INTRODUCED PLANTS OF EGYPT. 



377 



The honeij-hee, is mentioned in the history of Samson. And also, by 

 Hesiod, and other ancient Greek writers. 



Peacocks, according to the English Version, were brought in the ships 

 of Solomon. The bird, is mentioned by Aristophanes; and accord- 

 ing to Athenseus, by more ancient poets, such as Eupolis. In its 

 wild state, the peacock, is peculiar to Hindoostan. 



The caynel, is mentioned in the books of Moses. And also, by Hero- 

 dotus, and other ancient Greek writers. The figure of the camel, 

 occurs on the Himyaritic monuments of Yemen; but (as remarked 

 by Bonomi), is absent from the Egyptian monuments. There are 

 indeed grounds for supposing, that for some centuries, the Egyp- 

 tians actually shut out the camel from the West of Africa. I do 

 not remember, that the animal is noticed in the Roman accounts 

 of Numidia : and its final introduction into that region, must have 

 produced a revolution in society, by carrying population into dis- 

 tricts previously uninhabitable. 



The lentil (Ervum lens), is mentioned in the history of Esau ; and 

 under the name still given to the plant in Egypt. — The lentil, con- 

 tinues to be a favourite article of diet with the Egyptians. 



According to the received opinion, the terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus), 

 is mentioned in the books of Moses; particular trees in Palestine, 

 being already noted on account of tlieir extraordinary age. — Va- 

 rious modern travellers, speak of the import of terebinth seeds into 

 Egypt; and Belon, mentions a tradition; That the Persians lived 

 on these seeds, before becoming acquainted with bread. I have not 

 met with evidence, that the terebinth tree, is truly wild in the Me- 

 diterranean countries. 



The almond (Amygdalus communis), is mentioned in Genesis xxx. 

 37; and under the name still given to the plant in Egypt. The 

 almond, is also mentioned by Ctesias, Xenophon, and other ancient 

 Greek writers. 



The ' libneli' of Genesis xxx. 37, may be compared with the rosemary, 

 (Rosmarinus officinalis.) — At the present day, the rosemary, is a 

 favourite garden plant in Egypt. 



The leek, (Allium porrum,) according to the English and the Septua- 

 gint Versions, is mentioned in the books of Moses. A Greek word 

 used by Homer, is considered to have reference to the leek; and 

 Pliny, expressly mentions the presence of this plant in Egypt. — 

 Where at the present day, it is commonly cultivated. 



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