PREFACE. 
The custom of fortune-telling is nearly as 
old as time. Almost everything has been 
turned into an oracle. Even the dregs of a 
teacup have been supposed to possess the 
“gift of prophecy.” Why, then, should not 
flowers, that are forever rising up, clothed 
with the mantles of prophets, and speaking 
in a language that has become as familiar as 
household words—why should not these little 
“ floral apostles ” be consulted respecting the 
mysteries of our earthly destiny 1 
At all events, they are pure and beautiful 
playthings for the fancy; and if any diversion 
on earth be innocent, it must be one whose 
instruments are poetry and flowers. 
In selecting our oracles, we have drawn 
from the purest wells of English poetry ; for 
who like Shakspeare can describe character, 
or like Wordsworth, Coleridge and Tenny¬ 
son, picture a scene ? We have also turned 
