FLOWERS, LANGUAGE OF, or FLORIGRAPHY, is supposed to have been used among the earliest nations; but the Greeks are the first users of whom we have any trustworthy, records. They carried it to a very high degree, using flowers as types of everything interesting, public as well as private. Shakespeare confides to us that "fairies use flowers for their charactery ;" while other poets tell us that the flowers themselves speak. In earlier times florigraphy was lima cultiVated by the nations of continental Europe; but after the decline of the power of Rome, little attention was given to it. Its study was revived, however, during the middle ages, when chivalyy became pre-eminent; and it received great development at the hands of the Roman church. The variety of the flowers that adorned the altar enabled the worshiper to distinguish between feastingand fasting ceremonies. Flowers have had an important part in all mythologies. Oak was the patriot's crown, bay the poet's, and the myrtle the crown for beauty. The olive was the token of peace as the ivy was the emblem of Bacchus. The significance of many flowers is derived from their properties. The amaranth has a very poetical mean ing, being called "the never-fading by the Greeks, because of its duration. It has been selected to typify immortality; and is referred to in Longfellow's poem" The Two Angels."
The daisy has received much attention' from the poets: Shakespeare •says "its white investments figure innocence." The rose—by universal suffrage made the queen of the flowers—has a symbolism varying with its color; a single red rose signifies "I love you;" the small white bridal rose typifies happy love; and the moss rose-bud, a confes sion of love. The varied and magnificent flora of America offers a vocabulary replete with brilliant and original tokens. Flowers are also the emblems of several European countries, such as the of France, the thistle of Scotland, and the shamrock of Ireland. The following are some well-known flowers, with their symbolism as used in poetry: Anemone—Frailty, Anticipation. Heliotrope—Devotion.
Apple Blossom—Preference. Honeysuckle—Fidelity.
But tercups—Riches. Hyacinth—Sorrow.
Calla—Magnificent beauty. Lilac—Fastidiousness.
Candytuft—Indifference. ll5arigold—Contempt.
Cowslip—Youthful beauty. Lily—Majesty; Purity.
Daffodil—Unrequited love. Narcissus—Self-love.
Dandelion—Coquetry.. Pansy—Thoughts.
Forget-me-not—True love. Poppy—Oblivion.
Fox-glove—Insincerity. Snow-drop—Friend in need.
Geranium—Deceit. 'Sweet Willi a in—Gallan try.
Gentian—Virgin pride. White Violet—Modesty. . Golden-rod—Encouragement..