INTRODUCED PLANTS OF EGYPT. 



39 i 



for proof, that the tree was originally brought from Persia. — The 

 plant, is regarded as of recent introduction in Egypt; but its name 

 'gios,' indicates a knowledge of at least the fruit. Walnut trees, 

 were seen by Hasselquist at Jerusalem. 



The xaffavaixov xapuov of Theophrastus, according to the received opinion 

 and the modern Greek usage, is the chestnut, (Castanea vulgaris) : 

 a tree, originally foreign to Europe, as appears from the testimony 

 of Pliny and others : and expressly enumerated among objects of 

 cultivation, by Virgil. Chestnuts, are mentioned by Athenseus; 

 who, I believe, wrote in Egypt; but I am not aware that the living 

 plant, has been seen in that country. 



The xsparfos of Theophrastus, according to the received opinion and 

 the modern Greek usage, is the chernj. Pliny states, that the 

 cherry, " was first brought from Pontus into Italy in the 680th 

 year of Rome;" and he also alludes to the fact, (confirmed abun- 

 dantly at the present day,) that the culture of the cherry, does not 

 succeed in Egypt. 



The /SoufjisXia of Theophrastus, mentioned as occurring in Egypt, may 

 be compared with the Fraxinus ornus. — A tree, having a native 

 name, and well known in Egypt at the present day. Delile, met 

 with seeds, in the shops at Cairo. 



The (piXXupea of Theophrastus and Dioscorides, according to the re- 

 ceived opinion and the modern Greek usage, is the Plujllirea. The 

 xu*poj of Pliny and of the modern Greeks, may also be compared. — 

 The P. latifolia, is enumerated by Clot-Bey and Figari, among the 

 foreign plants cultivated in the gardens of Cairo. 



The axTT) of Theophrastus, according to the received opinion and the 

 modern Greek usage, is the Samhucus nigra.— The S. nigra, is 

 enumerated by Clot-Bey and Figari, among the plants long known 

 in Egypt. 



The AXsgavopsia Sacpvr, of Theoplirastus, or the * carpophyllon' of Pliny, 

 is referred by Parkinson, to the Ruscus hypophijllum. — This plant, 

 was found by Delile, in the gardens of Cairo. 



The xms, mentioned by Theophrastus as a Leguminous tree, may be 

 compared with the Cercis siliquastrum. — This plant, according to 

 Clot-Bey and Figari, is cultivated in the gardens at Cairo. 



The edible caper, is in Egypt called ' kabbar.' The xair^rapis of Theo- 

 phrastus, Pliny, and Martial, may be compared. 



The ayvof of Theophrastus and Pliny, according to the received opi- 

 nion and the modern Greek usage, is the Vitex agnus-castus. — The 



