THE ROYAL PALM 



87 



the office of this tree. Does it bear nuts or other 

 food delicacies, or produce rubber, or fuel or 

 turpentine, or logs for the sawmill? 



The wonder tree ofTers to man no material 

 gifts. Its mission is a distinct one, much greater 

 than the production of foods and fruits. It is 

 the ministry of things divinely beautiful, to con- 

 sole and lift up the soul of man, to heal his nerves 

 and to impart a heavenly balm where the wear 

 and worry of time and sense have lacerated and 

 begun to destroy him. The balm of the Royal 

 palm is invisible. But it steals into the soul, 

 bringing peace and driving away care and fear. 



Because of its grace and beauty, the tree is a 

 universal favorite, coveted by everybody, but 

 until recently its propagation has been shrouded 

 in darkness. Ninety per cent of its seeds refused 

 to sprout, and of those which germinated, ninety 

 per cent died while mere seedlings. Buyers pay 

 $5, some $25, and occasionally several hundred 

 dollars apiece for choice trees, for they may be 

 moved readily when very large. Where a wild 

 baby Royal is found it will bear watching to 

 learn how very soon it perishes. Perhaps one 

 tree matures from a thousand seedlings. Men 

 have wondered about these conditions for gen- 

 erations. But at last the secret of germination 

 and growth has been discovered by a Miamian, 

 Mr. W. A. Williams, owner of Royal Poinciana 



.j^bym^ 



Atove A tit of natural Southern Florida land, graced ty the imperial teauty of tkree Royal 



Palms. 

 BelowAlong the Miami River, adjoining Royal Poinciana Park, The Royal Palms are reflected 

 in tne serene and quiet water. 



