Geranium. 
(DECEIT.) 
“These flowers are like the pleasures of the world.” 
Shakspeare. 
T HERE are as many florigraphical meanings attached to 
this choice flower as there are varieties of it, and they ,■ 
veritably, are numberless ; but we have selected the symbol 
that appears to appertain to the genus in general. The name 
Geranium is derived from the Greek, and signifies a crane , the 
fruit bearing some resemblance to the form of a crane s bill 
and head. Indeed, the old English designation for the wild 
species of this flower was “crane’s-bill;” but the classic form 
has entirely superseded it of late, as it has also consigned to 
oblivion its other title, when in an untamed state, of Herb 
This’plant is divided into three genera \ Erodium, Pelar¬ 
gonium, and Geranium, respectively signifying “ heron s-bill, 
“ stork’s-bill,” and “ crane’s-bill,” all of which names are de¬ 
rived from their blossoms’ fancied resemblance to the appen¬ 
dages of those birds. _ , . , r , - 
The Scented Geranium is considered typical of prcjerence, a 
quality for which the softness of its leaves, the beauty of its 
bloom, and its fragrant odour, will most decidedly obtain it the 
award. It emits a delightful scent when lightly rubbed by the 
finger; and so accustomed are people to use this experiment, 
that a person approaching a geranium almost mechanically 
rubs or plucks a leaf for the anticipated perfume. 
“And genteel geranium, 
With a leaf for all that come,” 
seldom fails to obtain notice and admiration, even when sur- 
