Page iv

 
iv                                   INTRODUCTION. 
And in Turkey, Lady Wortley Montagu asserts, that there is not a weed or
a flower, herb or 
fruit, that has not its appropriate symbol. 
      Philosophers, men of profound learning and great intellect, men engaged
in the cares 
 of state, business, or in literary pursuits, have found recreation in their
garden, and pleasure 
 in the cultivation of Flowers. 
                          Methinks I see great Dioclesian walk 
                            In the Salonian garden's noble shade, 
                            Which by his own imperial hands was made: 
                          I see him smile,[methinks, as he does talk 
                          With the ambassadors, who come in vain 
                          T'entice him to a throne again. 
                          I If I, my friends,' said he, ' should you show
                          All the delights which in these gardens grow, 
                          'Tis likelier far that you with me should stay,
                          Than 'tis that you should carry me away: 
                          And trust me not, my friends, if, every day, 
                          I walk not here with more delight, 
                          Than ever, after the most happy fight, 
                          In triumph to the Capitol I rode, 
                          To thank the gods, and to be thought myself a god."'
                                                        COWLEY'S GARDEN.
     The elegant author of Flora Domestica observes that, " A poet sees
in a Flower not only 
its form and colour, and the shadowing of its verdant foliage-his eye rests
upon the dew- 
drop that trembles on the leaf; a gleam of sunshine darts across, and gives
it the sparkling 
brilliancy of a diamond. He sees the bee hovering around, buzzing its joyous
anticipation of 
the honey he shall draw from its very heart; and the delicate butterfly suspended
as it were 
by magic from its silken petals. His imagination, too, brings around it a
world of associations, 
adding beauty and interest to the object actually before his eye. Thus Flowers
have been 
described in all their seasons, and in every situation and circumstance,
budding forth in timid 
beauty early in the spring, glowing in the maturity of summer, lingering
in the chilling breath 
of autumn, and some few as daring even the frosts of winter." 
     The botanical information contained in this volume has been carefully
gathered from the 
best authorities.   To MR. SAMUEL CURTIS, F.L.S. I have a pleasure in acknowledging
myself greatly indebted for his judicious opinion and friendly attention
to the execution and 
style of the plates, which I trust will be deemed correct copies of Nature.
     With every sentiment of respect and gratitude for the kind patronage
of several 
distinguished personages with which I have been honoured, and for the kindness
of my 
friends, I present this volume, for which, in their judgement, I plead indulgence.
      E. E. G. 
  HEATH-HALL, NEAR WAKEFIELD, 
        January, 1834.