28 SEPTEMBER 1878, Page 13

MR. SYMONDS'S ACCURACY.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

Sin,—There is a legend in the apocryphal Gospel of Mary accord- ing to which Joseph was chosen for Mary's husband because his rod budded into flower, and a dove settled upon the top of it. The story has often been painted, e.g., by Giotto, in the Arena Chapel at Padua ; and in pictures of the marriage of Joseph and Mary, the former generally holds the flowering-rod. When, therefore, Mr. Symonds speaks of trees shooting to the light like Joseph's rod, it is not because his studies of the Renaissance have led him to confuse Joseph and Aaron.—I am, Sir, &c., F. M.