MUMMY WHEAT. 13 
man took care of the seeds, and committed them 
to the charge of an experienced horticulturist, 
who planted them. To the amazement of both 
parties, the seeds proved to be alive; and in a 
little while, strong, healthy plants of Egyptian 
corn made their appearance above the soil. 
These, in due time, ripened, and bare fruit abun- 
dantly. The seeds were preserved, and in due 
time sown, and these also produced healthy 
plants, and an abundant supply of more seed- 
corn. Ultimately, enough was obtained to 
make the seeds an article of sale ; and the reader 
can at this day, if he pleases, purchase for a 
trifle the descendants of seeds which were, at 
the very least, two thousand years old before they 
were committed to the soil. This wheat, from 
its interesting origin, is called “‘ Mummy wheat.” 
What a wonderful subject for thought is this! 
A sleep of two thousand years! And how re- 
markably does it illustrate the wisdom and pro- 
vidence of God, who has endowed seeds with this 
length of vitality, to guard against their ever 
becoming lost to man, as they would soon be if 
all were not able to endure a life of slumber 
beyond a year or two. 
