378 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



pure thoughts, and noble deeds. Who can doubt the refining and 

 ennobling influence of the culture of flowers upon the young? A 

 love of flowers, a knowledge of their classification, manner of 

 growth, native haunts, is one of the best safe-guards to throw around 

 a boy. With a flower garden, either in doors or out, in which he is 

 really interested, what charms can the coarse jollity of the street or 

 beer saloon have for him? And what more suitable and healthful 

 recreation for girls, with their instinctive love of beauty, than the 

 cultivation of fresh, pure, lovely flowers? Tn evei'y household, then,. 



"Let flowers expand their light and soul-like wings, 

 Teaching us, with most persuasive reasons, 

 How akin they are to heavenly things. 



And. with child-like credulous affection, 



We behold these tender buds expand; 

 Emblems of our own great resurrection. 



Emblems of that bright and better land." 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Minier — I most heartily endorse the ideas set forth in the 

 lady's paper. Putting the roses in the kitchen, where the atmos- 

 phere is moist, is a good idea. The gentleman of the household 

 should take more pains in having the plants where and as they 

 should be. Build an Eldorado at your home and make yourself 

 and those about you happy. 



The President suggested that we now have Mr. Wakeman's and 

 Mr. Bryant's papers on small fruits, before further discussion, which 

 suggestion was carried out. 



BEEKY CULTURE. 

 BY H. G. BETANT. 



To secure the best results from the growing of small fruits for 

 market or home use, we must first see that we have the varieties 

 adapted to our soil and climate, and that our ground has been thor- 

 oughly prepared for planting. Select a piece of ground that is nat- 

 urally dry and well drained; but if not so, give it thorough artificial 

 drainage, for it is impossible to raise small fruits successfully on low, 

 wet land. In the fall give it a liberal coat of well-rotted manure, 

 and plow deeply, leaving the ground in the rough over winter, as it 

 will be much looser the following spring than if harrowed smooth. 



In April, as soon as the ground becomes dry enough to crumble 

 easily, plow again, harrow, and pulverize thoroughly. We now 

 have our ground in good condition for immediate planting. Never 

 work ground when wet, as it will be much better to wait until dry, 

 even though a little late. Should your soil be a stiff clay it can be 



