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Replies to Minor Queries.
_Wood of the Cross_ (Vol. vii., pp. 177. 334.).--I find, in your 179th
Number, p. 334., a communication on "The Wood of the Cross." Mention is
made of the several kinds of wood of which the cross is said to have been
made--elder, olive, &c. It is a somewhat curious coincidence, that
yesterday I was with a farmer in his garden, and observing on several
apple-trees some luxuriant mistletoe, I remarked that it was principally
found on that tree, sometimes on the oak, but rarely on other trees. The
farmer, after inquiring whether it could be propagated by cuttings, &c.,
asked if I had ever understood that our Saviour's cross was made of
mistletoe? On replying in the negative, and remarking that it was
altogether unsuitable for such a purpose, he rejoined, that, previously to
that event, it was a large strong tree, but subsequently had been doomed to
have only a parasitical (not that he used the term) existence.
As CEYREP said "I never heard of our Lord's cross having been made of elder
wood," so I would also add, I never heard before of its being made of
mistletoe. Did any one else ever hear of this tradition?