10 CHRONOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS 



connected with the Mythology; as the monkey is in Hindostan at the 

 present day. 



A species of monkey (Cercopithecus) is figured in the same tombs ; 

 and also at a somewhat later date (Lepsius II. PI. 13 and 36). — Other 

 kinds of monkeys are represented at Benihassan, but apparently, all 

 derived from the Upper Nile. At no period, do I find these animals 

 connected with the Egyptian Mythology. 



The hyaena is represented in the same tombs (Lepsius II. PI. 10) ; 

 and apparently in a semi-reclaimed state. 



The habits of the Early Egyptians appear to have been in great 

 part pastoral ; but agricultural occupations are also represented in these 

 tombs; together with the grape (Vitis), and the art of making wine. — 

 The details of this art are again figured on monuments of the time of 

 the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Dynasties. 



Clusters apparently of figs (Reus carica) are included among the 

 offerings of fruits and vegetables (Lepsius II. PL 10). — The fig tree is 

 distinctly represented at Benihassan, and on monuments of the time 

 of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Dynasties. 



Crops of grain and the process of reaping, are represented in the 

 same tombs (Lepsius II. PI. 9) : perhaps rye, or spelt, but probably 

 wheat (Triticum hybernum). — The ambiguity continues on the subse- 

 quent monuments : but wheat is mentioned under its current Egyp- 

 tian name in Genesis xviii. 6, and Numbers v. 15 ; and under its 

 current Greek name by Homer, Odys. ix. 191, and xxiv. 208. 



The paper-rush (Papyrus) is figured in the same tombs ; together 

 with the process of writing, and rolls or books (Lepsius II. PL 9 and 

 12). — The plant is frequently represented on the subsequent monu- 

 ments : but its cultivation having been neglected in modern times, it 

 has nearly, if not altogether, disappeared from Egypt. The latter 

 circumstance, among others, indicates a foreign origin. 



The sacred water-lily or lotus (Nymphaea) occurs among the offerings 

 in the same tombs (Lepsius II. PL 10). — The species is probably the 

 N. cserulea ; for though I met with no flowers painted blue prior to 

 the Twentieth Dynasty, the margin of the leaves, even in highly 

 finished representations, is invariably entire. The N. caerulea is per- 

 haps indigenous ; or if floated down the Nile, remains to be disco- 

 vered in Central Africa. The blue Nymphsea of East Africa, seen by 

 myself at Zanzibar, has dentate leaves. I met with dried flowers of a 



