ElnumlJ 33Io££ont. 
22 
Almond Blossom.... Indiscretion. 
The Almond tree is the first of the trees to put forth 
its blossoms, when spring breathes the breath of life 
through nature. It has been made the emblem of in¬ 
discretion, from flowering so early that frosts too often 
give a death-chill to the precocious germs of its fruit. 
In ancient times, the abundance of blossoms upon the 
Almond tree was considered to promise a fruitful sea¬ 
son. The following is the fabulous account of the origin 
of this tree:—Demophoon, son of Theseus and Phaedra, 
in returning from the siege of Troy, was thrown by a 
storm on the shores of Thrace, where then reigned the 
beautiful Phyllis. The young queen graciously re¬ 
ceived the prince, fell in love with him, and became his 
wife. When recalled to Athens by his father’s death, 
Demophoon promised to return in a month, and fixed 
the day. The loving Phyllis counted the hours of his 
absence, and, at last, the appointed day arrived. Nine 
times she repaired to the shore; but, losing all hope 
of his return, she died of grief, and was converted into 
an Almond tree. Soon afterwards, Demophoon re¬ 
turned. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he offered a sacri¬ 
fice at the sea-side, to appease the manes of his bride. 
The Almond tree instantly put forth its blossoms, and 
seemed to sympathize with his repentance. 
Oh! had I nursed when I was young 
The lessons of my father’s tongue, 
(The deep laborious thoughts he drew 
From all he saw, and others knew,) 
