Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 8:11

11. And the Dove came in to him in the Evening , and lo, in her mouth was an Olive-leaf n pluckt off: So Noah knew that the Waters were abated from off the Earth.

As the manner of Doves is, partly for better accommodation both for food and lodging than yet he could meet with abroad; and partly from his Love to his Mate. Quest. Whence was this leaf when Trees had been so generally overthrown and rooted up by the deluge! Answ. 1. Many Trees might be preserved by an advantageous scituation, between the Rocks or Hills which broke the force of the Waters. 2. It is probable that God by his powerful providence preserved the Plants and Trees, for future ages, and therefore there is no mention of any of their Roots or Seeds preserved in the Ark. 3. The Olive-tree especially will not only stand, but live and flourish under the Waters, as Pliny l. 13. c. 25. and 16. 20. and [illegible: 1 word] 4. 8. observe. Adde, that the word here rendred leaf, signifies also a tender branch.