ACACIA, OR EGYPTIAN THORN. Acacia vera; W. "The young Arab haunted by the smell Which bows to all who seek its canopy, Sees, called around her by these magic scents, MOORE. SHITTIM-Wood is very frequently mentioned in Scripture as being used in the construction of different parts of the Tabernacle. The Israelites were also directed to include it in the voluntary offerings for the use of the Tabernacle. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the tree which yielded it as one which was worthy of cultivation; and the successful growth of which was a proof of prosperity. "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah-tree, and the myrtle," etc. Various conjectures have been made as to the tree actually designated by this name, and it has been observed that a peculiar wood, bearing a somewhat similar name, sheeshum or seesum, has for ages constituted an article 66 of commerce from India to the Red Sea. There is, however, every reason to believe that this wood was the timber of a tree indigenous to the East. Rosenmuller says, "the Hebrew name, which is properly Shintah, was formed from the Egyptian word Shont, which the Arabs pronounce Sont. It literally signifies thorns,' but denotes especially the Egyptian Acacia, 6 the only tree in the Arabian desert from the wood of which boards could have been made. This tree commonly attains the height and strength of the willow; it sometimes is as large as a walnut-tree, and has widespreading branches. The stem is very straight, and is armed (as well as the boughs) with prickly thorns, which generally grow two or three together. The bark is of a greyish-black, the wood yellowish, the leaves small, and shaped like a lentil. It bears pods like those of the lupin, and of a blackish-brown colour; the interior is divided into compartments, in which the seeds are deposited. It is from this tree that gum arabic is obtained. The wood is not only very durable and not liable to injury from water, but is also extremely light; and hence it was admirably adapted for a moveable and portable structure like the Tabernacle." The whole genus to which this tree belongs are very beautiful when in flower. Some of the species are cultivated extensively in greenhouses in this country, and when in full blossom are magnificent objects, and fill the places where they grow with a most delicious perfume. Whether we regard these lofty trees, with their light branches, slender leaves, and gorgeous array of golden, or white, or pink bloom, or whether we look at the minutest plant which earth bears upon her bosom, we are compelled to admire the unity and harmony of design which is so clearly demonstrated, and to express our adoration of that Great Being Who made the universe, and sustains it in its course. Keeping all things in their due order and succession, and providing all things for His rational and accountable ACACIA, OR EGYPTIAN THORN. 191 creatures, that they may abundantly enjoy His boundless mercies, and be led to show forth His glory by a grateful devotion to His service. "They say, who know of Nature's lyre the tones That whispering airs in voices manifold All through the live-long day and night are told Of oak-tree, or of ash, or as he plays |