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By J. Wesley Hanson
BOSTON:
J. BUFFUM.
published 1853
(copyright 1845 by Jonathan Allen In the Clerk's Office of the District Court
of the District of Massachusetts.)
PREFACE.
The author of this little book does not expect that he has
accomplished a very weighty task. He puts it forth in the meek hope that it may
afford a little pleasure to those who, like himself, occasionally turn aside
from the graver duties of life, to pluck a flower*, or to gaze upon a picture.
If such shall read, he is satisfied.
The design is brief. Each day in the year has been christened with
a flower, and it may afford a moment's delight to those who meet in the social
circle, to ascertain each other's birth-days, and, seeking here the flower, read
the language and the poetic extract.**
The author believes this book to possess advantages over any other
of a similar character, in the eyes of the lover of flowers. Among the many
kindred works, he has been unable to find one which he, through the aid of a
scarce European work, has been able to present.
The author, also, has had full access to the complete works of the
Old English Poets, and accordingly he has selected many beautiful gems from that
casket of rare worth.
"There is religion in a flower,"
as has been sung. The author hopes that the influence of his book may be
religious in one sense; that it may cause the Graces of Life to throng around
the hearth-stone and scatter flowers of harmless joy and pleasure in those homes
where it shall visit. Thus he dismisses it; saying in the language of Old Aleyn,
that "Well of English undefiled,"
"Go, little book, God
send thee good passage!"
J.W.H.
Lowell, May, 1946.
DEDICATION.
I have not sought to wreathe my brow with laurel,
Nor crown myself with bright and fadeless bays;
As dear to me is a green sprig of sorrel,
As all that poets strive for,fame and praise.
And yet I fain would ask your kind attention
To this, my harmless, inoffensive book;
If it be not too low a condescension,
I pray you, fair one, on these pages look.
You will not, if you read, grow richer, wiser,
And yet I feel that you may better grow,
For every flower is a kind adviser,
From each glad blossom little angels go.
Yes; in the heart of every lowly blossom,
Sweet loves and angels flutter with delight;
Winging their flight from out each purple bosom,
They scatter odors, blessings, pure and bright.
Read then this Book! and let it thee rejoice;
May its words soothe thee as the breath of poppy,
And may each friend of thine, with mirthful voice,
Say,"What a book! where can I get a copy?"
J.W.H.
*[ED. NOTE: The book includes
trees, herbs, vegetables and grains in addition to flowers]
**[ED. NOTE: The poetry for
each day has not been posted to this website due to time constraints.]
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