OUR POET FRIENDS. 263 
can call this picture overdrawn! At any rate, Mr. Parkman said that he 
truthfully described a forest scene he saw in northern New York. 
It is no disrespect to the poets I have quoted to say that I have reserved 
the best for the last, for so I feel it will be regarded by the members of this 
society, at least, the old ones, for it is a tribute to them by a citizen of our 
own state and of this city, yet not a member of the society, and, doubtless, 
personally unknown to most of you. But you will listen to the beautiful 
tribute with the keener pleasure because it will assure you that you are kindly 
thought of and your work fully appreciated by a public that you may think 
cold and indifferent. The poet friend who speaks to you in the following 
lines is Henry Slade Goff, author and historian, as well as poet: 
A TRIBUTE TO THE MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Forest and plains of a northern clime, 
Valleys and hills of the West; 
Sweet as the bells of an evening chime, 
Wild as the storm billow’s crest. 
Cherry or raspberry, peach or pear, 
Apple or quince there was none; 
Only the wild berries here and there, 
Ripening in the sun. 
On came the men of the early times, 
On to the great frontier; 
Singing their carols of rythmic rhymes, 
Laboring all the year. 
Cherry seed, berry seed, pear seed and peach, 
Planted in quickening soil; 
Promise of fruits o’er the prairies reach, 
Cheering them in their toil. 
Out from their conquering gardens they came 
Together from valley and lea; 
Hortus and cultura forming a name 
For needed society. 
Berry bush, fruit tree and vines of the best, 
Westward to furthrest run; 
Nurtured by men of the great Northwest— 
Such is the work that was done. 
Ripening fruit in the welcoming air, 
Mellow and luscious and sweet; 
Far as the stretch of the prairies fair, 
Gardens and orchards complete. 
Thanks to you, gentlemen, zealous and strong, 
/ To you and to your compeers; 
Honors in history, story and song 
Through all the revolving years! 
Giving the on-coming thousands a part 
Of that ye had planted and trained; 
Giving the public your hand and heart, 
And portion of what ye have gained; 
Blessing the generations to be 
Till story of earth shall be told; 
Pioneers, freemen and conquerors ye, 
Whose glory shall never grow old. 
The President: I was reminded while Mr. Owen was reading 
