316 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



Lagenaria vulgaris, the gourd : the large-fruited variety, was not met 

 with at the other groups. 



Hydrocotyle, perhaps introduced with taro culture; and possibly dis- 

 tinct from the species growing around habitations at the central 

 groups. 



Geopkila reniformis, in pathways, and in woods devoid of underbrush, 

 not far from clearings. It grows in similar situations, at the cen- 

 tral groups. 



Ageratum conyzoides, abundantly naturalized in open grounds : as also, 



at the central groups. 

 Adenostema viscosum, a weed in abandoned clearings : as also, at the 



central groups. 



Convolvulus batatas, forming in some districts, the principal object of 

 cultivation. — By an exception to the general rule, the sweet potato 

 is rare at the Feejee Islands : where it was said to occur on one 

 of the outer islets ; and it seems probable, that it was introduced 

 there by Polynesians. Several marked varieties, are cultivated in 

 the Polynesian groups. 



Ocymum, a small species, naturalized in abandoned clearings, and in 

 dry open grounds. 



P hy sails an gidat a ?, 'd smooth, low, and inconspicuous species, natu- 

 ralized in waste grounds. 



Physalis edulis, abundantly naturalized ; as also, at the other groups; 

 and having a Polynesian name, which is nearly identical at Ta- 

 heiti and at the Hawaiian Islands. The genus Physalis, moreover, 

 seems foreign to the natural vegetation. 



Capsicum frutescens, cultivated : as also, at the central groups. 



Solanum nigrum, abundantly naturalized: as also, throughout the cen- 

 tral groups. 



Pisonia, a small tree, rather reserved than planted ; and which was 



not seen at the other groups. The Hawaiian bird-lime, was said to 



be obtained from it. 

 Polygonum, a species (near P. persicaria). growing in wet grounds, 



and perhaps introduced ; for it does not seem to accord with the 



natural vegetation. 

 Carica papaya, cultivated. The fruit, is a favourite esculent with 



the Polynesians and Feejeeans. 

 Ricinus communis, abundantly naturalized : as also, at the central 



groups. — At the Feejee Islands, the seeds strung together, are used 



for candles. 



Aleurites triloba, abundantly naturalized ; and the seeds used for can- 



