234 Wisconsin State Horticultural Society. 



highwayman and the murderer, who each and all prepared them- 

 selves for their deeds of wickedness at some low, vile rum-shop. 

 I have read of the Italian brigands, who were very devout in 

 their prayers, even while committing deeds of cold-blooded mur- 

 der. But who ever read or heard of one going to a lady and 

 asking for a beautiful bouquet of flowers to give him courage for 

 deeds of evil? Such a request would be considered proof that 

 the applicant was either an idiot or a lunatic. I hardly know 

 why it is that so many sensible persons will persist in declaring 

 that they know nothing of growing either small fruits or flowers, 

 and that they cannot learn. If you should tell one of them that he 

 did not know how to raise a crop of corn, he would consider it an 

 insult. Yet my own experience tells me that I may rely upon a 

 large crop of strawberries with full as much certainty as upon a 

 crop of corn, and with much more certaiuty than upon a crop of 

 potatoes. 



My wife takes care of the flowers. The roses never refuse to 

 bloom. Her flower-beds never fail to be marvels of beauty in 

 their season, although neither of us ever took the first lesson in 

 landscape gardening. In fact, I am inclined to the belief that the 

 pursuit of practical horticulture requires no more skill than it 

 does to become a good practical farmer. It does require more 

 thorough, as well as more careful, cultivation. 



But there are those, who are at least fair farmers, who are in 

 reality ignorant of almost every principle of horticulture. They 

 would gladly know something of it, and enjoy its pleasures and 

 its profits. What can they do? Let them form themselves into 

 a horticultural society, and meet regularly, as often as once per 

 month. But do not attempt to make it a complete success with- 

 out your wives and children. Bring them in, and make your 

 wives full members, with the right to vote. 



In a farming community, it will, as a general thing, be better to 

 move about with your meetings. This will almost certainly be 

 true during the summer season. Appoint your meeting at or 

 near the home of some one of your interested members. Ask 

 him to fit up an arrangement for some hot water. Have your 

 subject for discussion selected in advance, and your leading 



