MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 89 
bring to a higher state of civilization, to give more and purer en- 
_ joyments than any other science or occupation, none can deny, that 
have sought its enjoyments or witnessed its effects upon others. 
Flowers. 
Flowers are admired and sought by all, from the cradle to the 
grave. There is a demand for them everywhere, in all enlightened 
nations. The higher and better the standing of the city or nation, 
the greater the demand for flowers and other horticultural products. 
Even in drinking saloons they are used to attract the passer by, 
and to in some manner add or lend a respectability to their calling. 
The wild and untutored savage will stop to look and admire them. 
They adorn the wedding feasts. They are occupants of the sick 
room and hospital. ‘Lhey grace the pulpit and parlor alike, and go 
with us to the house of mourning, to render our sorrows less keen. 
They are everywhere present and everywhere welcome, where the 
skill of the florist or the possibilities of nature will permit their 
growth ; and who can say that we are not the better and more ele- 
vated for them, in every sense of the word; that life is not purer, 
our joys more, and our sorrows less, for having an abundance of 
flowers. ‘Then let us add to and encourage their culture by every 
honorable means within our power, until each and every home and 
school-house in our land shall have its shade trees and flower gar- 
den, and until our cemeteries shall each and all be furnished or 
planted not only with shade and ornamental trees and shrubs, but 
also with an abundance of the choicest flowers our soil and climate 
can produce. 
Fruits and Vegetables. 
Now, what has been said of flowers, is equally true of fruits and 
vegetables. But they appeal to us in a different form. They ap- 
peal to our palates, our health, and last, but not least, our wealth. 
Our fruits, even at the present time, amount to quite a sum in 
dollars and cents, not only to those who grow them, but in saving 
and keeping money in our State, whereby all are benefited. And 
when this Society, or some other or individual members thereof 
shall have solved the great problem of what kinds of fruits will 
withstand the severity of our cold, dry climate, and what is best 
adapted to our soils, and what is the best method of cultivation, 
horticulture will not then stand in the background, and horticul- 
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