142 CHRONOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS 



is enumerated by Clot-Bey and Figari, as cultivated for ornament in 

 the gardens of Egypt. 



The pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is described by Dodonseus. — The 

 plant, according to Dr. T. W. Harris, was derived from the aboriginals 

 of America. It was seen by Forskal and Delile in Egypt ; where its 

 name, "kara estombouli" or gourd of Constantinople, indicates a 

 northern route of introduction. 



According to Dr. T. W. Harris, the squash (Cucurbita polymorpha) 

 was derived from North America ; and is the " askiitasquash," culti- 

 vated by the aboriginals of New England, mentioned by Josselyn, 

 Wood, and R. Williams. The plant is described by Dodonseus. — Delile 

 is perhaps the earliest writer who mentions the presence of the C. poly- 

 morpha in Egypt ; where its name, " kara mogrebi" or western gourd, 

 indicates a Mediterranean route of introduction. 



The " nasturtium Indicum" of Dodonaeus, Monardes, and Lobel 

 (Stirp. Hist., p. 338), is referred by C. Bauhin and Willdenow to the 

 Tropceolum minus, a native of Peru. — This has become a well-known 

 garden plant ; and was seen by Delile, and by Clot-Bey and Figari, 

 cultivated in Egypt.* 



According to Sprengel, The Copaifera officinalis, an indigenous tree 

 of Brazil, is described by Lerius. — Forskal (Mat. Med.) speaks of the 

 importation of "copaivae" balsam into Egypt. 



The " mandobi" seen by Lerius cultivated in Brazil, is referred by 

 Monardes, Piso, and others to the pea-nut (Arachis hypogea). — This 

 plant is said to have been long known in China and Cochin China ; 

 and, according to Purchas, also in Equatorial Africa. It is now culti- 



* According to C. Bauhin and Willdenow, The Celosia coccinea is figured by Dodo- 

 naeus. — I have met with no evidence, that this plant is known in Egypt. 



The Hemerocallis fulva is figured by Dodonaeus. — The plant was seen by Kaempfer 

 and Thunberg, cultivated and growing spontaneously in Japan ; but appears to have re- 

 mained unknown in Egypt. 



According to Willdenow, the Hibiscus palustris is figured by Dodonaeus. — This is a 

 North American plant ; which appears to have remained unknown in Egypt. 



The " syringa" of Dodonaeus, Lobel (Stirp. Hist.), and Oaesalpiuus, is referred by C. 

 Bauhin and Willdenow to the Philadelphus coronarius. — This plant appears to have 

 remained unknown in Greece and Egypt. 



The " flos tygridis" sent by Brancion to Dodonaeus and Lobel (Stirp. Hist. p. 59), is 

 referred by Dalechamp and others to the tiger-lily (Tigridia pavonia), a native of Mexico. 

 — The plant has become common in gardens ; but appears to have remained unknown 

 in Egypt. 



