Introduction. 
*5 
and that the latter, like all nations of ancient origin, possesses 
a mode of emblematic floral communication. In the ornamen¬ 
tation and beautifying of gardens the Chinese are said to excel 
all other countries ; it is not to be wondered at, therefore, that 
they make profuse use of flowers at their different public and 
private ceremonies—more especially those of marriage and 
burial: they plant flowers and shrubs about the graves of their 
families, and richly decorate their temples with blossomy offer¬ 
ings. Typical blooms are generally found associated with their 
deities ; as for instance, is the case with Puzza, who is repre¬ 
sented seated on a lotus. 
The Japanese, who are evidently a sturdier race than their 
over-governed effeminate neighbours, evince great skill in the 
cultivation of flowers, and the production of new varieties of 
them. Their trees are stated to be remarkable for the number 
of them that bear double blossoms—a proof of experienced 
culture. The Japanese (as were the ancient Hebrews) are fond 
of naming their children after beautiful flowers; indeed, it has 
been stated that all their female names are derived from blos¬ 
soms—a graceful compliment akin to that of the Malayan 
tongue, which employs one word to express both women and 
flowers. They picture the Deity as recumbent upon a water- 
lily ; and in many ways, both sacred and secular, express not 
only their affection for flowers, but also a symbolic method of 
using them. 
So much has been said in various portions of this work re¬ 
specting the floral language of the Turks and Persians, that it 
may almost sound like repetition to advert to them once more; 
but as such stress is generally placed upon Lady Mary Wort- 
ley Montague’s description and presumed introduction of these 
codes into Western Europe, it is impossible to pass the subject 
by without some allusion. The so-called Turkish “ Language of 
Flowers” was first popularized in England and France by the 
above-named lady, and by La Motraie, Charles the Twelfth’s 
companion in exile. 
From the few examples of this floral system cited by these 
illustrious travellers, it does not appear to indicate much of the 
brilliancy and delicacy of thought which characterized the 
emblematic methods of the nations of antiquity, and would 
seem merely to have originated (as a writer in the “ Edinburgh 
