OAIiDEXS OF THE BIHLE. 



opportunitios of observation and comparison, will watch closely during the coming 

 season, and give us the results; but we do not wish statements to be made regarding 

 varieties unless their genuineness bo unquestionable, for such information very often 

 misleads the public. 



THE GARDENS OF THE BIBLE. 



BY A. D. G 



Max was placed, at his creation, in a garden. This garden — or " paradise," as in 

 some parts of the Bible it is rendered, — was situated within another and larger 

 domain called Eden. This whole region, as its name implies, was one of remarkable 

 fertility and beauty. Its true site we are now unable to determine. The inhabitants 

 of China, India, Ceylon, Persia, Syria, Ethiopia, and indeed of every quarter of the 

 globe, have maintained, each for themselves, that the happy spot must have been 

 within their respective countries. The Ceylonese, among others, point the traveler to 

 Adam's peak, to the ruins of Adam's bridge and of Abel's tomb. Most learned 

 critics, however, agree that it was situated in Armenia, between the sources of the 

 four rivers, Tigris, Euphrates, Araxes, and Phasis. 



But, whatever may have been its site, of this we are certain, that it was distin- 

 guished for the productiveness of its soil, and for the beauty of its climate and of its 

 scenery. "Out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleas- 

 ant to the sight, and good for food. * ^ *- And a river went out of Eden to 

 water the garden." Here our imaginations may have full scope to picture a scene of 

 unmingled comfort and of perfect enchantment. The Creator planted this garden. 

 What a paradise, then, it must have been ! God laid himself out (be it reverently 

 said) to store it with everything that could contribute to man's highest enjoyment. 

 What were the trees and plants of which the happy pair ate ? Perhaps the Fig, the 

 Orange, the Pear, the Peach, and the Vine, were among the number. What were 

 the trees upon whose majesty or grace they looked, and under whose shade they 

 reclined ? Perhaps the Palm, the Oak, the Magnolia, the Cypress, the Cedar, the 

 Pine, and Fir. Every breeze bore to them the fragrance of flowers, the songs of birds 

 and the murmur of running streams. 



" Out of the fertile gi-ound [God] caused to grow 

 All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste ; 



* * * the crisped brooks, 



Rolling an orient pearl and sands of gold. 

 With mazy error under pendent shades 

 Ean nectar, visiting each plant, and fed 

 Flowers worthy of Paradise, Avhich not nice Art 

 In beds and curious knots, but Xature boon 



m^^'- 



