192 OLEACE.E. 



earth sitteth still and is at rest." The Jews still observe the 

 command for the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles, and 

 " go forth into the Mount and fetch Olive branches, and Pine 

 branches, and Myrtle branches, and Palm branches, and 

 branches of thick trees." Anne Pratt quotes from Mr. Lane 

 an Arabic tradition, that " Adam fell down from Paradise with 

 three things : the Myrtle, which is the chief of sweet-scented 

 flowers ; an ear of Wheat, which is the chief of all kinds of 

 food ; and pressed Dates, which are the chief of fruits." She 

 also relates that the Roman ladies used to bathe beneath the 

 Myrtle trees on the 1st of April, and proceed, crowned with 

 the leaves, to offer sacrifice to Venus. 



The fragrant Jasmine also belongs to this tribe. 



The Olive is the most important family of the tribe. Our 

 garden Lilacs and Syringas belong to it, but not upon these 

 is founded its value. The Olive tree of Palestine and the 

 east furnishes a valuable oil which is used in medicine, in 

 soap-making, and for other purposes of commerce. Its value 

 was very early recognised, for the Sacred Historian puts self- 

 appreciating words into the tree's mouth, twelve hundred years 

 before Christ. " The Olive tree said unto them, Should I 

 leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, 

 and go and be promoted over the trees ?" The oil drawn from 

 the fruit of the Olive was used both in the service of the 

 sanctuary, for the solemn anointing of kings and priests, and 

 also in social intercourse to anoint guests and brighten the 

 countenance. "Wine that maketh glad the heart of man, 

 and oil to make his face to shine." Two Olive trees spoken 

 of in the fourth chapter of Zechariah, are supposed to be 

 typical of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit of God. An 

 Olive branch was the sign given to Noah that God's anger 

 was turned away, and the waters of the flood assuaged ; and 

 ever since that leaf has been regarded as an emblem of peace. 

 When the curse shall at last be removed, and renewed creation 

 be restored to perfect beauty, then God will plant " in the 



