12 2 American Jlorticulturdl Society. 



What is the sign of the autumn-time? 



Oil ! then the vineyards their sjilemior sliow — 

 Muscats an<l Ilamhurgs and flaming Tokays — 



Never were clusters like these, I trow. 

 Hut the roadside trees with dust are gray ; 



Yellow and sere lie the hills and the plain ; 

 The water-courses are parched and dry; 



All patiently wait for the beautiful rain. 



But the winter— ah I that is the strangest of ;ill ! 



Instead of the north, the south wind hlows, 

 The sweet south wind that brings the rain. 



The pattering rain, not wintry snows. 

 And then the rivulets sing once more. 



The hills turn green, and the dear wild llowvrs 

 Awake from their slecj), while the furrowed earth 



Grows young again 'neath the welcome showers. 



Never were lionoitd gtic.-t.s entertained in a more hospitable ami 

 happv manner than were the visiting hortienlturists ami tlieir frieml.s. 

 One word will describe the banquet better than a column of adjec- 

 tives: it was perfect. Nothing short of that woidd be just to the 

 talented ladies who so quietly and gracefully achieved such success. 

 Their triumpii was complete, and well fitted to close the harmonious 

 meeting of the Society. 



Of the many toasts and responses, but one would seem appro- 

 priate in this connection, viz.: '' Horticulture, Practical and Theo- 

 retical," responded to by Dr. Riilj)aih, of Indiana, as folh>ws: 



To study much a fact called chemistry, 



To learn earths, acids, alkalies and all. 

 To know all seeds and name all bugs you see, 



Is Horticulure Theoretical. 



To reason long aliout the laws of things, 



To make analysis, to classify 

 All leaves, legs, bodies, bugs, scales, teeth, toes, wings. 



And give them titles that may pass for aye ; 



To talk fur weeks how nuuli of this and that 



Is necessary that a jilant may grow. 

 What rainfall, dewfall, sun, wind, cloud are pat, 



And then tell others what you il<> not know; 



