FLORA OF ADEN. 
77 
raised, earth was brought from Lahej, still only sufficient vegetables were 
grown to supply the hospital. However, during this year, a large 
number of camel-loads of vegetables arrived from the interior, consist- 
ing of pumpkins [species of Cucurbit a \ 3 radishes \_Rajohanus sativus , 
Linn.], onions [ Allium cepa , Linn.], together with melons [species of 
Cucumis and Citrullus ], limes [varieties of Citrus medica } Linn.], 
bhendis, brinjals [ Solanum Melongena 3 Linn.], and three or four kinds 
of bajis, 
“ In 1854 Sir James Outran! suggested the establishment of a garden 
at the Hiswah, which is a piece of ground on the northern shore of the 
harbour, about four miles long by two broad, watered by the torrents 
[called Wadi al Kabir] that occasionally descend from the neighbouring 
hills and here discharge themselves into the sea. Government sanctioned 
the employment of two gardeners, a supply of seeds was sent, and an 
additional sum of Ks. 60 per annum was allowed for contingencies. 
This garden preserved a desultory existence for a few years. In 1857 
gardeners were despatched to the Lahej district to instruct the people in 
the growth of English vegetables, seeds were sent to the Sultan, and a 
camel load arrived in Aden every two or three days. During 1861 and 
1862 sweet potatoes [ Ipomoea batatas , Lamk.j, onions, pumpkins, 
bhendis, brinjals, toorai, and radishes were obtained from Makalla and 
the Lahej district. Upwards of 20,000 lbs. of vegetables were at that 
time brought into Aden annually ; potatoes and onions were imported 
from Bombay, and it was proposed, but subsequently negatived, to revive 
the Hiswah scheme. 
“ In 1863 Colonel Merewether applied himself to the resuscitation 
of the garden at the Hiswah, and it was worked at a loss, 6,200 lbs. 
of vegetables only being produced in a year. In 1865 a Persian wheel 
was erected, as also a fort for the protection of the garden, and 14, 095 lbs. 
of vegetables were raised. 
“ In 1866 a piece of ground about three acres in extent, near 
Al-Hautah, was obtained from the Sultan of a Lahej, which was placed 
under cultivation, and the Lahej gardens together produced 37,182 lbs. 
of vegetables, which were supplied to the garrison. ” 1 
After 1866 the garden at Hiswah was abandoned by Govern- 
ment. But it appears that during the sixties and seventies the Aden 
Political Authorities still used to keep up a garden at this place. The 
garden was looked after by a Chinese convict (?), and many trees and 
vegetables were grown there. In 1883 the garden had, however, 
relapsed into desert and the well had been destroyed, so that nothing 
Hunter F. M. 1. c. p. 67-68. 
