Book 17
8
Taurus says besides that it is also worth inquiring why the waters of rivers and streams freeze, while all the sea is incapable of freezing. Although Herodotus, said he, the writer of history, contrary to the opinion of almost all who have investigated these matters, writes iv. 28 (ii., p. 226, L.C.L.). that the Bosphoric sea, which is called Cimmerian, The Cimmerian Bosphorus, the present Strait of Yenikale, connecting the Palus Maeotis (Sea of Azov) with the Pontus Euxinus or Black Sea. and all that part of the sea which is termed Scythian, Herodotus does not use the term Scythian Sea, but says the sea, referring to the Palus Maeotis and the Euxine. See the map, Herod., L.C.L., vol. ii. is bound fast by the cold and brought to a standstill. While Taurus was thus speaking, the boy had returned, the pot had cooled off, and the time had come to eat and hold our peace.
9
Of the cypher letters which are found in the epistles of Gains Caesar, and of other secret forms of writing taken from ancient history; and what the Laconian skuta/lh is.
