80 FITCHES. 



A distinction was made in favor of the poor among the 

 ancient Israelites, they being required to offer only a pair of 

 doves in redemption of their first-born, while the rich were 

 required to furnish a lamb. Hence, as doves and pigeons de 

 rived their principal sustenance from the fitch, it is probable 

 that an extensive cultivation of this plant existed with a view 

 to sustain the numerous flocks of this bird, the cherishing of 

 which must have been gratifying to the Jews. Some writers 

 suppose that the quantity of the seed required for this object 

 was all that gave importance to the plant, since, though nutri 

 tious, it was of a character too coarse to be used generally for 

 human food. 



There are pleasant associations connected with this plant 

 as referred to in Scripture. It speaks of innocence in itself, 

 and indirectly of maternal love; for it was an unobtrusive 

 plant, seldom growing when not wanted, and easily eradicated 

 if not welcome. It was gathered to feed the most harmless of 

 birds, the dove, and in this there was not only a religious 

 motive, but a peculiarly pleasant one; for, as we have already 

 said, the dove the symbol of innocence was offered at the 

 temple as a redemption for children. Those doves took the 

 place of the lamb, which was itself the symbol of our Saviour, 

 of whom it was said that he called the little ones to himself 

 and blessed them, he &quot;gathered them with his arms and carried 

 them in his bosom.&quot; Thus appears more plainly the reason 

 why the lamb was not used in the Jewish ceremonies instead 

 of the dove : it was simply because of the mercy of God in his 

 government, mindful of the wants and need of the poor, who 



