The history of the Language of Flowers like that of 
spoken language, dates back to the earliest recorded times 
of our race. 
In our sacred writings the Olive branch signifies peace ; 
m most languages Corn has always been synonymous with 
riches ; the Willow has meant mourning ever since the 
time, the captive Israelite, by the rivers of Babylon, utter¬ 
ing his plaints, laid by his harp attuned only to joyful 
notes and, sighed for the land of his birth. 
“ By the rivers of Babylon there we sat down, yea, we 
wept when we remembered Zion, and we hanged our 
harps on the willows in the midst thereof.” 
At equally as remote a period we find the Rose to be 
the emblem of love, and the Lily of womanly grace ; the 
Cedar has been typical of excellence and endurance, and 
Grass of degradation and submission; “therefore their 
