102 STATE POMOLOGIOAL SOCIETY. 



As well as thoso to whom groat woalth liad come. 

 Pomona there her richest fruits displayed. 

 Before tliem, too, her choicest gifts arrayed. 

 She pointed tlieuj to sacred gardens old, 

 Whose ample fruitage rivaled purest gold — 

 The source of all she hrought to them this day, — 

 And whose rich tints reflects pure P^den's ray. 

 This gift was not intended for display; 

 Its henefit all can enjoy who may. 

 For tlie Creator ever had designed 

 This fruitage for the good of all mankind. 

 Thus as she proved 'twas not the way to live 

 To spurn the gifts that nature has to give, 

 But man should seek to know and understand 

 The laws that form this good work ol His hand. 

 Forthwith she taught him all her secret art, 

 A love for all God's works did she impart. 

 Till man comes forth from this one interview 

 With ardent hopes and aspirations new. 



Meanwhile fair Flora does not idly stand, 

 But scatters treasures thick on either hand. 

 Their fragrance fills the humble farmer's home; 

 Their beauty calls forth praise from every one. 

 Her mission is to open to our eyes, 

 The world of beauty that around us lies ; 

 To show to us that God has not designed 

 His noblest work no rest from toil shall find, 

 But ceaseless wend his constant, w^eary way 

 Through irksome duties, with no cheerful ray 

 To smile on him and soften dailj-^ care, 

 And fill his life with pleasures rich and rare. 

 Sweet comforter, a noble mission thine! 

 To cheer our weary eyesj, our thoughts refine. 

 Thy offerings of purity and love 

 God's goodness to his toiling children prove. 

 Although her labors to in-doors pertain 

 Her form is seen o'er all the fiirm's domain. 

 Fair messengers spring sweetly from the ground, 

 By wayside brook, in forests deep are found, 

 Eeminding us of our Creator's love. 

 And pointing us to our fair home above. 

 Yet Flora's presence brings more joy and peace 

 To weary house-wives in their brief release 

 From weary toil, who eager seek to find 

 Some recreation to divert their mind. 

 To such fair Flora is a cherislied friend 

 As arm in arm through shaded walks they wend 



