170 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



it will also be, not a mere nest of common instinct, but a training 

 ground for young mortals, a sanctuary for the heart, a refuge from 

 storms, a sweet resting place after labor, a consolation in sorrow, a 

 pride in success, and a joy at all times. 



To you fellow home-makers, is it not worth our individual effort to 

 help create such a home, asking God daily to give us courage, strength 

 and knowledge, that we may act well our part in the home-building 

 work ? 



"A home is a spot apart from the world's tempestuous strife; 



'Tis the one great throbbing heart wherein is born new life; 



'Tis the place where love divine should reign supreme 



With your's and mine. 



Behind its portals must contentment dwell, 



And through its open windows tell 



That joy and peace abide within. 



'Twas thus decreed when God made man 



And moulded woman as his kindred soul, 



That the two might live and lead the world 



Toward love of life at home." 

 The Annual Business Meeting of the Society was held Wednesday 

 forenoon, Dec. Sth, 1915, and the following Report of the Secretary 

 was presented. 



At the Annual meeting held in Kalamazoo, Dec. 1-2-3, 1914, I was 

 Secretary and Treasurer, and as I had to keep the accounts of both, I 

 will give the Secretary and Treasurer's Report up until the 1st of Feb., 

 1915. I delayed turning over the Treasurer's account until I had all 

 of the accounts of tlie last Annual meeting settled. 



