The calyx, the glory or halo.
The white tint, purity.
The blue tint, heaven.
It remains open for three days and typifies his three years’ ministry.
362. Which is the “Petrified City”?
Ishmonie, in Upper Egypt, is so called on account of a great number of statues of men, women, children, and animals, which are said to be seen there at this day, and which, according to a popular superstition, were once animated beings, but were miraculously changed into stone in all the various postures and attitudes which were assumed by them at the instant of their supposed transubstantiation.
363. What was the origin of the phrase “That’s a feather in your cap”?
“A feather in your cap” is a mark of distinction. It originates with the wild tribes of Asia and America, who add a new feather to their head-dress for every enemy slain. A Caufir of Cabul adorns himself with new feathers for every Mussulman killed by him. The custom was a common one among the Lycians and other nations of antiquity, and, in fact, in one form or another seems to be almost universal at the present time.
364. Why is the Baldwin apple so called?
The famous Baldwin apple was discovered by Col. Loammi Baldwin (1745–1807), a distinguished citizen of Woburn, Mass. While surveying land in Wilmington (in the same State), he observed a tree on the land of James Butters, much frequented by woodpeckers. Curiosity led him to examine the tree, and he found thereon apples of excellent flavor. The next spring he took from it scions to engraft into stocks of his own. Others in his neighborhood did the same till the apple was extensively cultivated. Some named the apple Butters’ apple, from the locality of the original tree; others called it Woodpecker’s apple, from the birds which caused the discovery; but one day, at an entertainment of friends at the house of Col. Baldwin, it was suggested that the name “Baldwin apple,” in honor of the discoverer, was the most appropriate, and it has since been known by his name. The original tree was destroyed by the famous September gale in 1815.