THE OLIVE TREE.
CHAPTER I.
SOILS SUITABLE TO ITS CULTURE.
In the Book of the Hebrews we read that when Noah, desiring to ascertain whether or not the waters of the deluge were beginning to withdraw from the surface of the earth, dispatched a dove from the ark, that feathered courier brought back to him "an olive leaf plucked off." Ever since that time the verdant branch of this evergreen tree has been regarded as the appropriate emblem of peace and of abundance.
We read in The Book of Judges, chap, ix.: 8—"The trees went forth on a time to anoint a King over them: and they said unto the olive tree. Reign thou over us."
We also find in the Book of Nehemiah, chap, viii.: "And Ezra the priest said unto all the people: This day is holy unto the Lord, your God; Go forth unto the mount and fetch olive branches."
Amid the steep and arid slopes overlooking the valley of Jehosaphat rises the Holy Mount, clad
