Winter Meeting. 219 



said pump from the soil, moisture at the rate of 400 pounds to one 

 pound of dry weeds — for the reason that with the cultivation given 

 as sug-gested, there will be none. These curses for Cain's sake will all 

 be killed in infancy. I consider it a matter of the greatest importance 

 that the ground be clear of weeds, whether it be in cultivated crops 

 or kept in grass. The prime object in all cultivation being to form a 

 mulch; removing everything that would take moisture from the trees 

 and plants. 



For the apple and peach orchard my experience prompts me in 

 saying that for the first four or five years after planting, popcorn is the 

 best paying crop, as well as the one least hindering the growth of 

 young trees. I will add that the fruit buds now formed are unusually 

 abundant, plump and healthy, giving promise of a plentiful yield. 



In all the efforts put forth in our chosen calHng, our aims should 

 be to faithfully use the rich inheritance committed to us in trust by 

 a beneficent Providence, remembering that we are his tenants at will, 

 and instead of burying or misusing the talent we each posses, use it 

 for the advancement of ourselves and our fellowmen. "In the morn- 

 ing sow thy seed and in the evening withhold not thy hand." Some 

 of us are now .toiling in the evening shadows and though we may 

 not enjoy the fruits of our labor, they who take our places will rest 

 in the shade and eat the fruit of the trees of our planting. 



Eden was lost by our first parent's sin, let us be diligent in our 

 efforts in helping to again restore it. 



Mrs. Keller sang a vocal solo, "My Rosary," and responded with 

 an encore, "Spring Is Here.'" 



Sedalia, J\Io., Dec. 19, 1904. 

 Hon. L. A. Goodman, Sec'y State Horticultural Society, Westport, 

 Mo.: 



On account of serious illness in the family, 1 shall be prevented 

 from attending the meeting at Neosho. I regret this very much, as 

 I have never seen the bright little city, and have read much about its 

 enterprise and progress. I thank the Society for the courtesy extended 

 me and beg to remain, very sincerely yours. 



Mrs. Geo. E. Dugan. 



In the absence of Mrs. Dugan her paper was read by Miss Marie 

 L. Goodman. 



