FERNS, FOSSILS AND FUEL 
came originally from southern Asia. It seems to have 
been unknown to the Romans of the classic period, but 
must have been familiar to the Hebrews. The Greeks 
first became acquainted with it in Media and Persia. 
The Arabs extended its cultivation into northern Africa 
and southern Europe. We find it first mentioned in 
Italy in the year 1260. In the United States it has taken 
root in Florida and California. 
Sweet Orange (Citrus aurentium) : This most attrac¬ 
tive of citrus fruits has wandered far from its early home, 
for it seems to have come from southern China or Cochin 
China, or possibly India. From India the ever-industrious 
Arabs brought it to Palestine, Egypt, and the east coast 
of Africa. Today, of course, the word orange is almost 
synonymous with Florida and California. 
Grapefruit (Citrus grandis) : This is another member 
of the citrus family, which has only very recently made 
its way to our tables. Its origin is uncertain, but it seems 
to have been introduced into Florida by the Spaniards 
in the early part of the sixteenth century. 
Not only has man made desirable transplantations; he 
has also involuntarily carried with him pernicious weeds. 
Plant parasites, such as the Phylloxera , which spread dis¬ 
aster among the vineyards of southern Europe, were 
brought in. Animal pests, like the English sparrow, were 
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