BALM OF GILEAD. 



BALM OF GILEAD.— Cure. Healing. 



There is a Fir-tree known as the Balm of Gilead, 

 which exudes a gummy substance, the medicinal qualities 

 of which, however, do not surpass those of common tur- 

 pentine. There is very great doubt about the tree which 

 yielded the inestimable balm so highly valued by the Jews. 

 It is alleged by some writers that it does not now exist 

 in Palestine. It was regarded as a panacea for " the thou- 

 sand ills that flesh is heir to." We not unfrequently employ 

 the word balm in a moral and figurative sense, when we 

 mean anything which we deem likely to temper grief and 

 soothe the afflicted. A benevolent disposition and sincere 

 friendship are true balms, serving to heal the wounds of the 

 mind, which are far more difficult to sustain with patience 

 than physical evils. 



BALSAM {Impatiens Nolitangere). — Impatience. 



The Yellow Balsam, though one of our native plants, is 

 by no means common. It delights in shady woods, where 

 moisture abounds. So it has been written of it : 



"In the thick and deep recess of a blooming wilderness, 

 Tangled weeds concealed from view — what alone by sound we knew — 

 A bubbling murmuring stream, unlit by glittering beam 

 Of the gorgeous sun above this delightful cool alcove. 

 On the soft and moistened bank, which the brooklet's waters drank, 

 'Mid the ravelled weeds there grew, pleasing to our searching view, 

 Yellow Balsam's blossoms gay, scattered o'er in thick array, 

 With the shining scarlet spots Nature to this flower allots." — 



Favourite Field Flowers. 

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