Vermont State Horticultural Society. 41 



as truly as food strengthens us physically. To be sure we can 

 live without them but the life will not be rounded out as full 

 and satisfactory. Need I say plant flowers? In every spot 

 and corner plant them. Make the waste places about your 

 dwellings blossom like the rose. 



Have some plants in the windows to ' cheer and brighten 

 the dark days of Vermont's cold winter. You will not find 

 them a financial success, but their refining, elevating influence 

 will go with you all down the pathway of life. Flowers tact- 

 fully given will do more good than the money they cost you 

 doubled. 



Someone has said that, "The orchard tends to soften and 

 humanize the country, and give the place of which it is an 

 adjunct, a settled domestic look." This is true, but not half the 

 truth. We are glad that the possibilities of fruit raising in 

 the state are being realized. 



Let us go back in mind to the time when the Vermont 

 dairyman's association was organized. Think for a moment 

 what the dairy interests were then. Note if you will what they 

 are today. I predict for the horticultural society of Vermont 

 the same onward and upward stride and the same inspiring 

 helpfulness. 



While we commend the cultivation and use of fruits, let us 

 not be remiss in protesting against their abuse. Remembering 

 that 



"Satan, too wise to try his former plan 

 Tempts, in another way the race of man ; 

 Foreseeing in the apple no excuse, decides, this time, 

 To try the apple's juice, through this. 

 To wine,, and beer, the danger grows, 

 Till all man's shame is written on his nose." 



Our homes scattered up and down these rugged hillsides 

 and through these valleys are what we make them. Let us if 

 possible make them ideal homes. We can adorn our dwelling 

 places with flswers. spread our tables with wholesome, healthful 

 food and fill our homes with a spirit of loving kindness that 

 v>411 diffuse itself on all who enter. 



Would that the good influences ever going out from these 

 Vermont homes might be as beautiful as her flowers, as pur» 

 as her sparkling waters and as lasting as her rock-ribbed 

 mountains. 



Life has its trials, whatsoe'er our lot, 



But if there be, on God's dear earth one spot 



Crowned more than others with his favors lent, 



