324 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



EcKpta, growing in wet ground, but rare : probably, introduced with 

 taro culture. 



Villarsia, a species common in taro ponds; and possibly introduced. 



Lahiat. incert. A weed in the cultivated ground. 



Solanwn, a species cultivated, having edible fruit, which somewhat 

 resembles an Orange in form and colour. The plant was doubtless 

 introduced from the westward; for its herbaceous habit, does not 

 accord with the natural vegetation. 



Amarajiihus tricolor, cultivated and naturalized. 



Urticac. incert. A thick-stemmed low tree, growing along the coast, 

 and clearly indigenous. It had been introduced into Tongataboo; 

 where it was seen, planted. 



Cycas circinalis, growing in wild situations on the mountains of Ovo- 

 lau. And seen, regularly planted at Tongataboo. 



Lemna, a species abounding in the taro-ponds; and possibly intro- 

 duced. 



Dioscorea aculeata, abundantly cultivated. The root, has a tenacious 

 bark ; and differs in consistence from the Common Yam. — Roots 

 of the D. aculeata, were seen in the market at Sooloo. 



Panicum, a third species ; naturalized in the cultivated ground. 



Andropogon schaenanthus, the Lemon-grass; planted around the cabins 

 of the natives. 



Eleocharis, a species near E. capitatus, frequent in wet places; and 

 possibly introduced with taro culture.* 



* A more full account of the localities of the above-mentioned plants, will be Ibund in 

 the annexed Tabic. And in place of adding thereto a column, I will hei-e specily such 

 of the domestic animals and plants of Polynesia, as appear to have been known in Egypt 

 prior to the voyage of Columbus. I can enumerate only : 



The house fly, 

 The domestic fowl. 

 The pig, 



The domestic dog, 

 Cardiospermum helicacabum, 

 Abrus prccatorius, the seeds, 

 Lagenaria vulgaris, 

 Eclipta, 



Capsicum frutescens, 



Solanum nigrum, 

 Ricinus covinmunis, 

 Colocasia esculenta, (?) 

 Musa sapientum, 

 Cocos nucifera, the fruit, 

 Digitaria sanguinale, (?) 

 Eleusine Indica, 

 Coix lachryma, 

 Saccharum officinale. 



