Vlll. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 



yet. Displaying new wonders curious forms, and 

 valuable properties, we could never have imagined 



And when the path is very rugged, and we are 

 weary, we can sit down, and refresh ourselves with 

 pleasant chat, and sweet poetry about the flowers ; 

 poetry which I hope you will like to learn by heart ; 

 and then pleasant thoughts will be associated with the 

 flowers, wherever you may meet them. 



Some of you were very fond (in younger days) 

 of pulling to pieces your toys, or any stray article 

 that came in your way, to see how they were made, 

 or what they contained: Flowers are scattered 

 thickly around you, pull them to pieces, and see 

 what curious and beautiful things were there hidden 

 from view ! Such wonderful little boxes, full of seeds 

 of every shape and color ! Such elegant vases and 

 cups, bowls, and salvers. Such tasty bags, baskets, 

 and purses ! And oh ! the beautiful little Cornucopias, 

 with their ripe fruit just ready to fall into your hand ! 

 Then there are elegant little chandeliers, and crosses : 



