90 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



Into hire hand the branch she bereth this, 

 That agnus castus men call properly, 

 And all the ladies in hire company." 



Chaucer. 



CHEERFULNESS IN OLD AGE. 



MICHAELMAS DAISY. Aster Tradescanti. 



We present these flowers as the happy em- 

 blem of cheerfulness in old age, since, like 

 that blessing, it lengthens the summer of our 

 days, and contributes towards the enlivening 

 of all who compose its circle. 



" At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up ; 

 My hopes revive, and gladness dawns within me." 



A. Philips. 



By the assistance of the plants of China and 

 Florida, the reign of Flora is considerably 

 lengthened in this climate ; and the later 

 months are clad with great beauty, whereas 

 formerly, 



" All green was banish'd, save of pine and yew, 

 That still displayed their melancholy hue ; 

 Save the green holly, with its berries red, 

 And the green moss, that o'er the gravel spread. " 



