INTRODUCTION. 23 



have his descendants lose the remembrance of 

 them. 



In the gallant days of knight-errantry, 

 respectful and faithful love often had re- 

 course to the symbolical language of flowers, 

 and the bashful swains of our rural scenes still 

 frequently explain their first passion by the 

 assistance of these emblems. Although un- 

 practised in the rules of the floral grammar, 

 they are instructed by nature to seek the 

 earliest or the fairest flower of the season, 

 scarce knowing why they wait at the stile, or 

 wherefore they enter the wicket to present it. 

 Their wish is to please, the flower proves 

 it, and a smile rewards them. 



Cottage friendship is frequently commenced 

 through the aid of flowers, for where the 

 tongue is disposed, but reluctant to say to 

 its neighbour, come let us live in friendship 

 and kindness, a nosegay will explain the 

 wish, and the offer of a few flowering plants 



