14 
THE ALMOND BLOSSOM, 
AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS. 
“ Fleeting and falling, 
Where is the bloom 
Of yon fair almond tree ? 
It is sunk to the tomb.” 
This beautiful ornament of our plantations and plea¬ 
sure-grounds is a native of Syria, but now completely 
naturalised in the South of Europe, and will even perfect 
its fruit in the more favourable parts of our island. It 
is, however, as an ornamental tree that it is cultivated 
here; and its delicate flowers, varying in colour from 
the fine blush of the apple blossom to a snowy white¬ 
ness, and, moreover, opening so early in the year, 
fully entitle it to the estimation in which it is held. It 
is this haste to bloom, even before a leaf is visible, 
which has made the almond tree so frequently symbolical 
of Scripture truth; and its Hebrew name, derived from 
a root, signifying to watch or waken, is strikingly 
characteristic. of this property. When the prophet 
