128 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



ing grain to distant countries. Persecution 

 has frequently driven arts from one shore to 

 enlighten and bless the inhabitants of other 

 nations. 



We find, this species of corn was culti- 

 vated by the Egyptians, the Persians, the 

 Babvlonians, and all the eastern nations with 

 whom they either warred or traded. 



The writings of Theophrastus inform us, 

 that the Greeks had obtained this nourishing 

 seed prior to his day, which was about 300 

 years b. c. ; from thence it travelled to Italy, 

 and formed one of the earliest foods of the 

 Roman people, who, we find, used rice-broth 

 in the infancy of their monarchy. Among 

 the libations and offerings prescribed by 

 Numa, rice was preferred. 



" If with pure hands you approach altars," 

 said Horace, " there is no victim more effica- 

 cious to soften the irritated gods, than a 

 religious offering of rice, seasoned with salt."* 



Many benefits naturally arose from the 

 superstition of the heathens ; as their fear of 

 offending their deities induced them to cul- 

 tivate those plants which they were taught 

 to believe most acceptable to their gods, 



* Book iii. ode 23. 



