CHAPTER XXXV. 



CLOSING WORDS. 



/^UR ramble among the small fruits is over. To such 

 ^^ readers as have not gro\vn weary and left my com- 

 pany long since, I will say but few words in parting. 



In the preceding pages I have tried to take from our 

 practical and often laborious calling its dull, commonplace, 

 and prosaic aspects. It should be our constant aim to 

 lift life above mere plodding drudgery. It is our great 

 good fortune to co-work with Nature, and usually among 

 her loveliest scenes. Is it not well to "look up to the 

 hills" occasionally, from whence may come "help" toward 

 a truer, larger manhood, and then, instead of going home 

 to the heavy, indigestible supper too often spread for those 

 who are weary and feverish from the long, hot day, would 

 it not be better to gather some sprays of the fruit whose 

 mild subacid is just what the material man requires in mid- 

 summer sultriness? The horticulturist may thrive if he will, 

 in body and soul ; for Nature, at each season, furnishes just 

 such supplies as are best adapted to his need. She will 

 develop every good quality he possesses, especially his 

 patience. 



As we have passed from one fruit to another, I have ex- 

 pressed my own views frankly ; at the same time, I think 

 the reader will remember that I have taken no little pains 

 to give the opinions of others. Dogmatism in pomology is 

 as objectionable as in theology. I shall be glad to have my 

 errors pointed out, and will hasten to correct them. 



