LOVE OF FLOWERS. 
V 
The pomegranate, the almond, and flowers, 
were selected, even in the wilderness, by 
divine appointment, to give form to the sacred 
utensils ; the rewards of merit, the wreath of 
the victor, were arboraceous; in latter periods, 
the acanthus, the ivy, the lotus, the vine, the 
palm, and the oak, flourished under the 
chisel, or in the loom of the artist; and in 
modern days, the vegetable world affords the 
almost exclusive decorations of ingenuity and 
art.” * 
Poets have been remarkable for their love 
of flowers, and have made them the subject 
of some of the most attractive productions of 
their muse. From these, the following little 
volume has been compiled; and the Editor 
ventures to express a hope, that the attention 
which he has bestowed upon the moral as 
well as poetical character of its contents, will 
ensure to it a portion of public favour and 
approval. 
The prose descriptions, which have been 
carefully selected and abridged from the 
“ Flora Domestica,” the “ Flora Ilistorica,” 
and other similar works, are not intended for 
the scientific Florist; but they will, it is pre¬ 
sumed, afford instruction and amusement to 
the general reader. 
In the plates, which illustrate and adorn 
the work, Mr. Banks has displayed a felicitous 
union of botanical knowledge with correct 
taste. 
March 7th, 1834. 
* Journal of a Naturalist. 
