IN^DIANA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 305 



Bartlett, A. W. Matthews; best plate Flemish Beauty, C. P. Bradley, and 

 best plate Tyson peai's, H. H. Swalm; prizes 25 cents each. 



Best collection of peaches— H. E. Haines, first; George F. Newton, sec- 

 ond; prizes, $2.50 and $1. Largest and best Plate of peaches— H. E. Haines, 

 first; George F. Newton, second; prizes, $1 and 50 cents. Best collection of 

 plums— C. P. Bradley, first; W. C. Corney, second; prizes, $2.50 and $1. 

 Best plate Lombard, H. H. Swaim; best plate Burbank, Mrs. B. A. Davis; 

 best plates Abundance and Shipper's Pride, C. P. Bradley, and best plate 

 German prune plums, J. B. Witmer; prizes, 25 cents each. 



Best collection grapes— C. P. Bradley, first; H. H. Swaim, second; prizes 

 $2.50 and $1. Best plate Moore's early grapes, H. E. Haines; prize, 25 

 cents. 



Best muskmelon— J. W. Kring; prize, 50 cents. 



President Hobbs: The next on the program is, "Why I Am a Horti- 

 culturist," by Mrs. Neal, of Albion. 



WHY I AM A HORTICULTURIST. 



BY MRS. ISABELLE NEAL, ALBION. 



Horticulture is the art of cultivating gardens. Our first parents were 

 horticulturists and the Garden of Eden was the highest ideal of God's 

 conception of a beautiful dwelling place for them. In' my fancy I see it. 

 a land elysian of singing brooks and sparkling waters. There were azalias 

 and rhododendrons, which grew into gigantic trees laden with a splendor 

 of bloom and roses of immense size. The bushes were like the massive 

 trees of Yosemite, and there were plants with flowers strange to be seen, 

 and lofty palms with paths between, which stretched away into vast for 

 ests of delightful scenes. 



• 



Like that path in the wood where I used to roam, 



When the oak tree leaves were green. 

 And the wild bird built for herself a home, 



Concealed by the leafy screen; 

 The world never seemed to be half so good 

 As it did when I went to that path in the wood. 



Adam and Eve were not content with their lives of leisure. God had 

 given them the spirit of progression which gave them the desire to eat the 

 apple. And there arose between them a contention. Adam said Eve was 

 responsible for the desire for wisdom, and now because of this we are 

 told that women are the weaker vessel. Show me the home of a hortl- 



20 — Agriculture. 



