PREFACE. 
The author of this little hook does not expect 
that he has accomplished a very weighty task. He 
puts it forth in the meek hope that it may afford 
a little pleasure to those who, like himself, occa¬ 
sionally turn aside from the graver duties of life, 
to pluck a flower, or . to gaze upon a picture. If 
such shall read, he is satisfied. 
The design is brief. Each day in the year has 
been christened with a flower, and it may afford a 
moment’s delight to those who meet in the social 
circle, to ascertain each other’s birth-days, and, 
seeking here the flower, read the language and the 
poetic extract. 
The author believes this book to possess advan¬ 
tages over any other of a similar character, in the 
eyes of the lover of flowers. Among the many 
kindred works, he has been unable to find one 
containing more than half the number of flowers, 
which he, through the aid of a scarce European 
work, has been able to present. 
