His conjecture proved correct: for on visiting the place shortly after, the broad orbicular leaves of the _Nelumbium speciosum_ were perceived--almost as large as those of their South American congener.
Other interesting points relating to the great lily growing in the Himalayan lake, Karl had mentioned from time to time to his companions: for he knew that the _Nelumbium speciosum_ was the celebrated Pythagorean bean mentioned in the writings of the Greeks--more especially by Herodotus and Theophrastes.
It is described by these writers as growing plentifully in Egypt; and no doubt was cultivated in that country in their day; though it is not known there at the present time.

It is found represented on the Egyptian sculptures, and so accurately has it been described by the Greek writers, as to leave no doubt as to the identification of the species.
It is one of the plants supposed to be the celebrated "lotus" of antiquity; and this supposition is probable enough: since not only its succulent stalk, but its seeds or "beans," have been eaten in all times by the people in whose country it grows.

It is a food that produces a strengthening effect upon the system; and is also very refreshing in cases of thirst.

The Chinese call it "Lienwha," and its seeds with thin slices of its root, mixed with the kernels of apricots and walnuts, and placed between alternate layers of ice, constituted one of the select dishes offered by the great mandarins to the British ambassadors on the visit of the latter to the Celestial Empire.
These people store up the roots of the lienwha for winter use-- preserving them in a pickle of salt and vinegar.

The Japanese also make use of the plant as an esculent; and it is, moreover, regarded by them as sacred to their divinities--the images of which are often represented seated upon its large leaves.
The flowers of the _Nelumbium speciosum_ when in full bloom, give out a most fragrant odour--somewhat resembling that of anise; while the seeds, shaped like acorns, have a flavour equal in richness and delicacy to that of the finest almonds..