90 
FLORAL EMBLEMS. 
Into hire hand the branch she bereth this. 
That agmis castus men call properly. 
And all the ladies in hire company.” 
Chaucer. 
CHEERFULNESS IN OLD AGE. 
Michaelmas Daisy.— Aster Tradescanti. 
We present these flowers as the happy em¬ 
blem of cheerfulness in old age, since, like 
that blessing, it lengthens the summer of our 
days, and contributes towards the enlivening 
of all who compose its circle. 
“ At sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up ; 
My hopes revive, and gladness dawns within me.” 
A. Philips. 
By the assistance of the plants of China and 
Florida, the reign of Flora is considerably 
lengthened in this climate; and the later 
months are clad with great beauty, whereas 
formerly, 
“ All green was banish’d, save of pine and yew. 
That still display’d their melancholy hue; 
Save the green holly, with its berries red, 
And the green moss, that o’er the gravel spread.” 
