OLIVE. OLEA. 



In Botany, a Genus of the Diandria Mono- 

 gynia Class. 



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 it's 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 purpose amongst the most savage 

 people in every part of the world. 



That the olive-tree was anciently very 

 much esteemed by the Hebrews, is proved 

 by the parable of Jotham : 



" The trees went forth on a time to anoint 

 a king over them ; and they said to the 

 olive-tree, Reign thou over us. But the 



