PREFACE. 
A few words in explanation of the name and 
original design of our volume may be excused. 
It was a year’s occasional amusement to three 
friends, and, in yielding to a wish for its pub¬ 
lication, we hope the addition of the botanical 
descriptions may render it more generally in- 
teresting. Although, in weaving our “ Wreath,” 
very much gratification has resulted to our- 
selves, we had a higher aim,—that of presenting 
a small memorial of our love to those who 
best claim it, and their approval is the meed 
for which, in happy confidence, we look. 
A mother’s eye is not quick to discern im¬ 
perfections, nor her voice prompt to blâme; we 
may spare, therefore, apologies for defects, for 
to such gentle criticism is our wreath affection- 
ately commended. 
