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PERSONALITY OF PLANTS<br />
cause its frail petals are soon scattered by the<br />
boisterous wind. The Snow-Drop, fir,st flower<br />
<strong>of</strong> spring, peeping from its immaculate snow<br />
bank, is an unmistakable emblem <strong>of</strong> purity .<br />
The ancients were very liberal users <strong>of</strong> floral<br />
tokens; the Chinese, Assyrians and Egyptians<br />
had many identical beliefs on the subject. The<br />
Olive was and still is the universal badge <strong>of</strong><br />
peace. Laurel was the classic sign <strong>of</strong> renown<br />
with which the brows <strong>of</strong> prominent athletes and<br />
statesmen were crowned. The Cypress was <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
an index <strong>of</strong> mourning. The Rose and the<br />
Myrtle, having been dedicated to Venus, were<br />
insignias <strong>of</strong> love. The Palm was a wide-spread<br />
representation <strong>of</strong> victory. Bible students will<br />
recall that Palms were scattered before Jesus<br />
Christ on the occasion <strong>of</strong> his triumphant entry<br />
into Jerusalem.<br />
In their enthusiasm, flower-lovers have sometimes<br />
allowed their imagination to carry them<br />
into unnatural and artificial symbolism. It is<br />
not difficult to associate the White Lily with<br />
purity but when we are told that the Flowering<br />
Almond represents hope, the Common Almond<br />
indiscretion and stupidity, and the Floral Al-<br />
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