FLORAL SYMBOLS. 
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and to make the idea more capable of appreciation by 
the people, he planted two myrtles, one reputed plebeian, 
and the other patrician. The prosperity or decline of 
these trees was regarded by the Romans as ominous of 
party ascendancy in the government of the empire. 
The floral symbols of Holy Writ are exceedingly 
beautiful, and are frequently used to convey a Divine 
command in a poetical form ; and are usually remarkable 
for their botanical correctness. From the circumstance 
of Elijah having been sheltered from the persecutions 
of King Ahab by the juniper* of the mountains, that 
plant has become a symbol of succour, or an asylum. 
Britain might well adopt this as her national emblem, 
for truly, since the stirring events in the various 
European states, persons of all languages and creeds 
may say with the Psalmist—“Thou hast been a shelter 
for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” The 
almond was a symbol of haste and vigilance to the 
Hebrew poets—“What seest thou?” said the Lord to 
Jeremiah, and he answered, “ I see a rod of an almond 
tree.” Then said the Lord, “ Thou hast well seen : for 
I will hasten my word and will perform it.” The 
almond puts forth its delicate, blushing flowers so 
much in advance of other trees, that its adoption as 
a symbol of haste is very happy. With the Eastern 
poets it was a symbol 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.’* Moore. 
* This was the Broom, Genista Monosperma. 
q a 
