FOUR VARIETIES OF THE SORB

Latine · Mayhoff 1906

Sorvis quadriplex differentia. aliis enim eorum rotunditas mali, aliis turbinatio piri, aliis ovata species ceu malorum aliquis; haec obnoxia acori. odore et suavitate rotunda praecellunt, ceteris vini sapor. generosissima quibus circa pediculos tenera folia. quartum genus torminale appellant, remedio tantum probabile, adsiduum proventu minimumque pomo, arbore dissimile, foliis paene platani. non ferunt ante trimatum ex ullo genere. Cato et sorva condi sapa tradit.

English · Bostock & Riley 1855–57

There are four varieties of the sorb: there being some that have all the roundness of the apple, while others are conical like the pear, and a third sort are of an oval shape, like some of the apples: these last, however, are apt to be remarkably acid. The round kind is the best for fragrance and sweetness, the others having a vinous flavour; the finest, however, are those which have the stalk surrounded with tender leaves. A fourth kind is known by the name of “torminalis:” it is only employed, however, for remedial purposes.

The tree is a good bearer, but does not resemble the other kinds, the leaf being nearly that of the plane-tree; the fruit, too, is particularly small. Cato speaks of sorbs being preserved in boiled wine.