FLORAL CUSTOMS, SUPERSTITIOXS, AXD HISTORIES. 217 



purpose. There were artists whose profession it was to form garlands, 

 and to construct them of flowers which were symbolical of certain ideas. 

 The language of these garlands was as well understood by the people 

 as the oral language of the country. 



The myrtle was highly prized by the Romans as an accompani- 

 ment at their festivals ; it was steeped in their wine to improve its 

 flavour, and to add an invigorating quality,' and was the usual em- 

 blem of festivity. 



" Search not where the curious rose 

 Beyond his season loitering grows ; 

 But beneath the mantling vine 

 While I quaff the flowing wine, 

 The myrtle's wreath shall crown our brows, 

 While you shall wait and I carouse." 



Horace. 



" Garlands of every green, and every scent, 

 From vales deflowered, or forest trees branch rent, 

 In baskets of bright osiered gold were brought. 

 High as the handles heaped, to suit the thought 

 Of every guest ; that each, as he did please, 

 Might fancy fit his brows, silk pillowed at hia ease." 



Keats. 



These ancient customs have survived to the present time ; and the 

 enjoyment of festive occasions is greatly enhanced by the decoration 

 of houses with wreaths and boughs of evergreens. The box shrub was 

 formerly used for decking houses in this country. Before the age of 

 railroads and beershops, the English homes were beautified throughout 

 the whole year by the flowers and shrubs of the seasons. Herrick re- 

 cords these long-lost customs : — 



" When yew is out, the birch comes in, 

 And many flowers beside; 

 Both of a fresh and fragrant kin, 

 To honour Whitsuntide. 



Green rushes then, and scented bents, 



With cooler oaken boughs. 

 Come in for comely ornaments, 



To re-adorn the house." 



