ANNUAL WINTER 3IEETING AT WARRENSBURG. 235 



mer winds and the toiling bees, to scatter the subtle seeds in the 

 mingling of yet other and improved forms of beauty and usefulness. 



When once embarked in horticultural pursuits, not only can we 

 not afTord to stand idle, but its demands of every day become so irre- 

 sistable that there is no need lor asking what shall I do next. Day by 

 day, bud, leaf, bloom and fruit require oar presence and our attention. 

 Nourishing; food is demanded for plant and tree. Proper condi- 

 tions of soil must be maintained. Noxious weeds will spring up to 

 impel us to renewed labor. But these all. are friendly aids to this in- 

 dustry. 



He who thinks that even the most persistent weed is a curse 

 makes a great mistake, for were it not for these uninvited forms of 

 vegetation the slothful person might argue that no cultivation is 

 required and neglect to give at the proper time that mellow and 

 healthful condition required to receive the nourishing showers. 



While there are no secrets in horticulture, yet the complete appli- 

 cation of its requirements and the full adoption of its necessities are so 

 numerous that the farmer, the mechanic and the merchant find it im- 

 possible to carry to perfection and keep pace with all its demands. 



Hence the labors of the florist and pomoiogist are demanded for 

 the whole world. These are the pioneers in a great and unlimited 

 industry that ever offers greater rewards for higher effort and that at 

 the same time makes its plans of work so apparent that all who will 

 may imitate. No life so humble, no position so exalted but that its 

 benefits are the same. 



Nature, impartial nature, offers the same unadulterated fruit of the 

 vine, the same spicy, health giving apple alike to peasant and king. 

 In truth, horticulture is no longer a common pursuit, but properly 

 understood and practiced, is a distinct science. 



By this road, then, stand tame and wealth to invite you to greater 

 effort. Through this gateway you may find the footprints of a Vick, a 

 Wilder and a Warder. In this honorable pursuit are found induce- 

 ments to temperance, frugality and industry and the consequent 

 results of long life and happiness. 



Life among fruits and flowers produces cheerful influences over 

 the children, creates a love for home, and highest and holiest of all in- 

 ducements, creates a love for the bountiful Giver of all. 



To the old home will cling the memories of the young men and 

 maidens who begin new life in other homes, and from the sweet influ- 

 ences implanted there will spring bright impressions to be adopted 

 and improved by them. 



Thus the work of to-day is only the stepping stone to the work of 



