16 FLORA'S LEXICON. 



LJVIOND. Amygdalus. Class 12, Icosan- 

 dria. Order: Moxogynia. Fable confers 

 an affecting origin on this tree. It relates 

 that Demophoon, son of Theseus and Phae- 

 dra, in returning from the siege of Troy, 

 was thrown by a storm on the shores of 

 Thrace, where then reigned the beautiful 

 Phyllis. The young queen graciously received the prince, fell 

 in love with him, and became his wife. When recalled to Athens 

 by his father's death, Demophoon promised to return in a month, 

 and fixed the day. The affectionate Phyllis counted the hours 

 of his absence, and at last the appointed day arrived. Nine times 

 she repaired to the shore ; but, losing all hope of his return, she 

 dropped down dead with grief, and was turned into an Almond- 

 tree. Three months afterwards, Demophoon returned. Over- 

 whelmed with sorrow, he offered a sacrifice at the sea-side, to 

 appease the manes of his bride. She seemed to sympathize with 

 his repentance: for the Almond-tree, into which she had been 

 transformed, instantly put forth its flowers, and proved by this 

 last effort that true love, " strong as death," is incapable of change. 



INDISCRETION. 

 Like to an almond-tree, mounted high 

 On top of green Selinis, all alone, 

 With blossoms brave bedecked daintily; - 

 Whose tender locks do tremble every one, 

 At every little breath that under heav'n is blown. 



Spenser. 



According to Moore, the Almond blossom is the emblem of 

 hope— 



The hope, in dreams of a happier hour, 



That alights on Misery's brow, 

 Springs out of the silvery almond-flower, 

 That blooms on a leafless bough. 



In ancient times, the abundance of blossom on this tree was 

 considered as the promise of a fruitful season. 



