The Banquet of Turnverein Hall. 123 



To raise within a busy cranium 



At least six crops before you plant at all ; 

 To write long letters and for papers some, 



Is Hoiticulture Theoretical. 



To feel the sunshine and the morning dew, 



To smell the ground in the first dajs of spring, 

 To have for company yourself and you, 



To hear the robins and the bluebirds sing — 



To hoe and harow, and to put plain dirt 



On living seeds, and then to wait awhile ; 

 To be afield in democratic shirt 



And use your muscles in plebeian style — 



To take all nature in your hardened hands. 



Plant trees and vines, train, prune, protect and pluck. 



Believe in self and in your fertile lands. 

 And have more faith in living than in luck — 



And then, at last, to sit in glorious style 



'Mid golden fruits heaped high in royal state, 

 OfTered by beauty with a gracious smile. 



To strangers dwelling in the city gate — 



To taste, to eat, to feel the throb of pride, 



To rise rejoicing from the festival ; 

 To clasp new friends with old ones by your side. 



Why — that is Horticulture Practical. 



