INTRODUCTION. 
xi 
“ Oh, could we but trace the great meaning of all, 
And what delicate links form the ponderous chain, 
From the dew-drops that rise, to the star-drops that 
fall, 
We should see but one purpose, and nothing in vain !’“ 
The richly varied and magnificent flora of our 
American continent offers our sons and daugh¬ 
ters a floral vocabulary capable of almost un¬ 
limited application, and readily have we seized 
upon and resuscitated the decaying systems of 
the Eastern Hemisphere. The numerous bril¬ 
liant and original tokens already sent forth in 
explanation of the American language of flow¬ 
ers prove we are not dependent upon European 
codes for emblematic communion; as Holmes 
says: 
“They ask no garlands sought beyond the tide, 
But take the leaflets gathered at their side.” 
Many blossoms gathered from Columbia’s well- 
stored garden will be discerned in this bouquet; 
but this bright bud of Charles Fenno Hoff¬ 
mann's will not fail to increase the brilliancy 
of the tout ensemble: 
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOVTEES. 
“Teach thee their language? Sweet, I know no 
tongue, 
No mystic art those gentle things declare ; 
I ne’er could trace the schoolman’s trick among 
Created things so delicate and rare. 
