234 THE FLORIST. 



a circle in every direction would be superior. Whether in any given 

 instance it is so, will depend on several considerations, as the charac- 

 teristic of the flower, the form and disposition of its colours, and in 

 part also on its size. What is invariable is, that the circle, abstract- 

 edly speaking, must take the first place among curves for a primary 

 outline, as will be admitted at once on comparing a circular with an 

 oblong Pansy. 



In secondary outlines the oval is often better than the circle, be- 

 cause completeness is in them not unfrequently out of place, as being 

 an element of separation, not of union ; and the want of fulness and 

 completeness in a figure disposes the eye to connect it with surround- 

 ing objects to make up what is wanting. 



To sum up, therefore, the difference in the impressions produced 

 by straight lines and curves : a straight line concentrates its force in 

 one direction, and produces the idea of pungency and sharpness. In 

 following a curve, the direction of the eye is in a constant state 

 of change, and therefore no accumulation takes place ; and as the 

 change can never be abrupt, the perception arising from it is one of 

 smoothness, softness, and elegance. Hence curves alone are suited 

 to the general outline, because the general notion of beauty must be 

 one of softness ; w T hile a moderate amount of straight lines, and of 

 angles produced by them, are effective in contained figures ; and to 

 reverse this is an analogous mistake to that made by Petruchio in 

 offering his mistress mustard instead of beef. 



To return, therefore, to the effect of variety. 



[To be continued.] Iota. 



SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS. 



The Almond-Tree. — The root of the word thus translated in the 

 Scriptures signifies in the Hebrew, to wake. 



" This tree," says Parkhurst, " before all others, first waketh 

 and riseth from its winter repose." Pliny noticed it as flowering in 

 the month of January, and bringing fruit to maturity in March. In 

 Barbary it flowers in January, and gives its fruit at the beginning 

 of April. At Aleppo and Smyrna it blossoms, at latest, early in 

 February. We know how it gladdens our own eyes as the herald 

 of coming flowers. 



It is certain, from the abundant reference to the Almond-tree in 

 the Bible, that God would have us learn some holy lessons as we 

 contemplate it. Let us examine them attentively one by one. 



Almonds are mentioned among the " best fruits" of the land of 

 Canaan ; Gen. xliii. 11. From their early coming, we may also call 

 them the first-fruits of that good land. The next allusion to the 

 Almond is in Exodus xxv. 33, 34, and the corresponding passage, 

 Exodus xxxvii. 19, 20. Here we find this first and best fruit, with 

 its accompanying flower, chosen by God as the model whereby to 



