ALMOND-TREE. 41 
ALMOND-TREE. 
INDISCRETION. 
The Almond-tree is the first of the frees to obey 
the call of early spring. Nothing can be more grace- 
ful than this beautiful tree when it appears covered 
with blossoms, while the surrounding trees are still 
quite naked. It has been made the emblem of in- 
discretion, from flowering so early that frosts too 
often destroy the precious germs of its fruit, though, 
instead of injuring its flowers, they seem to confer 
on the latter additional beauty. 
According to Moore, the Almond blossom is the 
emblem of hope — 
The hope, in dreams of a happier hour, 
That alights on Misery's brow, 
Springs out of the silvery almond-flower. 
That blooms on a leafless bough. 
In ancient times, the abundance of blossom on 
this tree was considered as the promise of a fruitful 
season. 
2* 
