12 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



I 



The sweet influence of flowers is as marked on the humble hovel 

 as on the mansion of the wealthy. 



Flowers seem a conception of the Divine Artist, in portraying the 

 boundary line between this world and Heaven. And they do more to 

 refine unconscious vulgarity and uncouthness in manners than any 

 exhortation from the pulpit, or all epics ever written. 



They are mute but eloquent pleaders to the hardened criminal, who 

 would turn a deaf ear to the voice of humanity, but the scent of a 

 flower or the sight of a favorite blossom will recall the days of his 

 innocent childhood, and his mother's tender, patient face. 



Flowers often do more to melt away the barrier between the crim- 

 inal and his Saviour than all the sermons ever preached. 



When planted with due regard to form and color, will give the 

 grounds the appearance of a magnificent picture with a touch of 

 Divine light that no artist can ever produce on canvas. 



The sight of a cherished flower will often call back to us the half- 

 forgotten past, and hold up before us a phantasmagoria of a scene that 

 once was filled with light, music and happiness. 



Song by Miss Margart Kooker, Brookfield, "A Happy Thought." 



Wednesday, June 5—9 A. m. 



Meeting called to order by the President. 



Prayer by Mr. Murtfeldt. 



Eeport on orchards from Mr. Spear, read by Mr. Durand. 



A letter from S. R. McConn, who believes that the tap-root is 



useful to the tree. 



Butler, Mo., June 3, 1889. 

 Mr. L. A. Goodman: 



Dear Sir — I am not able to attend the meeting, and so I send you my report, t 



very much regret my inabi'ity to be present at the meeting, but hope the rest of you 



may have a good time, and that the meeting may be a success in every respect. 



Yours, etc., 



HENRY SPEER. 



Butler, Mo., June 1, 1889. 

 To the Officers and Members of the Missowi State Horticultural Society : 



The rules of our society require a report from me, and I will comply to the best 

 of my ability. My observations in regard to the condition of orchards have not been 

 as extensive this bpringas usual, but 1 find young trees in good healthy condition and 

 making a good growth. Some of the old trees are still suffering from the effects of 

 our late cold winters and dry summers, and each year a large percent of them 



