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native species of the middle Mississippi region, we have no direct 
evidence; but as Plums were planted north and south of that 
region it is quite probable.that.the differentiation which has re- 
sulted in giving ‘us some twenty-six horticultural forms is also of 
Indian origin. 
At least one species of grape was cultivated for its fruit. V2tes 
Arizonica Eng. has been found growing in rows near Fort Whipple, 
Ariz., which may be accepted as conclusive evidence of its culture 
by the Pueblo Indians. It was unfortunate that the Grape thus 
selected should be described by Munson, the eminent viticulturist, 
as the least promising of all the species for improvement in fruit. 
Considering the ease with which Grapes are propagated, by seeds, 
cuttings or layers, it is likely enough that other species were 
grown, specially V. Laérusca, our northern Fox-Grape, although 
there appears to be no proof of it. 
It seems quite probable that the Pecan and one or more Hick- 
ories were more or less planted, as the abundance of nuts is often 
alluded to by the first explorers. Wm. Bartram, in the account 
of his travels through the South in 1773, mentions an Indian 
plantation of Shellbark Hickory. There is likewise some ground 
for the belief that our native Red Mulberry was cultivated, the fine 
quality and great quantity of the fruit being mentioned by De Soto 
and others. 
The last of this group of food plants, so far as I know, is Pass?- 
flora incarnata L.., the Maypop of the Southern States, which was 
cultivated by the Indians of Virginia. Says Captain John Smith: 
« They plant also maracocks, a wild fruit like a lemon, which in- 
creases infinitely’; elsewhere he refers to it as ‘‘pleasant”’ and 
“wholesome.” The fact is that it contains but little nutriment 
and does not appear susceptible of improvement. The plant itself, 
on account of its spreading perennial and deep roots, is a noxious 
weed, 
For the sake of completing the list of plants cultivated by abor- 
igines I may be allowed to mention one or two which, although 
not food plants, were propagated with full as much industry and 
success as the Maize or the Sunflower ; I mean species of Tobacco 
(Nicotiana). The Common Tobacco (NV. Zabacum L.), of South 
America, was not known to our Indians except perhaps as var. 
