INTRODUCED PLANTS OF EGYPT. 



371 



tion, are, so far as at present known ; the Obelisk at Heliopolis; the 

 Labyrinth, (which I did not visit) ; the grottoes at Beni-Hassan ; some 

 sanctuaries at Thebes, and others in Nubia; together with the entire 

 temple of Semne. 



An immense variety of objects, are represented in the paintings at 

 Beni-Hassan ; including, perhaps all the animals and plants that 

 occur on the anterior monuments, (together with the same peculiar 

 varieties;) and in addition, the following ; 



Various species of duchs ; mostly wild; but in one instance, a flock, 

 possibly of the domesticated bird. — In some Pharaonic plans of 

 gardens, ducks are swimming in artificial ponds. Moreover, tame 

 ducks, are mentioned by Varro, and by other ancient writers. 



The Indian bullock* — This variety, occurs also on the Pharaonic 

 monuments; though always, I believe, as inhabiting the Enemy's 

 country. 



Albino rabbits, carried in cages; and seemingly regarded as sacred. — 

 I am not aware, that the animal in its domesticated state, is repre- 

 sented on the Egyptian monuments; but tame rabbits, are men- 

 tioned by Varro, Martial, and other ancient writers. According to 

 Leo Africanus, the rabbit is indigenous in Mauritania. 



The ape, (Cynocephalus) ; and various other kinds of monkeys; all, 

 however, doubtless brought from the Upper Nile. — I am not aware, 

 that any Indian species of monkey, is figured on the Egyptian 

 monuments. 



The chittah, or hunting leopard, (Felis jubata) ; brought doubtless 

 from Nubia. — The animal, is likewise figured in the Pharaonic 

 Tribute-processions. 



Among the plants, the most important novelty, is the Date-palm. — 

 Figured likewise on the Pharaonic monuments. The introduction 

 of the living plant, must have produced a change in human affairs, 

 throughout Northern Africa. 



The representations of clothing, imply the cultivation of Jiax (Linum); 

 although there is some ambiguity, on account of the early use of 

 leather. However, a portion of a mummy case composed of layers 

 of linen, is now in Washington; and, from the finished workman- 

 ship, and the primitive forms of the hieroglyphic characters, the 



* Rossclini, Monuiii. Civil., PI. 20. 



