SUMMER MEETING AT OREGON. 4^ 



with the simple grace and the perfect harmony of a flower which the 

 poorest can cultivate in the humblest home. 



Music is an accomplishment usually valuable as a home enjoyment. 

 The purest and loftiest emotions the heart ever feels on earth are 

 awakened by music, and the soul is wafted away to the mansions of rest 

 upon waves of song. 



If our homes are the embodiment of comfort and liberal taste, the 

 central sun of a bright and social atmosphere amid the perfume of beau- 

 tiful flowers, life will flow on in deep and untroubled serenity and joy 

 and love reign supreme. 



Professor Taft, of the State Agricultural College at Columbia, was 

 then introduced and read a highly interesting paper on "The Value of 

 Experimental Stations to Horticulture." The Professor showed of what 

 value this department will be to the agriculturist and horticulturist in 

 securing pure seed, testing of novelties in fruit, seeds, plants and scions, 

 forestry, shade and ornamental trees. He feared the appropriation by 

 the government would prove inadequate, but hoped that good results 

 would come by the combining of the various departments. The letter 

 was a highly interesting one, and on motion of Mr. Murtfeldt, the paper 

 was referred to the committee on experimental stations. 



Miss Cora Fry, the recitationist, was then introduced and recited 

 " Farmer Brown " in her very best style. The little Miss was cheered 

 most heartily by the delighted audience. 



At the conclusion of this number, Mr. W. R. Laughlin of Elm Grove 

 was called upon and read an amusing yet highly interesting paper on 

 " Reminiscences." It is impossible for us to give a creditable synopsis 

 of this excellent production. His tribute to Mr. " Smiley" Shepherd of 

 Putnam county, Illinois, the first grower of the grape in the west, was 

 truly a worthy tribute and the manner in which he treated the " fraud " 

 peddler of nursery stock, showed the speaker to be " not afraid " to give 

 his opinion of this class of " sharks." 



The evening's program was closed with a violin solo by Prof. John 

 Horn, assisted on the organ by Miss Maggie Perkins, " A Day's March 

 Nearer Home." This was a number greatly enjoyed by the large audi- 

 ence and the professor won fresh laurals by the exquisite execution of 

 this piece. 



