they inoculate fig trees, which kind of grafting is called emplastration, and it is permitted, or even more conveniently, to do this in the preceding month after the Ides of July, at which time some also perform emplastration of other trees.

[60] Quibusdam autem locis, ut in Baetica, maritimis regionibus et in Africa, vindemia conficitur. Sed frigidioribus regionibus pulverationem faciunt, quam vocant rustici occationem, cum omnis gleba in vineis refringitur et solvitur in pulverem. Hoc eodem tempore prius quam vineae pulverentur, si perexilis est terra vel rara ipsa vitis, lupini modii tres vel quattuor in singula iugera sparguntur et ita inoccantur; qui, cum fruticaverunt, prima cum fossione conversi satis bonum stercus vineis praebent.

[60] But in certain places, as in Baetica, in the maritime regions and in Africa, the vintage is completed. But in colder regions they perform pulveration, which the rustics call occation (harrowing), when every clod in the vineyards is broken up and loosened into powder. At this same time, before the vineyards are pulverated, if the soil is very thin or the vine itself sparse, three or four modii of lupines are scattered on each iugerum and thus are harrowed in; which, when they have become shrubby, being turned in with the first digging, provide sufficiently good manure for the vines.

[61] Multi etiam, si pluvius est status caeli, sicut suburbana regione Italiae, pampinis vitem spoliant, ut percoqui fructus possint nec putrescere imbribus. at e contrario locis calidioribus, ut modo nominatis provinciis, circa vindemiam adumbrantur vel stramentis vel aliis tegmentis uvae, ne ventis aut caloribus exarescant.

[61] Many also, if the state of the sky is pluvial, as in the suburban region of Italy, strip the vine of its vine-leaves (pampins), so that the fruits may be able to ripen through and not rot from the rains; but conversely, in hotter places, as in the provinces just now named, about the vintage the grapes are shaded either with straw or with other coverings, lest they desiccate from winds or heats.

[62] Hoc idem tempus est aridis uvis ficisque conficiendis, de quibus, quemadmodum passae fiant, suo loco dicemus, cum vilicae persequemur officia. Felix quoque aut carex, ubicumque nascitur, Augusto mense recte exstirpatur, melius tamen circa Idus Iulias ante Caniculae exortum.

[62] This same time is for preparing dried grapes and figs, about which, in what manner raisins are made, we will say in its proper place, when we pursue the duties of the vilica. Fern also or sedge, wherever it grows, is rightly extirpated in the month of August, better however around the Ides of July before the rising of the Canicula (Dog-star).

[63] Kal. Sept. Calor.

[63] Kalends of September. Heat.

IIII Non. Sept. Piscis austrinus desinit occidere, calor.

4th day before the Nones of September. The Southern Fish ceases to set, heat.

Non. Sept. Arcturus exoritur, Favonius vel Corus.

Nones of September. Arcturus rises, the Favonius or the Corus.

VII Id. Sept. Piscis aquilonius desinit occidere et Capra exoritur,
tempestatem significat.
III Id. Sept.

7 Ides of Sept. The Northern Fish ceases to set and the Goat rises,
it signifies a storm.
3 Ides of Sept.

Favonius aut Africus, Virgo media exoritur.

Favonius or Africus, the middle of Virgo rises.

[64] His diebus locis maritimis et calidis vindemia et cetera, quae supra scripta sunt, commode administrantur. Iteratio quoque arationis peracta esse debet, si serius terra proscissa est; sin autem celerius, etiam tertiatum solum esse convenit. Hoc etiam tempore, qui consueverunt vina condire, aquam marinam praeparant et advectam decoquunt; de qua conficienda praecipiam, cum vilicae officia persequar.

[64] In these days, in maritime and warm places the grape-harvest and the other things which have been written above are conveniently administered. The repetition of plowing ought also to have been completed, if the earth has been broken later; but if earlier, it is fitting that the soil be even third-plowed. At this time as well, those who are accustomed to season wines prepare seawater and boil down what has been brought; about the making of which I shall give instructions, when I pursue the duties of the farm-mistress (vilica).

Id. Sept. Ex pristino sidere nonnumquam tempestatem significat.

Ides of September. From the preceding constellation it sometimes signifies a tempest.

[65] XV Kal. Oct. Arcturus exoritur, Favonius aut Africus, interdum Eurus, quem quidam Vulturnum appellant.

[65] 15 days before the Kalends of October. Arcturus rises, the Favonius or the Africus, sometimes the Eurus, which some call the Vulturnus.

XIIII Kal. Oct. Spica Virginis exoritur, Favonius aut Corus.

14 Kal. Oct. Spica of the Virgin rises, the Favonius or the Corus.

XIII Kal. Oct. Sol in Libram transitum facit, Crater matutino tempore apparet.

13 days before the Kalends of October: the Sun makes a transit into Libra, the Crater appears at morning time.

XI Kal. Oct. Pisces occidunt mane, item Aries occidere incipit, Favonius aut Corus, interdum Auster cum imbribus.

11 Kal. Oct. Pisces set in the morning, likewise Aries begins to set, Favonius or Corus, sometimes Auster with rains.

[66] X Kal. Oct. Argo navis occidit, tempestatem significat, interdum et pluviam.

[66] 10 Kal. Oct. The ship Argo sets; it signifies a tempest, sometimes also rain.

VIIII Kal. Oct. Centaurus incipit mane oriri, tempestatem significat, interdum et pluviam.

9 days before the Kalends of October. Centaurus begins to rise in the morning; it signifies a tempest, and sometimes also rain.

VIII Kal. Oct. et VII et VI aequinoctium autumnale pluviam significat.

On the 8th, 7th, and 6th day before the Kalends of October, the autumnal equinox signifies rain.

V Kal. Oct. Haedi exoriuntur, Favonius, nonnumquam Auster cum pluvia.

5 Kal. Oct. The Kids rise, the Favonius, sometimes the Auster with rain.

IIII Kal. Oct. Virgo desinit oriri, tempestatem significat.

4 days before the Kalends of Oct. The Virgin ceases to rise; it signifies a storm.

[67] His diebus vindemiae plurimis regionibus fiunt, quarum maturitatem alii aliter interpretati sunt. Quidam cum vidissent partem aliquam uvarum virescere, crediderunt tempestivam esse vindemiam, quidam cum coloratas et perlucidas uvas animadvertissent, nonnulli etiam cum pampinos ac folia decidere considerassent. Quae omnia fallacia sunt, quoniam inmaturis uvis omnia eadem possunt accidere propter intemperiem solis aut anni.

[67] In these days the vintage takes place in very many regions, the maturity of which different people have interpreted in different ways. Some, when they had seen some part of the grapes turning green, believed the vintage to be seasonable; others, when they had noticed the grapes colored and translucent; some also, when they had observed the vine-shoots and the leaves falling. All of which are deceptive, since in immature grapes all the same things can happen because of the intemperance of the sun or of the year.

[68] Itaque nonnulli gustu explorare maturitatem temptaverunt, ut sive dulcis esset sapor uvae sive acidus proinde aestimarent. Sed et haec ipsa res habet aliquam fallaciam. Nam quaedam genera uvarum numquam dulcedinem capiunt propter austeritatem nimiam.

[68] And so some attempted to explore the maturity by taste, so that whether the flavor of the grape were sweet or sour they would judge accordingly. But even this very matter has some fallacy. For certain kinds of grapes never take on sweetness, on account of excessive austerity.

[69] Itaque optimum est, quod nos fecimus, ipsam naturalem contemplare maturitatem. Naturalis autem maturitas est, si cum expresseris vinacea, quae acinis celantur, iam infuscata et nonnulla praeter modum nigra fuerint. Nam colorem nulla res vinaceis potest adferre nisi naturae maturitas, praesertim cum ita in media parte acinorum sint, ut et a sole et a ventis protegantur umorque ipse non patiatur ea praecipi aut infuscari nisi suapte natura.

[69] And so the best course—what we ourselves have done—is to contemplate the natural maturity itself. Natural maturity, moreover, is this: if, when you have pressed out the grape-stones, which are concealed within the berries, they are already darkened, and some even excessively black. For nothing can bring color to the grape-stones except nature’s maturity, especially since they are in the middle part of the berries in such a way that they are protected both from the sun and from the winds, and the moisture itself does not allow them to be parched or darkened except by their own nature.

[70] Hoc igitur cum exploratum habuerit vilicus, sciet vindemiam sibi esse faciendam. Sed antequam fructum cogere incipiat, cuncta praeparanda erunt superiore, si fieri possit, mense; si minus, certe ut ante quindecim dies dolia partim picata partim defricata et diligenter lota marina vel aqua salsa et recte siccata;

[70] Therefore, when the bailiff has this ascertained, he will know that the vintage must be carried out by him. But before he begins to gather the fruit, everything must be prepared in the previous month, if it can be done; if not, at any rate so that fifteen days beforehand the vats, partly pitched, partly scoured, and carefully washed with sea-water or brine, and properly dried;

[71] tum et opercula colaque et cetera, sine quibus probe confici mustum non potest, torcularia vero et fora diligenter emundata lotaque et, si res ita exegerit, picata praeparataque habeat ligna, quibus defrutum et sapam decoquat. tum etiam salem atque odoramenta, quibus condire vina consueverit, multo ante reposita esse oportet. Nec tamen haec cura totum avocet eum a cetera ruris cultura.

[71] then also the lids and strainers and the rest, without which the must cannot be properly prepared; the press-rooms and the press-beds diligently cleaned and washed and, if the matter so require, pitched; let him have the firewood prepared, with which he may boil down defrutum and sapa. Then also the salt and aromatics, with which he is accustomed to season the wines, ought to have been laid in long beforehand. Nor, however, should this care wholly divert him from the rest of the cultivation of the farm.

Nam et napinae itemque rapinae siccaneis locis per hos dies fiunt et farraginaria quoque pecori futura per hiemem praesidio; itemque siliqua, quod rustici faenum graecum vocant, nec minus in pabulum vicia nunc demum conseruntur.

For both plantings of navews and likewise of turnips are made in dry places during these days, and also the forage-stuff that will be a safeguard to the herd through the winter; likewise fenugreek—what countryfolk call Greek hay—and no less vetch is only now at last sown for fodder.

[72] Tum etiam lupini haec erit praecipua satio, quod quidam vel ab area protinus in agrum deferri putant oportere. milium et panicum hoc tempore demetitur, quo faseolus ad escam seritur. Nam ad percipiendum semen ultima parte Octobris circa Kalendas Novembres melius obruitur.

[72] Then too for lupines this will be the principal sowing-season, since some think they ought even to be carried straight from the threshing-floor into the field. Millet and panic(-grass) are reaped at this time, when the phaseolus-bean is sown for feed. For the purpose of obtaining seed it is better to bury it in the last part of October, around the Kalends of November (1 November).

Quare cum haec cuncta in agris exsequi debeat, possit eorum curam, quae intra villam facienda sunt, vilicae delegare, ita tamen, ut ipse consideret, an recte facta sint.

Wherefore, since he ought to execute all these things in the fields, he can delegate to the vilica the care of those things which are to be done within the villa, yet in such a way that he himself consider whether they have been done rightly.

Kal. Oct. Et VI Non.

Kalends of October. And the 6th day before the Nones.

Interdum tempestatem significat.

Sometimes it signifies a storm.

[73] IIII Non. Oct. Auriga occidit mane, Virgo desinit occidere, significat nonnumquam tempestatem.

[73] 4 Nones of Oct. Auriga sets in the morning, Virgo ceases to set, it sometimes signifies a tempest.

III Non. Oct. Corona incipit exoriri, significat tempestatem.

3 Nones of October. Corona begins to rise, it signifies a storm.

Pridie Non. Oct. Haedi oriuntur vespere, Aries medius occidit, Aquilo.

The day before the Nones of October. The Kids rise in the evening, the middle of Aries sets, the North Wind.

VIII Id. Oct. Coronae clara stella exoritur.

8 Id. Oct. The bright star of Corona rises.

[74] VI Id. Oct. Vergiliae exoriuntur vespere, Favonius et interdum Africus cum pluvia.
III et pridie Id. Oct.

[74] 6th day before the Ides of October: the Vergiliae rise in the evening, the Favonius and sometimes the Africus, with rain.
3rd and the day before the Ides of October.

Corona tota mane exoritur, Auster hibernus et nonnumquam pluvia.

The whole Corona rises in the morning, the hibernal Auster and sometimes rain.

Per hos dies frigidis regionibus vindemia et cetera, quae supra scripta sunt, fieri solent, iisdemque regionibus frumenta matura seruntur et praecipue far adoreum. Locis etiam opacis triticum nunc recte seritur. Et quoniam sementis mentionem fecimus, non intempestive, quantum cuiusque seminis iugerum agri recipiat, referemus.

During these days in cold regions the vintage and the other things which have been written above are wont to be done, and in the same regions well-ripened grains are sown, and especially emmer (spelt). In shady places too wheat is now rightly sown. And since we have made mention of the sowing, it will not be untimely to report how much of each kind of seed a iugerum of land receives.

[75] Iugerum agri recipit tritici modios quattuor vel quinque, farris adorei modios novem vel decem, hordei modios quinque vel sex, milii vel panici sextarios quattuor vel quinque, lupini modios octo vel decem, phaseli modios quattuor, pisi modios tres vel quattuor, fabae modios sex, lentis modium unum paulo amplius, lini seminis modios octo vel decem, cicerculae modios tres vel quattuor, ciceris modios tres vel quattuor, sesami sextarios quattuor vel quinque, viciae pabularis modios septem vel octo, viciae seminalis modios quinque vel sex, ervi modios quattuor vel quinque, farraginis hordeaceae modios septem vel octo, siliquae modios sex, medicae singulos cyathos serere oportet in areolis longis pedum denum, latis pedum quinum. Cannabis grana sex in pede quadrato ponuntur.

[75] An iugerum of land takes in four or five modii of wheat, nine or ten modii of far adoreum, five or six modii of barley, four or five sextarii of millet or panic, eight or ten modii of lupins, four modii of phaselus-beans, three or four modii of peas, six modii of broad beans, a little more than one modius of lentil, eight or ten modii of linseed, three or four modii of cicercula, three or four modii of cicer, four or five sextarii of sesame, seven or eight modii of fodder vetch, five or six modii of vetch for seed, four or five modii of ervil, seven or eight modii of barley farrago, six modii of siliqua; for medick (medica) it is proper to sow single cyathi in little plots ten feet long and five feet wide. For hemp (Cannabis), six grains are placed in a square foot.

[76] Id. Oct. Et sequenti biduo interdum tempestas, nonnumquam rorat tantummodo, Iugulae exoriuntur vespere.
XIII Kal.

[76] Ides of October. And in the following two days sometimes there is stormy weather, sometimes there is only dew; the Iugulae (Orion) rise in the evening.
13 Kalends.

Nov. Sol in Scorpionem transitum facit.

Nov. The Sun makes its transit into Scorpio.

[77] XIII et XII Kal. Nov. Solis exortu Vergiliae incipiunt occidere, tempestatem significat.

[77] 13 and 12 Kal. Nov. At sunrise the Vergiliae begin to set, it signifies stormy weather.

XI Kal. Nov. Tauri cauda occidit, Auster, interdum pluvia.

11 days before the Kalends of November. The tail of Taurus sets, the South Wind, sometimes rain.

VIII Kal. Nov. Centaurus exoriri mane desinit, tempestatem significat.

8 Kal. Nov. Centaurus ceases to rise in the morning; it signifies a storm.

[78] VII Kal. Nov. Nepae frons exoritur, tempestatem significat.

[78] 7 Kal. Nov. The brow of the Scorpion rises; it indicates weather.

V Kal. Nov. Vergiliae occidunt, hiemat cum frigore et gelicidiis.

5 Kalends of November. The Pleiades (Vergiliae) set; there is wintry weather with cold and freezing rains.

IIII Kal. Nov. Arcturus vespere occidit, ventosus dies.

4 Kalends of Nov. Arcturus sets in the evening, a windy day.

III Kal. Nov. Et pridie Cassiope incipit occidere, tempestatem significat.

3 Kal. Nov. And on the day before, Cassiopeia begins to set, it signifies a storm.

[79] Per hos dies quaecumque semina differri debent, arbusculaeque omnis generis recte ponuntur. Vlmi quoque vitibus recte maritantur, ipsaeque vites in arbustis et vineis commode propagantur. Seminaria runcare et fodere tempus est, tum etiam arbores ablaqueare nec minus vineas easdemque putare itemque in arbustis vitem deputare.

[79] During these days whatever seeds ought to be sown are to be scattered, and saplings of every kind are rightly set. Elms too are rightly wedded to vines, and the vines themselves are conveniently propagated in arbusta and in vineyards. It is the time to weed and dig the nurseries; then also to ablaqueate the trees, and no less the vines, and to prune these same; and likewise to prune the vine in the arbusta.

Seminaria, quae suo tempore pampinata non sunt, arbusculaeque ficorum in seminariis putari et ad singulos stilos redigi debent; quae tamen melius, dum tenera sunt, per germinationem pampinantur. sed cum omnia in agricultura strenue facienda sint, tum maxime sementis.

Nurseries which at their proper time have not been pampinated (disbudded), and the little fig-trees in the nurseries, ought to be pruned and reduced to single stakes; which, however, are better pampinated, while they are tender, by disbudding at the stage of germination. But since all things in agriculture ought to be done strenuously, then most of all the sowing.

[80] Vetus est agricolarum proverbium, maturam sationem saepe decipere solere, seram numquam, quin mala sit. Itaque in totum praecipimus: ut quisque natura locus frigidus erit, is primus conseratur, ut quisque calidus, novissimus. Vicia et faba stercorare agrum dicuntur.

[80] There is an old proverb of farmers: that an early sowing is often wont to deceive, a late one never—except that it is bad. Therefore, in general we prescribe: as any place is by nature cold, let it be sown first; as any is warm, last. Vetch and bean are said to manure the field.

[81] Lupinum nisi in florem verteris, nihil agrum stercoraveris. sed nec ulla res magis vacuis operariis aut seritur aut conditur. Nam et primis temporibus ante ullam sementem possis id obruere et novissimis post coactos fructus tollere.

[81] Unless you turn lupine in at the flowering, you have not manured the field at all. But neither is there any thing that is more sown or set by workmen when they are at leisure. For both in the earliest seasons, before any sowing, you can bury it, and in the latest, after the fruits have been collected, you can remove it.

[82] Sementi facta inoccare oportet, quod sparseris. Duo iugera tres operae commode occabunt arboresque, quae intererunt, ablaqueabunt, quamvis antiqui singulis operis singula iugera sariri et occari velint; quod an recte fieri possit, adfirmare non ausim. Eodem tempore fossas rivosque purgare et elices sulcosque aquarios facere convenit.

[82] With the sowing done, you ought to harrow in what you have scattered. Three workers will conveniently harrow two iugera and will ablaqueate the trees which will be among them, although the ancients wish single iugera to be hoed and harrowed by single workers; whether that can rightly be done, I would not dare to affirm. At the same time it is suitable to cleanse ditches and rills and to make drain-outlets and water-furrows.

[83] Iisdem temporibus, si sit, fraxineam, si minus orneam, si nec haec sit, iligneam frondem bubus recte praebebimus. Glandis quoque non inutile est singulis iugis modios singulos dare; nec tamen amplius, ne laborent, nec minus diebus triginta praebueris. Nam si paucioribus diebus datur, ut ait Hyginus, per ver scabiosi boves fiunt.

[83] At the same times, if it is available, we shall rightly provide ash foliage to the oxen; if not, flowering-ash (ornus); and if neither is at hand, holm-oak foliage. It is also not un-useful to give to each yoke one modius of acorns apiece; yet not more, lest they be overburdened, nor should you provide it for fewer than 30 days. For if it is given for fewer days, as Hyginus says, in spring the oxen become scabby.

Glans autem paleis inmiscenda est atque ita bubus adponenda. Tum etiam silvam, si quis barbaricam, id est consemineam velit facere, recte conseret glandibus et ceteris seminibus. Tum et olea destringenda est, ex qua velis viride oleum efficere; quod fit optimum ex varia oliva, cum incipit nigrescere.

The acorn, moreover, must be mixed with chaff and so set before the oxen. Then also a wood, if anyone should wish to make a barbaric one, that is, a co-sown (consemina) wood, he will rightly plant with acorns and other seeds. Then too the olive must be stripped, from which you wish to effect green oil; which is made best from the variegate olive, when it begins to blacken.

nam acerbum nisi ex alba olea fieri non debet.

for acerb (unripe) oil ought not to be made except from the white olive.

[84] Kal. Nov. Et postridie caput Tauri occidit, pluviam significat.

[84] The Kalends of November. And on the following day the head of Taurus sets; it signifies rain.

III Non. Nov. Fidicula mane exoritur, hiemat et pluit.

3 Nones of November. The Fidicula rises in the morning; it is wintry and it rains.

VIII Id. Nov. Idem sidus totum exoritur, Auster vel Favonius, hiemat.
VII Id. Nov.

8 Ides of Nov. The same constellation rises entirely; South wind or West wind; it is wintry.
7 Ides of Nov.

Significat tempestatem, hiemat.
VI Id. Nov. Vergiliae mane occidunt, significat tempestatem, hiemat.

It signifies stormy weather, it is wintry.
6 Id. Nov. The Vergiliae set in the morning, it signifies stormy weather, it is wintry.

V Id. Nov. Stella clara Scorpionis exoritur, tempestatem significat, vel Vulturnus, interdum rorat.
IIII Id. Nov.

5 Ides of Nov. The bright star of Scorpius rises, it signifies a tempest, or the Vulturnus, sometimes it drizzles.
4 Ides of Nov.

Hiemis initium, Auster aut Eurus, interdum rorat.

the beginning of winter, the South wind or the East wind, sometimes it drizzles.

[85] His diebus usque in Idus, quae superiore mense facere non potueris, adhuc tolerabiliter efficies. Sed et proprie hoc observabis, ut pridie, quam plenilunium sit, si minus certe ipso plenilunio, omnem, quam saturus es, fabam uno die spargas; sed postea licebit ab avibus et pecore defensam obruas, eamque, si ita conpetierit lunae cursus, ante Idus Novembres occatam habeas quam pinguissimo et novo loco, si minus, quam stercoratissimo.

[85] In these days up to the Ides, what you were not able to do in the previous month you will still accomplish tolerably. But you will also particularly observe this: that on the day before the full moon occurs—if not, certainly on the full moon itself—you scatter in one day all the bean you intend to sow; but afterwards you may cover it over, once it has been defended from birds and livestock; and have it harrowed before the Ides of November, if the course of the moon so concurs, rather in the very fattest and fresh ground; if not, in the most manured.

[86] Satis erit in singula iugera vehes stercoris conportare numero decem octo; vehis autem stercoris una habet modios octoginta. Ex quo colligitur oportere in denos quoquoversus pedes modios quinos stercoris spargere. Quae ratio docet universo iugero satisfacere modios MCCCCXL.

[86] It will be enough to bring in for each iugerum 18 wagonloads of manure; and a single wagonload of manure holds 80 modii. From which it is gathered that one ought to scatter 5 modii of manure for every 10 feet each way. This reckoning teaches that 1440 modii suffice for the whole iugerum.

[87] Tum etiam convenit oleas ablaqueare et, si sunt parum fructuosae vel cacuminibus retorridae frondis, magnis arboribus quaternos modios stercoris caprini circumspargere, in ceteris autem pro magnitudine portionem servare; eodem tempore vineis ablaqueatis columbinum stercus ad singulas vites, quod sit instar unius sextarii, vel urinae hominis congios vel alterius generis quaternos sextarios stercoris infundere. Iugerum vinearum in senos pedes positarum duae operae oblaqueant.

[87] Then also it is fitting to ablaqueate the olive-trees, and, if they are too little fruitful or the tips of the foliage are scorched, to scatter around the large trees four modii of goat dung, but for the rest to keep the portion according to their size; at the same time, when the vines have been ablaqueated, apply pigeon dung to each vine, to the amount of one sextarius, or pour in congii of human urine, or four sextarii of manure of another kind. Let two laborers ablaqueate a iugerum of vines planted at six-foot intervals.

[88] Id. Nov. Dies incertus, saepius tamen placidus.
XVI Kal.

[88] Ides of November. A day uncertain, yet more often placid.
16th day before the Kalends.

Dec. Fidis exoritur mane, Auster, interdum Aquilo magnus.
XV Kal.

December. The Lyre rises in the morning; the Auster, sometimes the Aquilo, is strong.
15 Kalends.

Dec. Aquilo, interdum Auster cum pluvia.
XIIII Kal.

Dec. The North Wind, sometimes the South Wind with rain.
14 Kal.

Dec. Sol in Sagittarium transitum facit, Suculae mane oriuntur, tempestatem significat.
XII Kal.

Dec. The Sun makes a transit into Sagittarius, the Piglets rise in the morning, it signifies a tempest.
12 Kal.

Dec. Tauri cornua vespere occidunt, Aquilo frigidus et pluvia.

Dec. The horns of Taurus set in the evening, Aquilo cold and rain.

[89] XI Kal. Dec. Sucula mane occidit, hiemat.

[89] 11 Kal. Dec. Sucula sets in the morning, it is wintry.

X Kal. Dec. Lepus occidit mane, tempestatem significat.

10 Kal. Dec. The Hare sets in the morning, it signifies a tempest.

VII Kal. Dec. Canicula occidit solis ortu, hiemat.

7 Kalends of December. The Dog-star sets at sunrise, it is wintry.

Pridie Kal. Dec. Totae Suculae occidunt, Favonius aut Auster, interdum pluvia.

The day before the Kalends of December. All the Suculae set, Favonius or Auster, sometimes rain.

[90] His diebus, quae praeterita erunt superioribus, opera consequi oportebit. Et, si non plurimum serimus, optimum est intra Kalendas Decembres sementem fecisse. Sed etiam longis noctibus ad diurnum tempus aliquid adiciendum est.

[90] In these days, which will have gone by after the former ones, it will be needful to follow up the works. And, if we are not sowing very much, it is best to have made the sowing by the Kalends of December. But even in the long nights something should be added to the diurnal time.

Nam multa sunt, quae in lucubratione recte agantur. Sive enim vineas possidemus, pali et ridicae possunt dolari exacuique, sive regio ferulae vel corticis ferax est, apibus alvaria fieri debent, sive palmae spartive fecunda est, fiscinae sportaeque, seu virgultorum, corbes ex vimine.

For there are many things which in lucubration can rightly be done. Whether we possess vineyards, the stakes and props can be hewn and sharpened; or if the region is fruitful in ferula or in bark, alvearies ought to be made for the bees; or if it is rich in palm or esparto, hampers and baskets; or, from withy-shrubs, baskets of osier.

[91] Ac ne cetera nunc persequar, nulla regio non aliquid adfert, quod ad lucubrationem confici possit. Nam inertis est agricolae exspectare diei brevitatem, praecipue in his regionibus, in quibus brumales dies horarum novem sunt noctesque horarum quindecim.

[91] And, lest I now pursue the rest, there is no region that does not bring something which can be accomplished for lucubration. For it is the mark of an inert farmer to wait for the shortness of the day, especially in those regions in which the brumal days are of nine hours and the nights of fifteen hours.

[92] Possit etiam salix decisa pridie ad lucubrationem expurgari et ad vitium ligamina praeparari; quae si natura minus lenta est, ante dies quindecim praecidenda et purgata in stercore obruenda est, ut lentescat. Sin autem iam pridem caesa exaruit, in piscina maceranda est. Tum etiam per lucubrationem ferramenta acuere et ad ea facere vel facta manubria aptare, quorum optima sunt ilignea, deinde carpinea, post haec fraxinea.

[92] The willow too, having been cut the day before, can be expurgated for lucubration and ligatures prepared for the vine; which, if by nature it is less pliant, must be cut fifteen days beforehand and, having been cleansed, be buried in dung, that it may grow pliant. But if, having been cut long ago, it has dried out, it must be macerated in a pool. Then also during lucubration one may sharpen the iron-tools, and make handles for them or fit on those already made, of which the best are of ilex-wood, then of hornbeam, after these of ash.

[93] Kal. Dec. Dies incertus, saepius tamen placidus.

[93] Kalends of December. An uncertain day, yet more often placid.

VIII Id. Dec. Sagittarius medius occidit, tempestatem significat.
VII Id. Dec.

8th day before the Ides of Dec. The middle of Sagittarius sets, it signifies a tempest.
7th day before the Ides of Dec.

Aquila mane oritur, Africus, interdum Auster et rorat.
III Id. Dec. Corus vel Septentrio, interdum Auster cum pluvia.

Aquila rises in the morning, Africus, sometimes Auster, and there is dew.
3 Id. Dec. Corus or Septentrio, sometimes Auster with rain.

His diebus, quae praeterita erunt superiore mense opera, peragi debebunt, utique in locis temperatis aut calidis; nam frigidis recte fieri iam non possunt.

In these days, the works which will have been left over from the preceding month ought to be carried out, especially in temperate or warm places; for in cold ones they can no longer be done correctly.

Id. Dec. Scorpio totus mane exoritur, hiemat.

Ides of December. Scorpio rises entire in the morning; it is wintry.

[94] XVI Kal. Ian. Sol in Capricornum transitum facit, brumale solstitium, ut Hipparcho placet; itaque tempestatem saepe significat.

[94] 16th day before the Kalends of January. The Sun makes a transit into Capricorn, the brumal solstice, as it pleases Hipparchus; and so it often signifies tempestuous weather.

XV Kal. Ian. Ventorum conmutationem significat.

15 days before the Kalends of January. It signifies a change of the winds.

X Kal. Ian. Capra occidit mane, tempestatem significat.

10 Kal. Jan. The She-Goat sets in the morning, it signifies a tempest.

VIIII Kal. Ian. Brumale solstitium (sic Chaldaei observant), significat.

9 Kalends of January. The brumal solstice (thus the Chaldaeans observe) signifies.

VI Kal. Ian. Delphinus incipit oriri mane, tempestatem significat.

6 Kal. Jan. The Dolphin begins to rise in the morning, it signifies a tempest.

IIII Kal. Ian. Aquila vespere occidit, hiemat.

4 Kal. Jan. Aquila sets in the evening; it is wintry.

III Kal. Ian. Canicula occidit vespere, tempestatem significat.

3 days before the Kalends of January. The Dog-Star sets in the evening, it signifies a tempest.

pridie Kal. Ian. Tempestas ventosa.

the day before the Kalends of January. Windy weather.

[95] His diebus, qui religiosius rem rusticam colunt, nisi si vinearum causa pastines, negant debere terram ferro commoveri. itaque quidquid citra id genus effici potest, id ab his comprehenditur, ut olea legatur et conficiatur, ut vitis paletur et capite tenus adligetur, ut iuga vineis inponantur et capistrentur.

[95] On these days, those who more religiously cultivate the rustic business, unless, for the sake of the vineyards, one trench-hoes, say that the earth ought not to be stirred with iron. And so whatever can be effected short of that kind, that is taken in hand by them: that the olive be gathered and prepared, that the vine be staked and bound up to the head, that yokes be set upon the vines and they be haltered.

[96] Ceterum palmare, id est materias adligare, hoc tempore non expedit, quia plurimae propter rigorem, qui fit ex frigore, franguntur. Possunt etiam his diebus cerasia et tubures et Armeniacae atque amygdalae ceteraeque arbores, quae primae florent, inseri commode. Nonnulli tamen etiam legumina serunt.

[96] However, to palm, that is, to bind the canes, is not expedient at this time, because very many are broken on account of the rigor which comes from cold. Also in these days cherry trees and tubures and Armeniacae (apricot trees) and almond trees and the other trees which are the first to blossom can be conveniently grafted. Some nonetheless also sow legumes.

[97] Kal. Ian. Dies incertus.

[97] Kalends of January. Uncertain day.

III Non. Ian. Cancer occidit, tempestas varia.

3 Nones of January. Cancer sets, weather variable.

Pridie Non. Ian. Media hiemps, Auster multus, interdum pluvia.

The day before the Nones of January. Midwinter, much south wind (Auster), sometimes rain.

Non. Ian. Fidis exoritur mane; tempestas varia.

Nones of January. The Lyre rises in the morning; variable weather.

VI Id. Ian. Auster, interdum Favonius.
V Id. Ian.

6 days before the Ides of January. South wind, sometimes the West wind.
5 days before the Ides of January.

Auster, interdum imber.
Pridie Id. Ian. Incertus status caeli.

The south wind, sometimes rain.
The day before the Ides of January. An uncertain state of the sky.

[98] Per hos quoque dies abstinent terrenis operibus religiosiores agricolae, ita tamen ut ipsis Kalendis Ianuariis auspicandi causa omne genus operis instaurent. Ceterum differant terrenam molitionem usque in proximas Idus.

[98] During these days as well, the more religious farmers abstain from terrene works, yet in such a way that on the Kalends of January itself, for the sake of auspice‑taking, they restore every kind of work. Otherwise, let them defer earthly construction until the next Ides.

CIBARIA BOUM PER SINGULOS MENSES.

FODDER FOR CATTLE FOR EACH MONTH.

Sed nec ignorare debebit vilicus, quid uni iugo boum quoquo mense per singulos dies praestari satis sit. Quare huius quoque curae rationem subiciemus.

But neither ought the steward to be ignorant what it is sufficient to be supplied for one yoke of oxen, in each month, for each single day. Wherefore we will set forth the reckoning of this care as well.

[99] Mense Ianuario paleas cum ervi macerati sextariis sex vel paleas cum cicerculae fresae semodio vel frondis corbem pabulatorium modiorum viginti vel paleas quantum velint et faeni pondo viginti vel adfatim viridem frondem ex siliquis et lauru vel, quod his omnibus praestat, farraginem hordeaceam dabit siccam. Februario idem, Martio idem vel, si opus facturi sunt, faeni pondo quinquaginta.

[99] In the month of January he will give straw with six sextarii of soaked ervil (bitter vetch), or straw with a half‑modius of crushed chickling vetch, or a fodder‑basket of foliage of twenty modii, or straw as much as they wish and twenty pounds of hay, or in plenty green foliage from carob‑pods and bay‑laurel, or—what surpasses all these—dry barley farrago. In February the same, in March the same; or, if they are going to do work, fifty pounds of hay.

[100] Aprili frondem querneam et populneam ex Kalendis ad Idus vel paleas et faeni pondo quadraginta. Maio pabulum adfatim. Iunio ex Kalendis frondem adfatim.

[100] In April, oaken and poplar foliage from the Kalends to the Ides, or straw and forty pounds of hay. In May, fodder in sufficiency. In June, from the Kalends, foliage in sufficiency.

Iulio idem. Augusto idem vel paleas ex ervo pondo quinquaginta.

In July the same. In August the same, or chaff from vetch, fifty pounds.

[101] Septembri frondem adfatim. Octobri frondem et ficulnea folia. Novembri ad Idus frondem vel folia ficulnea, quae sint corbis unius; ex Idibus glandis modium unum paleis inmixtum et lupini macerati modium unum paleis inmixtum vel maturam farraginem.

[101] In September, leafage in plenty. In October, leafage and fig leaves. In November up to the Ides, leafage or fig leaves, which should be of one basket; from the Ides, one modius of acorns mixed with straw, and one modius of soaked lupines mixed with straw, or ripe mixed feed (farrago).

Decembri frondem aridam vel paleas cum ervi semodio macerato vel lupini, quod ex semodio macerato exierit vel glandis modium unum, ut supra scriptum est, vel farraginem.

In December, dry foliage, or chaff with a half-modius of soaked vetch or of lupine, whatever shall result from a half-modius when soaked, or one modius of acorns, as written above, or farrago.

III. DE CULTU HORTORUM

3. ON THE CULTIVATION OF GARDENS

Et quoniam percensuimus opera, quae suis quibusque temporibus anni vilicum exsequi oporteret, memores polliciti nostri subiungemus cultus hortorum, quorum aeque curam suscipere debebit, ut et quotidiani victus sui levet sumptum et advenienti domino praebeat, quod ait poeta, inemptas ruris dapes.

And since we have reviewed the works which at their several times of the year the bailiff ought to execute, mindful of our promise we will subjoin the culture of gardens, the care of which he ought likewise to undertake, so that he may lighten the expense of his daily sustenance and may offer to the arriving master, as the poet says, the unbought feasts of the countryside.

[2] Democritus in eo libro, quem Georgicon appellavit, parum prudenter censet eos facere, qui hortis exstruant munimenta, quod neque latere fabricata maceries perennare possit pluviis ac tempestatibus plerumque infestata neque lapides supra rei dignitatem poscat inpensa; si vero amplum modum sepire quis velit, patrimonio esse opus. Ipse igitur ostendam rationem, qua non magna opera hortum ab incursu hominum pecudumque munimus.

[2] Democritus, in that book which he entitled Georgicon, judges not very prudently that they act who build muniments for gardens, because a brick-built wall cannot endure, being for the most part assailed by rains and storms, and the outlay which stones demand is beyond the worth of the matter; and if indeed anyone should wish to fence a large extent, there is need of a patrimony. I myself therefore will show a method by which, without great works, we secure a garden against the incursions of men and cattle.

[3] Vetustissimi auctores vivam sepem structili praetulerunt, quia non solum minorem inpensam desideraret, verum etiam diuturnior inmensis operibus permaneret; itaque vepres efficiendi consitis spinis rationem talem reddiderunt.

[3] The most ancient authors preferred a living hedge to a constructed one, because it would not only require a lesser expense, but also, being more durable, would endure beyond immense works; and thus they rendered such a method for making a bramble-hedge by planting thorns.

[4] Locus, quem sepire destinaveris, ab aequinoctio autumnali, simulatque terra maduerit imbribus, circumvallandus est duobus sulcis tripedaneo spatio inter se distantibus. Modum altitudinis eorum abunde est esse bipedaneum, sed eos vacuos perhiemare patiemur praeparatis seminibus, quibus obserantur. ea sint vastissimarum spinarum maximeque rubi et paliuri et eius, quam Graeci vocant kynosbaton, nos sentem canis appellamus.

[4] The place which you have destined to fence, from the autumnal equinox, as soon as the earth has been moistened by rains, is to be encircled with two furrows three feet apart from one another. A measure of their depth is abundantly two feet; but we shall allow them to winter empty, the seeds having been prepared, by which they are barred. Let these be of the most sprawling thorns, and especially bramble and paliurus, and that which the Greeks call kynosbaton; we call it dog-briar.

[5] Horum autem ruborum semina quam maturissima legere oportet et ervi moliti farinae inmiscere; quae cum est aqua consparsa, inlinitur vel nauticis veteribus funibus vel quibuslibet aliis restibus. Siccati deinde funiculi reponuntur in tabulato; mox ubi bruma confecta est, intermissis quadraginta diebus circa hirundinis adventum, cum iam Favonius exoritur, post Idus Februarias, si qua in sulcis per hiemem constitit aqua, exhauritur, resolutaque humus, quae erat autumno regesta, usque ad mediam sulcorum altitudinem reponitur.

[5] The seeds of these brambles ought to be gathered as fully ripe as possible and mixed into the flour of milled vetch; which, when it has been sprinkled with water, is smeared either upon old nautical ropes or upon any other cordage. Then the small cords, once dried, are stored on a boarded floor; soon, when midwinter is completed, with forty days having intervened, around the arrival of the swallow, when now the Favonius arises, after the Ides of February, if any water has stood in the furrows through the winter, it is drained off, and the soil loosened, which had been heaped up in autumn, is put back up to the middle of the furrows’ depth.

[6] Praedicti deinde funes de tabulato prompti explicantur et in longitudinem per utrumque sulcum porrecti obruuntur, sed ita, ut non nimium supergesta terra semina spinarum, quae inhaerent toris funiculorum, enasci possint. Ea fere citra tricensimum diem prorepunt, atque ubi coeperunt aliquod incrementum habere, sic insuesci debent, ut in id spatium, quod sulcis

[6] Then the aforesaid ropes, taken from the boarded platform, are unrolled and, stretched out lengthwise along each furrow, are buried—yet in such a way that not too much earth heaped over them may keep the thorn-seeds, which cling to the twists of the little cords, from sprouting. These generally creep forth before the thirtieth day; and when they have begun to have some increment, they must be trained thus, so that into that space, which by the furrows

[7] interiacet, inclinentur. Oportebit autem virgeam sepem interponere, quam super se pandant sentes utriusque sulci, et sit, quo interdum quasi adminiculo, priusquam conroborentur, adquiescant. Hunc veprem manifestum est interimi non posse, nisi radicitus effodere velis.

[7] lies between, let them be inclined. Moreover, it will be fitting to interpose a wattle hedge, over which the brambles of each furrow may spread themselves, and let there be something on which, as on a sort of adminicle, before they are strengthened, they may at times rest. It is manifest that this briar cannot be destroyed, unless you are willing to dig it up root-and-branch.

Ceterum etiam post ignis iniuriam melius renasci, nulli dubium est. Et haec quidem claudendi horti ratio maxime est antiquis probata.

Moreover, that it even grows back better after the injury of fire is a matter of no doubt. And this method indeed of enclosing the garden has been especially approved by the ancients.

[8] Locum autem prius eligi conveniet, si permittit agri situs, iuxta villam praecipue pinguem quique adveniente rivo vel, si non sit fluens aqua, fonte puteali possit rigari. Sed ut certam perennitatis puteus habeat fidem, tum demum effodiendus est, cum sol ultimas partes Virginis obtinebit, id est mense Septembri ante aequinoctium autumnale, siquidem maxime explorantur vires fontium, cum ex longa siccitate aestatis terra caret umore pluviatili.

[8] However, it will be fitting first to choose the place, if the site of the field permits, near the villa, especially a rich one, and one which can be irrigated by a rivulet coming in, or, if there is not flowing water, by a well-fountain. But, that the well may have a sure assurance of perennity, then at length it must be dug out, when the sun will hold the last parts of Virgo, that is, in the month September before the autumnal equinox, since the powers of springs are most tested when, from the long drought of summer, the earth lacks pluvial moisture.

[9] Providendum est autem, ne hortus areae subiaceat neve per trituram venti possint paleas aut pulverem in eum perferre; nam utraque sunt holeribus inimica. Mox ordinandi pastinandique soli duo sunt tempora, quoniam duae quoque holerum sationes; nam et autumno et vere plurima seruntur, melius tamen vere riguis locis, quoniam et nascentis anni clementia excipit prodeuntia semina et sitis aestatis restinguitur fontibus.

[9] Provision must be taken, moreover, that the garden not lie below the threshing-floor, nor that through the threshing-place the winds can carry chaff or dust into it; for both are inimical to vegetables. Next, for arranging and pastinating the soil there are two seasons, since there are also two sowings of vegetables; for both in autumn and in spring very many are sown, yet better in spring in irrigated places, since both the mildness of the nascent year welcomes the emerging seeds, and the thirst of summer is quenched by fountains.

[10] At ubi loci natura neque manu inlatam neque suae spontis aquam ministrari patitur, nullum quidem aliud auxilium est quam hiemales pluviae. Potest tamen etiam in siccissimis locis opus custodiri, si depressius pastinetur solum, eiusque abunde est gradum effodere tribus pedibus, ut in quattuor consurgat regestum.

[10] But where the nature of the place does not permit water to be ministered either brought in by hand or of its own spontaneity, there is indeed no other aid than the winter rains. Yet even in the driest places the work can be kept, if the soil be trenched more deeply; and it is enough to excavate its grade to three feet, so that the heaped-up bed may rise to four.

[11] At ubi copia est rigandi, satis erit non alto bipalio, id est minus quam duos pedes ferramento novale converti. Sed curabimus, ut ager, quem vere conseri oportet, autumno circa Kalendas Novembres pastinetur; quem deinde velimus autumno instruere, mense Maio convertamus, ut aut hiemis frigoribus aut aestivis solibus et gleba solvatur et radices herbarum necentur. Nec multo ante stercorare debebimus, sed cum sationis adpropinquabit tempus, ante quintum diem exherbandus erit locus stercorandusque et ita diligenter fossione iterandus, ut fimo terra conmisceatur.

[11] But where there is abundance for irrigating, it will be enough, with a not-deep two-spade depth—that is, to less than two feet—to turn over the fallow with the iron implement. But we shall take care that the field which ought to be sown in spring be pastinated in autumn, about the Kalends of November; that which thereafter we wish to equip for autumn, let us turn in the month of May, so that either by the cold of winter or by the summer suns both the clod may be loosened and the roots of the herbs be killed. Nor ought we to manure much beforehand, but when the time of sowing will be approaching, the place must be weeded five days before and manured, and then gone over again carefully with digging, so that the manure may be commixed with the earth.

[12] Optimum vero stercus est ad hunc usum asini, quia minimum herbarum creat, proximum vel armenti vel ovium, si sit anno maceratum; nam quod homines faciunt, quamvis habeatur excellentissimum, non tamen necesse est adhibere, nisi aut nudae glareae aut sine ullo robore solutissimae harenae, cum maior scilicet vis alimenti desideratur.

[12] The best dung for this use is that of the ass, because it creates the least herbs (weeds); next in rank is that of cattle or of sheep, if it has been macerated for a year; for what men produce, although it is held as most excellent, is nevertheless not necessary to employ, unless for bare gravel or for sand most loose and without any robustness, when, clearly, a greater force of aliment is desired.

[13] Igitur solum, quod conserere vere destinaverimus, post autumnum patiemur effossum iacere brumae frigoribus et pruinis inurendum; quippe e contrario sicut calor aestatis ita vis frigoris excoquit terram fermentatamque solvit. Quare peracta bruma tum demum stercus inicietur, et circa Idus Ianuarias humus refossa in areas dividitur; quae tamen sic informandae sunt, ut facile runcantium manus ad dimidiam partem latitudinis earum perveniant, ne, qui prosequuntur herbas, semina proculcare cogantur, sed potius per semitas ingrediantur et alterna vice dimidias areas eruncent.

[13] Therefore, the soil which we shall have destined to sow in spring we will allow, after autumn, to lie dug up, to be seared by the cold of midwinter and by frosts; for, conversely, just as the heat of summer, so the force of cold cooks out the earth and, being as it were fermented, loosens it. Wherefore, when midwinter is completed, then at last the manure will be cast on, and around the Ides of January the humus, having been re-dug, is divided into areas; which, however, must be shaped so that the hands of the weeders may easily reach to the half of their breadth, lest those who pursue the weeds be compelled to trample the seeds, but rather let them go along the footpaths and, in alternate turn, weed the half-areas.

[14] Haec, ante sationem quae facienda sunt, dixisse abunde est; nunc quid quoque tempore vel colendum vel serendum sit, praecipiamus, et primum de his generibus loquendum est, quae possunt duobus seri temporibus, id est autumno et vere. Sunt autem semina brassicae et lactucae, cinarae, erucae, nasturcii, coriandri, caerefolii, anethi, pastinacae, siseris, papaveris; haec enim vel circa Kalendas Septembres vel melius ante Kalendas Martias Februario seruntur.

[14] These things which must be done before the sowing, to have said is enough; now let us prescribe what also at each time ought either to be cultivated or to be sown, and first it must be spoken about those genera which can be sown at two times, that is, in autumn and in spring. The seeds, moreover, are of cabbage and lettuce, cynara (artichoke), rocket, nasturtium (watercress), coriander, chervil, dill, parsnip, skirret, poppy; for these are sown either about the Kalends of September, or, better, in February before the Kalends of March.

[15] Locis vero siccis aut tepidis, qualia sunt Calabriae et Apuliae maritima, possunt circa Idus Ianuarias terrae conmitti. Rursus quae tantum autumno conseri debent, si tamen vel maritimum vel apricum agrum incolimus, haec fere sunt: alium, cepae capitula, ulpicum, sinape. Sed iam potius, quo quidque tempore terrae mandari plerumque conveniat, per menses digeramus.

[15] In truly dry or tepid locales, such as the maritime districts of Calabria and Apulia, seeds can be committed to the earth around the Ides of January. Again, those which ought to be sown only in autumn—if, however, we inhabit either a maritime or a sunny field—are roughly these: garlic, heads of onion, ulpicum (welsh onion), mustard. But now rather let us distribute, by months, at what time it is for the most part fitting that each thing be entrusted to the earth.

[16] Ergo post Kalendas Ianuarias confestim recte ponetur lepidium. Mense autem Februario vel planta vel semine ruta atque asparagus et iterum cepae semen et porri; nec minus si vernum et aestivum fructum voles habere, syriacae radicis et rapae napique semina obrues. Nam alii et ulpici ultima est huius temporis positio.

[16] Therefore after the Kalends of January Lepidium (garden cress) will rightly be set at once. But in the month of February, either by plant or by seed, rue and asparagus, and again the seed of onion and of leek; and likewise, if you wish to have spring and summer produce, you should bury the seeds of the Syrian root and of rapa (rape/turnip) and napus (navew). For for garlic and for ulpicum, the planting of this time is the last.

[17] At circa Kalendas Martias locis apricis licet porrum, si iam ingranduit, transferre; item panacem ultima parte Martii mensis. Deinde circa Kalendas Apriles aeque porrum atque inulam et serotinam plantam rutae. Item ut maturius enascatur, cucumis, cucurbita, capparis serenda est.

[17] But around the Kalends of March, in sunny places, it is permitted to transplant leek, if it has already grown large; likewise panax in the last part of the month of March. Then around the Kalends of April, likewise leek and inula and the late plant of rue. Likewise, in order that they may sprout earlier, cucumber, cucurbit (gourd), and caper must be sown.

Nam semen betae, cum Punicum malum florebit, tum demum optime seritur.

For beet seed, when the Punic apple (pomegranate) is in bloom, then at last it is best sown.

[18] Porri autem caput circa Idus Maias tolerabiliter adhuc transfertur. Post hoc nihil ingruente aestate obrui debet nisi semen apii, si tamen rigaturus es; sic enim optime per aestum provenit. Ceterum Augusto circa Vulcanalia tertia satio est eaque optima radicis et rapae itemque napi et siseris nec minus holeris atri.

[18] But the head of the leek is still tolerably transplanted around the Ides of May (May 15). After this, with summer pressing on, nothing ought to be buried except parsley-seed, if, however, you are going to water; for thus it comes up best through the heat. Moreover, in August, around the Vulcanalia, is the third sowing, and this is best for radish and turnip, likewise for navew/rape and skirret, and no less for the dark pot-herb.

Atque haec sunt sationum tempora.

And these are the times for sowings.

[19] Nunc de iis, quae aliquam curam desiderant, singulis loquar, quaeque praeteriero intellegi oportebit nullam postulare operam nisi runcatoris; de qua semel hoc dicendum est, omni tempore consulendum esse, ut herbae exterminentur.

[19] Now concerning those things which require some care, I will speak of them singly; and whatever I shall pass over, it ought to be understood to demand no labor except that of the weeder; about which this must be said once for all, that at every time care should be taken that the weeds be exterminated.

[20] Vlpicum, quod quidam alium Punicum vocant, Graeci autem aphroskorodon appellant, longe maioris est incrementi quam alium, idque circa Kalendas Octobres, antequam deponatur, ex uno capite in plura dividetur. Habet enim velut alium plures cohaerentis spicas, eaeque cum sint divisae, liratim seri debent, ut in pulvinis positae minus infestentur hiemis aquis.

[20] Ulpicum, which some call a Punic allium, but the Greeks call aphroskorodon, is of far greater increase than garlic; and about the Kalends of October, before it is set down, from one head it will be divided into several. For it has, like garlic, several spikes adhering together; and when these have been separated, they ought to be sown liratim, so that, placed on beds, they may be less troubled by the waters of winter.

[21] Est autem lira similis ei porcae, quam in sationibus campestribus rustici faciunt, ut uliginem vitent; sed haec in hortis minor est facienda, et per summam partem eius, id est in dorso inter palmaria spatia, spicae ulpici vel alii (nam id quoque similiter conseritur) disponendae sunt. Sulci lirarum inter se distent semipedali spatio. Deinde cum ternas fibras emiserunt spicae, sariantur.

[21] The lira is like that porca which rustics make in level sowings, so that they may avoid dampness; but this must be made smaller in gardens, and along its topmost part, that is, on the back, at palm-breadth spaces, the spikes of ulpicum or of garlic (for that likewise is sown similarly) are to be arranged. Let the furrows of the ridges be distant from each other by a half-foot space. Then, when the spikes have sent out three fibers, let them be hoed.

nam quo saepius id factum est, maius semina capiunt incrementum. Deinde ante quam caulem faciant, omnem viridem superficiem intorquere et in terram prosternere conveniet, quo vastiora capita fiant.

for the more often this has been done, the greater increment the seeds take. Then, before they make a stalk, it will be fitting to twist all the green surface and prostrate it onto the earth, in order that the heads may become more vast.

[22] Regionibus autem pruinosis neutrum horum per autumnum seri debet, nam brumali tempore corrumpuntur; quod fere mense Ianuario mitescit, et idcirco frigidis locis tempus optimum est alium vel ulpicum ponendi circa Idus praedicti mensis. Sed quandoque vel conseremus vel iam matura in tabulatum reponemus, servabimus, ut iis horis, quibus aut obruentur aut eruentur, luna infra terram sit. Nam sic sata et rursus sic fere condita existimantur neque acerrimi saporis exsistere neque mandentium halitus inodorare.

[22] But in regions prone to frost, neither of these ought to be sown through autumn, for in the wintry season they are spoiled; and that season generally softens in the month of January, and therefore in cold places the best time for planting garlic or ulpicum is about the Ides of the aforesaid month. But whenever we either sow, or else put the already mature ones away on the loft-floor, we shall observe that at those hours at which they will either be buried or dug up, the moon is beneath the earth. For thus sown, and likewise thus for the most part stored, they are reckoned neither to come forth of a very sharp savor nor to make the breath of those who chew them smell.

[23] Multi tamen haec ante Kalendas Ianuarias mediis diebus serunt mense Decembri, si caeli tepor et situs terrae permittit. Brassica, cum sex foliorum erit, transferri debet, ita ut radix eius liquido fimo prius inlita et involuta tribus algae taeniolis pangatur. Haec enim res efficit, ut in coctura celerius madescat et viridem colorem sine nitro conservet.

[23] Many, however, sow these things before the Kalends of January, in the middle days of the month of December, if the warmth of the sky and the site of the soil allows. Cabbage, when it will be of six leaves, ought to be transplanted, in such a way that its root, first smeared with liquid manure and wrapped with three little bands of seaweed, be planted. For this practice brings it about that in cooking it softens more quickly and preserves its green color without natron.

[24] Est autem frigidis et pluviis regionibus positio eius optima post Idus Apriles; cuius depressae plantae cum tenuerint, quantum holitoris ratio patitur, saepius sarta et stercorata melius convalescit pleniorisque incrementi et coliculum facit et cymam. Nonnulli hanc eandem locis apricioribus a Kalendis Martiis deponunt; sed maior pars eius in cymam prosilit nec postea hibernum caulem amplum facit, cum est semel desecta. possis autem vel maximos caules bis transferre, idque si facias, plus seminis et maioris incrementi praebere dicuntur.

[24] But in cold and rainy regions its setting is best after the Ides of April; when its low-set plants have taken hold, as far as the gardener’s plan allows, being more often hoed and manured it recovers better, and of fuller increment it makes both a little stalk (coliculum) and a cyma (flower-shoot). Some set down this same plant in sunnier places from the Kalends of March; but the greater part of it springs into a cyma and thereafter does not make a large winter stalk, when it has once been cut. possis autem vel maximos caules bis transferre, idque si facias, they are said to furnish more seed and a greater increment.

[25] Lactuca totidem foliorum quot brassica transferri debet. Locis quidem apricis et maritimis optime autumno ponitur, mediterraneis et frigidis contra; hieme non aeque commode dispergitur. Sed et huius quoque radix fimo liniri debet maioremque copiam desiderat aquae, si quo tenerioris folii.

[25] Lettuce ought to be transplanted with as many leaves as the cabbage. In sunny and maritime places it is best set in autumn, in inland (mediterranean) and cold regions, by contrast; in winter it is not spread so conveniently. But the root of this also should be smeared with dung, and it desires a greater supply of water, in proportion as it is of more tender leaf.

[26] Sunt autem conplura lactucae genera, quae suo quidque tempore seri oportet. Eorum, quae fusci est vel purpurei aut etiam viridis coloris et crispi folii, uti Caeciliana, mense Ianuario recte differtur, at Cappadocia, quae pallido et pexo densoque folio viret, mense Februario; quae deinde candida est et crispissimi folii, ut in provincia Baetica est finibus Gaditani municipii, mense Martio recte pangitur.

[26] There are, moreover, several kinds of lettuce, each of which ought to be sown in its own time. Of those which are of a dusky or purple or even green color and of a crisped leaf, as the Caeciliana, it is rightly broadcast in the month of January; but the Cappadocia, which is green with a pale and combed and dense leaf, in the month of February; that which then is white and of the very crisp leaf, as is in the province Baetica within the borders of the municipality of Gades, is rightly planted in the month of March.

[27] Est et Cyprii generis ex albo rubicunda, levi et tenerrimo folio, quae usque in Idus Octobres commode disponitur. Fere tamen aprico caeli statu, quibus locis aquarum copia est, pene toto anno lactuca seri potest. Quae quo tardius caulem faciat, cum aliquod incrementum habuerit, exiguam testam media parte accipiat; eo quasi onere coercita in latitudinem se diffundit.

[27] There is also a Cyprian kind, rubicund from white, with a smooth and very tender leaf, which is conveniently disposed up to the Ides of October. Generally, however, with a sunny condition of sky, in places where there is a plenty of waters, lettuce can be sown almost the whole year. That it may make a stalk the more slowly, when it has had some increment, let it receive a small potsherd upon the middle part; restrained by that, as by a burden, it spreads itself in breadth.

Eadem est ratio etiam intubi, nisi quod hiemem magis sustinet ideoque vel frigidis regionibus primo autumno seri potest.

The same rule applies also to endive, except that it endures winter more, and therefore even in frigid regions it can be sown in early autumn.

[28] Cinarae subolem melius per autumni aequinoctium disponemus; semen commodius circa Kalendas Martias seremus, eiusque plantam ante Kalendas Novembres deprimemus et multo cinere stercorabimus. Id enim genus stercoris huic holeri videtur aptissimum.

[28] We will more profitably plant out the offspring of the Cynara at the autumnal equinox; we will more conveniently sow the seed around March 1, and we will set in its seedlings before November 1, and manure them with much ash. For that kind of manure seems most fitting for this pot-herb.

[29] Sinape atque coriandrum nec minus eruca et ocimum ita, uti sata sunt, sua sede inmota permanent, neque est eorum cultus alius, quam ut stercorata runcentur. Possunt autem non solum autumno, sed et vere conseri. Plantae quoque sinapis prima hieme translatae plus cymae vere adferunt.

[29] Mustard and coriander, and no less rocket and basil, remain unmoved in their own place just as they are sown, and there is no other cultivation of them than that, once manured, they be weeded. They can, moreover, be sown not only in autumn but also in spring. Seedlings too of mustard, transplanted at the opening of winter, bring more shoots in spring.

Panax utroque tempore levi et subacta terra rarissime disseritur, quo maius incrementum capiat; melior tamen eius verna satio est.

Panax at either season is set out very sparsely in light and well-worked soil, so that it may take greater increment; however, its vernal sowing is better.

[30] Porrum si sectivum facere velis, densius satum praeceperunt priores relinqui et ita, cum increverit, secari. Sed nos docuit usus longe melius fieri, si differas et eodem more quo capitatum modicis spatiis, id est inter quaternos digitos, depangas et, cum convaluerit, deseces.

[30] If you wish to make leek sectile (for cutting), the ancients prescribed that, being sown more densely, it be left, and thus, when it has increased, be cut. But usage has taught us that it turns out far better if you defer and, in the same manner as the capitate kind, you plant it at moderate intervals, that is at four fingers’ distance, and, when it has grown strong, you cut it down.

[31] In eo autem, quod magni capitis efficere voles, servandum est, ut ante quam translatum deponas, omnis radiculas amputes et fibrarum summas partes intondeas; tum testulae vel conchae quasi sedes singulis subiectae seminibus adobruuntur, ut fiant capita latioris incrementi.

[31] But in that which you wish to make of a large head, it must be observed that, before you set down the transplant, you amputate all the little roots and clip the top parts of the fibers; then little tiles or shells, as if seats, are set beneath the individual seedlings and are earthed over, so that heads of broader increment may be produced.

[32] Cultus autem porri capitati adsidua sarritio et stercoratio est, nec aliud tamen sectivi, nisi quod totiens rigari et stercorari saririque debet, quotiens demetitur. Semen eius locis calidis mense Ianuario, frigidis Februario seritur; cuius incrementum quo maius fiat, raris linteolis conplura grana inligantur atque ita obruuntur. Enatum autem differri debet in iis locis, quibus aqua subministrari non potest, circa aequinoctium autumni; at quibus possis umorem praebere, mense Maio recte transferuntur.

[32] The cultivation of the headed leek is assiduous weeding and manuring, nor is that of the cutting kind otherwise, except that it ought to be watered and manured and hoed as often as it is cut. Its seed is sown in warm places in January, in cold ones in February; and in order that its increment may be greater, several grains are tied in loose little linen cloths and thus covered. When it has sprung up, however, it ought to be transplanted, in those places where water cannot be supplied, around the equinox of autumn; but where you can provide moisture, they are rightly transferred in the month of May.

[33] Apium quoque possis plantis serere nec minus semine, sed praecipue aqua laetatur et ideo secundum fontem commodissime ponitur. Quod si quis id velit lati folii facere, quantum seminis possint tres digiti conprehendere, raro linteolo inliget et ita in areolas dispositum liget. Vel si crispae frondis id fieri maluerit, semen eius inditum pilae et saligneo palo pinsitum exspoliatumque similiter [in] linteolis ligatum obruat.

[33] You can also plant celery by plantlets and no less by seed, but it especially rejoices in water and therefore is most suitably placed next to a spring. But if someone should wish to make it of broad leaf, let him bind up, in a loosely woven little linen, as much seed as three fingers can grasp, and thus, arranged on the little beds, fasten it. Or, if he should prefer it to be of crisped foliage, let him put its seed into a mortar and, pounded with a willow stake and stripped, likewise, tied up in little linens, let him bury it.

[34] Potest etiam citra hanc operam fieri crispum qualitercumque satum, si, cum est natum, incrementum eius supervoluto cylindro coerceas. Satio eius est optima post Idus Maias usque in solstitium; nam teporem desiderat. Fere etiam his diebus ocima seruntur, quorum cum semen obrutum est, diligenter inculcatur pavicula vel cylindro.

[34] It can also be made crisp without this labor, however it be sown, if, when it has sprouted, you coerce its increment by a cylinder rolled over it. Its sowing is best after the Ides of May up to the solstice; for it desires tepid warmth. Generally also in these days basils (ocimum) are sown, whose seed, when it has been covered, is carefully pressed in with a small tamper or with a cylinder.

nam si terram suspensam relinquas, plerumque corrumpitur.

for if you leave the soil suspended, it is for the most part spoiled.

[35] Pastinaca et siser atque inula convalescunt alte pastinato et stercorato loco, sed quam rarissime ponenda sunt, ut maiora capiant incrementa. Inulam vero intervallo trium pedum seri convenit, quoniam vastos facit frutices et radicibus ut oculus harundinis serpit. Nec est alius cultus horum omnium, nisi ut sarritionibus herbae tollantur.

[35] Pastinaca and siser and inula thrive in a place deeply pastinated and manured, but they must be planted as sparsely as possible, so that they may take greater increases. For inula, moreover, it is fitting to be sown at an interval of three feet, since it makes vast shrubs and by its roots creeps like the eye of a reed. Nor is there any other cultivation of all these, except that by weedings with the hoe the weeds be removed.

Commodissime autem deponentur prima parte Septembris vel ultima Augusti parte.

Most conveniently, however, they will be set out in the first part of September, or in the last part of August.

[36] Atrum holus, quod Graecorum quidam vocant petroselinon, nonnulli smyrnaion, pastinato loco semine debet conseri, maxime iuxta maceriam, quoniam et umbra gaudet et qualicumque convalescit loco; idque cum semel severis, si non totum radicitus tollas, sed alternos frutices in semen submittas, aevo manet parvamque sarritionis exigit culturam. Seritur a Vulcanalibus usque in Kalendas Septembres, sed etiam mense Ianuario.

[36] The dark pot-herb, which some of the Greeks call petroselinon, others smyrnaion, ought to be sown by seed in a pastinated place, especially next to a dry-stone wall, since it both rejoices in shade and thrives in almost any place; and once you have sown it, if you do not pull it all up by the root, but allow alternate clumps to go to seed, it endures for a long time and demands little cultivation by hoeing. It is sown from the Vulcanalia up to the Kalends of September, but also in the month of January.

[37] Menta dulcem desiderat uliginem; quam ob causam iuxta fontem mense Martio recte ponitur. Cuius si forte semina defecerunt, licet de novalibus silvestre mentastrum conligere atque ita inversis cacuminibus disponere; quae res feritatem detrahit et edomitam reddit.

[37] Mint desires a gentle dampness; for which cause it is rightly set next to a spring in the month of March. If by chance its seeds have failed, it is permitted to gather wild mentastrum from fallow lands and so set it out with the tips inverted; this practice removes its fierceness and renders it tamed.

[38] Rutam autumno semine satam mense Martio differre oportet in apricum et cinerem aggerare runcareque, donec convalescat, ne herbis enecetur. Sed velata manu debet runcari; quam nisi contexeris, perniciosa nascuntur ulcera. Si tamen per ignorantiam nuda manu runcaveris et prurigo atque tumor incesserit, oleo subinde perungito.

[38] Rue, sown by seed in autumn, ought in the month of March to be transplanted into a sunny place, and to have ash heaped around it and to be weeded until it grows strong, lest it be killed by weeds. But it must be weeded with a veiled hand; which, unless you cover, pernicious ulcers arise. If, however, through ignorance you weed it with a bare hand and itching and swelling ensue, anoint repeatedly with oil.

Eiusdem frutex pluribus annis manet innoxius, nisi si mulier, quae est in menstruis, contigerit eum et ob hoc exaruerit.

The shrub of the same remains unharmed for several years, unless a woman who is in her menses touches it, and on this account it withers.

[39] Thymum et transmarina cunela et serpyllum, sicut priore libro iam rettuli, magis alvaria curantibus quam holitoribus studiose conseruntur. Sed nos ea condimentorum causa (nam sunt quibusdam esculentis aptissima) non alienum putamus etiam in hortis habere. Locum neque pinguem neque stercoratum, sed apricum desiderant, ut quae macerrimo solo per se maritimis plerumque regionibus nascantur.

[39] Thyme and the transmarine cunila and wild thyme (serpyllum), as I have already related in the prior book, are more diligently planted by those caring for apiaries than by vegetable-gardeners. But we, for the sake of condiments (for they are most apt for certain esculents), do not think it out of place to have them also in gardens. They desire a place neither fat nor dunged, but sunny, since they of themselves are wont for the most part to grow in maritime regions with the leanest soil.

[40] Eae res et semine et plantis circa aequinoctium vernum seruntur. Melius tamen est thymi novellas plantas disponere. Quae cum subacto solo depressae fuerint, ne tarde conprehendant, aridi thymi fruticem contundi oportet atque ita pinsito illo pridie, quam volueris uti, aquam medicare; quae cum sucum eius perceperit, depositis fruticibus infunditur, donec eos recte confirmet.

[40] These plants are sown both by seed and by slips around the vernal equinox. It is better, however, to set out young plants of thyme. When they have been pressed in a well-worked soil, lest they take hold slowly, a shrub of dry thyme ought to be bruised, and thus, with that pounded stuff, the day before you wish to use it, the water is to be medicated; which, when it has taken on its juice, is poured over the set shrubs, until it properly establishes them.

[41] Ceterum cunela vivacior est, quam ut inpensius curanda sit. Lepidium cum ante Kalendas Martias habueris dispositum velut porrum sectivum demetere poteris, rarius tamen. nam post Kalendas Novembres secandum non erit quoniam frigoribus violatum emoritur; biennio tamen sufficiet, si diligenter sartum et stercoratum fuerit.

[41] Moreover, cunila is so long-lived as not to require more intensive care. When you have lepidium set out before the Kalends of March, you will be able to reap it like porrum sectivum (cut-leek/chive), though more rarely. For after the Kalends of November it will not be for cutting, since, injured by the frosts, it dies away; nevertheless it will suffice for two years, if it has been diligently hoed and manured.

Multis etiam locis vivacitatem suam usque in annos decem prorogat.

In many places as well, it prolongs its own vivacity for up to ten years.

[42] Beta florenti Punico malo semine obruitur et simul atque quinque foliorum est, ut brassica, differtur aestate, si riguus est locus; at si siccaneus, autumno, cum iam pluviae incesserint, disponi debebit. Chaerephyllum itemque holus atriplicis, quod Graeci vocant andraphakin, circa Kalendas Octobres obrui oportet non frigidissimo loco. Nam si regio saevas hiemes habet, post Idus Februarias semina disserenda sunt suaque sede patienda.

[42] The beet is sown with seed when the Punic apple (pomegranate) is in bloom, and as soon as it is of five leaves, as with the cabbage, it is transplanted in summer, if the place is irrigated; but if it is dry-land, in autumn, when the rains have already set in, it must be set out. Chervil and likewise the orach-vegetable, which the Greeks call andráphakin, ought to be sown around the Kalends of October, not in a very cold place. For if the region has savage winters, after the Ides of February the seeds must be scattered and made to remain in their own seat.

Papaver et anethum eandem habent conditionem sationis quam chaerephyllum et andraphakis.

Poppy and dill have the same condition for sowing as chaerephyllum and andraphakis.

[43] Sativi asparagi, quam corrudam rustici vocant, semina fere biennio praeparantur. Ea cum pingui et stercoroso loco post Idus Februarias sic obrueris, ut quantum tres digiti seminis conprehendere queunt, singulis fossulis deponas, fere post quadragensimum diem inter se inplicantur et quasi unitatem faciunt; quas radiculas sic inligatas atque connexas holitores spongias appellant. Eas post quattuor et viginti menses in locum apricum et bene madidum stercorosumque transferri convenit.

[43] The seeds of cultivated asparagus, which the rustics call corruda, are prepared for nearly two years. When you have covered them in a rich and manured place after the Ides of February, do it in such a way that you deposit in individual little trenches as much seed as three fingers can grasp; roughly after the fortieth day they entwine among themselves and, as it were, make a single unit; the market-gardeners call these little roots, thus bound and connected, “sponges.” These, after 24 months, it is proper to transfer to a sunny place that is well-moistened and manured.

[44] Sulci autem inter se pedali mensura distantes fiunt non amplius dodrantalis altitudinis, in quam ita spongiolae deprimuntur, ut facile superposita terra germinent. Sed in locis siccis partibus sulcorum imis disponenda sunt semina, ut tamquam in alveolis maneant. At uliginosis e contrario in summo porcae dorso conlocanda, ne umore nimio laedantur.

[44] The furrows, moreover, are made at a distance from one another of a foot’s measure and of no more than three-quarters of a foot in depth, into which the little sponges are pressed down in such a way that, with earth laid over them, they may sprout easily. But in dry places the seeds are to be arranged at the lowest parts of the furrows, so that they remain as if in little troughs; conversely, in wet places they must be placed on the top of the ridge’s back, lest they be harmed by excessive moisture.

[45] Primo deinde anno, cum ita consita sunt, asparagum, quem emiserunt, infringi oportet. Nam si ab imo vellere volueris, vix adhuc validis teneris radiculis, tota spongiola sequetur. Reliquis annis non erit decerpendus, sed radicitus vellendus.

[45] Then in the first year, when they have been planted thus, the asparagus which they have sent up ought to be broken off. For if you should wish to pluck it from the bottom, the tender little roots, not yet strong, will scarcely hold, and the whole little sponge (spongiola) will follow. In the remaining years it is not to be picked, but to be plucked up from the root.

Nam nisi ita fiat, stirpes praefractae angunt oculos spongiarum et quasi excaecant nec patiuntur asparagum emittere. ceterum stilus, qui novissime autumnali tempore nascitur, non omnis est tollendus, sed aliqua pars eius in semen submittenda.

For unless this be done, the snapped stocks choke the eyes of the spongiae and, as it were, blind them, nor do they allow the asparagus to send up a shoot. moreover the stalk that is produced latest in the autumnal season is not all to be removed, but some part of it should be allowed to go into seed.

[46] Deinde cum spinam fecerit, electis seminibus ipsis, scopiones ita, uti sunt, in suo loco perurendi sunt et deinde sulci omnes consariendi herbaeque eximendae; mox vel stercus vel cinis iniciendus, ut tota hieme sucus eius cum pluviis manans ad radicem perveniat. Vere deinde prius quam coeperit germinare, capreolis, quod genus bicornis ferramenti est, terra commoveatur, ut et facilius stilus emicet et relaxata humo plenioris crassitudinis fiat radix.

[46] Then when it has made a spine, with the very seeds themselves selected, the scopiones, just as they are, must be burned over in their place, and then all the furrows are to be weeded and the weeds taken out; soon either dung or ash should be cast on, so that through the whole winter its juice, trickling with the rains, may reach the root. In spring, then, before it has begun to germinate, with capreoli, which is a kind of two-horned implement, the soil should be stirred, so that both the style may shoot forth more easily and, the earth relaxed, the root may become of fuller thickness.

[47] Raphani radix bis anno recte seritur, Februario mense, cum vernum fructum exspectamus, et Augusto mense circa Vulcanalia, cum maturum. Sed haec satio sine dubio melior habetur. Cura est eius, ut terra stercorata et subacta obruatur; post ubi ceperit aliquod incrementum, subinde aggeretur.

[47] The radish’s root is rightly sown twice in the year: in the month of February, when we expect the vernal produce, and in the month of August, around the Vulcanalia, when the mature crop (is expected). But this sowing is without doubt held to be better. Its care is that it be covered with manured and well-worked earth; afterward, when it has begun to take some increment, it should be repeatedly hilled up.

Nam si super terram emerserit, dura et fungosa fiet.

For if it shall have emerged above the ground, it will become hard and fungous.

[48] Cucumis et cucurbita, cum copia est aquae, minorem curam desiderant; nam plurimum iuvantur umore. Sin autem sicco loco seri debuerint, quo rigationem ministrare non expediat, mense Februario sesquipedali altitudine fossa facienda est. Post Idus deinde Martias, quasi tertia pars altitudinis sulci stramentis inditis tegenda, mox stercorata terra usque in dimidium sulcum adgerenda, positisque seminibus tam diu est aqua praebenda, donec enascantur, atque ubi convalescere coeperint, adiecta humo incrementa eorum prosequenda sunt, donec sulcus coaequetur; sic exculta semina sine rigatione tota aestate satis valebunt fructumque iucundioris saporis quam rigua praebebunt.

[48] The cucumber and the gourd, when there is a plenty of water, require less care; for they are very much helped by moisture. But if they must be sown in a dry place, where it is not expedient to furnish irrigation, in the month of February a trench of one and a half feet in depth must be made. Then after the Ides of March, about a third part of the depth of the furrow is to be covered by putting in straw, soon manured earth is to be heaped up to the midpoint of the furrow, and, the seeds having been set, water is to be supplied just so long until they sprout; and when they begin to grow strong, their increases are to be followed with added soil until the furrow is leveled; seed thus cultivated will, without irrigation, be strong enough through the whole summer and will furnish fruit of a more agreeable savor than irrigated ones will provide.

[49] Aquosis autem locis primo quoque tempore, non tamen ante Kalendas Martias semen ponendum est, ut differri possit aequinoctio confecto, idque de media parte cucurbitae semen inverso cacumine ponito, ut fiat incrementi vastioris; nam sunt ad usum vasorum satis idoneae, sicut Alexandrinae cucurbitae, cum exaruerunt.

[49] But in watery places at the earliest opportunity, yet the seed must not be set before the Kalends of March (March 1), so that it can be deferred until the equinox is completed; and place the seed from the middle part of the gourd, with the tip inverted, so that it may be of more vast growth; for they are quite suitable for the use of vessels, like the Alexandrian gourds, when they have dried out.

[50] At si esculentae merci praeparabis, recto cacumine de collo cucurbitae sumptum semen serendum erit, quo prolixior et tenuior fructus eius enascatur, qui scilicet maius aeris invenit pretium. Sed custodiendum est, ut quam minime ad eum locum, in quo vel cucumeres aut cucurbitae consitae sunt, mulier admittatur. Nam fere contactu eius languescunt incrementa virentium.

[50] But if you are preparing for esculent ware, the seed taken with a straight tip from the neck of the gourd must be sown, so that its fruit may grow more elongated and slender, which of course finds a higher price in cash. But it must be guarded, that a woman be admitted as little as possible to the place in which either cucumbers or gourds are planted. For generally by her contact the increments of the verdant plants languish.

Si vero etiam in menstruis fuerit, visu quoque suo novellos fetus necabit.

But if she be even in her menses, by her very sight she will kill the young fruits.

[51] Cucumis tener et iucundissimus fit, si, ante quam seras, semen eius lacte maceres. Nonnulli etiam quo dulcior exsistat, aqua mulsa idem faciunt. Sed qui praematurum fructum cucumeris habere volet, confecta bruma stercoratam terram inditam cophinis obferat modicumque praebeat umorem.

[51] The cucumber becomes tender and most pleasant if, before you sow, you macerate its seed in milk. Some also, that it may come forth sweeter, do the same with honeyed water. But whoever will wish to have an early-ripening fruit of the cucumber, when winter is finished should offer manured soil set in baskets and provide a modest moisture.

Deinde cum enata semina fuerint, tepidis diebus et insolatis iuxta aedificium sub divo ponat, ita ut ab omni adflatu protegantur. Ceterum frigoribus ac tempestatibus sub tectum referat idque tam diu faciat, dum aequinoctium vernum confiat. Postea totos cophinos demittat in terram; sic enim praecoquem fructum habebit.

Then, when the seeds have sprouted, on tepid and sunlit days he should set them next to a building under the open sky, in such a way that they are protected from every draft. Otherwise, in cold and in storms, he should bring them back under a roof, and he should do this until the vernal equinox is fulfilled. Afterwards, let him lower the whole baskets into the ground; for thus he will have an early-ripened fruit.

[52] Possunt etiam, si sit operae pretium, vasis maioribus rotulae subici, quo minore labore producantur et rursus intra tecta recipiantur. Sed nihilo minus specularibus integi debebunt, ut etiam frigoribus serenis diebus tuto producantur ad solem.

[52] They can also, if it be worth the effort, have little wheels set beneath the larger vessels, so that with less labor they may be brought out and then taken back indoors. But nonetheless they must be covered with glass panes, so that even on cold, clear days they may be safely brought out to the sun.

[53] Hac ratione fere toto anno Tiberio Caesari cucumis praebebatur. Nos autem leviore opera istud fieri apud Aegyptiae gentis Bolum Mendesium legimus, qui praecipit aprico et stercoroso loco alternis ordinibus ferulas, alternis rubos in hortis consitas habere; deinde eas confecto aequinoctio paululo infra terram secare et ligneo stilo laxatis vel rubi vel ferulae medullis stercus inmittere atque ita semina cucumeris inserere, quae scilicet incremento suo coeant rubis et ferulis (namque non sua, sed quasi materna radice aluntur); sic insitam stirpem frigoribus quoque cucumeris praebere fructum. Satio secunda eius seminis fere Quinquatribus observatur.

[53] By this method, almost through the whole year cucumber was furnished to Tiberius Caesar. But we read that this is done with lighter labor by Bolo of Mendes, of the Egyptian people, who instructs one to have in a sunny and manured place in the gardens ferulas in alternate rows, and brambles in alternate rows; then, when the equinox is completed, to cut them a little below the ground, and, with the pith either of the bramble or the ferula loosened by a wooden stylus, to insert dung, and thus to insert seeds of cucumber, which of course by their growth may unite with the brambles and the ferulas (for they are nourished not by their own root, but as if by a maternal one); thus the grafted stock yields cucumber fruit even in cold weather. A second sowing of that seed is observed about the Quinquatria.

[54] Capparis plurimis provinciis sua sponte novalibus nascitur. Sed quibus locis eius inopia est, si serenda fuerit, siccum locum desiderabit, isque debebit ante circumdari fossula, quae repleatur lapidibus et calce vel Punico luto, ut sit quasi quaedam lorica, ne possint eam perrumpere praedicti seminis frutices, qui fere per totum agrum vagantur, nisi munimento aliquo prohibiti sunt.

[54] The caper in very many provinces springs up of its own accord on fallow lands. But in places where there is a scarcity of it, if it must be sown, it will require a dry place, and this ought first to be surrounded by a little ditch, which should be filled with stones and lime or Punic clay, so that it may be as it were a certain lorica, lest the shrubs of the aforesaid seed be able to break through it, which generally wander through the whole field, unless they are restrained by some muniment.

[55] Quod tamen non tantum incommodum est (subinde enim possunt exstirpari) quantum quod noxium virus habent sucoque suo sterile solum reddunt. Cultu aut nullo aut levissimo contenta est, quippe quae res etiam in desertis agris citra rustici operam convalescat. Seritur utroque aequinoctio.

[55] Which, however, is not so much an inconvenience (for they can from time to time be extirpated) as that they possess a noxious virus and by their own juice render the soil sterile. It is content with no cultivation or with the very lightest, since this thing even in desert fields, without the husbandman’s labor, grows strong. It is sown at both equinoxes.

[56] Cepina magis frequenter subactam postulat terram quam altius conversam. Itaque ex Kalendis Novembribus proscindi solum debet, ut hiemis frigoribus et gelicidiis putrescat, intermissisque quadraginta diebus tum demum iterari et interpositis uno ac viginti diebus tertiari et protinus stercorari, mox bidentibus aequaliter perfossum in areas disponi deletis radicibus omnibus.

[56] The onion crop calls for ground more frequently worked rather than turned more deeply. And so from the 1st of November the soil ought to be broken up, so that it may rot under winter’s cold and frosts; after an interval of forty days, then at last it should be gone over a second time, and, with one and twenty days interposed, a third time; and straightway it should be manured; soon, having been evenly dug through with bidents, it is to be set out into beds, all roots having been removed.

[57] Deinde ad Kalendas Februarias sereno die conveniat semina spargi; quibus aliquid satureiae semen intermiscendum erit, ut eam quoque habeamus. Nam et viridis esui est iucunda nec arida inutilis ad pulmentaria condienda. Sed cepina vel saepius, certe non minus debet quam quater sariri. Cuius si semen excipere voles, capita maxima generis Ascalonii, quod est optimum, mense Februario disponito quaternorum vel etiam quinum digitorum spatiis distantia, et cum coeperint virere, ne minus ter consarito;

[57] Then at the Kalends of February, on a clear day, it is suitable that the seeds be scattered; among which a little seed of savory must be mixed, so that we may have that too. For both green it is pleasant for eating, and when dried it is not useless for seasoning pottages. But the onion-bed should be hoed even more often—certainly not less than four times. If you wish to collect seed from it, set out in the month of February the largest heads of the Ascalonian kind, which is the best, spaced at intervals of 4 or even 5 fingers; and when they have begun to green, hoe not less than 3 times;

[58] deinde cum fecerint caulem, humilioribus quasi canteriolis interpositis rigorem stilorum conservato. Nam nisi harundines transversas in modum iugatae vineae crebre disposueris, thalli ceparum ventis prosternuntur totumque semen excutietur; quod scilicet non ante legendum est, quam cum maturescere coeperit coloremque nigrum habere. Sed nec patiendum est, ut perarescat, ut totum decidat, verum integri thalli vellendi sunt et sole siccandi.

[58] then, when they have made a stalk, preserve the rigidity of the stems by interposing somewhat lower little “cantilevers,” as it were. For unless you have disposed transverse reeds, in the manner of a yoked vineyard, at frequent intervals, the thalli of the onions are prostrated by the winds, and all the seed will be shaken out; which, of course, is not to be gathered before it has begun to mature and to have a black color. But neither must it be allowed to over-dry, so that it all drops off; rather, the intact thalli are to be plucked and dried in the sun.

[59] Napus et rapa duas sationes habent et eandem culturam quam raphanus. Melior est tamen satio mensis Augusti. Iugerum agri quattuor sextarios seminis eorum poscit, sed ita ut radicis Syriacae super hanc mensuram paulo plus quam heminam seminis recipiat.

[59] The navew and the turnip have two sowings, and the same cultivation as the raphanus (radish). Better, however, is the sowing of the month of August. A iugerum of field requires four sextarii of their seed, but in such a way that, for the Syriac root, beyond this measure it may receive a little more than a hemina of seed.

[60] Qui aestate ista seret, caveat, ne propter siccitates pulex adhuc tenera folia prorepentia consumat, idque ut vitetur, pulvis, qui supra cameram invenitur, vel etiam fuligo, quae supra focos tectis inhaeret, conligi debet; deinde pridie quam satio fiat, conmisceri cum seminibus et aqua conspargi, ut tota nocte sucum trahat. Nam sic macerata postero die recte obserentur.

[60] Whoever shall sow in this summer, let him beware lest, on account of droughts, the flea consume the still-tender, creeping-forth leaves; and that this may be avoided, the dust which is found above the chamber-ceiling, or even the fuliginous soot which clings to the roofs above the hearths, ought to be collected; then, on the day before the sowing is done, it must be commixed with the seeds and besprinkled with water, so that it may draw in the juice throughout the whole night. For thus macerated, on the following day they should be properly sown in.

[61] Veteres quidem auctores, ut Democritus, praecipiunt semina omnia suco herbae, quae sedum appellatur, medicare eodemque remedio adversus bestiolas uti; quod verum esse nos experientia docuit. Sed frequentius tamen, quoniam eius herbae larga non est facultas, fuligine et pulvere praedicto utimur satisque commode tuemur his incolumitatem plantarum.

[61] The ancient authors, such as Democritus, prescribe that all seeds be medicated with the juice of the herb which is called sedum, and to use the same remedy against little pests; which our experience has taught to be true. Yet more frequently, since there is not a ample supply of that herb, we use soot and the aforesaid dust, and with these we quite conveniently protect the incolumity of the plants.

[62] Rapae semina Hyginus putat post trituram iacentibus adhuc in area paleis inspargi debere, quoniam fiant laetiora capita, cum subiacens soli duritia non patiatur in altum descendere. Nos istud saepe frustra temptavimus; itaque sicut raphanum et napum melius existimamus subacta terra obrui, servantque adhuc antiquorum consuetudinem religiosiores agricolae, qui cum ea serunt, precantur, ut et sibi et vicinis nascantur.

[62] Hyginus thinks that turnip (rapa) seeds, after the threshing, ought to be sprinkled upon the chaff still lying on the threshing-floor, since fuller heads are produced when the underlying hardness of the soil does not allow them to descend deep. We have often tried that in vain; and so, just as with the radish (raphanus) and the rape (napus), we judge it better to bury them in well‑worked earth; and the more religious farmers still keep the custom of the ancients, who, when they sow them, pray that they may grow both for themselves and for their neighbors.

[63] Locis frigidis, ubi timor est, ne autumnalis satio hiemis gelicidiis peruratur, harundinibus humiles cantherii fiunt virgaeque et virgis stramenta supra iaciuntur, et sic a pruinis semina defenduntur. Vbi vero apricis regionibus post pluvias noxia incesserunt animalia, quae a nobis appellantur urucae, Graece autem kampai nominantur, vel manu conligi debent vel matutinis temporibus frutices holerum concuti. Sic enim dum adhuc torpent nocturno frigore, si deciderint, non amplius in superiorem partem prorepunt.

[63] In cold places, where there is fear lest the autumnal sowing be seared by the winter’s ice-glazings, low frames are made from reeds, and rods are set up and straw is cast above upon the rods, and thus the seeds are defended from hoar-frosts. Where, however, in sun-exposed regions after rains harmful little animals have set upon the crops—those which are called by us urucae, but in Greek are named kampai—they ought either to be gathered by hand, or in the morning hours the vegetable shrubs should be shaken. For thus, while they are still torpid from the nocturnal chill, if they have fallen, they no longer creep back into the upper part.

[64] Id tamen supervacuum est facere, si ante sationem semina, uti iam praedixi, suco herbae sedi macerata sunt. Nihil enim sic medicatis nocent urucae. Sed Democritus in eo libro, qui Graece inscribitur peri antipathon, adfirmat has ipsas bestiolas enecari, si mulier, quae in menstruis est, solutis crinibus et nudo pede unamquamque aream ter circumeat; post hoc enim decidere omnes vermiculos et ita emori.

[64] Nevertheless it is superfluous to do that, if before the sowing the seeds, as I have already premised, have been macerated in the juice of the herb sedum. For urucae do no harm to seeds thus medicated. But Democritus, in that book which in Greek is entitled peri antipathon, affirms that these very little creatures are killed, if a woman who is in her menses, with loosened hair and bare foot, goes three times around each threshing-floor; for after this all the little worms fall down and thus die.

[65] Hactenus praecipiendum existimavi de cultu hortorum et officiis vilici, quem quamvis instructum atque eruditum omni opere rustico esse oportere prima parte huius exordii censuerim, quoniam tamen plerumque evenit, ut eorum, quae didicerimus, memoria nos deficiat eaque saepius ex commentariis renovanda sint, omnium librorum meorum argumenta subieci, ut cum res exegisset, facile reperiri possit, quid in quoque quaerendum et qualiter quidque faciendum sit.

[65] Thus far I have thought it to be prescribed concerning the culture of gardens and the offices of the steward, whom, although I judged in the first part of this exordium ought to be well-instructed and erudite in every rustic work, since nevertheless it very often happens that the memory of those things which we have learned fails us and that they must rather often be renewed from commentaries, I have subjoined the arguments of all my books, so that, when the matter shall have required, it may be easily found what in each one is to be sought and in what manner each thing is to be done.