APPLE-BLOSSOM. 
(Preference.) 
N the Scandinavian mythology the apple-tree played 
an important part. In the “ Edda,” the goddess 
Iduna is related to have had charge of the apples 
which had the power of conferring immortality, and 
which, in consequence of their miraculous property, were 
especially retained for the gods to eat when they felt 
themselves growing old. The evil spirit, Loki, carried 
off Iduna and the wonderful apple-tree, and hid them 
away in a forest where the deities were unable to find 
them. The results of this spiteful theft were that every 
thing went wrong, both in the realms mundane and divine- 
The gods grew old and infirm, and, becoming enfeebled 
in mind and body, were no longer able to regulate the 
affairs of the earth; and mortals, no longer having any 
one to look after them, fell into evil ways, and became a 
prey to the evil spirit. Affairs grew worse daily, until 
the gods, combining the remains of their strength, over¬ 
came Loki, and compelled him to restore the stolen 
apple-tree. 
