shades him. The sovereign, like a branching tree, bears on his head
the scorching sunbeams, while the broad shade allays the fever of
those who seek shelter under him.")

The origin of the Parasol is wrapped in considerable obscurity. Some
profound investigators have supposed that large leaves tied to the
branching extremities of a bough suggested the first idea of the
invention. Others assert that the idea was probably derived from the
tent, which remains in form unaltered to the present day. Dr.
Morrison, _however_, tells us that the tradition existing in
China is, that the _San_, which signifies a shade for sun and
rain, originated in standards and banners waving in the air. As this
is a case in which we may quote the line--"Who shall decide when
doctors disagree?"--we may with safety assume that all are in the
right, and that the Parasol owed its origin to all or any of the
above-mentioned fortuitous circumstances.

In the Ninevite sculptures the Umbrella or Parasol appears
frequently. Layard gives a picture of a bas-relief representing a
king in his chariot, with an attendant holding an Umbrella over his
head. It has a curtain hanging down behind, but is otherwise exactly
like those in use at the present time, the stretchers and sliding
runner being plainly represented. To quote the words of that
indefatigable traveller:--

"The Umbrella or Parasol, the emblem of royalty so universally
accepted by eastern nations, was generally carried over the king in
time of peace, and sometimes even in time of war. In shape it
resembled, very closely, those in common use; but it is always open
in the sculptures. It was edged with tassels, and was usually