CG FLORAL CERSJIOXIE3. 
Flowers were not only used as a stimulus to 
tlie palate, or that two senses might be grati- 
fied at one time, but it was thought that certain 
plants and flowers facilitated the functions of 
the brain, and assisted materially to neutral- 
ize the inebriating qualities of wine. Even 
the warriors did not hesitate to crown them- 
selves with flowers during their principal re- 
past. These observations are equally applica- 
ble to the Greeks, as to the Romans : — 
“ Soft went the music the soft air along, 
While fluent Greek, a vowelled under-song, 
Kept up among the guests, discoursing low 
At first, for scarcely was the wine at flow, 
But when the happy vintage touched their brains 
Louder they talked, and louder came the strains. 
***** 
Soon was god Bacchus at meridian height, 
Flushed with their cheeks and bright eyes double 
bright, 
Garlands of every green, and every scent, 
From vales deflowred, or forest trees branch-rent, 
In baskets of bright osier gold were brought, 
High as the handles heaped, to suit the thought 
