iv PREFACE, 
most pleasing sensations to our minds. Yes, flowers 
have their language. Theirs is an eloquence that 
speaks in perfumed silence; and in the clearest, yet 
most delicate terms, expresses the noblest and tenderest 
emotions of the heart. No spoken word can equal the 
delicacy of the sentiment conveyed by a flower pre- 
sented at a seasonable moment. The most tender im- 
pressions may be thus manifested without offence, and 
consolation silently imparted at a moment when the 
gentlest accents of pity would grate harshly on the ear. 
To translate this pleasing Janguage of nature, and to 
unfold the meaning that lies hidden beneath these 
beauteous emblems, is the object of the little volume 
now presented to our friends. It has been compiled 
by a society of ladies and gentlemen for their own 
amusement. They claim not originality. The quo- 
tations have been selected from the most esteemed 
poetical works already published, and most of the em- 
blems- have been copied from ‘Flora’s Dictionary.” 
They trust that it will meet with indulgence from the 
courteous reader, and that it may serve to enliven a 
tedious hour, i prove a source Soe amusement at once 
agreeable and innocent. 
