134 THE PALM TREE. 
the most graceful and picturesque, and certainly some 
of the most majestic objects to be found in the vege- 
table world. They stand out with their light, airy, 
and sometimes plume-like foliage, in harmonious 
contrast with the deep, dark, and rank growth of the 
underwood. Notwithstanding there is much simi- 
larity in their general character, yet the difference is 
frequently great. Some species attain the enormous 
stature of 200 feet, while others have no stems 
visible above ground, and display nothing but a wide- 
spreading bunch of huge leaves; some are like reeds 
and are no thicker than a quill, others attain a 
diameter of 3 feet. The trunks of some are smooth, 
and some are rough with concentric rings, “ or clothed 
with a woven or hairy fibrous covering.” From the 
trunks of other species project cylindrical spines 8 or 
10 inches in length and quite sharp, which it may 
be supposed often interrupt the progress of the 
traveller, as well as prove dangerous enemies in the 
dark. 
The bold and erect posture of the Palm tree is 
proverbially emblematic of perfect uprightness. Thus 
David says, “The righteous shall flourish like the 
Palm tree.” 
The branches of the Palm, or rather their long 
leaves, were also considered as emblems of victory, 
_and were often used as such on occasions of public 
rejoicing. When our Saviour made his triumphant 
entry into Jerusalem, some of the people “took 
branches of Palm trees, and strewed them in the 
way.” And in the vision of St. John, the multitude 
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