156 
LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
MIGNONETTE. 
YOUR QUALITIES SURPASS YOUR CHARMS. 
Nearly one hundred years have run their 
course since the Mignonette first bloomed in 
our climes. It was brought from Egypt. Lin- 
neus, who gave to it the name of Reseda odo- 
rata, compares its perfume with that of am¬ 
brosia : its fragrance is stronger at the rising 
and setting of the sun than at noon. Migno¬ 
nette flowers from the beginning of spring to 
the end of autumn; but, by preserving it in a 
temperate green-house, its sweets may be in¬ 
haled in the winter season. It then becomes 
woody, lives many years, shoots up and forms 
with care a shrub of the most charming appear¬ 
ance. 
No gorgeous flowers the meek Reseda grace, 
Yet sip, with eager trunk, yon busy race 
Her simple cup, nor heed the dazzling gem 
That beams in Fritillaria’s diadem. 
Evans. 
