127 



RICE.— ORYZA. 



Natural order, Gramina. A genus of the 

 Hexandria Monogynia class. 



The Latins continued the Greek name of 

 "Opu^ct, or "Opu^ov, Oryza, for this grain, and 

 it has not been much changed by any 

 European nation. The French call it Riz, 

 the Germans Risz and Rys, the Italians Riso, 

 and the English formerly spelt it Ryse and 

 Rise. 



Of this excellent Ethiopian grain but one 

 species has been discovered : its progress 

 into Europe cannot be ascertained with any 

 degree of certainty as to date. It seems or- 

 dained by the all- wise Providence, that some 

 of our greatest blessings should sometimes 

 emanate from the most acute afflictions, 

 probably to shew us how short-sighted we 

 are, and how incapable of comprehending 

 the vast designs of Omnipotence. Thus, 

 the wars which drove men from their peace- 

 ful plains, sent also their knowledge of rais- 



