Inventory 42, Seeds and Plants Imported. 



The Sycamore Fig I Ficus sycomorus S. P. I. Nos. 39827, 39857, and 39858). 



From the wood of this "sycamore" of Scripture, the ''Tree of Life'' of the Egyptians, the ancient 

 coffins were made. It is a true lig tree and was introduced into Egypt , probably from Yemen 

 on the east coast of the Red Sea, in very early limes. If bears figs of inferior quality which are 

 inhabited by the fig insect (Sycophaga erassipes). These figs are notfil to eat unless their tips 

 are cut off to lei the fit; insects escape. From the time of Plinyeven the Egyptian boyshave 

 operated on these sycamore figs, using a kind of thimble made of iron plate 'ending in an iron 

 "linger nail." The figs arc borne on small leafless fleshy branches arising directly from 

 the trunk, ami it is the practice to beal the trunk of the tree with a hammer to increa eits 

 fruitfulness. The illustration shows the scars thus induced. Photographed by S. C. Mason 

 (P20231CP). 



