PREFACE. Vll 



been consulted as well as the sculpture of 

 classical nations and the paintings of modern 

 ages. The assistance of the poets will be seen 

 in every page, and it would be unjust not to 

 mention the author's obligation to Madame la 

 Comptesse de Genlis, to Madame de Latoui' 

 and also to the author of '' Parterre de Flore." 

 In this symbolical assemblage the author has 

 carefully avoided all indelicate allusions or 

 double-entendre that could be offensive to mo- 

 desty, his object has been to establish a settled 

 collection of floral emblems, and to render them 

 as amusing as the decorative dress of the poet, 

 and the sparkling garb of the wit would allow. 

 And although he presents a flower to fit every 

 cap, none are personally intended, but the 

 whole are offered for the selection of the 

 wearer, and should weeds be discovered where 

 flowers are expected, he flatters himself they 

 will be few, and that those few will be found 

 inoffensive, for although the work may be 

 considered more adapted for amusement than 

 for utility, he would not willingly offer en- 



