I06 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



A SEASON'S WORK WITH CHILDREN AND FLOWERS. 



MRS. ANNA B. rNDERWOOD, LAKE CITY. 



Before taking up fhe topic assigned me, it may be well to review 

 briefly some of the preliminary details leading thereto. Doing so 

 may be of service to others interested in organizing improvement 

 clubs, who with the practical methods of one club before them 

 can adopt or modify or avoid entirely what may be of no use under 

 other existing conditions. What will be outlined here will apply 

 only to cities and towns of less than 5,000. Larger places must 

 compete with those of their own size, engendering a spirit of rivalry 

 that will force the residents to advance measures that will enhance 

 the business outlook of the community. This is the work of the local 

 "Commercial Clubs" and "Citizens' Leagues," who will, figuratively 

 speaking, put the best foot foremost, hold rousing meetings of the 

 business men and adopt' measures that will attract some of the 

 floating commercial enterprises that are in search of bonuses, etc., 

 to tie them to earth, frequently for a temporary period only. The 

 cities lacking this aggressive life in their midst soon sink to the 

 level of what is commonly termed "dead towns" and very soon dis- 

 play all of the characteristices thereof : namely, deserted houses, 

 empty, rundown business blocks, lifeless inhabitants, etc. 



Activity among the citizens must be the keynote of effort in all 

 places, large or small, in order to make the most of surrounding 

 advantages and to improve conditions, for just so soon as activity 

 ceases a place will surely retrograde and many of the inhabitants, 

 not recognizing their own responsibility, will move to a "live" town. 



The smaller cities, towns and villages will need to attain results 

 through different methods. Their location may preclude the pos- 

 sibility of phenomenal growth, but they can foster the business in- 

 terests they already have, and, above all, the schools, churches, 

 public buildings, public grounds and homes can be kept in the best 

 condition, so as to bring into the social and home-life of the resi- 

 dents content, even enjoyment, in their environment. These smaller 

 places are fast becoming recognized as ideal for the true home life. 



In order to accomplish this attractiveness, much personal effort 

 is required. Individuals must assume responsibility, must feel that 

 the general weal is their own concern and that they must cultivate 

 an interest in affairs pertaining to the well-being oi their neighbors. 

 As some one has aptly said, "Whatever strengthens the attachment 



