INTRODUCED PLANTS OF EGYPT. 



399 



nata. — This is another Tropical plant, introduced into, and still cul- 

 tivated, in Syria and Egypt. 

 The peach, (An^ygdalus Persica,) is not mentioned by Virgil; but a 

 century later, we find this fruit well known in Italy; and it is 

 figured, in the Herculaneum paintings. Pliny, mentions the peach 

 as existing in Egypt. — Where, at the present day, it is commonly 

 cultivated. 



The apricot, (Prunns Armeniaca,) is at the present day, a favourite 

 object of cultivation in the Arab countries; and is called ' mish- 

 mish.' The myxa of Pliny, may be compared. 



The ' gariophyllon' of Pliny, according to the use of the term by the 

 modern Greeks, is the Carnation, Dianthus caryopliyUus. — A favour- 

 ite ornamental plant, and frequently kept in pots, by the Arabs at 

 the present day. 



Sugar, is mentioned by Pliny and Galen; but only as "a production 

 of Arabia and India." The living plant, or the Sugar-cane, does 

 not appear to have been introduced into Egypt, until a more recent 

 period.* 



5. The Time of the Early Christiaiis ; or the Coptic Period. 



Egypt, seems to have been the first country, that embraced Chris- 

 tianity ; but even here, the progress of the new religion was gradual; 

 and the converts, had not acquired much influence by their numbers, 

 prior to a. d. 100. A date, which may be conveniently assumed, as 

 the commencement of the period under consideration. 



Egypt, now no longer offers temples reared by princes: yet some 

 constructions of the early Christians, abundantly prove, that architec- 

 tural taste had not become extinct. While remains of their villaoes 

 in the Thebaid, show more refinement in the style of living, than 



* The ' siser' of Varro and Columella, is usually considered to be the shirrct, (Slum 

 sisarum). — This plant, is abundantly cultivated in Europe at the present day; but I have 

 not found it mentioned as existing in Egypt. 



The ' inula' of Pliny, (the art of cooking wliicli, is said to have been taught by Horace,) 

 is considered to be the elecamixmc, (Inula hclenium). — Belon, speaks of the root of the I. 

 helenium, being prepared for the table at Constantinople. I have not i()und the plant 

 mentioned as existing in Egypt. 



Tlie ' amarantus' of Pliny, is rcfen'cd by some writers, to the Cclosia cristata. — I have 

 not found tliis plant mentioned, as existing in l^gypt. 



