90 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



Into hire hand the branch she bereth this. 

 That agnus castus men call properly. 

 And all the ladies in hire company." 



Chaucer 



CHEERFULNESS IN OLD AGE. 



Michaelmas Daisy. — Aster Tradescanti. 



We present these flowers as the happy em- 

 blem of cheerfulness in old age, since, like 

 that blessing, it lengthens the summer of our 

 days, and contributes towai'ds the enlivening 

 of all who compose its circle. 



'* At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up ; 

 My hopes revive, and gladness dawns within me." 



A. Philips, 



By the assistance of the plants of China and 

 Florida, the reign of Flora is considerably 

 lengthened in this climate ; and the later 

 months are clad with great beauty, whereas 

 formerly, 



" All green was banish'd, save of pine and yew, 

 That still display'd their melancholy hue ; 

 Save the green holly, with its berries red, 

 And the green moss, that o'er the gravel spread." 



