ORIGIN OF PLANTS. 



ALL our farmer boys ought to be acquainted with the origin and history of all ordinary plants, so as to know their nature, country, and condition. Such knowledge would not only be a source of pleasure, but would often enable them to explain phenomena in the habits of many plants that otherwise would appear inexplicable.

Wheat, though considered by some as a native of Sicily, originally came from the central tableland of Thibet, where it yet exists as a grass with small mealy seeds. Rye exists wild in Siberia. Barley exists wild in the mountains of Himalaya. Oats were brought from North Africa. Millet, one species, is a native of India; another, of Egypt and Abyssinia. Maize (Indian corn) is a native growth of America. Rice was brought from South Africa, whence it was taken to India, and thence to Europe and America. Peas are of unknown origin. Vetches are natives of Germany. The garden bean is from the East Indies. Buckwheat came originally from Siberia and Turkey. 

Cabbage grows wild in Sicily and Naples. 

The poppy was brought from the East; the sunflower, from Peru. Hops came to perfection as a wild-flower in Germany. Saffron came from Egypt. Horseradish is a native of South Europe. Tobacco is a native of Virginia and California; another species has also been found wild in Asia. 

The grasses are mostly native plants; and so are the clovers, except Lucerne, which is a native of Sicily. The gourd is an eastern plant. The potato is a well-known native of Peru and Mexico. Coriander grows wild near the Mediterranean. Anise seed was brought from the Grecian Archipelago and Egypt.

 



Grange Bulletin.