PREFACE. 
Licur words are at times more serviceable than learned 
lines, and persuasions are often more effective than 
arguments. This is especially the case in respect of 
subjects that are adapted for universal enjoyment, and 
that appeal to feeling first and afterwards arouse 
curiosity and set the mind to work. Garden flowers 
give more delight, perhaps, to those who study their 
history and cultivation and uses, than to such as 
admire them but in a casual way, and who may be 
said to smile and pass on. But in either case the 
gratification, which is one of sentiment in the first 
instance, becomes an intellectual exercise, and may be 
aided by one given to gossiping, and with a little 
knowledge to flavour his words. It is with some such 
purpose the following papers have been penned to ac- 
company a series of pictures adapted to awaken and 
sustain an interest in “familiar garden flowers.” 
8. H. 
