THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
55 
gillyflowers. Towards sunset one would have said that 
living flames were issuing from these vases, and a bal¬ 
samic odor filled the air around.” 
WHEAT ( Triticum vulgare ). Wealth. 
This plant seems to have been conferred on man, 
together with the use of fire, to assure to him the sceptre 
of the earth. It is one of the first links of society, 
because its culture exacts mutual labor and services. 
An Arab, lost in the desert, had eaten nothing for two 
days. Nearly dead with hunger, in passing by a well 
where caravans stopped, he saw on the sand a little 
leather bag. “ God be praised,” said he, picking it up ; 
“ I believe this is a little flour.” He hastily opened it, 
but, seeing what it contained, exclaimed, “ Unfortunate 
that I am ! It is nothing but gold dust! ” 
DAHLIA (Dahlia). My gratitude exceeds your cares. Novelty. 
This showy plant comes from Mexico, where its roots 
are eaten, roasted in the ashes. It was first introduced 
into Europe as an edible, but proved of too strong a 
flavor, and botanists soon began to cultivate it for its 
flowers, which were at first only single. It is named 
from Andrew Dahl, a celebrated Swedish botanist. 
Cultivation has developed a countless variety of shades, 
while improving the shape of this flower, and English 
gardeners hold it in great esteem. 
