WHEAT. 



Tnticum ^Estivum. 

 GRAMIXEJE. Triticum Hybernwn. 



(Summer and Winter Wheat.) 



iis grain and the vine are referred to in Scripture more 

 frequently than any other plants. The word &quot;wheat&quot; 

 in several places in our version refers to grain in gene 

 ral, or to &quot;corn.&quot; But, though this may be true in 

 reference to some passages, it cannot be equally true 

 of all, for in many the signification is definitely wheat. Corn 

 was the most general term, including barley and the rye, or 

 spelt, of the Egyptians as well as wheat. The wheat of Egypt 

 was mostly of the large ear, containing more grains than any 

 variety cultivated in this country, and is called tritkwn coin- 

 positum. The earliest method of preparing the wheat for 

 eating was by simply parching the grains, which is still 

 the practice in many countries. Afterward, the method was 

 adopted of simply breaking up the grains in a mortar, and 

 then mixing this coarse flour with water and baking without 

 yeast. Similar corn bread, with some yeast, has been found in 

 Egyptian tombs and in Ilerculaneum. 



Wheat changes its character somewhat by varied cultivation, 

 and receives a name in accordance with its color, shape, weight, 

 bearded or bald ear. In some countries varieties grow so tall 

 that as in Guzerat a horseman may pass along unseen in 



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