_The Symbolism of the Fir-Cone_. What does the "fir-cone" in the
Ninevite sculptures mean? Layard does not explain it. Is it there as the
emblem of fecundity, as the pomegranate of Persia and Syria? Has it
altogether the same character as the latter fruit? Then--was it carried
into Hindostan _viâ_ Cashmir? When? By the first wave of population
which broke through the passes of the Parapamisus?