Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 002.djvu/72

 6. To inquire, Whether the great quantity of Yellow Amber, which is sold at Cairo, be by reason that it is the Gum of a certain Tree growing in Ægypt, or Æthiopia, as Bellonius after Diodorus Siculus affirms? And whether, besides several Animals that are found inclosed in that Amber, there is very frequently some part of the Bark of a Tree found sticking to it?

7. To inquire of a certain Tree, growing not far from Cairo, which bears a Fruit stuffed with Wooll, that is finer than Silk, of which the Arabs make Linnen that is softer than Silk, and whiter than Cotton?

8. Whether Crocodiles, that are found to be sometimes Thirty foot long, are hatched of an Egge, no bigger than a Turkeys?

9. Whether the Ichneumon, or Ægyptian Water-Rat can kill a Crocodile, by skipping into his Mouth, and gnawing his way out, as Old Writers affirm?

10. Whether it be true, That the Arabs can Charm the Crocodiles; or, Whether there be on the Nile's side any Talismans, or Constellated Figures, beyond which the Crocodiles cannot pass, as some would make us believe?

11. To inquire at Cairo for several Drogues, which are common there, and much in use, yet not brought into Europe, as Acacia, Calamus Odoratus, Amomum, Costus, Ben Album, and divers such others.

12. Whether the Female Palm-Tree be not fruitful, unless she grow by the Male, as some would bear us in hand?

13. To inquire, Whether the Appearance of the Leggs and Arms of Men, related to stand out of the ground, to a great number, at a place five Miles from Cairo, on Good-Friday, do still continue? And how that Imposture is performed?

14. Whether Children born there in the Eighth Month, do usually