PREFACE. 
Flowers are universally acknowledged and appreci¬ 
ated as the most graceful and lovely objects amongtlie 
productions of nature, and few preliminary remarks 
are therefore necessary in presenting to the acceptance 
of the public, a little work on a subject so truly de¬ 
lightful and interesting as the Language of Flora. 
Flowers are calculated to raise generous and tender 
emotions in the heart, and to swell the bosom with 
gratitude and praise to the “ Giver of every blessing,” 
for the rich and inexhaustible treasures he has thought 
fit to scatter in such profusion around us, to delight 
our senses by their rich tints, delicate forms, and de¬ 
lightful perfumes—filling the air with the most deli¬ 
cious fragrance throughout the summer months— 
“ When ’stead of one unchanging breeze, 
There blow a thousand gentle airs, 
And each a different perfume bears:— 
As if the loveliest plants and trees 
Had vassel breezes of their own 
To watch and wait on them alono, 
And waft no other breath than theirs.” 
V 
