Prefatory Comment 



As to my own efforts in behalf of the flowers, I desire to state 

 that not through the study of botany or the love of science have I 

 taken up this work, but because of a sincere and abiding affection 

 for these divine messengers. The flowers of God's planting, grow- 

 ing in His natural gardens, represent the fullness and perfection of 

 His love. Born and raised on an Iowa farm, I early learned where 

 and when the wild flowers grew and blossomed. During my entire 

 life it has been my happy privilege to be closely associated with the 

 out-door world. As the director of "Wild Flower Day" at the 

 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, I formed an extensive 

 acquaintance with flower enthusiasts. Together we have endeavored 

 to interest people in the unparalleled beauty and charm of our native 

 flowers, and in the importance of conserving them as valuable assets 

 of civilized communities. Much interest has since been awakened 

 by means of the annual State exhibit; all specimens sent in were 

 carefully gathered by experts in the various localities, and were 

 classified by scientists. 



During the past several years my son has carried out a policy 

 of nature study, in connection with the groups of children who have 

 been our happy and welcome guests, and whose opportunities for 

 observation of the wonders of hills and woodlands have previously, 

 of necessity, been somewhat limited. The work of these field study 

 clubs has been conducted not only during the summer vacation 

 period, but also at other seasons of the year, through various trips 

 to the country and in the vicinity of the Bay Regions. Many chil- 

 dren have in this manner formed an inspiring acquaintance with 

 flowers and trees through contact with the life out of doors. 



The flower stories in this book have been the natural outgrowth 

 of a keen interest and delight in such subjects, but the publishing of 

 the same, in their present form, has necessarily entailed careful study 

 and considerable research through historical references and old 

 legends and folk-lore, in which the ancients delighted, and which 

 have given rise to many of the popular appellations now applied to 

 flowers. The mysteries of flower lore have a distinct appeal. 



It would require many volumes to relate even a few of the 

 interesting facts and fancies regarding the thousands of different 

 species of native plants belonging to this State. We can only hope 

 to introduce the reader to various phases of popular interest regard- 

 ing a fascinating and inexhaustible subject. 



B.M.R. 



"There is a lesson in each flower, 

 A story for each stream and bower; 

 In every herb on which you tread, 

 Are written words, which rightly read 

 Will lead you from earth's fragrant sod, 

 To hope, and holiness, and God." 



ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. 



