Object Lessons from Life. 53 



rapidly onward, step by step, always paying as we go, to the 

 choicest fruits and flowers, and the most elaborate ornamentation, 

 being in all its moral and intellectual influences so pure, unselfish 

 and elevating as to become one of the strongest, safest and pleas- 

 antest bonds of paternal and fraternal union and companionship. 

 An eminent horticulturist writes: " I never see a pink, a poppy, 

 or a Sweet William, without thinking of my mother. And I 

 bless God that she is associated with such pleasant memories." 

 Though he is now far advanced in successful horticultural ex- 

 periences, I am sure the pleasures of those early recollections have 

 never been excelled. 



Now, the question comes to each of U3, how much of all of this 

 can we make our own? I do not forget that to all of usj who 

 are carrying the active responsibilities of life, business cares are 

 often heavy, and material prosperity sennas all important, but let 

 us " make haste slowly." Important as these things are, we need 

 something else as well. We must have the hearty interest and 

 co-operation of the boys and girls, and I know of no better way 

 to get this than by ''changing works; " step smilingly down from 

 our position of dignity, authority and responsibility, and become 

 boys and girls ourselves. Let us have play <lays as well as work 

 days, and let our intere-t be as lively and active as in the work. 

 Our first efforis may be a little awkward, but this will soon come 

 in as part of the effort, and I assure you perseverance will win. 

 In return, we shall find active and willing shoulders ready to 

 share with ours these cares and responsibilities. Let us accept 

 these lovingly, trustingly, and we shall never regret it. 



Mrs. Ophelia Forward, of Appleton, read the following paper : 



OBJECT LESSONS FROM LIFE. 



Glancing over the programme of this meeting a few days ago, 

 I read the following : " Paper, by Mrs. Ophelia Forward, sub- 

 ject to be announced." I felt on the one hand grateful to that 

 ingenious phraseology which put off the evil day of formulating 

 something that did not exist, outside the weary brain of a busy 

 school-teacher, and f on the other, a fearful foreboding as to what 



