Emphasis Preaching Journal

For centuries prior to the publication of the Encyclope'die in 1751, people believed in the Agnus Scythicus, or Scythian lamb, a remarkable plant on the steppes of the Black Sea. It was said to be shaped like a sheep, with a darkish down covering its body, and was not only believed to be an excellent source of wool for garments but was also considered a potent cure for respiratory diseases. When a botanist named Kempfer was finally able to visit the steppes, he discovered that it was only a fern with a kind of dusky fuzz on its leaves and had no powers or healing capability.