118 THE GHOUNDSWELL. 



HIGHER STAGES OF PROGRESS. 



The Grange, whether it be allegorized as the fold for shelter 

 ing the flock, the storehouse of prosperous industry, or the place 

 where all meet to enjoy the fruits of their mutual labors, is 

 typical of the whole state of man. Here are gathered the 

 golden grain, the ripe fruits, and the bright flowers of human 

 progress; corresponding, respectively, to the Labors of Agri 

 culture, the Religion of Agriculture, and the Poetry of 

 Agriculture; the three Husbandry, Pomology, and Gar 

 deningcomprising the whole art of Agriculture. This is 

 the field where labor the Husbandman and the Matron, with 

 their fellows. They have passed over the stile or ladder 

 of the outer field of labor, and are now ready to enter the 

 Orchard. 



The Orchard is dedicated to Pomona. The Patrons reach 

 this degree through a portal connecting the boundary of the 

 field adjoining with the Orchard beyond. The ripe fruit of 

 the trees planted therein is called Hope. The fruit will not 

 be perfect unless, after the seeds are planted and the seed 

 lings large enough to graft, the scions be properly placed, 

 and guarded, nursed, watered, and pruned. They must be 

 protected from the burning sun of summer by ample foliage, 

 and by kindly mulching from the deadly frosts of winter; 

 its blossoms must be shielded from the blasting east wind, 

 and its overburdened boughs thinned of superfluous fruit, 

 that all may be equal in size and beauty, and the perfect fruit 

 brought, in due season, safely to the storehouse or Grange, 

 to be shared with the fellow-laborers in the field and the 

 fold. 



The Orchard adjoins the Garden, represented by Flora, or 

 Charity. It is divided from it by a beautiful hedge, from 

 one side of which hang garlands of flowers ; on the other 



