PREFACE. 
vii 
been consulted as well as the sculpture of* 
classical nations and the paintings of modern 
ages. . The assistance of the poets will be seen 
in every page, and it would be unjust not to 
mention the author’s obligation to Madame la 
Comptesse de Genlis, to Madame de Latour 
and also to the author of “ Parterre de Flore 
In this symbolical assemblage the author has 
carefully avoided all indelicate allusions or 
double-entendre that could be offensive to mo¬ 
desty, his object has been to establish a settled 
collection of floral emblems, and to render them 
as amusing as the decorative dress of the poet, 
and the sparkling garb of the wit would allow. 
And although he presents a flower to fit every 
cap, none are personally intended, but the 
whole are offered for the selection of the 
wearer, and should weeds be discovered where 
flowers are expected, he flatters himself they 
will be few, and that those few will be found 
inoffensive, for although the work may be 
considered more adapted for amusement than 
for utility, he would not willingly offer en- 
