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OLIVE. OLEA. 



Natural order, Sepiaria. A germs of the Diandria 

 Monogynia class. 



" I bear these peaceful branches in my hand." 



THE generic name is derived from the Greek E\/a, from 

 lavis, smooth. Olea is generally put for the tree, 

 O/iva for the fruit, and Oleum for the juice. 



Of this tree we have very ancient mention, since it is 

 related in the book of Genesis, that the dove which Noah 

 sent out of the ark, returned with an olive-leaf in its 

 mouth, by which he knew that the waters of the Deluge 

 had abated. Since this time the olive-branch has been 

 used as an emblem of peace by all civilized nations ; and 

 it is observed that a green bough answers the same pur- 

 pose amongst the most savage people in every part of 

 the world. 



" High on the stern ^Eneas took his stand, 

 And held a branch of olive in his hand. 

 Now suppliants, from Laurentum sent, demand 

 A truce, with olive branches in their hand." 



Virgil. 



" As the young olive, in some silvan scene, 

 Crown'd by fresh fountains with eternal green, 

 Lifts the gay head, in snowy flow'rets fair, 

 And plays and dances to the gentle air." 



The olive-tree is said to have been transported from 

 Egypt into Attica by the care of Cecrops, about one 



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