FLORA OF THE 



This tree has a straight stem, with a pUimose head, 

 and a bunch of dates hanging on each side. More- 

 over, as happens in the natural tree, offsets are frequently 

 figured at the base of the stem, and the stem itself 

 is frequently ornamented with regular projections point- 

 ing upwards. These can hardly be meant for any 



other than the triangular bases 

 of the leaves, which are directed 

 upwards, as shown in fig. 3, 

 and which, in young trees, re- 

 main a long time attached to 

 the stem, after the leaves have 

 decayed, or have been cut off, 

 and used for various purposes, 

 such as mats, baskets, stakes, 

 fire-wood, etc. 



In the Gr?eco-Roman saloon 

 of the British Museum there is 

 a statue of an athlete (No. 501), 

 Fig. 3.— From a photo of date which has near it the stump 



tree, 13 to 16 years old 



(Timber Mus., R. G., Kew). of 3. date tree, as given in fig. 4, 



Onlv half the stem is shown, ' o o -ri 



and the existing leaves cut jj-jjicating the same feature. 



short. t" 



When the date tree becomes old the bases of the 

 lower leaves drop off, leaving only transverse scars 

 in the places of attachment, or an irregular surface, 

 which the Assyrian artists indicated by means of crossed 

 lines. 



