734 ANNUAL. REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



VEGETABLES. 



Except for a drouth in the early part of the summer, vegetables 

 were successfully growu. A few complain of too much rain during 

 the fall mouths. 



SHRUB. JERY PLANTS AND FLOWERS. 



A number of correspondents report increased interest in the or- 

 namental side of horticulture. This is commendable, for well-tilled 

 tields and well-tilled garners do not alone betoken' progress. It is 

 well to have an abundance of the useful, but as we progress we want 

 to cultivate the beautiful as well as the useful. Every house, yard 

 or lawn oh the farm should have its assortment of shrubbery and 

 flowers to serve as companion pictures of the fruit and vegetable gar- 

 dens and orchards. The absence of fruits and flowers on the farm 

 can not but suggest a life of exile to the young, and human nature 

 revolts against such banishment. 



Let the farmers' boys and girls live up to their opportunities, and 

 the brighter and better portion will become attached to country 

 life. 



NATURE STUDY. 



A year ago among the inquiries sent out was this: ''Is this subject 

 (Nature Study) receiving increased attention in your section?" The 

 answers were then almost invariably, "no." Possibly a little pro- 

 gress may be noted this year, but not equal to the importance of 

 the subject. 



A correspondent from one of the most populous counties in the 

 State reports that only eighteen teachers are interested; that in only 

 eighteen schools is this subject receiving attention. This is per- 

 haps the best showing of any county in the State. 



Our neighbors across the northern border, as I pointed out a 

 year ago, have taken hold of this matter in earnest, are doing the 

 work systematically, and will keep the best blood and brains on the 

 New York farms. 



Life and love will characterize the young man and the young 

 woman on the farm when put in touch and sympathy with their en- 

 vironments. They will live, not merely exist. They will love, be- 

 cause they are in sympathy with their work. They will 



"Find tongues in trees, books in running brooks, 

 Sermons in stones and good in everything." 

 They will see that 



"On every thorn, delightful wisdom grows. 

 In every rill a sweet instruction flows." 



