AND HIS PLANT SCHOOL 21 



whether work or play occupied his attention, he had the 

 habit of putting all his energy into one thing at a time. 



When fifteen years of age Luther entered Lancaster 

 Academy, becoming a general favorite with teachers and 

 classmates; and there he studied several winters. Each 

 day he walked to the academy, which was three miles 

 from his home, often retracing his steps in the evening to 

 enjoy an hour's practice in the gymnasium, as he was 

 extremely fond of athletics. 



The summer months were spent in the city of Worcester, 

 learning the mechanic's trade. He was faithful in the 

 work in the great noisy plow shops, even excelling in it, 

 yet letters written at that time to the loved ones at home 

 speak more of the beauty of the earth and sky, of the 

 music of the birds and frogs, than of city life and the 

 sound of machinery. 



/ After leaving the academy, for a time Luther studied 

 medicine and hygiene. This, as well as the other sciences, 

 he endeavored to put into practice, and by so doing, no 

 doubt, built up and strengthened a naturally frail body. 



Notwithstanding all these interests, the message to 

 the plant world must be given, and at the age of twenty- 

 one he had begun his great life-work, the training of plants 

 to greater usefulness and beauty. 



