THE 
SENTIMENT OF FLOWERS. 
ABSENCE. 
WORMWOOD. 
Wormwoop is considered the bitterest of 
plants. Its scientific name, Absinthium, is 
derived from the Greek, and signifies—without 
sweetness. It is, therefore, very appropriately 
made the emblem of absence ; which, according 
to La Fontaine, is the greatest of evils. 
To be separated from those to whom we are 
devotedly attached, is assuredly one of the 
severest trials of life; and if that separation be 
involuntary, or only in obedience to those who 
have the guardianship of our early years, the 
wretchedness of absence is enhanced three- 
fold. There is all the anxiety for the health 
and comfort of the absent, without any oppor- 
tunity of offering consolation; for, though ‘the 
heart alone knows its own bitterness,’’ we feel 
that the sympathy of a friend can often alleviate 
the deepest distress, 
D 


