INTRODUCTION. 
23 
have his descendants lose the remembrance of 
them. 
In the gallant days of knight-errantry, 
respectful and faithful love often had re¬ 
course to the symbolical language of flowers, 
and the bashful swains of our rural scenes still 
frequently explain their first passion by the 
assistance of these emblems. Although un¬ 
practised in the rules of the floral grammar, 
they are instructed by nature to seek the 
earliest or the fairest flower of the season, 
scarce knowing why they wait at the stile, or 
wherefore they enter the wicket to present it. 
Their wish is to please, the flower proves 
it, and a smile rewards them. 
Cottage friendship is frequently commenced 
through the aid of flowers, for where the 
tongue is disposed, but reluctant to say to 
its neighbour, come let us live in friendship 
and kindness, a nosegay will explain the 
wish, and the offer of a few flowering plants 
