( 4.^0 ) 
XXII.— O/z the Mustard Plant mentioned in the 
Gospels. 
By the Rev. David Scot, M. D., M. W. S., F. H. S. E. 
(Read 20th Feb. 1830.; 
In order to ascertain, if possible, what plant in modern 
botany answers to the mustard of the gospels, we must ex- 
amine the terms in which it is mentioned. It is thus spoken 
of. Matt. xiii. SI, 2% The kingdom of heaven is like a 
grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his 
field, which indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it is 
grown, it is the greatest of herbs, and becometh a tree, so 
that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches." 
This is the first passage of the gospels in which the mus- 
tard plant is mentioned ; but in endeavouring to identify 
this plant, the other passages in which it is mentioned, and 
particularly that of Mark, are carefully to be compared. 
By the mustard plant, which grows from a small seed to 
a tree, Christ intended to represent, by a very common, but 
striking symbol, the small beginning and great increase of 
4 
