xxii 



FLORA ODORATA 



of scented flowers for several centuries ; pioneers of explora- 

 tion and other ardent investigators have, however, rescued 

 many valuable treasures from the depths of the burning 

 sands that rolled over those ancient wonders of the universe, 

 and their findings have given some curious and valuable in- 

 formation, for do we not frequently see in the scenes depicted 

 upon these tablets in many instances the representation of a 

 worshipper lifting towards him a fragrant flower. 



The fondness of Eastern nations for scented flowers, odours, 

 and perfumes, has from the remotest antiquity been carried to 

 extravagant excess, and in the midst of their wars and diffi- 

 culties their chief pleasure has always been to associate them- 

 selves with the hues and fragrance of the lovely blossoms that 

 so happily grace the surface of the earth in this part of the 

 world. 



' Know ye the land of the Cedar and Vine, 

 Whose scented flowers blossom and beanas enshrine ; 

 Where the light wings of Zephyr, oppressed with perfume, 

 Wax faint o'er the gardens of beautiful bloom 



'Tis the clime of the East ! 'tis the land of the Sun.' — Byrox. 



The oldest gardens of the East appear to have been chiefly 

 used as resorts of repose, indolent recreation, or luxurious 

 indulgence. Scented flowers, and the shade of perfumed 

 trees were considered one of the indispensable enjoyments of 

 the higher classes of society; even the greatest rulers and 

 warriors did not hesitate to crown themselves with tasty 

 floral adornments during their principal repasts, where 

 thousands of guests would be invited, and all anointed with 

 the sweet essences of Saffron, Cinnamon, Spikenard, Fenu- 

 greek and Lilies. 



At the time the early dwellers of the fertile districts 

 bordering the eastern side of the Mediterranean were at the 



