with a
beautiful flower and a brilliant star.

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,