Every flower has a well-known language of its own; many convey comparatively long expressions of emotion, both pleasing and the reverse, and the meaning of each may be qualified or increased by its union with others.  In the language of flowers all at an early age are instructed.  The meaning associated with each flower is universally understood, its name at once conveying its language as distinctly as though the whole of the sentence were spoken in so many words.  Indeed many interesting, and even long conversations are carried on between a gentleman and lady through a floral medium.

A young lady, instead of entering into conversation or expressing her sentiments in words, may present a flower either in the first instance or by way of answer.  A married lady receiving visitors has generally fresh flowers at hand, which she often separates to present one to the visitor.

The following are instances of language associated with flowers:—­

Vista Rodo.—­A plant bearing a little flower like a diamond in transparency and brilliancy, and exhaling from every green leaf a beautiful perfume.

“The stars in heaven thou makest to blush by the sweetness of thy
  breath.”

     “I deny not that they possess thy brilliancy,
     But thy fragrance they deplore. 
     May I hope for the boon of thy lustre near me
     Through the journey of life,
     To teach me to be happy,
     To cultivate my admiration of the beautiful,
     To bid me seek the joys of home,
     And teach me the greatness of my Maker!”

Oronza.—­A flower unknown to your planet.  It is white, the centre studded with little spots in relief, so closely resembling turquoise and pearls that unless touched they might be mistaken for real stones placed on the flower.

“At sight of thee, malignity flies away and the spirits of peace and goodness surround me, encouraging me to all great and noble deeds, making me forget to look back on my folly, and bidding me gaze forward into the future and the realms of hope.

     “You exalt me; you purify me; say you will part from me
     no more.”

Mosca.—­The moss rose.

                              ...."Come to me,
     Thy virtues are more brilliant than precious stones;
     Thy breath exhales intoxicating perfume;
     Thy beauty is a continual feast. 
     Tell me thy heart shall be my haven,
     To my bosom I will press thee,
     And thy leaves shall embrace me with their fragrant affection.”

Each kind of rose has its separate language.  Thus, Javellina, the single-leaf hedge-rose, is associated with lines indicative of “the sweet purity of youth.”  Angellina, the white rose, is associated with lines indicative of “gentle endurance and pure love;” and Orvee, the yellow rose, with lines indicative of “affection combined with jealousy.”

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