356 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The shelf was still there which had held the worn Bible ; 



The three-cornered cupboard was still in its place ; 

 There were hooks in the wall, where had hung the good rifle, 



And the queer wooden clock with its oft studied face. 



There were marks here and there which were made by the children^ 

 And each brought its own little story to mind.. 



Thus came the remembrance of joys and of sorrows 

 That were strewn in life's pathway for each one to find. 



In the evening of life there is much to remember, 

 Who would care to live over the long day again? 



There is a tincture of grief in the sweetest of music, 

 The joys that are deepest hold measures of pain. 



How strangely the sweet and the bitter are blended ; 



How close intermingled are laughter and tears, 

 As the sunbeams of morn meet the mists of the valley, 



As the rainbow's bright arch on the dark cloud appears. 



And oft in their dreams time for them would flow backward, 



On refluent wave to the days long ago, 

 When the home in the woods held their hearts' dearest treasures,. 



And hope crowned their zeal with a;|radient glow. 



t They enjoyed the new house with its modern designing, 



The bright pleasant rooms gave them comfort and cheer. 

 But the pioneer memories ever they cherished, 

 And still to their hearts were those memories dear. 



The years drifted by and this father and mother 



Drew nearer and nearer the shadowy shore. 

 At last came a day when their places were vacant. 



And death's silent mystery shrouded them o'er. 



But still by the roadside the old house is standing, 



A quaint looking structure forsaken by all ; 

 The roughly hewn timbers are slipping asunder. 



The weather worn rafters seem ready to fall. 



Farewell, dear old house, those who builded and loved you 

 Have yielded their hands to the clasp of decay. 



Like those brave pioneers you have finished your mission, 

 And we give you a tribute of honor today. 



