X 
PREFACE. 
charms cannot be duly typified till we 
shall have reached those abodes where reigns 
everlasting spring, and where decay is un¬ 
known. 
But little study will be requisite for the 
science which we teach. Nature has been 
before us. We must, however, premise two 
or three rules. When a flower is presented 
in its natural position, the sentiment is to 
be understood affirmatively; when reversed, 
negatively. For instance, a rose-bud, with 
its leaves and thorns, indicates fear with 
hope; but if reversed, it must be construed 
as saying “ you may neither fear nor hope 
Again, divest the same rose-bud of its thorns, 
and it permits the most sanguine hope; de¬ 
prive it of its petals, and retain the thorns, 
