374 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



After the formation of horticultural societies, all kinds of fruit began 

 to show a steady improvement in size and quality. The strawberry, 

 from an insignificent wildling, has been brought up to what we see it to- 

 day ; the peach, in its original state, was bitter and insipid, unfit to eat, 

 to-day it is worthy to grace the table of kings. The apple, from the wild 

 crab, has been brought up to its present state of perfection, and is one of 

 our staple commodities and a prominent factor in the commerce of the 

 world . 



God bless, we say, the noble band'of horticulturists, who have done 

 so much to ameliorate the condition of the human race. 



The improvements in fruits is not all that horticultural societies are 

 doing tor the good of the communities in which they exist. There are 

 times in the history of every individual, when the weight of care and sor- 

 row seems more than we can bear, when every earthly friend seems to 

 have forsaken us, and even the God of Heaven refuses to smile upon us, 

 and we are led to exclaim, " It would have been better had we never 

 lived." 



But when we go to these meetings and see tables loaded with lus- 

 cious fruits and beautiful flowers, receive kindly greetings and cheer- 

 ful smiles from those assembled, we return to our home better prepared 

 to continue the struggle in the great battle of life. 



Horticultural meetings are calculated to break down that spirit of 

 selfishness, which pervades society to an alarming extent. Horticultur- 

 ists have no secrets. Whatever they find out by experience and ob- 

 servation, is brought out at these meetings and all are mutually benefitted. 



One of the greatest of the social features of these meetings is the 

 presence of the ladies. How cheering it is to man to see the dear crea- 

 tures for a while, put away the cares and toils of domestic life, prepare a 

 well filled ba.sket, cut some of their most beautiful flowers, and repair to 

 the place of meeting to gladden the hearts of all present. But man's 

 cup is full to overflowing when the tables are covered with linen drap- 

 ery, and the contents of baskets are spread out in tempting array, and 

 the president announces the welcome fact that " dinner is ready." 



How quickly vanishes the frown from the brow of the -lords of crea- 

 tion as they fill up on the good things the ladies have set before them. 



I do not believe in the old adage that a man's heart is more easily 

 touched through his pocket. I believe that part of the human anatomy 

 is more susceptible of impression through the stomach. Ladies, take 

 notes be the wayside. 



Horticultural pursuits have a tendency to elevate and enable man 

 to bring out all the finer feelings of humanity. I have no statistics at 



