F a flower be given reversed, its original signification is understood to be contradicted, and the opposite meaning to be implied.

A rosebud divested of its thorns, but retaining its leaves, conveys the sentiment, "I fear no longer; I hope:" thorns signifying fears, and leaves, hopes.

Stripped of leaves and thorns, the bud signifies, "There is nothing to hope or fear."

The expression of flowers is also varied by changing their positions. Place a marigold on the head, and it signifies "Mental anguish ;" on the bosom, the bosom, "Indif ference."

When a flower is given, the pronoun I is understood by bending it the right hand; thou, by inclining it to the left.

"Yes" is implied by touching the flower given with the lips.

"No," by pinching off a petal, and casting it away. "I am" is expressed by a laurel-leaf twisted round the bouquet.

MODIFICATIONS OF THE FLOWER LANGUAGE. 277

"I have," by an ivy-leaf folded together.

"I offer you," by a leaf of the Virginian Creeper. To win a sprig of parsley in the bouquet.

"May," or "I desire"-an ivy tendril round the bouquet.

FLOWER GAME.

AVE a large bouquet ready; let each person draw from it a flower, and the meaning attached

to it will typify the future consort's character. For example:-Say your bouquet for Spring consists of Violets, Hyacinths, Primroses, Daisies, Heartsease, Hawthorn, Daffodils, then the characters would be

Violet, modest; Hyacinth, playful; Dark Hyacinth, mournful; Primrose, simple, candid; Daisy, an early riser; Heartsease, kind, charitable, or thoughtful; Hawthorn, hopeful; Daffodil, daring.

FOR SUMMER.

Rose, loving; White Rose, secret and canny; Pink, haughty; Jasmine, elegant or amiable; Lily, pure; Mignonette, clever; Tulip, proud, conceited; Stock, hasty; Mezereon, a flirt; Foxglove, deceitful; Myrtle, devoted ; Laurel, brave; a Reed, musical; Hollyhock, ambitious; Marigold, rich; Poppy, lazy; Cornflower, extravagant ; Dead leaves, old; Geranium, stupid; Mimosa, nervous; Thistle, patriotic; Thyme, merry; Aster, changeable; Oakleaf, hospitable.

The profession of the destined lover will be found thus-Lily, a person of rank; Rose, an artist; Thistle, a Scotchman, and a soldier; Oakleaf, a farmer; Laurel,

a poet; Foxglove, a lawyer; Cypress, a doctor; Tulip, a freeholder; Passion-flower, a clergyman; Marigold, a merchant; Shamrock, an Irishman; Leek, a Welsh

inan.

Of course the persons who draw the flowers are supposed to be ignorant of their meaning; or they may draw blindfolded.

In winter this game may be played with painted flower cards; painting a pack would be a pleasant home amusement; or dried flowers gummed on cards would answer perfectly well. The players then draw a card