6 
TO THE READER. 
known to her in English, French, and German, and believes 
this will be found to contain a more copious dictionary, and 
more appropriate descriptions, than any of its predecessors. 
It is designed for all parts. of the United States; but if any 
are disappointed in not finding here some flowers they seek, 
they must remember that this charming language is not yet 
perfected, and we have been unwilling to attach arbitrary and 
unauthorized meanings to many of our native blossoms which 
certainly deserve and convey a sentiment as well as their older 
foreign sisters. 
Where authorities differed in regard to signification, the 
most correct has been carefully sought out; and in some in¬ 
stances, where two seemed equally good, both are given. 
The quotations from English authors (to say nothing of 
Latin and other languages) might have been multiplied, and 
a very large volume written on this delightful subject — for 
who is ever tired of rambling among flowers ? But it was 
necessary to keep the volume of a convenient size — and this 
must be our excuse for rejecting much which some may 
expect to find. 
Trusting that any omissions or inaccuracies may meet with 
indulgence, we commend our new “Language of Flowers,” 
not to the tender mercies of the critics, but to the attention 
of all who love flowers. 
December, 1865. 
