STATE HOBTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 161 



the fact (if fact it is) that men in onr country take little or no in- 

 terest in this matter until they have passed the meridian of life, and 

 their ^aze is directed toward the setting sun. No doubt there are 

 exceptions, but this is the rule so far as my limited observation goes. 

 Allow me to cite a few examples: 



Warder, in his old days, wrote and talked almost constantly on 

 this subject, disseminating much valuable information, and doing 

 much good. 



Scofield was on the shady side of fifty before he engaged in tree 

 planting, becoming very enthusiastic in his favorite pursuit in his 

 old age. 



Father Bryant, as he neared his journey's end thought and 

 talked much on this subject, and wrote a book on forestry. 



Minkler, as he nears life's golden sunset, feels a yearning for 

 the trees that he has planted, and an undying love for the leaves that 

 are for the healing of the nations. 



As the frosts of many winters silver the locks of friend Minier, 

 he, too, falls into line, and his mild, persuasive voice is raised against 

 the wanton, Avicked and useless waste of timber that is seen on every 

 hand. 



And last, though not least, Mr. Gaston elevates himself above 

 his fellow man, and with a giant walnut tree in one hand and a 

 catalpa in the other, cries mightily, with a loud voice, " More leaves 

 for the healing of the nations!" 



KEPOKT OF THE CAETHAGE FLORAL GUILD. 

 BY MRS. FRANK m'mECHAN, SECRETARY. 



In the year 1883, a few ladies of Carthage, thinking it would 

 benefit them to exchange ideas in regard to floriculture, held a pre- 

 liminary meeting at the residence of Mrs. Dr. Robbins, to take 

 action in forming a permanent organization. A second meeting, at 

 the home of Mrs. Dr. Noyes, resulted in a comnlete organization of 

 the " Carthage Floral Guild." 



A constitution was read and adopted, and the following officers 

 were elected for the year: President, Mrs. Dr. Robbins; Vice-pres- 

 ident, Mrs. C. J. Scofield; Secretary, Miss Julia Ferris; Treasurer, 

 Mrs. W. C. Hooker. The society was formed for the purpose of 

 assisting each other in the cultivation of flowers and shrubs. It 

 has been the aim of the society to make our meetings pleasant and 

 instructive in this respect, and I think we have succeeded, for the 

 society has progressed equal to all expectations. For the first year, 

 the culture of flowers, and sending them to the sick, was the only 

 aim of the society. 



The second year, Mrs. W. C. Hooker was elected President; 

 Vice-president, Mrs. J. B. Strader; Secretary, Miss Mina Risse; 

 Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Gill. With such an excellent corps of officers 

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