PREFACE. 



In presenting the " Book of Flowers and Poetry" 

 to our readers, we would observe that much pains have 

 been taken to render its contents as varied and inter- 

 esting as the limits of such a work will allow. It will 

 be found to contain a copious Floral Dictionary, with 

 many of the Eastern significations not generally 

 known. To these are added remarks on the cultiva- 

 tion of flowers, and a simple abstract of Botany com- 

 piled from the works of our best writers. 



To the selections from our own native poets we turn 

 with pride and pleasure j not the less is our gratifica- 

 tion in tendering in this place, our acknowledgments 

 to the distinguished writers who have assisted us by 

 original articles from their pens. We would particu- 

 larly mention Mr. Charles F. Hoffman, Mrs. Emma C. 

 Embury, and Mr. Wm. Cullen Bryant. Nor would we 

 forget the beautiful effusion of Mrs. Balmanno, and 

 the graceful verses of Miss Huntington, names less 



