34 



The Jordan almond-tree was first planted 

 in England, in the reign of Henry the Eighth, 

 1548 (Hortus Kez&ensis). Lord Bacon, whose 

 Natural History was written some years after 

 this time, mentions it among the trees that 

 blossom earliest, and whose fruit ripens latest: 

 and which he accounts for as being a tree 

 that hath much oily moisture. He recom- 

 mends almond butter as an excellent nou- 

 risher to those that are weak ; as also the oil 

 of almonds, newly drawn, with sugar and a 

 little spice, spread upon toasted bread, as a 

 nourishing diet. 



The Jordan almonds are the most es- 

 teemed for the table, and are named after 

 the river Jordan, so celebrated in the Old 

 Testament, and from whence they were 

 first procured : these almonds, when taken in 

 moderation, are wholesome, being cooling, 

 healing, emollient, and nutritive: they are 

 much prescribed in emulsions, and are found 

 of good effect in all disorders from choleric 

 and acrimonious humours. 



The oil of almonds is principally drawn 

 from the Valentian and Barbary almonds, 

 and is well known for its medicinal qualities. 



Bitter almonds were considered by the an- 

 cients as of use to take off drunkenness. 

 Plutarch relates that Drusus's physician, 



