Chap. 39 The Tree Called Bratus
Hence it is, that they import from the country of the Elymæi543 the wood of a tree called bratus,544 which is similar in appearance to a spreading cypress. Its branches are of a whitish colour, and the wood, while burning, emits a pleasant odour; it is highly spoken of by Claudius Cæsar, in his History,545 for its marvellous properties. He states that the Parthians sprinkle the leaves of it in their drink, that its smell closely resembles that of the cedar, and that the smoke of it is efficacious in counteracting the effects of smoke emitted by other wood. This tree grows in the countries that lie beyond the Pasitigris,546 in the territory of the city of Sittaca, upon Mount Zagrus.