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but all alike intersected by a multitude of rivers. 5The greater part of the soil, moreover, is under irrigation, and consequently bears two crops in the course of the year, It teems at the same time with animals of all sorts,—beasts of the field and fowls of the air,—of all different degrees of strength and size. 6It is prolific, besides, in elephants, which are of monstrous bulk, as its soil supplies food in unsparing profusion, making these animals far to exceed in strength those that are bred in Libya. It results also that, since they are caught in great numbers by the Indians and trained for war, they are of great moment in turning the scale of victory.
(36.) 7The inhabitants, in like manner, having abundant means of subsistence, exceed in consequence the ordinary stature, and are distinguished by their proud bearing. They are also found to be well skilled in the arts, as might be expected of men who inhale a pure air and drink the very finest water. 8And while the soil bears on its surface all kinds of fruits which are known to cultivation, it has also under ground numerous veins of all sorts of metals, for it contains much gold and silver, and copper and iron in no small quantity, and even tin and other metals, which are employed in making articles of use and ornament, as well as the implements and accoutrements of war.
9In addition to cereals, there grows throughout
5-9. ↑ Conf. Fragm. xi.
