VI 
PREFACE. 
the Flower is the emblem, as soon as the 
flower is presented or seen. To effect this 
object, we have not only diligently availed 
ourselves of all the information our con¬ 
temporaries have givbn us, but have indus¬ 
triously searched the writings of the poets 
and the traditions of other times. The result 
of our inquiries has enabled us to attach to 
the account of each flower the reason of its 
being made the representative of a particular 
sentiment; and it is presumed this informa¬ 
tion will empower the reader immediately to 
recall to mind the meaning of a Flower as 
soon as it is seen; an advantage that the 
sterile character of the information in all the 
books we have hitherto met with has never 
presented. 
To enable the reader to identify the Flower 
to which the Sentiment applies, we have 
given its botanical name, its class and order, 
