214 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



"See dying vegetables life sustain, 

 And life, dissolving, vegetate again; 

 All forms that perish other forms supply 

 (By turns we catch the vital breath and die) ; 

 Nothing is foreign; parts relate to whole; 

 One all extending, all-preserving soul 

 Connects each being; greatest with the least, 

 Made beast in aid of man, and man of beast; 

 All served, all serving; nothing stands alone; 

 The chain holds on , and where it ends unlinown , ' ' 



Emerson says: "Plants are the young of the world ; vessels of health and 

 vigor, but they grope ever up toward consciousness ; the trees are imperfect men, 

 and seem to bemoan their imprisonment. 



'*The animal is only the novice and probation of a more advanced order. Men* 

 though young, having tasted the first drop from the cup of thought, are already 

 dissipated. The maples and ferns are still uncorrupt, yet no doubt, when they 

 come to consciousness, they, too, will curse and swear. This is God's own system 

 of evolution in which we find no 'missing link;' but all above and below combined 

 by nature's unbroken chain of love." 



By the plastic hand of the Divine Architect each atom attracts, and is so at- 

 tracted to, that pebble and planet are alike held in place. By the same power is 

 matter endued with various forms of life, all of which bear to one great center — 

 Eternal Good. And yet man, for whose good all has been made and given, is the- 

 only creature that has said, "There is no God." Pity the ignorance of ingratitude 

 so inexcusable. It is true. Divine Providence is carried on by the aid of many 

 instrumentalities. But this does not affect the premises. These second causes, 

 whether they be rational or irrational creatures, with or without life, are com- 

 pletely dependent upon God, and could neither exist nor act without His powerful 

 support. 



When one effect in nature is produced, care is taken that it may answer the 

 purpose of a second cause, or be instrumental in producing a second effect, and 

 thus again and again, throughout a series of changes, which will terminate only 

 with the end of time, and none can arrest but He who set it in motion. 



If there had been left no records of a Supreme Being, no tests of divine truth, 

 it would seem that the innumerable stars of Heaven, the myriad flowers that gent 

 the green carpet of earth, are sufticient proof of His omnipotent hand, and these 

 the overflowing of His wondrous love. 



The countless trees and shrubs and spires of grass are so many trophies of 

 His skill and power. 



In the dim paths of the wilderness, where no human eye hath penetrated, 

 there the wild rose flings its fragrance on the morning and evening air. 



This wealth of beauty and amazing exhibition of creative power are proofs 

 of more than scientific happenings. 



No matter upon what leaf in the Book of Nature the eye ia turned, there will 

 be found a lesson to learn ; and if true to original talent, a store of knowledge is 

 revealed in every object; we "find tongues in trees, books in running brooks, ser- 

 mons in stones and good in everything." 



The horticulturist, the wise gardener, or a student of nature of whatever type,, 

 may find in the trees, fruits and flowers sweetest and moat valuable lessons. 



To a less cultured mind, the fluttering leaves, with the exquisite tints and col- 

 orings of autumn days, the ripened fruits and withered flowers^ tell only of death ; 

 every tinge of coloring bespeaks the presence of an icy hand. 



