RETICULUM, is a Latin word, signifying a little or casting net. It was applied by the Romans to a particular mode of constructing their buildings. In the city of Salino (see SALINO) are still to be seen remains of some walls, evidently of Roman origin from the reticulum. This structure consists of small pieces of baked earth cut lozenge-wise, and disposed with great regularity on the angles, so as to exhibit to the eye the appearance of cut diamonds; and was called reticular, from its resemblance to fishing-nets. The Romans always concealed it under a regular coating of other matter; and
Mr Houel informs us, that this was the only specimen of it which he saw in all his travels through Sicily, Malta, and Lipari. It appears to be the remains of some baths, which have been built for the convenience of sea-bathing.