Winter Meeting. 251 



tlie pine rosin, the poppy, opium, the oak, tannin, and so on through 

 the list. In our gardens the aconite collects a deadly poison which 

 it stores up in its tubers, and by its side the potato gathers in starch 

 for the sustenance of man. The plant's adaption to the soil and climate 

 in which it is to grow is one of the most beautiful and useful studies 

 for the old as well as the young. 



"As the leaves of the trees are said to absorb all noxious qualities 

 of the air, and to breathe forth a purer atmosphere, so it seems to me 

 as if they draw from us all sordid and angry passions and breathe forth 

 peace and philanthropy." 



The trees may outlive the memory of more than one of those 

 in whose honor they are planted. I have written many verses, but 

 the best poems I have produced are the trees I have planted on the hill 

 side. Nature finds rhymes for them in the recurring measures of the 

 seasons, says Oliver Wendell Holmes. 



In conclusion many a man would find a most healthful and delight- 

 ful recreation if he will but give some of his spare time from his 

 office or his business, to the planting of some ornamental or fruit 

 trees and to the care of them. He would lose every thought of 

 business care, and would enjoy the most complete rest and relief 

 that any occupation could possibly bring him, add years to his life 

 and take wrinkles from his brow. Love trees, protect trees, care for 

 them plant them, water them, train them, feed them, talk with them, 

 and you may be sure they will repay you a thousand fold. 



THURSDAY, December 5, 9 a. m. 

 Invocation by Rev. S. B. Campbell. 



Reports of Local Societies. 



REPORT OF, RANDOLPH COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCI- 

 ETY. 



The past year has been fraught with many drawbacks and disap- 

 pointments and few successes to the fruit grower of this locality. How- 

 ever, we have not lost courage, but will profit by the lessons of the past 

 season. 



We were very much elated* with the prospect in early spring. Such 

 a profusion of bloom has seldom been seen. Every one said, "We are 

 sure to have a fruit crop this year that will be a record-breaker," but 

 all our bright hopes were dashed to the ground in disappointment. Still 

 nothing is so bad but that it might be worse. 



