PERSONALITY OF PLANTS 
cause its frail petals are soon scattered by the 
boisterous wind. The Snow-Drop, figst flower 
of spring, peeping from its immaculate snow 
bank, is an unmistakable emblem of \purity . 
The ancients were very liberal users of floral 
tokens; the Chinese, Assyrians and Egyptians 
had many identical beliefs on the subject. The 
Olive was and still is the universal badge of 
peace. Laurel was the classic sign of renown 
with which the brows of prominent athletes and 
statesmen were crowned. The Cypress was often 
an index of mourning. The Rose and the 
Myrtle, having been dedicated to Venus, were 
insignias of love. The Palm was a wide-spread 
representation of victory. Bible students will 
recall that Palms were scattered before Jesus 
Christ on the occasion of his triumphant entry 
into Jerusalem. 
In their enthusiasm, flower-lovers have some- 
times allowed their imagination to carry them 
into unnatural and artificial symbolism. It is 
not difficult to associate the White Lily with 
purity but when we are told that the Flowering 
Almond represents hope, the Common Almond 
indiscretion and stupidity, and the Floral Al- 
[182] 
