28 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



cultivation of the small fruits, now that the cultivated fruit of the 

 garden, instead of the wild product of the fields and the pastures is 

 relied upon as the main source of supplj^ . 



Neither would we forget the necessity of more encouragement in 

 regard to the planting of shade and ornamental trees in which there 

 is so much utilit}^ and beauty combined ; their protecting arms af- 

 fording shelter alike from the cold of winter and the heat of sum- 

 mer, adding attractiveness to the home, to places of public resort 

 and beautifying the public ways. 



Any action which will direct public attention more full}' to the 

 planting of shade and ornamental trees we would hail with delight, 

 as a step worthy the last half of the nineteenth century, a step for- 

 ward on the true line of progress. 



Mr. President : We cannot pass unnoticed that other department 

 which it is the pleasure of your society to encourage, the cultivation 

 of flowers. 



We are told that Soloman in all his glory was not arrayed like the 

 plain lily of the field. 



The fullness of the beauty, the power for good there is in flowers 

 no tongue as yet has been able to fully tell. Their presence 

 adds pleasure in the house of feasting, and softens sorrow in the 

 house of mourning ; we see them in the church to draw the 

 thoughts of the worshippers nearer to the Great Giver of all good, 

 their presence in and around the school-room has turned the stub- 

 born youth from ways of rudeness and idleness to the paths of 

 obedience and study ; when seen in or about the home, be it in the 

 sunshine of summer or through the blasts of winter, they tell of 

 purity of thought, nobleness of spirit and culture there. 



Flowers soften the hard spots, smooth the rough edges of human 

 nature and lift humanity to a higher and nobler life. 



With Longfellow can we say, 



*'In all places, then, and in all seasons, 



Flowers expand their bright and soul-like wings, 

 Teaching us by most persuasive reasons, 

 How akin they are to human things." 



Realizing the extended influence which this Society exerts upon 

 every question that engages its attention, and anticipating much that 

 will result in great good from the light thrown upon the subjects con- 

 sidered at these meetings, it is a pleasant duty for me, in behalf of the 

 farmers and people of New Gloucester to extend to you, Mr. Presi- 



