VI. 
PREFACE. 
It is probable that a distinct language, was first given to flowers by the 
women of the East, arising doubtless from their strict seclusion and ignorance 
of writing, combined with a vivid imagination which habitually personifies 
every object. It is true that by these flowers they can convey only general 
ideas, such as “ I love thee dearly “ Thy coldness grieves me “ I sym¬ 
pathise in thy distress &c., but their dull unwearied round of life leaves but 
little else to impart. 
The Bouquet which is used as an epistle is called Selam. 
This language is also local and arbitrary, so that a Bouquet which would 
be readily interpreted by a Persian maiden, would be unintelligible to a Turk¬ 
ish female. A celebrated traveller thus describes the manner in which a 
Turkish lady of fashion is wooed by an invisible lover. “ In the progress of 
the courtship, a Hyacinth is occasionally dropped in her path by an unknown 
hand, and the female attendant at the bath does the office of a Mercury, and 
+ ' 
talks of a certain effendi seeking a lady’s love, as a Nightingale aspiring to the 
affections of a Rose.” 
All nations and ages have regarded these beauties of nature with pleasure 
and reverence ; the Romans and Greeks acknowledged a goddess who pre¬ 
sided over flowers and blossoms, whose festivals were celebrated with pomp 
and rejoicings. In more modern days, flowers have been cultivated from a 
love of the beautiful and a taste for refinement, while at the same time, a 
vocabulary has been established which ascribes to each class, a sentiment or a 
moral. The Dahlia denotes elegance and dignity ; the Daisy, beauty and 
innocence ; the Hawthorn, hope ; the White Lily, purity ; the Lily of the 
Valley, the heart withering in secret; Mallows, a sweet disposition; the 
Nightshade, dark thoughts ; Orange Flowers, woman’s worth; the Peony, 
ostentation ; a Rose Bud, a confession of love ; the Tulip, beautiful eyes ; the 
Violet, faithfulness ; the Water Lily, eloquence ; and so to each flower is 
allotted a distinct signification. 
The mind instinctively associates some meaning according to the appeal - 
ance or fragrance of the flower, forming a natural, but impressive language, 
which speaks to the heart rather than to the ear. Can any thing more touch- 
mgly convey the idea of purity, than the beautiful White Lily ? Look into 
its snow-white cavity ! inhale its delicious fragrance, and nothing but the 
sweetest, holiest emotions will be awakened. 
“ Ask me not why I should love her; 
Look upon these soul-full eyes! 
