INTRODUCED PLANTS OF EGYPT. 



367 



tomb of the Sixth Dynasty at Saccara, they contain representations 

 of the following animals and plants : 



The domestic goose. — The bird, is likewise figured on all the subse- 

 quent monuments. 



The dog ; in one or two instances; and having the tail curling, but 

 the muzzle pointed like that of the jackal. — In the grottoes at Beni- 

 Hassan, (belonging to the succeeding period,) numerous varieties 

 of the dog are figured ; and among them, the greyhound, em- 

 ployed, as in modern times, for its superior swiftness in the chase. 

 This kind of sport, moreover, is said to be vi^ell known in Nubia. 



The hvMock ; a long-horned variety. — -Which occurs on the monu- 

 ments of the succeeding period, but hardly on those of a later date. 

 Additional varieties of the bullock, first make their appearance at 

 Beni-Hassan ; M^here, too, the animal is represented in the state of 

 secondary wildness; particoloured individuals, being associated 

 vi'ith other game in the hunting scenes. 



The goat ; a variety or breed, presenting nothing unusual in the form 

 of body. — The goat, is figured on all the subsequent monuments. 



The slieej), a remarkable variety, with spreading horns. — And which 

 appears, soon to have become extinct. But tlie figure of the pecu- 

 liar head, continued in later times to form a hieroglyphic character. 



The donkeij ; kept in droves. And in the Saccara tomb, some are 

 caparisoned as beasts of burden. 



Associated with the above, are certain other animals, represented in 

 the reclaimed state. These were, perhaps, considered sacred, or were 

 kept for sacrificing; though some of them, seem well adapted for eco- 

 nomical purposes. To this class, belong : 



The large undetermined species of crane, (Grus.) — At Beni-Hassan, 

 the bird is represented as kept in flocks. And I met with a single 

 figure of this crane, on an early Pharaonic monument. 



The oryx, or the large straight-horned African antelope : in some in- 

 stances, represented as kept in herds. 



On the other hand, the ibex or Capricorn, is represented single, and is, 

 perhaps, not to be regarded as fairly domesticated. — At all events, 

 the two animals next in order, arc merely kept in captivity : 



The hedge-liog, (Erinaceus auritus,) carried in cages; but from the 

 frequent figures, the animal seems to have been regarded as sacred. 



