MODIFICATIONS 
OF 
THE FLOWER LANGUAGE. 
TF a flower be given reversed, its original significa- 
tion is understood to be contradicted, and the oppo¬ 
site meaning to be implied. 
A rosebud divested of its thorns, but retaining its 
leaves, conveys the sentiment, “ I fear no longer; I 
hope : ” thorns signifying fears, and leaves, hopes. 
Stripped of leaves and thorns, the bud signifies, 
“ There is nothing to hope or fear.” 
The expression of flowers is also varied by changing 
their positions. Place a marigold on the head, and it 
signifies “Mental anguish;” on the bosom, “Indif¬ 
ference.” 
When a flower is given, the pronoun I is understood 
by bending it to the right hand; thou, by inclining it to 
the left. 
“Yes” is implied by touching the flower given with 
the lips. 
“ No,” by pinching off a petal, and casting it away. 
“I am ” is expressed by a laurel-leaf twisted round 
the bouquet. 
“ I have,” by an ivy-leaf folded together. 
“I offer you,” by a leaf of the Virginian Creeper. 
To win—a sprig of parsley in the bouquet. 
“May,” or “I desire”—an ivy tendril round the 
bouquet 
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