Though numerous stories are written of the remarkable ability of the olive tree to grow and bear in exposed situations, and with only small amounts of soil and water, the olive, like all other fruit trees, requires both cultivation and an adequate amount of water if a constant and abundant harvest be desired. As the groves are irrigated, the proper amount of water may be supplied at all times. The water is conducted through a system of underground pipes, which are provided with outlets at the end of each row of trees. From these outlets the water is directed into furrows to water the trees. As the irrigation is conducted by underground pipes, the groves are easily cultivated.
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It would seem that the olive is rightly and appropriately called the “Tree of Abundance,” for all parts of it have been used, and to the ancients, even with their limited cuisine as compared with that of today, it was a symbol of plenty, witness the apostrophe of King Sennacherib, made centuries before the Christian era, who called Assyria “A land of corn and wine; a land of bread and vineyards; a land of oil, olives, and honey.”
FLOWERS
In ancient medicine the blossoms of the olive were highly esteemed, but are not mentioned in the medicine of today. They were used as poultices to alleviate pain, sometimes alone, sometimes mixed with other substances.
LEAVES
The leaves were also used in medicine, a decoction made from them being said to stop bleeding, and on account of their astringency to reduce inflammation. The leaves and bark have an acrid and bitter taste, and have been prescribed as substitutes for cinchona. In France an extract of the leaves is used as a febrifuge, and has also been found valuable in preventing hectic paroxysms.
From time immemorial the leaf and branch have been employed as a symbol of peace, and have appeared in sculpture and painting. No more beautiful emblem than the olive branch can be selected or devised to symbolize both peace and victory, and as such has been known through all the ages. Egyptian mummies, dating from the 20th to the 26th dynasty, have been found surrounded by garlands of olive leaves, and the tomb of the hero of today will oftentimes have its sculptured olive branch, telling its story and making its appeal stronger than could be made by words.
Besides serving for esthetic purposes, the leaves, in spite of their astringency, are eaten by animals as forage, so that the trees have to be protected from them. It is curious that with all the ravages made by animals on the olive trees in the neglected mission gardens in California, after the missionaries had gone, some of these same trees furnished scions for many of the olive groves of today.