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 



