The _bruscum_ is more intricately crisp'd; the _molluscum_ not so much; and had we trees large enough to saw into planks for tables, 'twould be preferr'd before cedar, (or citron, for so some copies read it) but now they use it only for small table-books, and with its thin boards to wainscot bed-testers with, _&c._ The _bruscum_ is of a blackish kind, with which they make tables.' Thus far Pliny.

And such spotted tables were the famous Tigrin, and Pantherine curiosities of; not so call'd from being supported with figures carved like those beasts, as some conceive, and was in use even in our grand-fathers days, but from its natural spots and maculations, _hem, quantis facultatibus aestimavere ligneas maculas!_ as Tertullian crys out, _de Pallio_, c, 5.

Such a table was that of Cicero's, which cost him 10000 _Sesterces_; such another had Asinius Gallus.

That of King Juba was sold for 15000, and another which I read of, valu'd at 140000 H.S.which at about 3d.

sterling, arrives to a pretty sum; and yet that of the Mauritanian Ptoleme, was far richer, containing four foot and an half diameter, three inches thick, which is reported to have been sold for its weight in gold: Of that value they were, and so madly luxurious the age, that when they at any time reproach'd their wives for their wanton expensiveness in pearl and other rich trifles, they were wont to retort, and turn the tables upon their husbands.