This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ... in this work the names of the flowers and figures used as types of idea and sentiment are not classified; and it requires a tedious search to glean much information in the direction indicated, from such sources. The poetical "Language of flowers" gives some little insight into the matter; but its definitions are too vague and general to afford much that is practically available in the way of instruction. Tor the sake of illustration, we quote: "In Eastern lands they talk in flowers, And they tell in a garland their loves and cares; Each blossom that blooms in their garden bowers, On its leaves a mystic language bears. # # # # "Innocence dwells in the lily's bell, Pure as a heart in its native heaven; Fame's bright star and glories swell By the glossy leaf of the bay are given. "The silent, soft and humble heart In the violet's hidden sweetness breathes, And the tender soul that cannot part, A twine of evergreens fondly wreathes. "The cypress that darkly shades the grave, Is sorrow that mourns its bitter lot; And faith that a thousand ills can brave, Speaks in thy blue leaves, 'Forget-me-not.'" The necessary limits of a Hand Book, which is designed to be small enough for convenience, require that we should refrain from enlarging too extensively upon this supplementary topic. As we believe that this book has already reached those limits, we will conclude with a short list of emblems, with their meanings. The list comprises some of those most frequently misapplied. Rose-bud: Morning of life. Morning Gloria: Beginning of life. Butterfly: Short lived--an early death. Full-blown Rose: Prime of life. Lily: Emblem of innocence and purity. Palm branch: Emblem of victory and rejoicing. Ivy: Friendship and immortality. Laurel: Emblem of fame or...