FLORA ODORATA 



MOXG the many enjoyments this fascinating 

 world affords, none are more innocent or 

 enticing than close association with the 

 beautiful gems that so happily grace our 

 gardens, where a balmy atmosphere laden 

 with sweet perfumes and aromatic fragrance, rich and em- 

 bowering foliage, with rural seclusion, are ever perfect ideas 

 of earthly felicity — 



' In the calm retreat, 

 Far from the busy haunts of life, 

 Where Flora trains her lovely offspring up 

 To captivate and charm.' 



In all countries, civilised and savage, in the religious festivals 

 of all creeds, and on all occasions whether of grief or rejoic- 

 ing, the scented attractions of flowers and plants possess an 

 important significance, and Nature seems to have been most 

 bountiful in her munificence in scattering these odoriferous 

 treasures throughout our world, to give cheerfulness to the 

 earth and happiness to its inhabitants. Every rank of people 

 seem equally to appreciate them as a gratification to the 

 organs of sight and smell. 



The refreshing odours prevalent in a garden, where the richest 

 perfumes shed their aromatic perfections la^dshly around, are 

 the spoils from Nature's laboratory, that dispense delicious 

 medicines to sweeten our existence. 



XV 



