A NEW INTRODUCTION. 



SITTBBW years ago we prepared FLORA'S INTERPRETER, the 

 first part of this work. The many imitations of our plan, as well 

 as the extensive and steady demand for the book, hare equally 

 proved its excellence. 



We have now added a new and original department of Floral 

 literature, namely, the mystical language of flowers, those sweet 

 messenger* of nature ; and FOHTUSA FLORA may be considered 

 as completing the work. We trust this last part will be received 

 with favor by that portion of our friends to whom " years have 

 taught wisdom." Such persons will not regard this effort to stim- 

 ulate the young to the observance of the hidden meanings which 

 may lie concealed in the flower volumes of nature as unworthy 

 their notice. They will feel that 



Wtedora is with the heart. An falls the daw 

 On every plant beneath the freshening sky, 

 Bo wUdom may be found on every page 

 That bean the impress of an earnest spirit, 

 Seeking the Good, and True, and Beautiful. 



And the young will learn these lessons easier, and remember 

 them longer, when connected with the innocent amusements that 

 belong to their flower time of life. 



Flowers have always been symbols of the affections, probably 

 ever since our first parents tended theirs in the garden of Ood'a 

 own planting. They seem hallowed from that association, and in- 

 tended, naturally, to represent pure, tender, and devoted thought* 

 and feelings. The expression of these feelings has been, in all 

 ages, the province of poetry ; therefore we must refer to the 

 poets in order to settle the philology of flowers. This we have 

 done. We have carefully searched the poets and writers on 

 Eastern manners, where flowers are now the messengers of the 

 heart, and have selected the most approved interpretations. 



