Chap. 23 (21) — Four Varieties of the Sorb
There are four varieties of the sorb: there being some that have all the roundness1938 of the apple, while others are conical like the pear,1939 and a third sort are of an oval1940 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:”1941 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. Cato1942 speaks of sorbs being preserved in boiled wine.