68. The principal fruits introduced into Italy by the Romans, according to Hirschfeld (Theorie des Jardins, tom. i. p. 27.) and Sickler (Geschichte, Ister band), are the fig and almond, from Syria, the citron from Media, the peach from Persia, the pomegranate from Africa, the apricot from Epirus, apples, pears, and plums from Armenia, and cherries from Pontus. The rarity and beauty of these trees, Hirschfeld observes, joined to the delicious taste of their fruits, must have enchanted the Romans, especially on their first introduction; and rendered ravishing to the sight, gardens, which became insensibly embellished with the many productions which were poured into them from Greece, Asia, and Africa.
