ANNUAL MEETING, 1894. 491 



Forestrj^, the Dairymen's, the Agricultural and others that help to 

 build up the countrj' and furnish freig'ht and express for the rail- 

 roads to carrJ^ Let concerted action be taken by all these interests 

 and the case properly presented to the Western Traffic Association, 

 and thej' will, no doubt, see the justice of granting reduced rates, as 

 they formerly did, by simply requiring the secretary to sign a cer- 

 tificate of attendance. 



The effective work being done b}^ the Forestry Association calls 

 for our continued support. We cannot saj' or do too inuch for the 

 preservation of our forests and the growth of our titnber. Not until 

 every home has at least a good shelter belt of evergreens should we 

 relax our efforts. 



In the publication of our society reports there seems to be a 

 chance to inaugurate the printing of a monthly periodical, that 

 commends itself to my favor. It has been under consideration for 

 for the past year. The secretary in his report will outline the pro- 

 posed plan, and I heartily urge its favorable consideration and 

 adoption. 



In conclusion, we have much to be thankful for. Our lives are 

 those of pleasure, full of active, aggressive interest. If at times dis- 

 couragements arise, we are certain to overcome thein; and when our 

 work is done and we can no longer plant and trim, sow and weed 

 and care for the silent friends we have learned to love so much, 

 maj' earth receive us, as another has beautifully expressed it: 



" Mother, a faithful son we bring thee here 



In loving ease to lie beneath thj- breast, 



Which many a year with loving care he drest. 



His was the oldest craft, the simple skill 



That Adam plied, ere good was known by ill; 



The throstle's song at dawn his spirit tuned ; 



He set his seed in hope, he grafted, pruned, 



Weeded and mowed, and with a true son's care 



Wrought thee a mantle of embroidery rare. 



The sno^'drop and the winter aconite 



Came at his call, ere frost had ceased to bite; 



He bade his crocus flame, as with a charm ; 



The nestling violets blootned, and feared no harm. 



Knowing that for their sakes a champion meek 



Did bloodless battle with the weather bleak; 



But when the wealthier months with largess came 



His blazoned beds put heraldry to shame. 



And on the summer air such perfume cast, 



As .Saba or the Spice Isles ne'er surpast. 



The birds all loved him, for he would not shoot 



Even the winged thieves that stole his fruit; 



And he loved them— the little fearless wren. 



The red-breast, curious in the ways of men. 



The pilgrim swallow, and the dearer guest 



That sets beneath our eaves her plastered nest. 



The merry white-throat bursting with his song, 



Fluttered within his reach and feared no wrong; 



And the mute fly-catcher forgot her dread 



And took her pay beside his stooping head. 



Receive him, Mo"ther Earth, his work is done; 



Blameless he lived, and did offense to none, 



Blameless he died, forbidding us to throw 



Flowers in his grave, because he loved them so; 



He would not have them stifle underground, 



But bloom among the grasses on his mound. 



We that have loved, must leave him: Mother, keep 



A faithful watch about him in his sleep." 



