WATCH OF FLORA. 



HENRIETTA. 



Thank you, aunt. I should like to copy this table, if you 

 will allow me. But, talking of flowers, why is it that you 

 told me not to carry the tuberose up into my room! 



MRS. F. 



Because the scent is so powerful as to be insupportable to 

 many persons of weak nerves. Indeed the spasmodic affec- 

 tions produced by the odors of flowers, are more common than 

 is generally supposed, but vary, of course, according to the 

 constitution of the individual. 



ESTHER. 



Mary de Medicis could not bear the sight of a rose, even in 

 painting; and Cardinal de Guise would faint away at the 

 sight of the same flower. 



But these were natural antipathies, such as that of Boyle to a 

 spider; for in these instances, the mere sight of the rose, with- 

 out smelling it, appears to have been sufficient to disturb the 

 tranquillity of the individual; but I am at present alluding 

 to the effect of vegetable odors upon the senses. Few can 

 bear the fragrance of the lilac or jonquil, especially in a 

 room; and even violets, the last flowers to be suspected, 



