Man's Footsteps. 29 
and confirm some of the discoveries of philologists as to 
the origin of the great Indo-European race. Every- 
where on this continent there are indications of the 
growth of a distinct civilization widely different and 
unconnected with that of the Old World, and our native 
plants appear to be in many instances farther developed 
than their congeners of the east. Man's influence is 
best seen in the cultivated annuals, and of these the 
American corn (maize) will rank very prominently. 
The cassava again, and the way in which its poisonous 
properties are eliminated, show considerable penetra- 
tion on the part of some ancient race. Up to the present 
time the cradle of the American Race is unknown, 
although theories of various kinds are continually being 
promulgated ; perhaps plant distribution may throw a 
light on the matter.* 
List of the most important Plants cultivated in Guiana 
with date (where obtainable) of introduction to the West 
Indies, and place from which derived : — 
Akee, 1778 West Africa. 
Almond (Terminalia), 1790 
Bamboo 
Bread Fruit, 1793 
Cinnamon, 1782 
East Indies. 
East Indies. 
Otaheite. 
Ceylon. 
* While giving all due consideration to man's influence in the distri- 
bution and development of weeds and cultivated plants, it must be 
thoroughly understood that the original variation took place without 
the slightest effort on his part, and in the case of weeds, against his 
wishes. The environment which has produced the plants in question 
is different from that which has been working for ages to develope such 
wonderful contrivances as are found in the Orchid family, but they all 
go to prove the capability of nature to accommodate itself to any and 
all circumstances. 
