286 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



ing- glory, or as he delights in the wealth of the waving forests and 

 the beauty of the flowering fields with their accompaniment of bird 

 song, he steps with lighter tread npon the velvety green of the turf 

 beneath his feet because of the beauty and glory encompassing 

 him. Each gives an exhilaration to body and soul which is in- 

 spiring. In the more ruggged countries of Scotland, Scandinavia 

 and Switzerland this exhilaration is enhanced by the grandeur of 

 the scenery, and man absorbs, as it were, the strength and sublim- 

 ity around him and, as a result, becomes ennobled by them. 



To have an ideal home in the country we must have healthful, 

 vigorous life; we must have as requisites ideal natures for inmates 

 of the home, and not only those naturally endowed but well trained 

 and educated. This we ask, far above the beautiful situation and 

 artistic surroundings outside or the perfect appointments inside 

 the dwelling. These may vary indefinitely, but the upward, onward 

 trend of those who make the home life should be unquestioned. In- 

 telligence, industry, economy, perseverence, judicious management 

 and a willingness to do anything and everything on the farm are 

 necessary in order to succeed. Young people should start with 

 these, though much else be wanting. Too many young people de- 

 sire to commence life with everything- at hand in the way of furnish, 

 lags, inside and out, and while this is naturally desirable it often 

 results in their ceasing to think that life consists in reaching out 

 and going on, and so cease to attempt and achieve, as they would 

 have done had they been under the necessity at the start of provid- 

 ing for themselves. Holland tells us: 



" Life is not reached at a single bound, 



But we build the ladder by which we rise 

 From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies, 



And ■we reach the summit round by round." 



So a home is not made by willing it or by the labors of a day or 

 year, but by continuous effort year . '^*'*r year to accomplish that 

 most nearly perfect thing this side of heaven, which is indeed the 

 type of heaven itself. 



Young people need object lessons. If they can have a sight of the 

 possibilities of attainment, it nerves them to endeavor. For this 

 reason, the man and woman who are to make this home should 

 have had experience in life to some extent before they attempt the 

 grand ideal. Let them start slowly and moderately and work up 

 gradually. Intelligence is a good beginning, but industry, experi- 

 ence and perseverence must be added to intelligence in order to 

 accomplish a success from year to year which will give a zest to 

 life. 



As soon as a home is begun, beautifying the grounds should be 

 thought of, and preparations made for trees, shrubs, fruits and 

 flowers of every kind that can be grown in the locality, for this adds 

 variety, and variety adds pleasure. One is too apt to lose interest in 

 that which is not attractive. If this is not done early, procrastina- 

 tion grows into a habit, and many years are lost which might have 

 been put to good use in, at least, growing belts of trees for protec- 

 tion, in order to future development in the way of horticulture. If 

 there is one thing that Minnesota needs, it is shelter so that fruita 

 and nuts may be grown to bring cheer to the fireside. If this is not 

 done, one loses much experience, for experience comes with the 



