i9i4-i9 T 5-] The Olive Tree. 153 



may endeavour to recall some of the strange scenes which must 

 have been enacted here, when the 4th cohort of the Gauls 

 was in garrison, and this now deserted track was a busy high- 

 way. This I can say with confident assurance, that there is 

 to be found in abundance for all who seek it pleasant and 

 profitable recreation in a holiday on the Roman Wall. 



[This paper was illustrated by numerous lantern-slides.] 



VIII.— TEE OLIVE TREE. 



By Mr A. B. STEELE. 



{Read Dec, 16, 1914.) 



Almost no tree possesses so much interest to mankind as the 

 olive. Its early cultivation, the historical traditions con- 

 nected with it, its varied uses and its vast age, all contribute 

 to render it of more than common interest. Euskin, who 

 loved the tree for Christ's sake as well as for the softness 

 of its mantle, silver and grey, and tender like the down on 

 a bird's breast, says that the untravelled Englishman has no 

 more idea of an olive tree than if olives grew only in the 

 fixed stars. The tree has been cultivated in all ages. In its 

 cultivated state it grows to a tree of considerable size with 

 gnarled stem and intricate branches. Its narrow evergreen 

 leaves of a greyish green, nearly grey on the under surface, 

 are very like those of the common willow. The flowers are 

 small, white or yellowish, and generally exhale a sweet odour,, 

 which in some plants is distinctly noticed at more than a 

 hundred yards away. The blossom is not at all unlike that 

 of the privet, which belongs to the same family, the dis- 

 tinguishing mark of which is the unusual combination of a 

 regular monopetalous corolla and two stamens. The fruit 

 varies as to size and shape, but is usually oval and about the 

 size of an acorn ; when ripe its colour is black and lustrous. 



