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Chapter 



INTRODUCTORY. 



" My fruit is better than gold ; yea, than much fine gold." 



Prov. viii. 19. 



HERE are words which touch the imagination 

 with peculiar force, the very sound of which 

 is agreeable, and which in their compass and 

 immortal charm remind us of the "infinite 

 variety" of Cleopatra. Such are Home, 

 Spring, Truth, Friendship, Sunshine. To 

 this excellent list belongs that other simple but very 

 meaningful one, FRUIT. The mention of fruit never fails 

 to inspire thoughts of classic form, artistic hue, fragrance, 

 delight of palate, healthful service to the body. It invites 

 also, in the pleasantest manner, to contemplation of the 



