Educational Influence of Horticulture. 135 



The sacred writers and Christ himself were devout students of nature. 

 Most of their incomparable illustrations and happiest truths were drawn 

 from the s] reading tree, the cultivated field, the sower of seed, the household 

 garden, the ripening fruit, the tender vine, and even the withering grass and 

 the fading flower. The Sweet Singer of Israel seems to have found the high- 

 est place in the heart of nature. His inimitable psalms are fraught with her 

 tender breathings and her bounding pulsations. The pure in heart are com- 

 pared to a tree planted by the rivers of water, and the wicked to chaff. He 

 sees the hill to skip like lambs and the trees to clap their hands in praise of 

 the great Creator. 



Thus we see that nature, intelligently interpreted, touches every part of 

 our being. 



Horticulture is a copartnership, with Nature as senior partner ; and what- 

 ever dividends are declared, as the years go round, enrich the individual 

 farmer and the world. As a rule the amount of this dividend depends upon 

 the intelligent co-operation of the farmer. One law of Nature is order; the 

 farmer must obey it. Another is methodical, systematic thoroughness. Due 

 regard to this will prove the philosopher's stone, with which to secure the 

 golden future. 



As man's inventive genius continues to bring to his aid labor-saving ma- 

 chinery, almost automatic in its perfection, the compact rises in importance, 

 and is commanding the admiration of the world. We seem to be entering 

 upon a new civilization, which demands of us greater intelligence and a 

 higher education to meet its requirements. This means a happiness in our 

 homes, a satisfaction in our labor, and a prosperity in our calling far above 

 what we now enjoy. 



Then let us not hesitate, as an association, to raise the standard of culture 

 high, and yet higher, until horticulture, in all its varied departments, shall 

 universally be acknowledged as standing pre-eminent among the great in- 

 dustries of the world as an educator of the people. 



Mr. Ohnier, of Ohio — Very many good and valuable papers have 

 been read before this Society. None are more deserving than this^. 

 I move a vote of thanks for this paper. 



A standing vote was called for, and it was unanimous. 



The President — I think we should always give time for one or 

 two papers from ladies. At Nev/ Orleans we had two papers of 

 this kind, and we thought that hour was the best one spent there. 

 I think you will consider this hour the best one spent in Kansas 

 City. 



Mr. Johnson, of Kansas — Several of us were afraid that a mis- 

 understanding would grow out of the action, or want of action, this 



