i6o State Horticultural Society. 



"A stream cannot rise higher than its fountain." 



What we want is higher, better, more ennobHng principles implanted 

 within our youth. Only the cultured home can attain this. When we 

 consider how much depends upon the attributes of the home, the far- 

 reaching influence that goes out from under its roof; the subject is broad. 

 There are so many essential points, I scarce know which to mention as 

 the first requisite. However, we shall give order pre-eminence, as it was 

 "God's first law." If we would study nature more and apply it to our 

 home life our lives would be much more peaceful and serene. The world 

 needs more cultured homes, homes that will cast out rays of refinement. 

 I am sure this cannot be done from disorderly homes. The old adage 

 wears good : "A place for everything, and everything in its place." 



Cleanliness comes next to mind; it "is next to godliness." I know 

 it is a constant warfare with broom and brush for our weapons, yet the 

 good housewife's mind is broadening, and I am glad that today she 

 realizes that she has a field of labor other than the confines of the kitchen. 

 She should learn to do her work with method and system and some sleight 

 of hand, and still have clean homes. 



Books and magazines must be in the cultured home, but very little 

 of the daily paper. The literature must be such that will give pure 

 thoughts. A table well filled with horticultural matter will give as- 

 piration and inspiration. Country life should be there. Its beautiful 

 engravings that interest young and old. Bailey's Encyclopedia is an 

 education in itself. Our own Fruit Grower, that is a real personal friend. 

 The National Fruit Grower, The American Truck Farmer, and a host 

 of others. "t 



Flowers must be in this home. The surroundings inviting. Some 

 may argue that they have no means to beautify the home. I will admit 

 that money is a great convenience when rightly applied. More palatial 

 homes can be built with plenty of means at one's command. But, alas, 

 how many hopes have been blasted and parents' hearts wrung and for- 

 tunes squandered by allowing their children the too free use of money. 

 As pertains to the boy, as to the girl, every wish being gratified, petted 

 and pampered. We ask, is she fitted to meet the realities of life and fill 

 the place God has assigned her, the true wife and mother. I cannot be- 

 lieve that money is the one most essential thing in making a happy home ; 

 but time, strength, energy and contentment can produce it. 



We need to get the child so enraptured with the home life that he 

 or she will not want to leave it. Love, kindness, sympathy, patience must 

 be practiced in this home. Dr. Parkhurst writes: "A benediction re- 

 mains upon a man or woman whose heart is printed with lines of grace 



