m^ HAROLD B. LEE LIBRARY BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY PROVO. UTAH ) V \j 0-^ n \%5h FLORA'S INTERPRETER, AJ^D FORTUNA FLOEA. BY MRS. SARAH JOSEPHA HALE, HOURS, OR THE VIGIL OF LOVE J " " HA.RRY GUY," ETC " A flower I love. Not for itself, but that its name is linked With names I love — a talisman of hope And memory. BBVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION, WITH NEW ILLUSTRATIONS, BOSTON: SANBORN, CARTER AND BAZIN PORTLAND: SANBORN & CARTER. 1856. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848, by BENJAMIN B. MUSSEY AND COMPANY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of IMassachu setts. STEREOTYPKD AV TUB BOSTON TYPE AM) SJ'KREOTyPK FOVfiUaW, HAROLD B. I EEUBRARY PROVO, UTM.-1 A NEW INTRODUCTION Sixteen years ago we prepared Flora's Interpreter, the first part of this work. The many imitations of our plan, as well as the extensive and steady demand for the book, have equally proved its excellence. We have now added a new and original department of Floral literature, namely, the mystical language of flowers, those sweet messengers of nature ; and Fortuna Flora may be considered as completing the work. "We trust this last part will be received with favor by that portion of our friends to whom '* years have taught wisdom.'* Such persons will not regard this effort to stim- ulate the young to the observance of the hidden meanings which may lie concealed in the flower volumes of nature as unworthy their notice. They will feel that Wisdom is with the heart. As falls the dew On every plant beneath the freshening sky, So wisdom may be found on every page That bears the impress of an earnest spirit, Seeking the Good, and True, and Beautiful. And the young will learn these lessons easier, and remember them longer, when connected with the innocent amusements that belong to their flower time of life. Flowers have always been symbols of the affections, probably ever since our first parents tended theirs in the garden of God's own planting. They seem hallowed from that association, and in- tended, naturally, to represent pure, tender, and devoted thoughts and feelings. The expression of these feelings has been, in all ages, the province of poetry ; therefore we must refer to the poets in order to Settle the philology of flowers. This we have done. We have carefully searched the poets and writers on Eastern manners, where flowers are now the messengers of the heart, and have selected the most approved interpretations. IV A NEW INTRODUCTION. "We have, moreover, endeavored to unite real knowledge with this fanciful language ; the arrangement of each flower with its botanic as well as common name, and also its class and order, will be found of much utility by familiarizing or fixing these terms in the mind of the reader. The locality of the plant, too, will ena- ble those who desire the information to judge where any particu- lar flower may best be cultivated — whether in the garden or greenhouse. But the most important aim of the work was to select and in- corporate with our love of nature and flowers the choicest and the best specimens of American poetry. In this we think we have succeeded, and that the beauty, variety, and excellence of these gems of thought, fancy, feeling, and passion, can never be equalled in any work of this kind — - because we had the first choice of the field ; unless, indeed, our imitators take our selec- tions bodily from Flora's Interpreter, as some of them have already done to an extent which is very obvious.* But we trust that in the part now added — Fortuna Flora — no one will thus interfere, for some years at least, to take from us the profits of projecting and preparing a work that has cost us much time and research. The choice extracts from the British Poets are, of course, open to every writer, and are often used ; but we have endeavored to place these truly classical specimens of the Old World literature in a new light, by linking them, as it were, with the hopes and loves of our " own green forest land." "We feel quite at liberty to select whatever is best and brightest from the productions of British genius for this work, because Flora's Interpreter has been republished in London, and, un- der the title of " The Book of Flowers," sold largely without any remuneration to the author. It is quite probable this new and enlarged work may have the same honor. To the youth of America we dedicate anew this book we have prepared for them. May it inspire our young women to cultivate those virtues which can only be represented by the fairest flowers ; and may our young men strive to be worthy of the love that these fairest flowers can so eloquently reveal. Boston, August 1, 1848. * It may be best to state that all the poetic selections hero designated " anonymous," were written by Mrs. Hale, expressly for Flora's Inter* nreter. Those who use these will know from whom they borrow INDEX OP POEMS. The Flower Spirit, 233 The Sweet Brier, 234 To the Frins^ed Gentian, , 235 To the Trailing Arbutus, 236 The Ground Laurel, . .'. 237 The Lily of the Valley, 238 Night-blowing Cereus, 239 The Crocus's Soliloquy, 240 To a withered Rose, 241 To the Houstonia Cerulea, 243 To a White Chrysanthemum, 245 A Flower from Mount Vernon, 246 The Alpine Flowers, 247 The Three Flowers, 248 The Flower Angels, 249 The Death of the Flowers, 251 To the Passion Flower, 252 INDEX OF FORTUNA FLORA. Introductory Remarks, 253 Temperaments, 255 January, 257 February, 258 March, , . , . .259 April, 260 May, 261 June, 262 July, 263 August, 264 September, 265 October, , 266 November, 267 December, 268 Sentiments for the Week — Love, 269 Friendship, 271 Vicissitude, 272 Sentiments for the Month, 273 BOTANICAL EXPLANATIONS. FLOWERS. There are seven elementary parts in a flower — or, properly speaking, flower and fruit 1. Calyx. The outer or lower part of the flower, generally not colored. 2. Corel. The colored blossom of the flower, within or above the calyx. 3. Stamens. The mealy or glutmous knobs, generally on the ends of slender filaments. 4. Pistil. The central organ of a flower ; the base of this be- comes the pericarp or seed. 5. Pericarp. The covering of the seed, whether pod, shell, bag, or pulpy substance. 6. Seed. The essential part, containing the rudiments of a new plant. 7. Receptacle. The base which sustains the other six parta, being at the end of the stem. Any accidental appendage is a nectary. The form and posi- tions of these organs, and of no other part, are employed in dis- tinguishing the Classes, Orders, and Genera. Double flowers are formed by changing the stamens into petals Botanbts term these vegetable monsters. INFLORESCENCE; OR, MANNER OF FLOWERING. 1. WliorL An assemblage of flowers surrounding the stem oi its branches, constitute a whorl or ring : this is seen in the Mint and many of the labiate plants. 2. RcerCeme, or cluster, consists of numerous flowers each on its own stalk or pedicle, and all arranged on one common pe- duncle; as, a bunch of Currants. 3. Panicle bears the flowers in a kind of loose subdivided bunch or cluster, without any regular order; as in the Oat. A panicle contracted into a compact, somewhat ovate form, as in the Lilac, is called a Thyrse, or bunch; a bunch of Grapes is a good example. 4. Spike, This is an assemblage of flowers arising from the sides of a common stem: the flowers are sessile, or with very short peduncles; as, the Wheat and the Mullein. 5. Umbel — several flower-stalks, of nearly equal length, spreading out from a common centre, like the rays of an um- brella, bearing flowers on their summits; as, Fennel and Carrot. 6. Cyme resembles an umbel in having its common stalks all spring from one centre, but differs in having those stalks irregv larly subdivided; as, the Snow-ball and Elder. 7. Corymb, or false umbel — when the peduncles rise from dif- ferent heights above the main stem ; but the lower ones being longer, they form nearly a level, or convex top; as, the Yarrow. 8. Fascicle — flowers on little stalks variously inserted and subdivided, collected into a close bundle, level at the top; as, the Sweet William. 9. Heady or tuft, has sessile flowers heaped together in a globular form; as in the Clover. 10. Ament, or catkin, is an assemblage of flowers composed of scales and stamens, arranged along a common thread-like re- ceptacle; as in the Chestnut and Willow. 11. Spadix is an assemblage of flowers, growing upon a common receptacle, and surrounded by a spatha, or sheath; as in the Egyptian Lily. INDEX OF AMERICAN AUTHORS. A.nonymous, 43, 69, 75, 97, 120, 138, 143, 251, 180, 213, 222, 228, 230 Atlantic Souvenir, - 60, 77, 95 Barker, James N. - - 127, 220 Benjamin, P. ^- 55, 98, 191, 236 Brainard, - - . 74 233 Bright, J. H. - - - 197 Brooks, J. G. - - - 159 Bryant, 66, 123, 126, 157, 223, 235 Clark, W. G. 117, 121, 122, 221 Dana, - - - 17, 24, 124 Dawes, 20, 22, 26, 44, 63, 88, 105, 167 Dinnies, Mrs. 113, 173, 209, 245 Doane, G. W. - - - 30 Drake, J. R. - - - 215 Eastburne, - - - 147 Embury, Mrs. 20, 71,75, 89, 98, 119, 185, 204 Everett, Edward, - - 227 Everett, John, - - - 56 Fairlield, S. L. - - 194,200 Frisbie, - - - - 85, 210 Gould, Miss H. F. 69, 132, 136, 145, 231, 237 Gray, Thomas, Jr. - - 189 Halleck, 48, 58, 65, 130, 137, 154, 208 Hill, F. S. . - - - 175 Hillhouse, - - 84, 93, 93 Holmes,O.W. 41,152,160,173,213, 214 Ladies' Magazine, (Mrs. Hale'a) 39, 79, 106, 111, 112, 141, 150, 151, 168, 179 Leggett, - . - - 201 Little, Mrs. - - - 169 Lincoln, E. - - - - 61 Locke, A. A, - - 187, 209 Melleii,G. - - 25,53 Miller, ... 45,79 Morris, G. P. - - 83, 139 Morris, Robert, - 38, 102, 163 Neal, John, - - - io7 N. E. Magazine, 94, 158, 166, 193 New York Mirror, 44, 146, 165 Osgood, Mrs. - 82, 88, 170, 184 Paulding, - - - 140,219 Percival, 13, 19, 22, 27, 35, 45, 47, 52, 64, 68, 72, 76, 77, 80, 81, 86, 91, 93, 100, 105, 113, 119, 131, 141, 144, 145, 156, 161, 164, 172, 176, 186, 191, 192, 195, 198, 224 . Pierpont, - - - - 173 Pinckney, - - - 52, 96 Prentice, G. W. - - - 60 Rogers, J. F. - - - J 29 Sargeant, J. O. 90, 125, 190, 217 Sigourney, Mrs. - 21, 34, 135 Simms, W. G. - - 23, 52, 234 Smith, Mrs. L. P. 38, 90, 101, 108, 112, 128, 142, 195, 226 Sprague, - - 134, 135, 211 Thatcher, B B - - 148 Token, 33, 42, 108, 109, 115, 129, 153. 170, 177 Wells, Mrs. 45, 81, 91, 149, 218 Wetmore, P. M. - - - 82 Whittier, 76, 103, 116, 133, 183, 196. 202, 206, 207, 212, 216, 225 Whitman, Mrs. - - 241 Wilcox, ... - 36 Willis, 14, 28, 29, 32, 37, 40, 50, 51, 54, 57, 64, 73, 86, 87, 99, 100, 103, 104, 110, 111, 114, 155, 162, 167, 174, 181, 183, 188, 203, 205 Yamoyden, - - - 92, 123 X CLASSES AND ORDERS 19. Syngensiat — stamens 5, united by their anthers in one sot, flowers compound, — China-aster, Daisy, etc. 20. Gynandria, — stamens stand on the germ, style or stigma, separate from the base of the calyx or corol, — Orchis, etc. 21. Monceciay — stamens and pistils in separate flowers on the same plant, — Amaranth, Pine, Nettle, etc. 22. DicBcia, — stamens and pistils on separate plants, — Yew, etc. 23. Folygamia, — stamens variously situated — sometimes on flow- ers with pistils, sometimes stamens only, — Mimosa, etc. 24. Cryj)togamia, — the flowers of this class are invisible to the naked eye, — Lichen, Moss, etc. ORDERS. The first thirteen orders are distinguished entirely by the number of pistils. The names of these orders are, Monogynia — 1 pistil. Heptagynia — 7. Digynia — 2. Octagynia — 8. Trigynia — 3. Enneagynia — 9; Tetradyginia — 4. Decagynia — 10. Pentagynia — 5. Dodecagynia — 12. Hexagynia — 6. Polyginia, many pistils The 14th Class has 2 orders- \ l Gymnospermia-seed naked ( 2 Angiospermia — seed mcapsules. 15th Ckss-2 orders- 1 1 SilHculosa-pod short. ( 2 feiliquosa — pod long. 16, 17, 18th Classes. — In these the orders are determined from the number of stamens. 19. Class 5, orders 1. Equalis, — 2. Superflua. — 3. Frusta- nea. — 4. JVecessaria. — 5. Segergata. 20, 21st Classes. — Orders have the same names as the preceding classes, 22d Class has 8 orders; the first seven named from the number of stamens — ^the 8tli, Monodelphia, because the stamens are united in one set. 23d Class has 3 orders. Moncecia — stamens and pistils in sepa- rate flowers on the same plants. Bicecia — stamens, etc. as diflerent plants. Tricecia — on three flowers. 24th Class is divided into 6 families Felices, (ferns;) 2. Mus^ ci, (mosses;) 3. Heptaicce, (liverworts;) 4. Algce, (sea. weeds;) 5. Lichenes, (lichens;) 6. Fungi, (mushrooms.) POISONOUS PLANTS. 1. PIant3 with five stamens and one pistil, with a dull-colored lurid corol, and of a nauseous sickly smell, always poisonous. As, tobacco, thorn-apple, henbane, nightshade. 2. Umbelliferous plants of the aquatic kind and a nauseous scent are always poisonous. As, water-hemlock, cow-parsley. But if the smell is pleasant, and they grow in dry land, they are not poisonous. As, fennel, dill, coriander. 3. Plants with labiate corols, and seeds in capsules, frequently poisonous. As, snap-dragon, fox-glove. 4. Plants from which issue a milky pdce on being broken, are poisonous, unless they bear compound flowers. As, milk-weed, dogbane. 5. Plants having any appendage to the calyx or corol, and eight or more stamens, generally poisonous. As, columbine, nasturtion. Plants with few stamens, not poisonous, except the number be five; but if the number be twelve or more, and the smell nauseous, heavy and sickly, the plants are generally poisonous. TO PRESERVE FLOWERS AND PLANTS. Place the specimens in a close, dark room; when the plants are nearly dry, press them, in small quantities enveloped in pa- per, till the oil appears on the surface, which you will know by its discoloring the paper; then do them up in clean paper bags, and they will retain their fragrance, color, and medicinal proper- ties, for years CLASSES AND ORDERS. The explanations of these must necessarily be very brief; my aim being rather to stimulate curiosity respecting the subject of Botany, than to impart instruction in the science. A few general facts, and a few of the first terms, are all that can be given. Flowers in the Linnsean system are divided into twenty-four Classes. These Classes are divided into Orders ; Orders into Genera ; Genera into Species ; Species are frequently changed into Varieties, The first ten classes are distinguished by the number of their stamens; — thus, !• Monandria, — 1 stamen, — Flowering Reed is the only one of this class given. 2. Diandria^ — 2 stamens, — Lilac, Sage, Jasmine, etc 3. Triandria, — 3 stamens, — Crocus, Iris, Oat, etc. 4. Tetrandria, — 4 stamens, — Witch-Hazel, Holly, etc. 5. Pentandria, — 5 stamens, — Violet, flax. Woodbine, etc. 6. Hexandria, — 6 stamens, — Lily, Sorrel, Aloe, etc. 7. Heptandria^ — 7 stamens, — ^Horse-chestnut, etc. None of this class given. 8. Octandria, — 8 stamens, — Nasturtion, etc. 9. JEneandria, — 9 stamens, — Laurel, etc. 10. Decandria^ — 10 stamens, — Rue, Pink, Hydrangea. 11. Dodecandria, — 12 to 19 stamens, — Mignonette, etc. ^. Icosandria, — 20 or more, standing on the calyx. Rose, etc. jjilJ. Polyandria, — always 20 or more, on the receptacle, — Butter-cup, Larkspur, Peony, etc. 14. Didynamiay — 4 stamens, 2 of them uniformly the longest, — Fox-glove, Balm, Thyme, etc. 15. Tetr adynamia i — 6 stamens, 4 of them uniformly the long- est,— Gilly-Flower, Honesty, Queen's Rocket, etc. 16. Monodelphia, — stamens united by their filaments in one set, anthers being separated, — Geraniums, Hibiscus, etc 17. Diadelphia, — stamens united by their filaments in two sets, —flowers papilionaceous, or butterfly-shaped. 18. Polydelphiay — stamens in two sets, united at the bottom by the filaments, — Orange, St. John's Wort, et*. FLORA'S INTERPRETER. * In Eastern lands they talk in flowers, And they tell in a garland their loves and cares j Each blossom that blooms in their garden bowers, On its leaves a mystic language bears •, Then gather a wreath from the garden bowers, And tell the wish of thy heart in flowers.' Pereival. Acacia, Yellow. ^^^^s 17. Order lO. Common A. Farnesiana. ^'^"."^ ^.^ ^•'^'^^'v ^^^ ^^?^^ species mdigenous to America and India. CONCEALED LOVE Our sands are bare, but smiling there The Acacia waves her yelloiv hair, Lonely and sweet, nor loved the less For flowering in the wilderness. Moore. Sentiment. They never felt. Those summer flies that flit so gayly round thee, They never felt one moment what ( feel, With such a silent tenderness, and keep So closely in my heart. Fercival 2 ^4 flora's interpreter. Almond, Flowering. Class 12. Order 1. Native of ^mygadalus. ^^® ^^^*» China, Barbary, etc. It flowers early — blossoms snow- white. HOPE. The Hope in dreams of a happier hour, Which alights on misery's brow, Springs out of the silvery Almond flower, That blooms on a leafless bough. Moore, Sentiment. , . There are hopes Promising well, and love-touched dreams for some And passions, many a wild one, and fair schemes For gold and pleasure. Oh, if there were not better hopes than these — Were there no palm beyond a feverish fame If truth and fervor and devotedness. Finding no worthy altar, must return And die with their own fulness — if beyond The grave there is no heaven, in whose wide air The spirit may find room, and in the love Of whose bright habitants this lavish heart May spend iisQ\i—what thrice-mocked fools are we! Willi flora's interpreter. 15 AlTHEA, FrUTEX. ^^(^ss 16- Order 13. (Syrian Hibiscus, Synacus. |!^f^''^\-^ '^/"u t '? ^/"^ ' '^ high. Native of the I.ast. Flow- ers white and rose color. CONSUMED BY LOVE. l^he fable of Althea and her unfortunate son, who lost his life in consequence of his love for the beauti- ful Malanta — his consuming away as the fatal brand was burning, suggested the emblem of ' Consumed by love.' Flora's Dictionary. Sentiment. Comfort cannot soothe The heart whose life is centred in the thought Of happy loves, once known, and still in hope, Living with a consuming energy. PercivaL ANSWER. Go, kneel a worshipper at Nature's shrine! For you her rivers flow, her hills arise ; For you her fields are green, and fair her skies; And will you scorn them all, to pour your tame And heartless lays of forced or fancied sighs ? /. R, Brake 16 flora's interpreter. Aloe, ^^^^s ^' Order 1. Native of the Cape of Good ajQo Hope, Egypt, etc. The flower of the Aloe has no calyx. A bitter and medicinal juice is ex- tracted from the leaves. RELIGIOUS SUPERSTITION. In climes beneath the solar ray, Where beams intolerable day, And arid plains in silence spread, The pale green Aloe lifts its head — The mystic branch at Moslem's door Betokens travel long and sore In Mecca's weary pilgrimage. Florals Dictionary, Sentiment. All tenderness you seemed, Gentle and social as a playful child ; But now in lonely superstition wrapped. As on an icy mountain-top thou sittest Lonely and unapproachable, or tossed Upon the surge of passion, like the wreck Of some proud Tyrian in the stormy sea. Hillhouse, FLORA 'S INTERPRETER. 17 Amaranth. Classic, Order 5, (Prince's Feather,) a>^r.n^nr^iUn,l ^ g^HUs of nearly 40 species; almost ex- JimaranthUS. clusively confined to India and North America. Only three species in Europe —flowers crimson. IMMORTALITY. Immortal Amaranth! a flower which once In paradise, fast by the tree of life Began to bloom; but soon, for man's offence, To heaven removed, where first it grew, there grow3 And flowers aloft, shading the tree of life. Milton, Sentiment. And with our frames do perish all our loves? Do those who took their root and put forth buds, And there soft leaves unfolded in the warmth Of mutual hearts, grow up and live in beauty. Then fade and fall like fair unconscious flowers ? A voice within us speaks that startling word, *Man, thou shalt never die!' Celestial voices Hy^mn it unto our souls: according harps, By angel fingers touched, when the mild stars Of morning sang together, sound forth still The song of our great immortality. Dana. 2* 18 flora's interpreter. Amaranth, Globe. Class 5. Orders. (Everlast- Gomphrena, globosa. ^"S') Native of India. There •* ' ^ are several varieties oi this species; white, purple, and variegated. They resemble, in their form, heads of clover UNCHANGEABLE. And hang long locks of hair, and garlands bound, With Amaranth flowers, — Such flowers as in the wintry memory bloom. Of one friend left. Southey. Sentiment. Think not, beloved, time can break The spell around us cast, Or absence from my bosom take The memory of the past: My love is not that silvery mist, From summer blooms by sunbeams kissed, Too fugitive to last — A fadeless flower, it still retains The brightness of its earlier stains. Nor burns it like the raging fire. In tainted breast which glows; All wild and thorny as the brier. Without its opening rose: A gentler, holier love is mine. Unchangeable and firm, while thine Is pure as mountain snows; Nor yet has passionMared to breathe A spell o'er Love's immortal wreath. Jlnon, {Albany Advertiser,) FLORALS INTERPRETER. 19 Amaryllis. Class 6, Orrferl. A very splendid and Formosissima. numerous genus, chiefly tropical, and principally indigenous to America and the southern extremity of Africa. Flowers deep red. BEAUTIFUL, BUT TIMID. When heaven's high vault condensing clouds deform, Fair Amaryllis flies the incumbent storm. Seeks with unsteady steps the sheltered vale, And turns her blushing beauties from the gale. Darmn. Sentiment. She looked, how lovely. — Not the face of heaven In its serenest colors, nor earth in all Its garniture of flowers, nor all that live In the bright world of dreams, nor all the eye Of a creative spirit meets in air, Could, in the smile and sunshine of her charms, Not feel itself o'ermastered by such rare And perfect beauty: — Yet she bore herself So gently, that the lily on its stalk Bends not so easily its dewy head. PercivaL 20 flora's interpreter. Ambrosia. (Bitter Weed;) Class 19, Order 5. A Ambrosia North American genus, with the excep- tion of one species in Peru, and another indigenous to the sea-shores of the Le- vant. Found in Upper Louisiana. LOVE RETURNED. To farthest shores the ambrosial spirit flies, Sweet to the world, and grateful to the skies. Pope. Sentiment. And canst thou not accord thy heart In unison with mine, Whose language thou alone hast heard, Thou only canst divine? And wilt thou not revoke that cold And merciless decree, Nor yield one solitary thought. To plead my wrongs to thee ? Datues, ANSWER. Oh, knowest thou, dear one, of Woman's love, With its faith that woes more deeply prove. Its fondness wide as the limitless wave. And chainless by nought but the silent grave; With devotion as humble as that which brings To his idol the Indian's offerings; Yet proud as that which the priestess feels. When she nurses the flame of the shrine while she kneels: Oh, knowest thou, dear, what this love may be? Such ever has been in my heart for thee, Mrs Embury. flora's interpreter. 21 American StARWORT. Class 19. Order 2. This Jister, fradescanti. genus consisting of more ' than 100 species, is ahiiost exclusively indigenous to N. America and the Cape of Good Hope. It flowers late, and the flowers are of every variety of color. WELCOME TO A STRANGER. And thus do come the autumn flowers, Lingering like exiles on their way, And ere they ventured to our bowers Put on their best of bright and gay. Anonymoiu Sentiment. Stranger, neiv flowers in our vales are seen, With a dazzling eye, and a lovely green. — They scent the breath of the dewy morn: They feed no worm, and they hide no thorn. But revel and glow in our balmy air; They are flowers which Freedom hath planted there This bud of welcome to thee we give, — Bid its unborn sweets in thy bosom live; It shall charm thee from all a stranger's pain, Reserve, suspicion, and dark disdain: A race in its freshness and bloom are we ; Bring no cares from a worn-out world with thee. Mrs. Sigourney, 22 flora's interpreter. Anemone. (Wind-flower.) Class 13. Anemone. Virginiana. ^^^^^ ^l' , Mn^ip^U/ Eu- o ropean, but found m Amer- ica. The flowers of the Anemone are of various colors — white, blue, purple, yellow, crimson, etc. ANTICIPATION. Beside a fading bank of snow, A lovely Anemone blew, Unfolding to the sun's bright glow Its leaves of heaven's serenest hue: — 'Tis Spring, I cried; pale Winter's fled; The earliest wreath of flowers is blown; The blossoms, withered long and dead, Will soon proclaim their tyrant flown. PercivaL Sentiment. Alas! that dreams are only dreams, That fancy cannot give A lasting beauty to those forms Which scarce a moment live. Alas! that youth's fond hopes should fade, And love be but a name. While its rainbows, followed e'er so fast. Are distant still the same. JDawes, flora's interpreter. 23 ApOCYNUM. (Indian Hemp.) Class 5. Order Hvvericifolium. ^' There are several species of "■* "^ * this genus in South America, India, and the Cape of Good Hope. FALSEHOOD. I bid thee of this fair smiling friend beware, And say the false •Apocynum is there. Darwin* Sentiment. Touch not the hand they stretch to you ; The falsely proffered cup put by: Will you believe a coward true ? Or taste the poison draught to die ? Their friendship is a lurking snare ; Their honor but an idle breath ; Their smile — ^the smile that traitors wear; Their love is hate, their life is death. W, G. Simtns* 24 flora's intsrpreter. A.RUM. (Wake Robin.) Class 21. Order 7. A Dracontiutn ^^^^ of about 30 species, principally in- digenous to India and the warmer parts of Europe and America. FEROCITY AND DECEIT. Arum, that in a mantling hood conceals Her sanguine club, and spreads her spotted leaf, Armed with keen tortures for the unwary tongue. Gisborne. Sentiment. O, he 's accurst from all that 's good, Who never knew Lovers healing power; Such sinner on his sins must brood. And wait alone his hour. If stranger to earth's beauty — human love, There is no rest below, nor hope above. Dana. flora's interpreter. 25 ArboR-VIT-E. (False White Cedar.) Class 21. Order 'Thy^jn 18. Mostly small trees. Indigenous •^ * to N. America and Siberia; also found in China, Japan and the Cape of Good Hope. The wood was formerly used in making images. UNCHANGING FRIENDSHIP. The true and only friend is he Who, like the Arhor-^itcz tree. Will bear our image on his heart. Sir Wm, Jones. Sentiment. The dim lights Which man has set upon the way of life. And called its pleasures, must by fiat fade, And leave the beacon only that 's within! O then for quiet, or the meaner home. Where fashion reigns not, and the weary heart Beats but to one, and answers pulse with pulse. Then for the soul's own circle, never broken By the rude foot that tramples on the flowers Of all our best affections. Grenville Mellen. ANSWER. Where'er thou journey est, or whatever thy care, My heart shall follow, and my spirit share. — Mrs, Sigournty 3 56 flora's interpreter. Auricula, Scarlet. Class 5, Order l, Perenni- Primula auricula. f^' flowering early; most of the species alpine, floweri of almost every color. PRIDE. Where, rayed in sparkling dust and velvet pride, Like brilliant stars arranged in splendid row. The proud Auriculas their lustre show. EJiest, Sentiment, 'T is not the fairest form, that holds The mildest, purest soul within; 'T is not the richest plant that folds The sweetest breath of fragrance in: Then, lady, cast thy pride away. And chase those rebel thoughts of thine; The casket may be bright and gay. Yet all within refuse to shine: For, should misfortune ever lower, 'T will cloud those charms that dazzle so ; And friends who greet thy fortune's power, Will smile upon its overthrow. JOawes. flora's interpreter. 27 Bachelor's Button. Class ^o. Order 2. Redci Lychnis, dioica. ^^'^''^^ ^'^'•^ Campion, t low- *f ^ era in June. HOPE IN LOVE. Flora's choice Buttons of a mingled dye Is /tope — ei;e?i in the depths of misery, Browne. Sentiment. Never forget our loves, but always cling To the fixed hope that there will be a time When we can meet unfettered, and be blest With the full happiness of certain love. Percival, 28 flora's interpreter. Balm. Class 14. Order 1. European Melissa, officinalis. S^"""' ^^ .P'^'^"; including only ^ **' one species. In many places found in lanes, and along road- sides. SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. And Balm, that never ceases uttering sweets, Goes decking the green earth with drapery. Flora Domestica. Sentiment. Blessed we sometimes are ! and I am now Happy in quiet feelings; for the tones Of a most pleasant company of friends Were in my ear but now, and gentle thoughts From spirits whose high character I know; And I retain their influence, as the air Retains the softness of departed day. . Willit, flora's interpreter. 29 BaLSAMINE. (Touch-me-not.) Class 5. Order 1, iTllDatiens Stem tall, and much branched. It is a " ' native of the East Indies, China, Japan and also of America. IMPATIENCE. With fierce distracted eye Impatiens stands, Swells her pale cheeks, and brandishes her hands; With rage and hate the astonished grove alarms, And hurls her infants from her frantic arms. Darwin, Sentiment. There are some things I cannot bear. Some looks which rouse my angry hate, Some hearts whose love I would not share, Till earth and heaven were desolate. ' 1 cannot bear to be with men Who only see my weaknesses; Who know not what I might have been, But scan my spirit as it is: And when my heart would gush with feeling To catch one kind, one sunny look, When love would be a leaf of healing. But scorn a thing I will not brook — Oh, it is hard to put the heart Alone and desolate away. To curl the lip, in pride, and part With the kind thoughts of yesterday. 'Tis strange they know not that the chill Of their own looks hath made me cold; What though my words fall seldom, still Their own proud bearing hath controlled My better feelings. They forget I have a heart of kindness yet. jniiu 3* 30 flora's interpreter. Ray Leaf. (Bay orT.aurel tree.) Clasn 9. Order I, I ii'nrii "'y^ f'Z °' tJZi ' gives out a tragrunl oclor. A genua of about 35 species, almost exclu- sively indigenous to Europe. ENERGY IN ADVERSITY. Like the meek Chamomile, it grew Luxuriant from the bruise anew. X W. Eastburnc Sentiment. I said to Sorrow's awful storm, That beat against my breast, Rage on — thou mayst destroy this form, And lay it low at rest; Yet still, the spirit that now brooks Thy tempest raging high, Undaunted, on its fury looks With steadfast eye I said-to Penury's meagre train, Come on — your threats I brave. My hist poor life-drop you may drain, And crush me to the grave; Yet still, the spirit that endures, Shall mock your force the while, And meet each cold, cold grasp of yours With bitter smile. I said to cold Neglect and Scorn, Pass on — I heed you not; Ye may pursue me till my form And being are forgot; Yet still, the spirit which you see Undaunted by your wiles, Draws from its own nobility Its high-born smiles. Anonymom 44 flora's interpreter. China Aster. Class 19, Order 2, Averyexten- •Aster^ Chinensis. ®^^® genus, indigenous to America and Asia. The China Aster is the most beautiful; flowers of almost every variety cf color. LOVE OF VARIETY. And varied as the *Rster^s flower, ' The charms of beauty bless my eye — For who would prize the coming hour, If only like the hours gone by? Anon, Sentiment. The sleepless streams move onward Through beds of idling lilies, Chiding the foolish flowers That watch their mirrored beauty; So live the thoughtless many, Who throng the halls of fashion. - Dawes, ANSWER. O, we hope and we image through life's busy scenes Length of years, and the bliss of enjoying; But, alas! the dark blight of fell death intervenes. The floiver in its blossom destroying. JVew York Mirror. flora's interpreter. 45 Clematis. (Virgin's Bower.) Class IB, Order 7. r\ J/' ' ' A genus of about 30 species, distributed C. rirginica. ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^.j^j^ Flowers white and pale blue. MENTAL BEAUTY. To later summer's fragrant breath Clematis' feathery garlands dance, And graceful there her fillets weaves. ^ Smith. Sentiment. Beauty has gone; but yet her mind is stiU As beautiful as ever; still the play Of light around her lips has every charm Of childhood in its freshness. Pet^cival ANSWER. The days of youthful friendship, When heart to heart is lightly bound In rosy wreaths that bind them round, More beautiful than strong ; And, even in breaking, scatter flowers, The rapid growth of sunny hours. That heal their wounds ere long. But dearer things than these do lie Within our mortal grasp — and earth Hath not a moment from our birth. The cradle to the sod, Like that, when freed from passion's sway, The mind rejects a feebler stay, And rests its hopes on God. Mrs, WelU 46 flora's interpreter. Columbine. Class is. Order 5. A genus of six Jlninlixrin species; found in Siberia and Europe, •aquutgia. ^j ^^^^ Canada to Carolina. Flowera red, purple, blue, white, etc. DESERTION. The Columbine in tawny often taken, Is then ascribed to such as are forsaken. Browne Sentiment. How I have loved thee! O, recall Those past delicious hours, Which made me happy as a bird, In its sweet home of flowers: And thou wast all my happiness, My love — my joy — my pride ! Thou know'st I had no other joy, And none to love beside. Then plighted we our nuptial troth, • That it might never change, Through all the cares and ills of earth, That other hearts estrange. And thus through long — long years — ^but why Call back the visions flown? They parted as the wave glides on — They died as stars go down. I will not wake those thoughts again. The hopes like meteor-glows — What now, alas! are all to me? Dreams! dreams of broken vows! Miller, FLORA S INTERPRETER. 41 Convolvulus. (Bind Weed.) class 5, Order l. Convolvulus. ^^ extensive genus indigenous to ^*^ America, Europe and India. Flow- ers white, red and blue. WORTH SUSTAINED BY AFFECTION. Flowers, shrinking from the chilly night, Droop and shut up; but with fair morning's touch, Rise on their stems, all open and upright. Montague, Sentiment. O! there is one affection which no stain Of earth can ever darken; — when two find, The softer and the manlier, that a chain Of kindred taste has fastened mind to mind; *T is an attraction from all sense refined; The good can only know it; 'tis not blind, As love is upto baseness; its desire is but with hands entwined to lift our being higher. PercivcU* 48 flora's interpreter. Coreopsis, Arkansa. Class 19. Order 3. An Coreopsis tinctoria. American genus of about 30 ^ species. Flowers in June, and continues in flower till au tumn. Flowers yellow. ALWAYS CHEERFUL. The Coreopsis, cheerful as the smile That brightens on the cheek of youth, and sheds A gladness o'er the aged. Anonymom. Sentiment. The world is bright before thee, Its summer flowers are thine; Its calm blue sky is o'er thee, Thy bosom pleasure's shrine; And thine the sunbeam given To nature's morning hour. Pure, warm, as when from heaven It burst on Eden's bower. There is a song of sorrow, The death-dirge of the gay, That tells, ere dawn of morrow, These charms may melt away, That sun's bright beam be shaded, That sky be blue no more. The summer flowers be faded. And youth's warm promise o'er. Believe it not — though lonely Thy evening home may be. Though beauty's bark can only Float on a summer's sea; Though time thy bloom is stealing. There 's still beyond his art The wild-flower wreath of feeling, The sunbeam of the heart. Hal^ k. FLORA S INTERPRETER. 49 Cowslip, American. Class 5, Order l. A beauti- ful flowei May be f Missouri. Dodecatheon, media. i""} ^?^^^ y®"^^ ^^^ white May be found from Maine to WINNING GRACE. Smiled like a knot of Cowslips on the cliff. JBlatr, Sentiment. The rose its blushes need not lend, Nor yet the lily with them blend, To captivate my eyes: Give me a cheek the heart obeys, And, sweetly mutable, displays Its feelings as they rise; Features, where pensive, more than gay, Save when a rising smile doth play, The sober thoughts you see; Eyes that all soft and tender seem. And kind affections round them beam, But most of all on me ; A form, though not of finest mould, Where yet a something you behold Unconsciously doth please; Manners all graceful without art, Tha<^ to each look and word impart A modesty and ease, Friibie. 50 FLORA S INTERPRETER. Crocus. ClassZ, Order l. One ofthe earliest spring ^ * flowers. Colors purple, yellow and while. YOUTHFUL GLADNESS. Glad as the spring, when the first Crocus comes To laugh amid the shower. — Marvin* Sentiment, Light to thy path, bright creature! I would charm Thy being, if I could, that it should be Ever as now thou dreamest, and flow on, Thus innocent and beautiful, to heaven. flora's interpreter. 61 Crown IMPERIAL. Class 6. Order 1, Ind genous j^ntiuana^ impenaiis. ^^^^^ ^^^^^ bulbous; flowera white or purplish. PRIDE OF BIRTH. Then heed ye not the dazzling gem That gleams in Fritillaria^s diadem. Evans* Sentiment. It did not need that altered look, Nor that uplifted brow — I had not asked thy haughty love, Were I as proud as now. My love was like a beating heart- Unbidden and unstayed; And had I known but half its power, I had not been betrayed. wmu. 52 . flora's interpreter. Cypress. Class 21. Order 16. The Cypressus, sempervirens, f^T '' '"''^ !?'F' ''"'"'T" or -J r to America and Europe; also found in Asia. DESPAIR. The Cypress, that darkly shades the grave, Is sorrow that mourns its bitter lot. PcrcivaL Sentiment I turn me back, and find a barren waste, Joyless and rayless; a few spots are there, Where briefly it was granted me to taste The tenderness of youthful love — in air The charm is broken Percival, ANSWER. The sick soul, That burns with love's delusions, ever dreams, Dreading its losses. It forever makes A gloomy shadow gather in the skies. And clouds the day; and, looking far beyond The glory in its gaze, it sadly sees Countless privations, and far-coming storms. Shrinking from what it conjures. ■ Love is a sorry slave, And a sad master. plora's interpreter. 53 Daffodil, ^ Class 6. Order 1. It is a magnifi- J^arcissUS, major. cent flower, a native of Spain. Color ' *' a golden yellow. UNCERTAINTY. JVarcissus, brilliant as our hopes, Uncertain as our date. Anonymous, Sentiment. Thou art now in thy morning — and thy youth Speaks in the leaping blood that rides thy pulse, And plants its banner on thy cheek and brow. Young light is in thy eye, and on thy heart; Thy days are but the dawnings of new hopes, And thy nights full of beauty! But time — time. That stern revolver of our warmest dreams. Will mark thy life with passages of grief. And deal thy portion to thee. ^ 4A. ^ ^ 4L 4^ Hr nv^ ^ w 'TV' "W* ■ I have seen change — though youth is on my brow, I have seen change. I Ve trod the glittering way Of the loud throng — and lived in lighted halls ; Fate too has called me to another scene, And time has brought its trial. I have passed To life's extremest quiet, and laid down In thankfulness of spirit, that my heart Found joy in that sweet silence. I have said. Let the world heave on in its ocean-noise, I ask but friends and home — and if to these Heaven add the boon of love, my lot is full, And rapture yet may light my pilgrimage. Grenville Melleru 5* 54 flora's interpreter. Dahlia. Class 19, Orders, A eenus only indigenoua Dahlia ^^ South America, butcultivated in Europe. ' Flowers nearly as large as the China aster. ELEGANCE AND DIGNITY. In queenly elegance the Dahlia stands, And waves her coronet. Anon. Sentiment. Thy beauty is as undenied As the beauty of a star; And thy heart beats just as equally, Whate'er thy praises are; And so long without a parallel Thy loveliness hath shone, That, followed like the tided moon. Thou movest as calmly on. WilliB. flora's interpreter. 55 Daisy. Class 19, Order 2, A lovely little flower, com- Bellis, "^^° ^^ Europe. Flowers early, colors blue and white, BEAUTY AND INNOCENCE. The Daisy scattered on each mead and downe, A golden tuft within a silver crown; Faire fell that dainty flower! and may there be No shepherd graced that doth not honor thee. Browne^ Sentiment. The star that gems life's morning sky, Smile sweetly o'er thee now; And flowers around thy pathway lie, And roses crown thy brow — That shed their delicate perfume 'Mid ringlets trembling like a plume; While a deep witchery, soft and bright. Is floating in those eyes of light. Pure and undimmed, thy angel smile Is mirrored on my dreams, Like evening's sunset girded isle Upon her shadowed streams: And o'er my thoughts thy vision floats^ Like melody of spring-bird notes, When the blue halcyon gently laves His plumage in the flashing waves. I cannot gaze on aught that wears The beauty of the skies, Or aught that in life's valley bears The hues of paradise ; I cannot look upon a star, Or cloud that seems a seraph's car. Or any form of purity — Unminirled with a dream of thee. P, Benjamin, 66 FLORALS INTERPRETER. Dandelion. Class 19. Order 1. Indige- Leontodon. taraxacum. ?°^« 5^ Emoj^e, but natural- ' ized m America. 131ossoma early in the spring; its flowers open a little after sunrise, and close before sunset. COGtUETRY. Thine full many a pleasing bloom Of blossoms lost to all perfume. Thine the Dandelion flowers, Gilt with dew, like suns with showers. John Clare, Sentiment. Thou delightest the cold world's gaze, When crowned with the flower and the gem, But thy lover's smile should be dearer praise Than the incense thou prizest from them. And gay is the playful tone, As to the flattering voice thou respondest; But what is the praise of the cold and unknown To the tender blame of the fondest? John Everett ANSWER. Cast my heart's gold into the furnace flame, And if it come not thence refined and pure, ril be a bankrupt to thy hope, and heaven Shall shut its gates on me. Mrs, Sigourney. flora's interpreter 67 Dew Plant. (Fig. Marygold.) Class\2. Or- Mesembryanthernurn. ^- p^^tTs f n?hTdd^C- pie; it differs from the Ice-plant in having less of the frosted ap- pearance. SERENADE. And winking Mary-buds begin To ope their golden eyes: With every pretty thing that bin, My lady sweet, arise! Arise, arise! Shakspeare, Sentiment. * Innocent dreams be thine! thy heart sends up Its thoughts of purity, like pearly bells, Rising in crystal fountains. Would I were A sound, that I might steal upon thy dreams, And, like the breathing of my flute, distil Sweetly upon thy senses. ^ # # # # The night above thee broodeth, Hushed and deep; But no dark thought intrudeth On the sleep Which folds thy senses now: Gentle spirits float around thee, Gentle rest hath softly bound thee, For pure art thou. Willis. 58 flora's interpreter. Eglantine. (European Sweet Brier.) Class 12. Rosa, rubi^nosa. ^^^^^ ^^* Flowers pink color, some- ^ times whitish; sweet scented. I WOUND TO HEAL. And the fresh Eglantine exhaled a breath, Whose odors were of power to raise from death. Spencer, Sentiment. When the tree of Love is budding first, Ere yet its leaves are green, Ere yet by shower and sunbeam nursed Its infant life hath been; The wild bee's slightest touch might wring The buds from off the tree. As the gentle dip of the swallow's wing Breaks the bubbles on the sea: But when its open leaves have found A home in the free air, Pluck them, and there remains a wound That ever rankles there. The blight of hope and happiness Is felt when fond ones part; And the bitter tear that follows, is The life-blood of the heart. Then crush, even in the hour of birth. The infant buds of love, And tread the growing fire to earth Ere 't is dark in clouds above. Cherish no more a cypress tree To shade thy future years. Nor nurse a heart-flame that must be Quenched only with thy tears. Halleck. flora's interpreter. 59 Elder. Class 5. Orders, Indigenous to Amer- SambucUS, nis:er. ^^f ». Europe and India. Flowers milk- ' ° white; berries dark purple, medicinal^ and so are the leaves and bark. COMPASSION. The healing Elder, like compassion mild, Lifts her meek flowers amid the pathless wild. Anonn Sentiment. The fields for thee have no medicinal leaf, Nor the vexed ore a mineral of power; And they who loved thee wait in anxious grief— tP ^ 'T?- TT W * r^ Death should come Gently to one of gentle mould, like thee, As light winds, wandering through groves of bloom, Detach the delicate blossoms from the tree. Close thy sweet eyes calmly and without pain. And we will trust in God to see thee yet again. Bryant. ANSWER. My hour has come, I lay me down, <. With the dark grave in view; And, hoping for a heavenly crown, I bid the world adieu. # * * * # I dreamed of tortures in death's hour, Of fevered brain and limb. And of unearthly forms that lower, When the eye waxes dim. My dreams in death have other moulds, Forms beautiful and bright Are with me,~ ^^ flora's interpreter. Everlasting. Class 19. Order 2, An extensive genua Gnaphalium. mostly indigenous to the Cape of Good Hope, but found in Europe and America, The American has white flowers. ALWAYS REMEMBERED. Gnaphalium, like the thoughts we love, Can every change and season prove. Jinan. Sentiment. I think of thee, when morning springs A /?^ ^^®®P ^^^^ plumage bathed in dew. And like a young bird lifts her wings Of gladness on the welkin blue; And^when at noon the breath of love O'er flower and stream is wandering free. And sent in music from the grove I think of thee— I think of thee! I think of thee, when soft and wide A '^^t,®vening spreads her robes of light. And, like a young and timid bride, Sits blushing in the arms of night: And when the moon's sweet crescent springs In light o'er heaven's deep waveless seaf And stars are forth like blessed things I think of thee— I think of thee. ' ANSWER. I would not hush that constant theme' Of hope and reverie, For every day and nightly dream. Whose lights across my dark brain gleam. Is filled with thee. Atlantic Souvenir, 1832. flora's interpreter. 61 JFlaX. Class 4, Order 5, An extensive genus- — the Linum American and European species similar. Flow- ers blue; sometimes yellow. DOJMESTIC INDUSTRY. Inventress of the woof, fair lAna flings The flying shuttle through the dancing strings, Inlays the broidered weft with flowery dyes. Darwin. Sentiment. 'T is happily contrived that man is made With tastes and powers of ever-varying shade; Hence every one the other's wants subserves. And each her own peculiar praise deserves; As well the housewife 'neath the humble roof, Plying the wheel, and laboring warp and woof, As the gay charmer, mistress of the heart. Who plays in higher life a brighter part: But she above all competition towers. Who adds to other gifts high mental powers— This is the frieMd^ in all the scenes of life. The kind companion, and the loving wife. E, Lincolf 62 flora's interpreter. Fir. (Balmof Gilead.) Class 21, Orderly. Pinus, balsamea. ^ ^ T'^'^^jf^.u^f ^^^ 'P'«^'' ^ found in tiurope, North America, Bar- bary, India and China. TIME. 4nd Fir, from which the wand of Time is framed, Sentiment. When summer's sunny hues adorn Sky, forest, hill and meadow, The foliage of the evergreen In contrast seems a shadow. But when the tints of autumn have Their sober reign asserted, The landscape that cold shadow shows Into a light converted. Thus thoughts that frown upon our mirth Will smile upon our sorrow, ind many dark fears of to-day May be bright hopes to-morrow. Pinckney* FLORA S INTERPRETER. o3 Flower of an hour. ^^«5S 16. 0rdps7, A tropical HybisCUS, trionum. genus chiefly found in America *^ ' and India. The flowers of some are splendid. DELICATE BEAUTY. Why art thou doomed, sweet flower ? Is it because thy beauty is too bright, Thou hast but one short hour To spread thy fair leaves to the enamored light? 'T is thus the loved and loveliest first decay — But their remembrance may not pass away. Anon* Sentiment. The lily may die on thy cheek, With freshness no longer adorning; The rose that envelopes its whiteness may seek To take back her mantle of morning; Yet still will Love's tenderness beam from thine eye^ And ask for that homage no heart can deny. Thy dark hair may blanch where it bends Over eyes of cerulean hue, That melt with the softness the summer-noon lends To mellow her pathway of blue ; Yet long will the smile that illumines thy brow Live on, as it lives in thy loveliness now. Dawes, ANSWER. The spirit hath a chord that clmgs To lights that fade and waste ; And places trust in fragile things, That should on God be placed. Mrs, L. P. Smith. fjlora's interpreter Flowering Reed. (Cane.) class i. Order i Canna augUStifolia. Found in the southern States. The canna of Jussieu has splen- did flowers; grows chiefly within the tropics. CONFIDENCE IN HEAVEN. First the tall Canna lifts his curled brow ii«rect to heaven. Barwin, Sentiment. The recollection of one upward hour Hath more in it to tranquilhze and cheer The darkness of despondency, than years Ofgayety and pleasure. PercivaL ANSWER. cj , ^, 1 ^^^y waken, Such thoughts as these, an energy A spirit that will not be shaken ' Till frail mortality shall die. They make man nobler than his race And give expansion, strength, to thought: The tears that start leave not a trace 1^ or they are fragrant tears, and fraught With soothing power; they heal and bltss Ihy spirit in its loneliness. WilltB. flora's interpreter, 65 Forget-me-not. ^^«ss 5. Order i. A species of Virin riiniJn *^® ^'^^^^^ common to America. TRUE LOVE. And faith, that a thousand ills can brave, Speaks in thy blue leaves, ' Forget-nie-noV Percival. Sentiment. Where flows the fountain silently, It blooms a lovely flower. Blue as the beauty of the sky; It speaks like kind fidelity. Through fortune's sun and shower, * Forget-me-not.' 'T is like thy starry eyes, more bright Than evening's proudest star; Like purity's own halo light. It seems to smile upon thy sight. And says to thee from far — * Forget-me-not.' Each dew-drop on its morning leaves Is eloquent as tears, That whisper, when young passion grieves For one beloved afar, and weaves His dream of hopes and fears — * Forget-me-not.' Jffalleck, 6* ^^ flora's interpreter. Fox-glove. CZass 14. Order 2. AnativeofEurop©, Digitalis, Flowers crimson purple ; sometimes white or yellow. INSINCERITY. The hollow Fox-glove nods beneath. Smith. Sentiment. The Lady to her Lover. Thou art fickle as the sea, thou art wandering as the wind. And the restless, ever-mounting flame is not more hard to bind. If the tears I shed were tongues, yet all too few would be To tell of all the treachery that thou hast shown to me. But it wearies me, mine enemy, that I must weep, and bear What fills thy heart with triumph, and fills my own with care. 'T was the doubt that thou wert false, that wrung my heart with pain; But now I know thy perfidy, I shall be well again: I would proclaim thee as thou art, but every maiden knows That she who chides her lover, forgives him ere he goes. Bryant* flora's interpreter. 67 Geranium. C?Zas« 16. Order 7, A very extensive ge- Ppfn a-nriiim ' ^"^» principally European, but found in Amer- jreui^urimn. j^^ ^^^^ Africa. The African species is much the most beautiful and most cultivated. GENTILITY. And genteel Geranium, With a leaf for all who come. Hunt The characteristic of true gentility is the talent to discern the feelings of those around us, and the tact to please each one by appropriate attentions. As the Geranium offers so large a variety of species to gratify every taste, it is appropriately called genteel. I shall give the interpretations which have been affixed to a few of the species: the authority by which these have been bestowed, must be in the general application of the one quoted above. ^^ flora's interpreter. Geranium, Nutmeg. The class and order being b all P* Odoratissimum. ^^® same, repetition is unneces- sary. There are some differ- ences which I shall notice. In this species the pedules are sub- 5-flowered; leaves round and very soft. AN EXPECTED MEETING. * * * * * * * # =******### Sentiment. O! now 's the hour, when air is sweet, And birds are all in tune. To seek with me the cool retreat In bright and merry June; When every rose-bush has a nest, And every thorn a flower. And every thing on earth is blest This sweet and holy hour. And we will wander far away Along the flowery vale, Where winds the brook its sparkling play. And freshly blows the gale. ^^ ^' Percival. flora's interpreter. 69 Geranium, Scarlet. Umbels many-flowered; leaves p. Inquinans. scSt" ''''"'°'"'* ^^''''^'^ CONSOLATION. Sentiment. Why shouldst thou weep? Around thee glows The purple light of youth, And all thy looks the calm disclose Of innocence and truth. Nay, weep not while thy sun shines bright, And cloudless is thy day, Whilst past and present joys unite To cheer thee on thy way; While fond companions round thee move, To youth and nature true, And friends whose looks of anxious love Thy every step pursue. Common-Place Book of Poettf ANSWER. The hue of death is cast o'er every thing; And vanity is marked on all I see! On all? Oh no! one blessed sign appears! If Heaven will take A heart that earth has crushed, form it anew, And light it from on high, I offer mine. Not without shame that all things else were tried, Before the only balm. H. F. Gould. 70 flora's interpreter. Geranium, Oak. Umbels sub-many-flowered. Flow- P. Quercifolium. era pale blue. TRUE FRIENDSHIP. Sentiment. When thou art near, The sweetest joys still sweeter seem, The brightest hopes more bright appear, And life is all one happy dream, When thou art near. Robert Siveney flora's interpreter. 71 GeraNIUJVIj Mourning. Umbels simple; leaves rough- P n^^'^ofo haired, pimiate. Flowers dark ^- -^^f^- green. DESPONDENCY. *.# # # # # * 4(:# Sentiment. Sorrow treads heavily, and leaves behind A deep impression, e'en when she departs: While joy trips by with steps light as the wind, And scarcely leaves a trace upon our hearts Of her faint foot-falls: only this is sure, In this world nought, save misery, can endure. Mrs, Embury, ANSWER. Lone Minstrel of the pensive lyre, O^ Jet not grief attune thy lay; For sadness blights each holier fire, And scatters gloom o'er all thy way. Then, Minstrel, when thy heart is sad. Betake thee to the flowery field, Where beauty walks in young spring clad, And hope and joy their influence yield. Then tell me, is there nought that cheers Amid these pure and lovely things? No solace in this vale of tears. From which some little comfort springs? Miss Stella Phelps.. 72 flora's interpreter. Geranium, Rose. Umbels many-flowered, stem dif P. Capitatum. ^^f • Flowers rose-scented, and -* colored. PREFERENCE. ^ ^r ^ ^ *9f ^ ^ ^T ^ Sentiment. I have cherished A love for one whose beauty would have charmed In Athens. And I know what 't is to love A spiritual beauty, and behind the foil Of an unblemished loveliness, still find Charms of a higher order, and a power Deeper and more resistless. Had I found Such thoughts and feelings, such a clear deep stream Of mind in one whom vulgar men had thrown As a dull pebble from them, I had loved Not with a love less fond, nor with a flame Of less devotion. Percival FLORA*S INTERPRETER. 73 Geranium, Lemon. Umbels about 5-flowered, leaves p. ^ceHfolium. 54obe^d,j,almate, ^ Flow- TRANGtUILLITY OF MIND. Sentiment. There is a gentle element, and man May breathe it with a calm unruffled soul, And drink its living waters, till his heart Is pure, — and this is human happiness. Go abroad Upon the paths of nature, and when all Its voices whisper, and its silent things Are breathing the deep beauty of the world, Kneel at its simple altar, and the God, Who hath the living waters, shall be there. 74 flora's interpreter. Geranium, Ivy. P. Peltatum. BRIDAL FAVOR. Sentiment. I saw two clouds at morning Tinged with the rising sun, And in the dawn they floated on. And mingled into one: I thought that morning cloud was blest, It moved so sweetly to the west. I saw two summer currents Flow smoothly to their meeting, And join their course with silent force, In peace each other greeting. Calm was their course through banks of green, While dimpling eddies played between. Such be your gentle motion, Till life's last pulse shall beat; Like summer's beam and summer's stream, Float on in joy to meet A calmer sea, where storms shall cease — A purer sky, where all is peace. BrainarcL FLORALS INTERPRETER. 75 Geranium, Silver-leaved. Tlieboautifui leafof P. Jlr^entifolium, ^^''^ ^^'^-^'^^ ^^ "'^^^ ^ *^ admired. RECALL. Sentiment. My heart is with its early dream; And vainly love's soft power Would seek to charm that heart anew In some unguarded hour; I would not that the worldly ones Should hear my frequent sigh; The deer that bears its death-wound, turns In loneliness to die. Mrs. Embury, ANSWER. I come, I come! Why should I rove A dreary world like this, When a voice beloved recalls me back. To share life's all of bliss? I come, I come! like the weary bird, At eve to its sheltered nest; Like the pilgrim from afar, I come To a blessed shrine of rest. Arum, 76 flora's interpreter. GlLLY-FLOWER. Class 15. Order 2. Found in Cheirantkus, mcanUS, America, Europe, and the ^ colder parts of Asia and Africa. Flowers bright red, purple, or white. SHE IS FAIR. Fair as the Giliy-Jlower of garden's sweet. Gay, Sentiment. Why was the sense of beauty lent to man, — The feeling of fine forms, the taste of soul, That speaks from eye and lip, and thus will fan Love in the young beholder? Percivah ANSWER. Oh ! it is worse than mockery To list the flatterer's tone, To lend a ready ear to thoughts The cheek must blush to own — To hear the red lip whispered of, And the flowing curl and eye Made constant themes of eulogy, Extravagant and high, — And the charm of person worshipped, In a homage ofl^ered not To the perfect charm of virtue, And the majesty of thought /. G. TVhiUier flora's interpreter. 77 Golden Rod. Class 19. Order 2. TheSolidago Solidacro Speciosa. \' ^^'"^^' exclusively a North Amer. Kjui^viA^u^ij Aj^yoi/cuour. icao gcnus. Flowers bright yellow. Found in all the States. ENCOURAGEIVIENT. The Golden Rod, that blossoms in the wild, Whispers a tale of Hope to Fancy's child. Anon, Sentiment. Wfc met, and we drank from the crystalline well, Thai, flows from the fountains of science above ; On the beauties of thought we would silently dwell, Till € looked — though we never were talking of love PercivaL ANSWER. X could not bid those visions spring Less frequently; For each wild phantom which they bring, Moving along on fancy's wing, But pictures thee. Atlantic Souvenir i 1832 7* 78 flora's interpreter. Grape wild. Class 5, Order 1. North America has r?7/9 idnifpra ' "'^"^ species of wild grape though the y lUS^ vimjtra. ^inifera is not indigenous. Flowers nu- merous, small, green and fragrant. MIRTH. Let dimpled Mirth his temples twine With tendrils of the laughing Vine, Sentiment. I heard the gushing of thy voice, Thy laugh of huppy mirth — A hright fount m a pleasant place, To cheer the shaded earth. I caught the glancing of thine eye, Its gleam of young deliglit — A sunbeam on a dewy bank, Each floweret's eye to light. And all the poet's spell can give Is in this simple prayer, That no dull wind of sorrow come To ice the fountain there. That no dark .cloud of grief may rise The pleasant glance to sluide; But that pure stream of joy gush on, That sun-gleam never fade. Scott Miller, flora's interpreter 79 Grass. Class B, Order 2, There are more tl an 300 Gramincc. species of Grasses. They constitute, according to Linrijuus, about a sixth part of all the vegeta- bles on the globe. SUBMISSION. Grass, according to Herodotus, was the symbol of submission, because the ancient nations of the West, to show that they confessed themselves overcome, gathered g^^ass, and presented it to the conqueror. (See note to Book 4, Melpomene-) Sentiment. O, when affliction's friendly screen Shuts out life's vain illusive scene — When thus she seals our weary eyes To all its glittering vanities, A gleam of heavenly light will pour Our dark despairing spirits o'er. And Faith, with meek, submissive eye, Far glancing through eternity. Sees where the heavenly mansions rise, Of her bright home beyond the skies; Whose golden fanes sublimely tower *" High o'er the clouds that round us lower. Then welcome sorrow's shrouding shade; Fade — scenes of earthly splendor, fade! And leave me to the dawning ray. Which brightens till the 'perfect day.' ATiierican Ladies^ Magazine ^ Vol, I 80 flora's interpreter. Harebell. Class 6. Order 1. Found Campanula, rotundifolia. -£ ^n SS. FlS ers blue and uoddmg. GRIEF. The Harebell — as if with grief depressed, Bowing her fragrance. Gisborne. Sentiment. Yet thou, didst thou but know my fate, Wouldst melt, my tears to see; And I, methinks, would weep the less, Wouldst thou but weep with me. PercivaL ANSWER. Alas, for earthly joy, and hope, and love, Thus stricken down, e'en in their holiest hour! What deep, heart-wringing anguish must they prove, Who live to weep the blasted tree or flower. Oh, wo, deep wo to earthly love's fond trust. When all it once has worshipped lies in dust! Mrs. Embury, flora's interpreter. 81 Hawthorn. Class 12. Order 2, Principally a North CratCe^US Ainencim genus, but found in Europe, ^ * the Levant, and India. Flowers scarlet. HOPE. And Hawthorn^s early blooms appear, Like youthful hope upon life's year. Drayton. Sentiment. Gay was the love of paradise he drew And pictured in his fancy; he did dwell Upon it till it had a life; he threw A tint of heaven athwart it — who can tell The yearnings of his heart, the charm, the spell, That bound him to that vision } Percival* ANSWER. Hidden, and deep, and never dry, — Or flowing, or at rest, A living spring of ho'pe doth lie In every human breast. All else may fail that soothes the heart,— All, save that fount alone; With that and life at once we part. For life and hope are one. Mrs. Welh. B2 flora's interpreter. Heart's Ease. Class 5, Order l. The genus Viola Vinin trirnlnr ^^ almost equally divided between r 10 la^ mcOLOl . ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ America. Flowers blue, purple, white, and every variety of color. LOVE IN IDLENESS. This flower (as Nature's poet sweetly sings) Was once milk-white, and Heart's Ease was its name, Till wanton Cupid poised his roseate wings, A vestal's sacred bosom to inflame. Hearts Ease no more the wandering shepherd found; No more the Nymphs its snowy form possess; Its white now changed to purple by Love's wound— Hearths Ease no more, 't is * Love in Idleness.' Mrs. jR. B, Sheridan, Sentiment. As we look back through life in our moments of madness, How few, and how brief are its gloamings of gladness; Yet we find, midst the gleam that our pathway o'er- shaded, A few spots of sunshine, — a ^e\v flowers unfaded: — And memory still hoards, as her richest of treasures, Some moments of rapture, — some exquisite pleasures. One hour of such bliss is a life ere it closes, 'Tis one drop of fragrance from thousands of roses, Wetmore, ANSWER. They tell me the vision of bliss that is glinting, My heart's star of promise in gloom will decline, And the fair scene that Fancy, the fairy, is tinting, Will lose all its sunny glow ere it is mine. O, if Love and Life be but a fairy illusion. And the cold future bright but in Fancy 's young eye, Still, let me live in the dreamy delusion, And, true and unchanging, hope on till I die. Mrs. Osgood, flora's interpreter. 83 Heliotrope, (Tumsol.) Class 5. Order 1. This HpJintrnmum ^^""^^ ^^ principally found in South iieilOtropiUm. America, a few in the south of Europe, and in India. Flowers white, or faint purple color. Turns towards the sun. DEVOTION. Still the loved object the fond leaves pursue; Still move their root the morning sun to view; And in the Heliotrope the Nymph is true. Eusdeii^s Ovid* Sentiment. When other friends are round thee, And other hearts are thine; When other bays have crowned thee, More fresh and green than mine; — Then think how sad and lonely This wretched heart will be; Which, while it beats — beats only. Beloved one! for thee. Yet do not think I doubt thee; / I know thy truth remains; I would not live without thee, For all the world contains. Thou art the star that guides me Along life's troubled sea; — Whatever fate betides me, This heart still turns to thee. G. P. Morris, 84 flora's interpreter. Hellebore. Clast 1 3. Order 1 3. Fou nd in the Helleborus, niger. ^^"^^ ^^^"T/f" P""^^^'*^: J^?^ ^ ^ species Trifoliusy native of INortn America. Flowers greenish. CALUMNY. By the witches' tower, Where Hellebore and Hemlock seem to weave Round its dark vaults a melancholy bower. CampbelL Sentiment. Curse the tongue Whence slanderous rumor, like the adder's drop, Distils her venom, withering friendship's faith. Turning love's favor. Hillhoute. flora's interpreter. 86 Holly. Class 4. Order 4. A beautiful evergreen tree, Jjflj, found in Europe, Japan, America, etc. It hag shining, prickly leaves near the ground; smooth high ones; white flowers, and berries scarlet color. DOMESTIC HAPPINESS. Gentle at home, amid my friends, 1 'd be, Like the high leaves upon the Holly tree. Southey* Sentiment. Oh! could I one dear being find, And were her fate to mine but joined By Hymen's silken tie, To her myself, my all I 'd give, For her alone delighted live, For her consent to die. Should gathering clouds our sky deform, My arms should shield her from the storm; And were its fury hurled, My bosom to its bolts I 'd bare. In her defence undaunted dare Defy the opposing world. Together should our prayers ascend. Together humbly would we bend. To praise 4he Almighty's name; And when I saw her kindling eye Beam upward to her native sky. My soul should catch the flame. Thus nothing should our hearts divide. But on our years serenely glide, And all to love be given; And, when life's little scene was o'er. We 'd part, to meet and part no more, But live and love in 'heaven. Frubie • 8 86 flora's interpreter. Holly-hock. Class 16. Order 1B, a native of China, (ilnon ry*noofi Africa, Madras, and Siberia. Flowers Vj.LLrtyll'k I Uo%jU/» . , /» 1 -1 Jill a variety of colors; single and double flowers AMBITION. Aspiring Alcea emulates the rose. Evans. Sentiment. Would I were in some lonely desert born, And 'neath the sordid roof my being drew; Were nursed by poverty the most forlorn, And ne'er one ray of hope or pleasure knew; Then had my soul been never taught to rise, Then had I never dreamed of power or fame; No pictured scene of bliss deceived my eyes, Nor glory lighted in my breast its flame. PercivaU ANSWER. Yet, press on! For it shall make you mighty among men; And from the eyrie of your eagle thought. Ye shall look down on monarchs. Oh! press on! For the high ones and powerful shall come To do you reverence; and the beautiful Will know the purer language of your soul, And read it like a talisman of love. Press on! for it is godlike to unloose The spirit, and forget yourself in thought; Bending a pinion for the deeper sky, And, in the very fetters of your flesh, Mating with the pure essences of. heaven. Press on! for in the grave there is no work, And no device. — ^Fress on-! while yet ye may. Willis flora's interpreter. 87 TToNF STY CSatin Flower.) Class 15. Order 1.. V" . ' - An European genus, of two species Lumna^ annua. ^^j^ Flowers crimson, lUac, and whitish. FASCINATION. Enchanting Lunaria here lies, In sorceries excelling. Drayton, Sentiment. She 's beautiful!— Her raven curls Have broken hearts in envious girls; — And then they sleep in contrast so, Like raven feathers upon snow, And bathe her neck — and shade the bright Dark eye from which they catch the light, As if their graceful loops were made To keep that glo-ious eye in shade, And holier make its tranquil spell, Like waters in a shaded well. She 's noble — noble, one to keep Embalmed for dreams of fevered sleep. An eye for nature — taste refined, Perception swift — and balanced mind, — And, more than all, a gift of thought To such a spirit fineness wrought. That on my ear her language fell As if each word dissolved a spell. Willt9. 88 FLORA S INTERPRETER. Honey Flower. Class 14. Order l. Indigenous to Melianthus. *« ^"P^ P*" ^°°f ^"P"' ,?"'y three species. Flowers yellow, pink, and chocolate. Nectarious. MY LOVE IS SWEET AND SECRET. Melianthus with its nectar store, Hoarded for those who shall deserve the dower. Anon* Sentiment. I found thee yet a modest flower, An infant of the spring, Unheeded in the rosy crowd Of beauty, blossoming. And little didst thou think how cleai Thy spirit round me shone, To light the inward joy of hope My tongue could never own. Dawes. ANSWER. But they say that the garland affection is wreathing Will fade ere the morrow has wakened its bloom ; They say the wild blossoms where young Hope is breathing. Their beauty, their fragrance, is all for the tomb. Mrs. Osgood, flora's interpreter. 8^ Honeysuckle, Coral. Otos. Order i round r ' • . « in Europe and the East Lomcera, sempervirens. j^^^^^ The Wild Honey- suckle is a splendid North American genus. Flow- ers white, red, scarlet and yellow. FIDELITY. The Honeysuckle flower I give to thee, And love it for my sake, my own'Cyane ; It hangs upon the stem it loves, as thpu Hast clung to me in every joy and sorrow. Cornwall. Sentiment. I loved thee— not because thy brow Was bright and beautiful as day, Nor that on thy sweet lip the glow Was joyous as yon sunny ray. No : though I saw thee- fairest far. The sun that hid each meaner star. Yet 't was not this that taught me first The love that silent tears have nursed. And now could ever beauty wane, Till not one noble trace remain ; Could genius sink in dull decay, And wisdom cease to lend her ray : Should all that I have worshipped, change, Even this could not my heart estrange ; Thou still wouldst be the first, the first That taught the love sad tears have nursed. Mrs, Embury, 90 * ^Jf-ORA S INTERPRETER. Honeysuckle, Wild. Class 5. Order 1. This •tlzalea^ procumbens. species, so much esteemed for the beauty and fragrance of Its flower, exists chiefly in North America. Flowers yellow, red, and scarlet. INCONSTANCY. Inconstant Jlonej/st^cfcZ,, therefore rove With gaddmg stem about my bower.? Carew, Sentiment. ^^;cl^r "^^^ centred all in thee; With thought of thee my every hope was blendprl- But^ as the shadows flit along the sea, ^^^' My dreams have vanished, and mv vision Pnrl.^. And when thy lover leads th^e to Z K ^^'^• My cheek shall never blanch, nor my voice falter. Farewell! my lip may wear a careless smile- My words may breathe the very soul of lightness- That life has lost a portion of its brightness- And woman's love shall never be a chdn 10 bind me to its nothingness again. Sargent. ANSWER. Life hath as many farewells. As it hath sunny hours; And over some are scattered thorns And over others, flowers. ' Mrs. L. P. Smith, flora's interpreter. 91 Ho IT ST ONI A. (American Daisy.) Class 4. Order 1. Houstonia Found chiefly in the United Slates. A dehcjite and pretty plant. Flowers pale blue. Grows on a naked, slender loot- stalk, only a few inches in height. CONTENT. Sweet flower, thou tellest how hearts As pure and tender as thy leaf — as low And humble as thy stem, will surely know The joy that peace imparts. Percival Sentiment. Blest are the pure and simple hearts, Unconsciously refined. By the free gifts that Heaven imparts Through nature to the mind; Not ail the pleasures wealth can buy Equal their happy destiny. For them the spring unfolds her flowers, For them the sunmier glows; And autunm's gold and purple bowers, And winter's stainless snows Come gifted with a cliarm to them, Richer than monarch's diadem. Mrs. Wells. ANSWER. Happy the life, that in a peaceful stream, Obscure, unnoticed through the vale has flowed; The heart that ne'er was charmed by fortune's gleam Is ever sweet contentment's blest abode. Percival. 92 flora's interpreter Hyacinth, Blue. Class 6. Orden. An European ^yactnthus. genus, bat cultivated in our gar dens. Flowers bell-form. CONSTANCY. ' fj}^ Hyacinth's for constancy, Wi' its unchanging blue. Burnt. Sentiment. Woman ! blest partner of our joys and woes ! iijven m the darkest hour of earthly ill Untarnished yet thy fond affection glows, 1 hrobs with each pulse, and beats with every thrill ! fright o er the wasted scene thou hoverest still. Angel of comfort to the failing soul • Undaunted by the tempest, wild and chill 1 hat pours its restless and disastrous roll U er all that blooms below, with sad and hollow howl When sorrow rends the heart, when feverish pain ? "ngf the hot drops of anguish from the brow. 1 o soothe the soul, to cool the burning brain, 0 ! who so welcome and so prompt as thou .? 1 he battle s hurried scene and angry glow — The death-encircled pillow of distress,— Ihe lonely moments of secluded wo— Alike thy care and constancy confess. Alike thy pitying hand, and fearless friendship blesa. Vamoyden. flora's interpreter. 93 Hyacinth, Purple. Class 5» Order i. Coroian- Hyacinthus, COmoSUS, ^f^'^ cylindric at the summit ^ ' sterile, long pedunclea. SORROW. A Hyacinth liftedMts purple bell From the slender leaves around it; It curved its cup in a flowing swell, And a starry circle crowned it; The deep blue tincture that robed it seemed The gloomiest garb of sorrow, As if on its eye no brightness beamed, And it never in clearer moments dreamed Of a fair and calm to-morrow. Percival, Sentiment When the cold breath of sorrow is sweeping O'er the chords of the youthful heart. And the earnest eye, dimmed with strange weeping, Sees the visions of fancy depart; When the bloom of young feeling is dying, And the heart throbs with passion's fierce strife, When our sad days are wasted in sighing, Who then can find sweethess in life ? Mrs. Embury. ANSWER. That heart, methinks, Were of strange mould, which kept no cherished print Of earlier, happier times, when life was fresh. And love and innocence made holyday: Or, that owned No transient sadness, when a dream, a glimpse Of fancy touched past joys. Hillhouse. 9^ flora's interpreter. Hydrangea. Class lO. Order 2. An Ameri- Hydrangea, hortensis. ^^^ S^""^' ^^^^ ^^^ exception of ^ one species, the hortensis, found in India. Flowers rose color- sometimes blue. It has many abortive flowers. HEARTLESSNESS. If thou canst search Hydrangea^s flowers, And note which first decay, Then mayst thou judge the hollow smiles That flatter to betray. •Anon* Sentiment. Maiden go! if thou hast lost All that made thee once so dear, Let not now our parting cost Thee a sigh, or me a tear: Go with Fashion's heartless train; — Go where Wealth and pleasure wait;— Seek them all, nor seek in vain; — Go, and leave me to my fate. Maiden go! — a saddened brow Haply serves but to conceal: Tears, methinks, are idle now, — Waste them not, unless you feel If your bosom is too cold Still to prize a loyal heart, — If you value sullen gold More than love, 't is best we part: Go! — and when your heart has learned How love flies the courtly door. Learn that true affections spurned, Droop to death, and bloom no more JVew England Mas^azine, Vol, IL flora's interpreter: 9o Ice Plant. Class 12. Order 5. An E^- Mesembryanthemum, 'ZZ'^F^^roLIAZ crystallinum. color. AN OLD BEAU. With pellucid studs the Ice-Flower gems His rimy foliage, and his candied stems. Darwin, Sentiment. Last days of my youth! ye are come, ye are come, And the tints of life's morning will soon fade away; I once vainly fancied my cheek's purple bloom, Immortal as angels, would never decay; Nor can I believe the cold words of my tongue, When it falters that I am no more to be young. No bonder! for who could unmoved bid adieu To love's kindling raptures warm youth only knows; And, on the world's dim awful threshold to view The opening scenes of his joys or his woes, Who gazes — nor sighs, with a heart deeply wrung — Why can we not always be blooming and young ? /. H, JVichols. ANSWER. Yes, the summer of life passes swiftly away. Soon the winter of age sheds its snow on the heart; But the warm sun of friendship that gilded youth's day Shall still through the dark clouds a soft ray impart (AUantic Souvenir.) Allston Gibbs, 96 flora's interpreter. Iris. (Flower de Luce.) Order 3. Class 1. Iris^ cristata. Found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Flowers of various colors. MY COMPLIIVIENTS. The various Iris Juno sends with haste. Ovid, Sentiment. I send this flower to one made up Of loveliness alone; A woman of her gentle sex The seeming paragon; To whom the better elements And kindly stars have given A form so fair, that, like the air, 'T is less of earth than heaven. Affections are as thoughts to her, The measure of her hours; Her feelings have the fragrancy, The freshness of young flowers. — O would that on the earth there moved Others of such a frame, That life might be all poetry, And weariness a name. E» C, Pinckncy, t flora's interpreter. 97 Ivr. Class 5. Order 1. The Ivy is found in all FTpfJprn countries, but the Hedera helix is the common European Ivy. Flowers green; berries globular and black. WEDDED LOVE. Fes, woman's love 's a holy light, And when 't is kindled, ne'er can die; It lives, though treachery and slight To quench its constancy may try; Like Ivy, where to cling 't is seen, It wears an everlasting green. Anon, Sentiment. The Ivy round some lofty pile Its twining tendril flings; Though fled from thence be pleasure's smile, It yet the fonder clings; As lonelier still becomes the place, The warmer is its fond embrace. More firm its verdant rings; As if it loved its shade to rear O'er one devoted to despair. Thus shall my bosom cling to thine, Unchanged by gliding years; Through Fortune's rise, or her decline, In sunshine, or in tears; And though between us oceans roll, And rocks divide us, still my soul Shall feel no jealous fears: Confiding in a heart like thine, Love's uncontaminated shrine. Anon» {Albany Advertiser.') 9 9if flora's interpreter Jasmine, White. Class 2. Order l, Nativoof Jasminum, officinale. ^"^^^ ^"^ ^'^^^^- ^^"^^ ^^ ^^^ ^ ^ genus are evergreens. AIMIABILITY. From plants that wake while others sleep, From timid Jasmine buds that keep Their odors to themselves all day, But when the sunlight dies away. Let their delicious secret out. Moore. Sentiment. She Attracts me with her gentle virtues, soft And beautiful, and heavenly. Hillhouse. ANSWER. Thus, on the very homeliest face Can Fancy shed her beauteous hue, And in a tame expression trace A smile as soft as heaven's own blue. P. Benjamifu flora's interpreter. 99 Jasmine, Yellow. Class 14. Order 2 Found ,,. . ' • «^« in the East and West Indies. Bignoma, sempervirens. ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^ ^l^^.^^ ^, ^..^e, very beautiful. Flowers large, various colors, red, blue, yel- low. GRACE AND ELEGANCE. Jasmines, some like silver spray, Some like gold in the morning ray, Fragrant stars and favorites they. Indian Bride Sentiment. She was not very beautiful, if it be beauty's test To match a classic model when perfectly at rest; And she did not look bewitchingly, if witchery it be To have a forehead and a lip transparent as the sea. The fashion of her gracefulness was not a followed rule, And her effervescent sprightliness was never learnt at school; And her words were all peculiar, like the fairies who spoke pearls, And her tone was ever sweetest midst the cadences of girls. Said I she was not beautiful ? Her eyes upon your sight Broke with the lambent purity of planetary light; And an intellectual beauty, like a light within a vase, Touched every line with glory of her animated face. WillU. ^^ flora's interpreter. Jonquil. Class 16. Order 1, A native of JSTarcissus^ Jonquilla, ^P'""- It has narrow naked leaves, and golden-colored flow- ers, emitting a mild and powerful perfume. I DESIRE A RETURN OF AFFECTION Sweet as perfume from Jonquil flower, That breathes in twilight grove, Comes the remembrance of the hour When Anna owned her love. Anon, Sentiment. O! wilt thou go with me, love, And seek the lonely glen ? O! wilt thou leave for me, love, The smiles of other men? The birds are there, aye singing. The woods are full of glee"^ And love shall there be flinging His roses over thee. And wilt thou go with me, dear. And share my humble lot.? And wilt thou live with me, dear. Within a lowly cot.? Percival, flora's interpreter, 101 King-cup. (Butter-cup or Crow-cup.) Class 3, Order Ranunculus, ^?' ^" extensive genus, of near 90 spe- cies, principally European, but extending into Barbary and Siberia; flowers yellow. I WISH I WAS RICH. Bright flowing King-cups promise future wealth, And fairies, now no doubt unseen, In silent revels sup; With dew-drop bumpers toast their queen, From crow-flowers^ golden cup. Clare^ Sentiment. O, knew I the spell of gold, I would never poison a fresh young heart With the taint of customs old. I would bind no wreath to my forehead free. In whose shadow a thought might die, Nor drink, from the cup of revelry. The ruin my gold would buy. But I 'd break the fetters of care-worn things, And be spirit and fancy free; My mind should go up where it longs to go, And the limitless wind outflee. I 'd climb to the eyries of eagle men, Till the stars became a scroll, And pour right on, like the even sea. In the strength of a governed soul. WillU. ANSWER. I w^ould never kneel at a gilded shrine To worship the idol gold: I would never fetter this heart of mine As a thing for fortune sold. But I M bow to the light that God has given. The nobler light of mind; The only light, save that of Heaven, That should free-will homage find. 9* Mrs. L. P. Smith. 102 flora's interpreter. Laburnum. Class n. Order 4, Agenus ofabontl2 Cvlisus species; six of which belong to America. ^ ' Flowers purplish or yellow. PENSIVE BEAUTY. When the dark-leaved Laburnum^s drooping cluster Reflects athwart the stream their yellow lustre, — Like pensive beauty at her sweet devotions. AnoTu Sentiment. Thy mild looks are all eloquent, Thy bright ones free and glad, Like glances from a pleiad sent, Thy sad ones sweetly sad; And when a tear is in thine eye, To witch with sorrow's spell, O, none may pass thee idly by. My own sweet Rosabelie. Bright dreams attend thee, gentle one. The brightest and the best; For sorrows scarce can fall upon A maid so purely blest. And when death's shadows round thee swell, And dim thy starry eyes, O, mayst thou be, my Rosabelie, A spirit of the skies Robert Morris, flora's interpreter. 103 Lady's Slipper. Class 20. Order 2, A very small ^yprtpeaiim, Ameiica; 3 in Siberia; one in Japan, and one in Europe. Flowers pur- plish, pink, yellow, etc. CAPRICIOUS BEAUTY. The Cijpripedkm with her changeful hues, As she were doubtful which array to choose. Anon* Sentiment. I love not thee, — I would sooner bind My thoughts to the open sky: I would worship as soon a familiar star, That is bright to every eye. 'T were to love the wind that is sweet to all — The wave of the beautiful sea — •T were to hope for all the light in heaven. To hope for the love of thee. ^ Willis, ANSWER. I 'm weary of the crowded ball: I 'm weary of the mirth. Which never lifts itself above the grosser things of earth. I 'm weary of the flatterer's tone; its music is no more, And eye and lip may answer not its meaning as before: I 'm weary of the heartless throng, of being deemed as one Whose spirit kindles only in the blaze of fashion's sun. I speak in very bitterness, for I have deeply felt The mockery of the hollow shrine at which my spirit knelt Mine is the requiem of years in reckless folly passed. The wail above departed hopes on a frail venture cast; The vain regret that steals above the wreck of squandered hours, T.ike the sighing of the autumn wind over the faded flowers. /. G. liniiltier. 104 flora's interpreter. Larkspur. (Double-flowered.) Class 13. Order 3. A Delphinium. ^^^.^^ almost equally divided between Si- " ' beria and the south of Europe. Natural- ized m North America. Flowers greenish, white and pink; made double by cultivation. HAUGHTINESS. The Larkspur, plant of ancient name, Advanced his haughty ensign high. Tales of the Flowers. Sentiment. She was like A dream of poetry, that may not be Written or told — exceeding beautiful! And so came worshippers; and rank bowed down And breathed upon her heart, as with a breath Of pride ; and bound her forehead gorgeously With dazzling scorn, and gave unto her step A majesty as if she trod the sea, And the proud waves unbidden lifted her Willu. FLORA S INTERPRETER. 105 T A«Tr«5PTTP (Single-flowered.) Class IS. Order S. liARKSPUK. ^ 1^^^ ^j^^^^^ equally divided beUveen Delphinium. g-^^^j.^^ and the south of Europe— a few species found in America. Flowers loosely spiked — pink color. FICICLENESS. There is no truth in love: It alters with a smile of fortune's sun, As flowers do change by culture. Anon* Sentiment. I saw thee in the gay saloon Of fashion's glittering mart, Where Mammon buys what Love deplores, Where Nature yields to Art; And thou wert so unlike the herd My kindling heart despised, I could not choose but yield that heart, Though love were sacrificed. The smile which hung upon thy lips, In transport with their tone, The music of thy thoughts, which breathed A magic theirs alone ! The looks which spake a soul so pure. So innocent and gay, Have passed, like other golden hopes Of happiness, away. ^^^^^^ ANSWER. Unhappy he, who lets a tender heart. Bound to him by the ties of earliest love, Fall from him by his own neglect, and die. Because it met no kindness. . PerctvaL 106 flora's interpreter. Laurel, American, c'^^ss. i^- Order i. A North J^nlry)in American genus. Foliage a deep ivaimia. ^^^^^ green; flowers beautiful, crimson, red, and peach blossom color. Species numerous — called sometimes calico-bush. VIRTUE MAICES HER CHARMING. But in thy form, thou Laurel green, Fair virtue's semblance soon is seen; In life she cheers each different stage, Spring's transient reign, and Summer's glow, And Autumn mild, advancing slow, And lights the eye of age. Monthly Anthology. Sentiment. I love to look on woman when her eye Beams with the radiant light of charity; I love to look on woman when her face Glows with religion's pure and perfect grace; O, then to her the loveliness is given Which thrills the heart of man like dreams of heavea r. c. Otis. flora's interpreter. 107 T ATTRFT Mountain. Class lO. Order l. Found in i^AUREL, MOUNTAIN. ^^^^^ America, Siberia, Europe, Ilaodoaenaron. ^^^ tl^e mountains of Caucasus. AMBITION. The Laurel, meed of mighty conquerors And poets sage. ^^,^^ ^^^^^^ Sentiment. I loved to hear the war-horn cry, And panted at the drum's deep roll; And held my breath, when— flammg high— I saw our starry banners fly, As, challciigmg the haughty sky, They went like battle o'er my soul; For I was so ambitious then, I burned to be the slave — of men. 4(: # * * * * But I am strangely altered now: I love no more the bugle's voice — The rushing wave— the plunging prow— The mountain with his clouded brow, The thunder when the blue skies bow, And all the sons of God rejoice: I love to dream of tears and sighs, And shadowy hair, and half-shut eyes. John J^eali 108 flora's interpreter. LaURUSTINUS. Class5. Order S. Found principal Viburnum, tinus. ^Z ^ ^"""^^^ "^""^""^ ^''•'^ i^^^""^ ^ there are four species in Europe. An evergreen shrub; flowers white, sometimes tinged with red. A TOKEN. A Laurustinus bear In blossoms to my love : Its language she will hear. — Anon, {Florals Dictionary,) Sentiment. So take my gift ! 't is a simple flower, But perhaps 't will wile a weary hour; And the spirit that its light magic weaves May touch your heart from its simple leaves — And if these should fail, it at least will be A token of love from me to thee. Token for 1829. ANSWER. Ye may search the earth, and the shoreless deep^ For the fairest things in their cells they keep; Ye may gather the light of an eastern mine, And offer it up on affection's shrine ; But ye '11 never find it cherished there Like a simple gift, with the heart's pure prayer. Mrs. L, P, Smith. flora's interpreter. 1^^ T AVPNnFR Class U. Order I, Indigenoua to L.AVENDER. ^^^.^^ ^^^ ^nro^e, but naturalized Lavandula^ spim. -^ America. Flowers blue, purplish and white — quite fragrant. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. She sent him Lavender, owning her love. Shakspeare. Sentiment. 'T is morning, yet I am not gay — 'T is spring, and yet I only sigh— My pleasures all are flown away ; Oh! who can tell me where or why? It was not so before — for bright As summer clouds were all my dreams? No mist could hide the rosy light, That seemed on all to pour its beams. In autumn, when the chill winds blew My playmate birds all went away — I did not weep, for well I knew They 'd come again some happy day. But now I 'm weary of them all, And vaguely dream — I know not why, Of music softer than the call Of birds at evening whispering nigh. Token^ 1831. 10 110 flora's interpreter. Lemon, Blossom, Class is. Order l. Native of Citrus, Union. ^^^ ^^^,V ^^* naturalized in all ' warm climates. Flowers small, white. DISCRETION. Meek As woman's wisdom, their white blossoms smile, The promise of a golden fruitage. Gisborne Sentiment. How excellent is woman, when she gives To the fine pulses of her spirit way ; Her virtues blossom daily, and pour out A fragrance upon all who in her path Have a blest fellowship. mills. flora's interpreter. Ill Lj/CHEN. (Tall Moss.) Class2-i. Order 5. Those moss- Tlsrea esare lleshy or leather-like substances, growing on trees, and vegetating on naked rocks, draw- ing nourishment cliielly from the air. SOLITUDE. Retiring Lichen climbs the topmost stone, And drinks the aerial solitude alone. Darwin. Sentiment. Alone ! alone ! How drear it is, Always to be alone! In such a depth of wilderness. The only thinking one! . The waters in their path rejoice, The trees together sleep — But I have not one silver voice Upon my ear to creep. I 'm weary of my lonely hut, And of its blasted tree; The very lake is like my lot. So silent, constantly. I 've lived amid the forest gloom. Until I almost fear When will the thrillinoj voices come M}^ spirit thirsts to hear? Willis. ANSWER. There 's a blest and sacred solitude, On which the world should never intrude, When bright to the view fond memory brings A vision of dear departed things: And then, as fair as the evening star. Comes the image of friends removed afar; And the vision that brightens through memory's tears, In the sunshine and bustle of mirth disappears. Mrs. Hale, 112 flora's INTERPRETEIl. Lilac, Purple. Class 2. Order 1, indigenous tc Surin^a ^^® East, the most beautiful species " o • found in Persia. Flowers purple or white — very fragrant. FASTIDIOUSNESS. The Lilac varies in array — now white, Now sanguine, and her beauteous head now set With purple spikes, studious of ornament. Yet, unresolved which hue she most approves, She chose them all. Cowper^s Winter'* s Walk at JVoon, Sentiment. Is 't not a curse to be Fastidiously refined — Breathing an air whose rarity Separates from human kind^ W vP ^P Tp tP ^l* To be the theme of fools — The wonder of a crowd — Thy life-blood drawn by measured rules, Or stunned by flatterers loud? Ladies^ Magazine y Vol, IV, ANSWER. I hate these darkened thoughts o'er things All radiant with joy; 'T is suffering deep and still that wrings Reflection's dark alloy. Away with dreams — I will not cloud The light of brilliant smiles; They will find too soon a shadowy shroud, As we tread life's gloomy aisles. Mrs, L, P. Smith, flora's interpreter. 113 Lilac, White. Class2. Order l. The common a ' 1 ^r. Lilac IS a native of Persia, but Synnga, vulgaris. naturalized in Europe and Ameri- ca. Flowers purple and white. YOUTHFUL INNOCENCE. At call of early spring Burst forth, in blossoming fragrance, Lilacs robed In snow-white Innocence. Mason. Sentiment. She had grown, In her unstained seclusion, bright and pure As a first opening Lilac, when it spreads Its clear leaves to the sweetest dawn of May. •And she were one on whom to fix my heart, To sit beside me when my thoughts are sad, And, by her tender playfulness, impart Some of her pure joy to me. Percival. ANSWER. There is a spell in every flower, A sweetness in each spray. And every simple bird has power To please me with its lay. And there is music on the breeze That sports along the glade; The crystal dew-drops on the trees Are gems by fancy made. O, there is joy and happiness In every thing I see. Which bids my soul rise up and bless The God who blesses me. Mrs. Dinnies, 10* 114 flora's interpreter. Lily, White. Class 6. Order 1. The species Lilium. candidum. candidum is a native of Palestine; but the genus liliiim is indigenous to both hemispheres. PURITY AND BEAUTY. The IMy, of all the children of the spring The palest, — fairest too, where fair ones are. Barry Cornwall, Sentiment, Thine is a face to look upon and pray That a pure spirit keep thee — I would meet With one so gentle by the streams away, Living with nature ; keeping thy pure feet For the unfingered moss, and for the grass Which leaneth where the gentle waters pass. The autumn leaves should sigh thee to thy sleep; And the capricious April, coming on. Awake thee like a flower; and stars should keep A vigil o'er thee like Endymion; And thou for very gentleness shouldst weep As dews of the night's quietness come down. Willis. flora's interpreter. 115 Lily Yellow. Class e. Order l, Tho Yellow Lily PLAYFUL GAYETY. Ye well arrayed Queen Lilies— and ye painted populace, Who dwell in fields, and lead ambrosial lives. Young Sentiment. I met a lily in the vale, Just opened to the morning gale, And so I stopped to gaze; And thou art beautiful, I said — That lily did not hide its head, But freely forth its odors shed, To pay me for my praise. ^ ^ !?p ^ ^ •JC But, Ellen, there 's a lovelier thing Than Lily, rose, or mountain spring — And yet it wakes my fears; For when I praise, behold it frowns! And when I 'd clasp, away it bounds! And when I 'd kneel and kiss it — zounds! I get a slap upon my ears. Token, 1828. 116 flora's interpreter Lily, Scarlet. Class 6, Order l. Found in the lAlium, Carolinicum. Southern States particularly in ' the mountains, oy cultivation it is rendered very beautiful. HIGH-SOULED. The wand-like Lily, which lifted up, As a Moenad, its radiant-colored cup, Till the fiery star, which is in its eye. Gazed through clear dew on the tender sky. Shelly, Sentiment. I bring no gift of passion, I breathe no tone of love. But the freshness and the purity Of a feeling far above. I love to turn to thee, fair girl. As one within whose heart Earth had no stain of vanity. And fickleness no part. -,^- Ji, ^L, ^^ J£. ^^ ^ ^ W TT w ^ O, save to one familiar friend. Thy heart its veil should wear. The faithless vow be all unheard,— The flattery wasted there; Heeding the homage of the vain As lightly as some star, Whose steady radiance changes not. Though thousands kneel afar. /. G. Whittier. flora's interpreter. tn Lily of the Valley. Class 6. Order l. American Ljii.1 yjt^ 1 species, is common also to Convallana^ or majalis. jf^^ope— 2 species found in Japan. Flowers generally white, variegated with green; a variety from Japan has viotet- colored flowers. DELICATE SIMPLICITY. The Lily, in whose snow-white bells Simplicity delights and dwells. Sentibient. Fair girl! by whose simplicity My spirit has been won From the stern earthliness of life, As shadows flee the sun; I turn again to think of thee, And half deplore the thought, That for one instant, o'er my soul, Forgetfulness hath wrought! I turn to that charmed hour of hope, When first upon my view Came the pure sunshine of thine heart, Borne from thine eyes of blue. 'T was thy high purity of soul — Thy thought-revealing eye, That placed me spell-bound at thy feet, Sweet wanderer from the sky. Willis G. Clark, ANSWER. O, would that the gush of the youthful heart Might linger in riper years! That its simple spirit would not depart In the hours of grief and tears. F. Mellen. 118 flora's interpreter Lobelia. Class 5. Order 1. A genus known to T. pnTflinnJiQ contain nearly 100 species, almost pecu- U. carmnailS. jj^^ ^^ America, South Africa, and Aus- tralasia. Flowers blue and scarlet. MALEVOLENCE. And fell Lobelia^s suffocating breath Loads the dank pinions of the gale with death. Darwin. flora's interpreter. 119 Locust. (Green leaved.) ClassVJ, Order 10, Bohina cara Urtica containing near 80 species. Indigenous to the tropical parts of America, India, and the islands in the Pacific. One spe- cies in Europe. Flowers have no corolla. SLANDER. O'er the throng Urtica flings Her barbed shafts, and darts her poisoned stings. Darwin* Sentiment. O thou, from whose rank breath nor sex can save, Nor sacred virtue, nor the powerless grave. Felon unwhipped! than whom in yonder cells Full many a groaning wretch less guilty dwells,— Blush, if of honest blood a drop remains, To steal its lonely way along thy veins; Blush — if the bronze long hardened on thy cheek Has left one spot where that poor drop can speak; Blush to be branded with the Slanderer's name. And tho' thou dread'st not sin, at least dread shame. We hear, indeed, but shudder while we hear, The insidious falsehood, and the heartless jeer: For each dark libel that thou lik'st to shape. Thou mayst from law, but not from scorn escape; The pointed finger, cold averted eye. Insulted virtue's hiss — ^thou canst not fly. Sprague. flora's interpreter. 1S5 Nightshade. Class 5. Order \. A very extensive Solanunu ni<^rum, g«""s— more than lOO species are ^ found in x\inerica. There are species also in India and Africa. Tlie Sola^ num nigrum has white flowers with yellow anthers. DARK THOUGHTS. Thy baneful root, Solanum, must arise From dismal, dark Tartarean shade. Garland of Flora, Sjsntiment. O say, why age, and grief, and pain, Shall long to go, but long in vain; Why vice is left to mock at time. And, gray in years, grow gray in crime; While youth, that every eye makes glad. And beauty, all in radiance clad, And goodness, cheering every heart. Come, but come only to depart; Sunbeams, to cheer life's wintry day — Sunbeams, to flash, then fade away. Sprague. ANSWER. When Heaven's unerring pencil writes on every pilgrim's breast, As passport to Time's changeful shore, * Lo this is not your rest; Why build ye towers, ye fleeting ones? — Why bowers of fra grance rear — As if the self-deluded soul might find its solace here? * In vain! in vain! for storms wiU rise, and o'er your treasures sweep ; But when loud thunders vex the wave, and deep replies to deep — • When in your desolated path Hope's glittering fragments lay, Sprmg up, and fix your grasp on that which never can decay. Mrs, Sigourney, 136 flora's interpreter, Oak Leaf. Class 21, Order is. This useful genua Oiiercu^ contains about 80 species — found chiefly ^ * in Europe and America. Only one single species found in the southern hemisphere. The oak lives to a great age. The flower has no corolla. BRAVERY AND HUMANITY. Most worthy of the oaken wreath The ancients him esteemed, Who, in a battle, had from death Some man of worth redeemed. Drayton, Sentiment. TMid the din of arms, when the dust and smoke In clouds are curling o'er thee, Be firm till the enemy's ranks are broke, And they fall, or flee before thee. Yet I would not have thee towering stand O'er him who 's for mercy crying, But bow to the earth, and with tender hand Raise up the faint and dying. Miss Gould* flora's interpreter. 137 nATQ Class B. Order 2. Found in the United States, ^; Europe, Barbary, etc. Flowers spreading, >yith- Jivena. ^^^ ^^^Ig. ^^e panicle very elegant and flexible. MUSIC. Two sister nymphs, the fair Avenas, lead Their fleecy squadrons o'er the lawns of Tweed; Pass with light step his wave-worn banks along, And wake his echoes with their silver tongue; Or touch the reed, as gentle love inspires, In notes accordant to their chaste desires. Darwin, Sentiment. Young thoughts have music in them, love, And happiness their theme. And music wanders in the wind Thai lulls a morning dream. And there are angel voices heard In childhood's frolic hours, When life is but an April day Of sunshine and of flowers. There 's music in the forest leaves, When summer winds are there, And in the laugh of forest girls, That braid their sunny hair. The first wild bird that drinks the dew, From violets of the spring. Has music in his song, and in The fluttering of his wing. ^^^^^^^ 12=* 138 flora's interpreter. Olive. Class 2. Ordei- 1. The Olive was sacred to f)]pn Minerva; and it has been, since the Deluge, the emblem of peace. It lives to a great age. Flowers white, small, and slightly odoriferous. PEACE. The sign of peace who first displays, The Olive wreath possesses. Drayton. Sentiment. Come, while the blossoms of thy year are brightest. Thou youthful wanderer in a flowery maze; Come, while the restless heart is bounding lightest. And joy's pure sunbeams tremble in thy ways; Come, while sweet thoughts, like summer buds unfolding, Waken rich feelings in the careless breast — While yet thy hand the ephemeral wreath is holding. Come, and secure interminable rest. Come, while the morning of thy life is glowing. Ere the dim phantoms thou art chasing die — Ere the gay spell, which earth is round thee throwing, Fades lil^e the crimson from a sunset sky. Life is but shadows, save a promise given. Which lights up sorrow with a fadeless ray. O, touch the sceptre ! — with a hope in heaven, Come, turn thy spirit from the world away. Then will the crosses of this brief existence Seem airy nothings to thine ardent soul, And, shinmg brightly in the forward distance, Will of thy patient race appear the goal — Home of the weary; where, in peace reposing, The spirit lingers in uiibounded bliss; Though o'er its dust the uncurtained grave is closing, Who would not early choose a lot like this? Columbian Star, flora's interpreter. 139 npAx^ri. TlTnssOM Class\2. Order 12. Native of Citrus aurantium. ^^^, whue, odorous, in short ra- cemes. WOMAN'S WORTH. Knowest thou the land where groves of citron flower, The o-olden Ormi2;e darkling leaves embower— Know'st thou the land? Oh, there, oh, there, I long with thee, my loved one, to repair* Goethe, Sentiment. Ah! woman — in this world of ours, What gift can be compared to thee? How slovv would drag life's weary hours, Though man's proud brow were bound with flowers, And his the wealth of land and sea. If destined to exist alone, And ne'er call woman's heart his own. if. # # '^^ * * Yes, woman's love is free from guile. And pure as bright Aurora's ray; The heart will melt before its smile, And earthly objects fade away. Were I the monarch of the earth. And master of the swelling sea, I would not estimate their worth, Dear woman, half the price of thee. George P. Morris. 140 FLORA'S INTERPRETER, Orchis. Class 19. Order 1. A genus of near 90 Orchis species, principally indigenous to Europe, Northern Africa, and North America. Flow- ers orange, yellow, white, and bluish purple; spiked. A BELLE. The Orchis race with varied beauty charm, And mock the exploring fly, or bee's aerial form. C, Smith, Sentiment. Men gaze on beauty for a while, Allured by artificial smile; But Love shall never twang his dart From any string that 's formed by art. S^ iff ^ pj^ fff 3f^ Be thine to live, and never know Sweet sympathy in joy or wo ; To see Time rob thee, one by one. Of every charm thou e'er hast known; To see the moth, that round thee came. Flit to some newer, brighter flame. And never know thy destined fate, Till to retrieve it is too late. Paulding, flora's interpreter. 141 Ox-eye. Class 19. Order 2. A genus of more Buplllkalmum, ^^'''"^ 20 species, found every where be- ■' tween the tropics. Flowers a common calyx. Corolla compound, radiate. PATIENCE. Ox-eye still green, and bitter patience. Garland of Flora. Sentiment. Even as a fountain, whose unsullied wave Wells in the pathless valley, flowing o'er With silent waters kissing, as they lave The pebbles with bright rippling, and the shore, Of matted grass and flowers, — so softly pour The breathings of her bosom, when she prays Low bowed before her Maker; then no more ^he muses on the griefs of former days; Her full heart melts, and flows in heaven's dissolving rays. Death will come — A few short moments over, and the prize Of peace eternal waits her, and the tomb Becomes her fondest pillow. ^ . Percival, ANSWER. 1 never sought With eagerness, as others seek in vain, The phantom, Happiness; — for I was taught. When young, it dwelt not in this world — ^yes, pain And care were my acquaintance when a child; And I have always had a wish to turn Away from earth; — and death has worn a mild, Not fearful aspect. Ladies^ Magazine, Vol. VIL 142 flora's interpreter. PanSEY. Class 5. Order 1, A European spe- Viola, tricolor. f^f °^ ,*« !'»'«'' "^"J cultivated here. ^ It IS called tricolor , from the union of purple, yellow and blue in its blossoms. TENDER AND PLEASANT THOUGHTS. Pray you, love, remember There 's Pansies — that 's for thought. Shakspeare Sentiment. I Ve pleasant thoughts that memory brings, In moments free from care, Of a fairy-like and laughing girl, With roses in her hair: Her smile was like the star-light Of summer's softest skies. And worlds of joyous.-^ess there shone From out her witchiuoj eyes. Her looks were looks of mt^^ody, Her voice was like the sweil Of sudden music, notes of mirth, That of wild gladness tell. She came like spring, with pleasant sounds Of sweetness and of mirth. And her thoughts were those wild flowery ones That linger not on earth. I know not of her destiny. Or where her smile now strays; But the thought of her comes over me With my own lost sunny days, — With moonlight hours, and far off friends, And many pleasant things. That have gone the way of all the earth On Time's resistless wings. Mrs, L, P, Smitlu flora's interpreter. . 143 Passion Flower. Class 16. Order 2, indigenous to PassiRova America — at the South the flowers ^ ' are bright red; those of the North are generally pale blue, or yellow. It is said to have been discovered and named by the missionaries. RELIGIOUS FERVOR. One more plant- Which consecrates to Salem's peaceful King, Though fair as any gracing beauty's bower. Is linked to sorrow like a holy thing, And takes its name from suffering's fiercest hour. Be this my noblest theme — Imperial Passion Flower Whatever impulse first conferred that name, Or Fancy's dream, or Superstition's art, I freely own its spirit-touching claim, With thoughts and feelings it may well impart. Bernard Barton. Sentiment. The earth, all light and loveliness, in summer's golden hours, Smiles, in her bridal vesture clad, and crowned with festal flowers, S!o radiantly beautiful, so like to heaven above. We scarce can deem more fair that world of perfect bliss and love. Is this a shadow, faint and dim, of that which is to come? What shall the unveiled glories be of our celestial home, Where waves the glorious tree of life, where streams of bliss gush free, And all is flowing in the light of immortality? To see again the home of youth, when weary years have passed, Serenely bright, as when we turned and looked upon it last ; To hear the voice of love, to meet the rapturous embrace. To gaze, through tears of gladness, on each dear familiar face. — Oh I this indeed is joy, though here we meet again to part; But what transporting bliss awaits the pure and faithlul heart. Where it shall find the loved and lost, those who have gone before, Where every tear is wiped away, where partings come no more. Christian Examine , ^^ flora's interpreter. Pea, Everlasting. Classic. Order 4, There ar© LathyruSy Latifolia. ^^°"^ "^^ species of this genus, ahnost all European — 4 only in North America; there are a few in Northern Africa. Flowers of the native kind purple — the exotiq crimson. WILT THOU GO WITH ME? The winged Lathyrus, that lightly seems To soar like hope in waiting lovers' dreams. Anoru Sentiment. Wilt thou go, dearest, go To the heath and the mountain, Where the violets blow On the brink of the fountain; Where the soul shall be free As the winds that blow o'er us, And the sunset of life Smile in beauty before us? There nothing but death Our affection can sever. And till life's latest breath Love shall bind us forever. Percival, flora's interpreter. 145 Pea, Sweet. Class 17. Order 4. Native of Lathyrus, odoratus. f^"^^^^ ^"^rpW* ^^^^^\^''' ^ * flowered. 1 he blossoms are beau- tifully rich in coloring — blue, lilac, rose, white, etc., all in the same flower, very fragrant. DEPARTURE. Here are Sweet Peas, on tiptoe for a flight, With wings of gentle flush o'er delicate white, And taper fingers, catching at all things, To bind them all about with tiny rings. KeaU. Sentiment. I must go o'er the sea to other lands: It is the call of duty ; but fear not, I shall return, and then our loves are sure. Dream not of danger on the sea — one power Protects us always, and the honest heart Fears not the tempest. Percival ANSWER. When from land and home receding. And from hearts that ache to bleeding, Think of those behind, who love thee, While the sun is bright above thee! Then, as down the ocean glancing, With the waves his rays are dancing, Think how long the night will be To the eyes that weep for thee. Miss QatUd. 13 146 flora's interpreter. Peach Blossom. Classl2. Order l. The native Anygdalus, perdca. --^ V:^eX^^^ from Persia. Flowers pale red. I AM YOUR CAPTIVE. Go, flower, and my passion declare, While her delicate praises you speak—- Yet the Peach Blossom hue is less fair Than the bloom of her beautiful cheek. Wiffe%. Sentiment. I loved thee, and must love thee still, In memory of the past, Amid whate'er of earthly ill My future lot is cast! E'er in my boyhood's sunny prime. When brightly from the urn of Time Life's golden moments fell, Thou wert a peri to my eyes, Sent from Love's own sweet paradise. In my young heart to dwell. JVew York Mirror flora's interpreter. 147 Peony. ClasslS. Order d, Nativeof Switzerland, and p • ' the Alps. Root perennial. Flowers double, rxonia. crimson color, and very superb. ANGER. P(Bonia round each fiery ring unfurls, Bared to the noon's bright blaze her sanguine curls Evans, Sentiment. The wildest ills that darken life, Are rapture to the bosom's strife; The tempest, in its blackest form, Is beauty to the bosom's storm; The ocean, lashed to fury loud, Its high wave mingling with the cloud, Is peaceful, sweet serenity, To anger's dark and stormy sea. /. IV. Eastburne. 148 flora's interpreter. Periwinkle, Blue. class 5. Order i. Native of Vinca. minor. Egypt, but naturalized m Europe. Flowers deep blue, white in the centre — scentless. Leaves ever- green— ^perennial. EARLY AND SINCERE FRIENDSHIP. In France, the Periwinkle is esteemed the emblem of sincere friendship. Where captivates the sky-blue Periwinkle Under the cottage eaves. Hurdis. Sentiment. Hast thou forgot, friend of my better days. Hast thou forgot the early innocent joys Of our remotest childhood — when our lives Were linked in one, and our young hearts bloomed out Like violet bells, upon the self-same stem. Pouring the dewy odors of life's spring Into each other's bosom — all the bright And sorrowful thoughts of a confiding love, And intermingled vows, and blossoming hopes Of future good, and infant dreams of bliss. Budding and breathing sunnily about them. As crimson-spotted cups, in spring-time, hang On all the delicate fibres of the vine ? B. B, Thatcher flora's interpreter. 149 PiTFIWINKLE, white or red. Class 5. Order 1. Native r., ^ of the East Indies. It fiow- ^ tnctty rosea, ^^^ ^^le greatest part of the year. Flowers either rose color or pure white ; the cen- tre always a rich crimson with a yellow eye. PLEASURES OF MEMORY. There sprang the violet all newe, And fresh periwinke, rich of hue, No violet, ne eke Periwinke Ne floure more than men can thinke. Chaucer, Sentiment. 'T is sweet, and yet 't is sad, that gentle power. Which throws in winter's lap the spring-tide flower: I love to dream of days my childhood knew, When, with the sister of my heart, time flew On wings of innocence and hope! dear hours. When joy sprung up about our path, like flowers! Our smiles were clearer than the skies of June ; Our tears were not of sorrow, — but full soon The visions of my boyhood passed away. And heavily life's chain upon me lay; And now 'tis sweet, though sad, alone to lie Within the autumn noon's unclouded eye, While memory renders back the pearls of cost, That else in time's oblivious waves were lost. And bids me own at onco. and bless the power Which throws in winter^ lap the spring-tide flower. Mrs. A. M, Wells. 13* 150 flora's interpreter. Phlox. (Wild Sweet William.) Class 5. Order 1, Phlox maculta. "^'^^^ ^ ^ ^^^^^ American plant, with the exception of one species found in North- ern Asia. Flowers purple, pink, lilac and white — very showy. Plant perennial. UNANIMITY. Siveet'williams, campions, sops-^n-wine, One by another neatly; Thus have I made this wreath of mine. Drayton, Sentiment. I wish I could build me a princely dome, With temples and fountains and towers — I 'd fence it about with wonderful care, That no annoyers should break in there. And all within should be tasteful and fair Around should be gardens and bowers. With plenty of books, and abundance of wealth, Enough for myself and for others, I would shut out the ignorant, wicked and rude. And let in the wise, and the witty, and good, Who should keep me for aye in a sociable mood, And be to me sisters and brothers. Nought there should be vulgar, or false, or unkind, And nothing to tire or annoy ; We kindred spirits should daily meet, In honest and faithful affection to greet, And chase away time in communion sweet. Nor look for the blight of our joy. American Ladies' Magazine, Vol. IV, flora's interpreter £51 Pine. (Black Spruce.) Class 21. Order 16. Pinus ni^ra ^^^ species is indigenous to North Amer- ' ^ ' ica. Found from Canada to Carolina. Leaves a dark green. PITY. • A Crown of Pine upon his head he wore, And thus began her pity to explore. Dryden*s Ovid,. Sentiment. To me, though bathed in sorrow's dew, The dearer far art thou: i loved thee when thy woes were few, And can I alter now.** That face in joy's bright hour was fair; More beautiful since grief is there, Though somewhat pale thy brow; And be it mine to soothe the pam, Thus pressing on thy heart and brain. ANSWER. An&n, It may be that I shall forget my grief; It may be time has good in store for me; It may be that my heart will find relief From sources now unknown. Futurity May bear within its folds some hidden spring From which will issue blessed streams; and yet Whate'er of joy the coming year may bring, The past — ^the past — I never can forget. Mrs, Hah, 152 flora's interpreter. Pine, Pitch. Class 2\, Order 6l, A genus con Pinai9 rifrifJa ^^^^^^8 °^ ^^^^^y ^^ species, princi- I-inus^ rigiaa. ^^jj^ ^^^^^ j^ ^^^^p^ ^^^ America. There are few in the Levant, In- ^ dia, and China. TIME AND PHILOSOPHY. To Rhea grateful still the pine remains. Congr eve's Ovid, Sentiment. Yes, dear departed cherished days, Could memory's hand restore Your morning light, your evening rays, From Time's gray urn once more, — Then might this restless heart be still. This straining eye might close. And Hope her fainting pinions fold, While the fair phantoms rose. But, like a child in ocean's arms. We strive against the stream. Each moment farther from the shore, Where life's young fountains gleam — Each moment fainter wave the fields. And wilder rolls the sea; The mist grows dark — the sun goes down — Day breaks — and where are we ? O. W, Holmes. ANSWER. Why should we count our life by years. Since years are short, and pass away? Or, why by fortune's smiles and tears. Since tears are vain, and smiles decay? O! count by virtues — these will last When life's lame-footed race is o'er; And these, when earthly joys are past. Shall cheer us on a brighter shore. Mrs, Hale. flora's interpreter 153 Pine, Spruce. CZass 21. Orders. This species is cul- Pinus abies, tivated in gardens, and called Norway Spruce Fir. It has long fan-like branch- es. Cones pendulous. The Burgundy pitch is made from this species. * HOPE IN ADVERSITY. The evergreen stern winter's power derides, Like Hope that in misfortune's storm abides. Sentiment. We will not deplore, then, the days that are past; The gloom of misfortune is over them cast: They were lengthened by sorrow, and sullied by care ; Their griefs were too many, their joys were too rare; Yet now that then shadows are on us no more. Let us welcome the prospect that brightens before ! We have cherished fair hopes, we have plotted brave schemes; We have lived till we find them illusive as dreams ; Wealth has melted like snow that is grasped in the hand. And the steps we have climbed, have deserted like sand; Yet shall we despond, while of health unbereft. And honor, bright honor, and freedom are left ? ii^ ***** * Oh let us no longer then vainly lament Over scenes that have faded, or days that are spent; But, by faith unforsaken, unawed by mischance, On Hope's waving banner still fixed be our glance; And should fortune prove cruel and false to the last, Let us look to the future, and not to the past. Token for 1835. 154 flora's interpreter. Pink, Red, Double, c^^^ss lo. Order 2. Native of Dianthus rubeus. ^""'T' a ^^^ Fi^'J^'^^ P^"^ simple red and white; by culture it has been enlarged, and its color varied. The double-red is very sweet scented. WOMAN'S LOVE. Each Pink sends forth its choicest sweet, Aurora's warm embrace to meet. M, Robinson, Sentiment. What is man's love? His vows are broke, Even while his parting kiss is warm; — But woman's love all change will mock, And, like the ivy round the oak, Cling closest in the storm. And well the poet, at her shrine. May bend and worship while he woos; To him she is a thing divine. The inspiration of his line. His loved one, and his muse. If to his song the echo rings Of fame — 'tis woman's voice he hears; If ever from his lyre's proud strings Flow sounds, like rush of angel wings, — 'T is that she listens while he sings. With blended smiles and tears. Halleck* flora's interpreter. 1^ Pink Indian. Class lO, Order 2. The flowers t,. A ,. ^^ • of this species are placed singly on Dianthus^ Chmensis. branching stems—vivid red, aad scentless. you WILL ALWAYS BE LOVELY. For thee in autumn blows The Indian Pink and latest rose For thee. Smi^ Sentiment. I loved thee for thy high-born grace, Thy deep and lustrous eye — For the sweet meaning of thy brow. And for thy bearing high. I loved thee for thy stainless truth, Thy thirst for higher things, For all that to our common lot A better temper brings. And are they not all thine — still thine? Is not thy heart as true? Holds not thy step its noble grace? Thy cheek its dainty hue ? And have I not an ear to hear? And a cloudless eye to see — And a thirst for beautiful human thought, That first was stirred by thee? 156 flora's interpreter. Pink, Mountain. class lO. Order 2, Native of lime- Dianthus CiZsiuS. stone rocks and mountains. Flow- ers pale pink; very sweet scented. ASPIRING. Carya's sweet smile Dianthus proud admires. Darwin. Sentiment. The world may scorn me, if they choose — I car-e But little for their scoffings. I may sink For moments ; but I rise again, nor shrink From doing what the faithful heart inspires. I will not flatter, fawn, nor crouch, nor wink, At what high-mounted wealth or power desires: I have a loftier aim, to which my soul aspires. Percivah FLORALS INTERPRETER. 157 Pink, White OR Variegated. Class lo. Order Dianthus albus, or varietagus. 1^2Tym711 the Dianthus. The root of this genus be- ing perennial, it is easily cultivated, and is very ornamental. YOU ARE FAIR AND FASCINATING. Deep in the grove beneath the secret shade, A various wreath of odorous flowers she made, Gay motleyed Pinks and sweet Jonquils she chose^ All sweet to sense — The finished chaplet well adorned her hair. Shenstone. Sentiment. Oh fairest of the rural maids, Thy birth was in the forest shades; Green boughs and glimpses of the sky Were all that met thy infant eye. Thy sports, thy wanderings, when a child^ Were ever in the sylvan wild, And all the beauty of the place Is in thy heart, and on thy face. The twilight of the trees and rocks Is in the light shade of thy locks: Thy step is as the wind, that weaves Its playful way among the leaves. Thy eyes are springs, in whose serene And silent waters heaven is seen; Their lashes are the herbs, that look On their young figures in the brook. The forest depths, by foot unpressed, Are not more sinless than thy breast; The holy peace that fills the air Of those calm solitudes, is there. 1 4 Bryant 158 flora's interpretee. Polyanthus. Orders, class l. There aie few of Primula, auricula, ■ ^^^^ ^epus in America, but it is mostly found in the alpine regions of Europe. The P. auricula is a native of the Alps, originally yellow, but when cultivated, it assumes the most diver- sified colors. Perennial. PRIDE OF NEWLY ACQUIRED FORTUNE. See Polyanthus, in full clustered pride, In splendid robes of rich unnumbered dyes, With scorn from old acquaintance turn aside. Matthew Sentiment. Maiden, go! and should you rue All your coldness here hath done, Know that Nature, ever true. Will not now desert her son: If you she gave the cold desire To flaunt in Fortune's glittering train. For me she framed a heart and lyre. Which will not let me live in vain. The simple chords of that rude lyre, The plain warm homage of that heart, Alike were yours; — and shall the fire That warmed in joy, in grief depart? Maiden, go! I will not call A blush again to shame that brow; But may you in the festal hall Be tranquil as you leave me now: Still my lot in life must be In some dim secluded spot. Undisturbed by thought of thee, Dreams of love and all forgot; Yet ne'er the Tajo's sands of gold, Nor all the treasures of the deep Can pay you for the peace you 've sold, Pleasant dreams and quiet sleep. jYeiv Eni^land Magazine, flora's interpreter. 159 Poppy, Red. Class is. Order l. An Europeap Papaver, rhxas. «^""^ °[ ^l species— there are als< ^ ' two m the Levant, and one in car bary, and one in Labrador. EVANESCENT PLEASURE. But pleasures are like Poppies spread; You seize the flower, its bloom is shed. Burns Sentiment. Time! Time! — in thy triumphal flight, How all life's phantoms flee away! The smile of Hope— and young delight. Fame's meteor beam — and Fancy's ray; They fade — and on thy heaving tide, Rolling its stormy waves afar, Are borne the wrecks of human pride — The broken wrecks of Fortune's war Where hath the morning splendor flown, Which danced upon the crystal stream? Where are the joys to childhood known. When life is an enchanted dream? Enveloped in the starless night, Which destiny hath overspread; Enrolled upon that trackless flight Where the dark wing of Time hath sped. /. Gr. Brooks. 160 FLORALS INTERPRETER. Poppy, Scarlet. Class and Order as the preceding. Papaver, This species is the wild poppy, *^ ' found in cornfields, etc. FANTASTIC EXTRAVAGANCE. Poppy, thy charms attract the vulgar gaze, And tempt the view with meretricious blaze: Caught by the glare, with pleasure they behold Thy glowing crimson melting into gold. In vain to nobler minds thy lure is spread, Thy painted front, thy cup of glowing red; Beneath thy bloom such noxious vapors lie, That, when obtained and smelt, we loathe and fly. Joseph Taylor. Sentiment. Nor yet too brightly strive to blaze, By stealing all the rainbow rays; Your gaudy, artificial fly Will only take the younger fry. Who has not seen, and seeing mourned. And mourning smiled, and smiling scorned. In wild ambition flaming down. Some comet from a country town? See, see her in her motley hues; Funereal blacks and brimstone blues. And lurid green, and bonfire red. At once their varied radiance shed; And skin deep gold, and would be pearls, And oh! those heaps of corkscrew curls. O. TV. Holmes. flora's interpreter. 161 Poppy, White. Class is. Order l. The white Papaver, SOmniferum, ^^PP^ i^^Feferred for making ^ ^ •/ opium. The name papaver was given, because the flower or fruit of the poppy was formerly mixed with the pap given to children in order to procure sleep. FORGETFULNESS, OR CONSOLATION. There poppies white, and violets, Alcippus on the altar sets Of quiet sleep; and weaves a crown To bring the gentle god adown. Fracastoro — trans. Sentiment. Will you drink of this fountain, and sorrow forget? Has the past been so blest that you hesitate yet ? Can love, when 't is slighted, still cherish a token, Or hearts still forgive, that unkindness has broken? If you will not call wo and reproach on his name. Forget him; for honor, for pride, and for shame; And if passion resist every feeble endeavor. Drink deep of the wave, and forget it forever. PercivaL ANSWER. 1 never will curse him, I never must bless. Though if anger were greater, the grief would be less. I have suffered; and much, ere I die, must bear yet, But I cannot forgive, and I will never forget. Anon. 14* 162 flora's interpreter. Primrose, Evening. ciassS. Order i, Tree-prim- (Enothera odorata. ^°^t. ^ American genus, ex. cept two species at the Cape of Good Hope. The plant is two or three feet high, flowers pale yellow; open very suddenly. INCONSTANCY. A tuft of evening Primroses, O'er which the wind may hover till it dozes; O'er which it well might take a pleasant sleep> But that 't is ever startled by the leap Of buds into ripe flowers. KeaU Sentiment. If e'er I win a parting token, 'T is something that has lost its power — A chain that has been used and broken, A ruined glove, a faded flower; Something that makes my pleasures less. Something that means — -forgeifulness. And yet my tears are little worth; For could I win a seraph's smile. To light me through this weary earth, *T would tire me in the briefest while ; For, lady, (is it very wrong?) We hate you when you love too long. TVilliK flora's ijstehpreter. 163 Primrose. ^^««s 5. Order l . Found in Europe and Primula America. It is one of the earliest spring flowers. HAVE CONFIDENCE IN ME. The Primrose, when with saxe leaves gotten grace, Maids as a true love in their bosom place. W, Brovme* Sentiment. What though the world has whispered thee ' Beware!* Thou dost not dream of change. Nay, do not speak. For any answer would imply a doubt In love's deep confidence, which not for worlds Should have existence. There 's many a shadow resting on my name; But oh! the world's false voice has feeble power When love asserts his empire. Robert Morris, 164 flora's interpreter. Primrose, Rose-colored. Class 5. Order i. The PriMula general character of the flowers of the genus Pri- mula is a calyx of one leaf — corolla monopeta- lous, — cut half way down into five heart-shaped seg- ments. UNPATRONISED MERIT. The Primrose, tenant of the glade, Emblem of virtue in the shade. John Mayne* Sentiment. I have no hand to cheer me ! Was there one, Whom I must ever long for — was that heart Still mine in all my sorrows, as the sun Wakens a slumbering world, — she might impart New being to me, and my soul would start As giants from their sleep, to run the race Of glory, and to hurl the unerring dart, Where Victory rears her palm branch. PercivaL flora's interpreter. 165 Prickly Pear. Classic, Order l. Native of South ^ . * America, and the West Indies. There K^aciUS. ^^^ ^^^^ species, from creeping shrubs to trees of ten feet in height. Flowers yellow, white, red, and pink color. SATIRE. And can young Beauty's tender heart Nurse thoughts of scorn, As on the Cactus^ greenest leaves Protrudes the thorn? Anon. Sentiment. Ay, curl that cherub lip in scorn, And give to wit the rein, And barb that tongue with sarcasms born From thy proud heart's disdain, In mockery of one who erst Was ever foremost of the first To guard thy maiden fame — One who, with quick adventurous hand, Had braved the proudest of the land That lightly named thy name. And yet if thou canst borrow, In beauty's mirthful pride. Delight from friendship's sorrow, — Smile on, I will not chide ; Yet, ah, methinks it were more kind. More fraught with woman's feeling mind, To hide derision's fang From one, who even now would dare More than life's brittle thread would bear. Ere thou shouldst feel one pang. J^ew York Mirror* 166 flora's interpreter. Queen's Rocket. ^}T l^'.x.Vv'' ^' ^fZ „ . ^ 7. of the South of Europe and the Hespens matronallS. ^^^^^ ^^ Africa. One species only found in North America. Flowers pale purple or white; very sweet, but exhaling only in the evening. SHE WILL BE FASHIONABLE. In rival pomp, see either Rocket blow, Bright as the sun, or as the new-fallen snow. Evans. Sentiment. As the Spring, in native beauty Painted, charms the admiring sight. Nor the gorgeous garden envies For its colors rich and bright; — As the streamlet, gently murmuring, Winds along its devious way. Beautiful, though art has never Taught its waters how to stray; — So her native grace and beauty Best becomes each charming maid; Cupid justly holds suspected Dress too artfully displayed. JVisw England Magazine^ Vol. IL flora's interpreter. 167 Rose, Austrian. Class 12, Order IB. Agenusof Rosa bicolor. °®^^^y ^^ species, chiefly indige- nous to Europe. A few species found in Japan and India, and nine or ten in North America. THOU ART VERY LOVELY. JRose, thou art the sweetest flower That ever drank the amber shower! Rose, thou art the fondest child Of dimpled Spring! the wood-nymph wild! Anacreon* 'Sentiment. Oh! thou, who art the fairest of earth's daughters, Delighted could I sit a summer's day, To drink the music of thy lips away. Gushing their careless melody as waters: And while I gazed upon thy full blue eyes. Still listening to thy passion-kindling songs, Deem myself happiest of thy votaries. Thus while the morning lark his notes prolongs. Lists the rapt bard, and, bending to the skies. Sends up the inciense of a grateful heart. For such a gleam of heavenly ecstasies! Oh! beautiful in feature as thou art, More beautiful in mind — my thoughts of thee Shall live in Love's undying memory. Dawes, ANSWER. Love Has lent life's wings a rosy hue; But, ah! Love's dyes were caught above; They brighten — but they wither too WillU. 168 flora's interpreter. Rose Bridal. CZass and Orrfer same as the for«- n L ' ir i:..\ ffoing. Rose Bridal is of the gemis Rubus rosafohus. %J^^^ ^^-^^^ j^^l^^^, the Bramble family. Flowers white, usually double, small and very beautiful. HAPPY LOVE. And all is ecstasy ; for now The valley holds its feast of roses, That joyous time, when pleasures pour Profusely round, and in their shower Hearts open like the season's rose Moore. Sentiment. The flower which on Life's desert grows, Unheeded in its young repose, Till the mind's ray its shadows break, And youthful thoughts their pinions take ; That lives the same through changing years, Through smiles of joy — through Sorrow's tears: Ay, hopes may vanish as a dream; Joys bring no warmth upon their beam; It will bloom on, though all should flee, Changeless as angel purity; — That^oi^er is Love. The shrine where Life's sweet flowers are laid? Ere a cold world has bid them fade ; Where beauty in her bloom attends. And Hope in gay devotion bends, And the young soul's unburdened wings .. Go forth in joyous wanderings; — That shrine is Love. American Ladies* Magazine. flora's interpreter. 169 Rosa, Burgundy. Native of Europe. A dwarf Rosa parvifolia, ^^^^^- Leaflet fine. Flowers SIMPLICITY AND BEAUTY. The Rose is fairest when 't is budding new. Scott. Sextiment. New England's daughters need not envy those " Who in a monarch's court their jewels wear: More lovely they, when but a simple rose Glows through the golden clusters of their hair. Could light of diamonds make her look more fair, Who moves in beauty through the mazy dance, With buoyant feet that seem to skim the air, And eyes that whisper in each gentle glance The .poetry of youth, love's sweet and short romance? Mrs, Little. ANSWER. Beauty and Love — their emblems are flowers! Their date of existence is numbered by hours. Mrs, Hale, Id J 70 flora's interpreter. Rose, Carolina. Shrubs six or seven feet high. Flow- Rosa Carolina. ^^^ ^^"^^^^"^ ^^'S^' LOVE IS DANGEROUS. I sent thee late a rosy wreath — But thou thereon didst only breathe, And sent it back to me. Ben Johnson. Sentiment. Yes, Love is but a dangerous guest For hearts as young as thine, Where youth's unshadowed joys should rest, Life's spring-time fancies shine. Then, sweetest, leave the wildering dream, Till Time has nerved thy heart To brook the fitful cloud and gleam, Which must in love have part. Ah! life has many a blessed hour That passion never knows. And youth may gather many a flower Beside the blushing rose. Mn. Osgoodt flora's interpreter. 171 Rose, Datly. Rosa quotidiana. LEVITY. Thou blusliinjj rose! — Blown in thu morning — thou sh alt fade ere noon: What boots a life that in such haste forsakes theel Thou 'rt wondrous frolic being to die so soon, And passing proud a little color makes thee. Sir Richard Fanshaw, Sentiment. And thou, with girlish glee, wilt go To kneel at pleasure's shrine, Nor e'er a thought on him bestow, Whose every thought is thine. The idlers who around thee press, With careless praise will dwell Upon tiiat face whose loveliness My tongue could never tell. Those charms which my affections won. The mind that 1 adore, The form I still could gaze upon Till life itself were o'er: Each winning look, each winning smile, That I have loved so long, Will then some trifling fop beguile. Or charm a heartless throng. But why do I at ills repine, Which still 1 may not meet? This heart, whose every pulse is thine, Ere then may cease to beat! And still thou 'It move where'er are met The careless and the|jg5,y. And soon my memory forget. When I have passed away. Token for 1829 72 flora's interpreter, Rose, Damask. The damask or damascena rose ww Rosa damascena. ^'^ brought from Asia into Greece- then It was transplanted into Italy and France. Flowers white and red. YOUTH. Like the damask rose you see, Or like the blossom on the tree, Or like the dainty flowers of May, Or like the morning to the day, — Even such is life. Blackburne, Sentiment. Let us prize the rose, In the unclouded morning of this day, Which soon will lose its bright serenity! O, let us prize the first-blown rose of love; Let us love now, in this our fairest youth, When love can find a full and fond return. PercivaU ANSWER. When the air is lightest. And the sky is brightest. Art tkou in the garden, talking to a flower? C, Edwards Ck FLORA S INTERPRETER. 173 Rose, Deep-red. This is the wild sweet rose, im- Hosa rubor. proved by cultivation. It is the most common species in our gar- dens. BASHFUL SHAME. In velvet lips the bashful rose begun To show and catch the kisses of the sun: Some fuller blown, their crimson honors shed: Sweet smell the golden chives that graced their head. Gavrin Dcuglas. Sentiment. Alas! that in our earliest blush Our danger first we feel, And tremble when the rising flush Betrays some angel's seal! Alas! for care and pallid wo Sit watchers in their turn, Where heaven's too faint and transient glow So soon forgets to burn! Maiden! through every change the same Sweet semblance thou mayst wear; Ay, scorch thy very soul with shame, Thy brow may still be fair: But if thy lovely cheek forget The rose of purer years — Say, does not memory sometimes wet That changeless cheek with tears? O. TV, Holmes. ANSWER. On Beauty's lids, 'the gem-like tear Oft sheds its evanescent ray, But scarce is seen to sparkle, ere 'T is chased by beaming smiles away: Just so the blush is formed — and flies — Nor owns reflection's^lm control: It comes, it deepens — fades and dies, A gush of feeling from the soul. 15* Mrs. Bianies. 174 flora's interpreter. Rose, TIuNDKED-LEAVED. Th's mnpnificont rose i» a />^io/« x»/..i/;/V./;/, ■' n;tiive,nt' ilu3 soull)ern parts *' ol JMjro|)<'. J !)« velcei rose belongs to this sp