STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 69 



to observe it. ''What shall we plant?" you ask. We would plant, 

 as a rule, only the thrifty, hardy growing trees and shrubs that may 

 be had in abundance on any of our farrus. There are other varieties, 

 perhaps, that would do well, but life is too short for us to experiment 

 very much, when we are in haste to enjoy the luxury of pleasantly 

 surrounded homes. 



Permit me to say that to my eyes there is no tree upon the lawn 

 or on the roadside possessed of more real beauty than the apple tree. 

 For one it will give me pleasure to plant the apple tree, thinking, 

 perchance, my little ones in after years will fondly thank me for its 

 grateful shade, its sweet scented blossoms, and its delicious fruits. 

 Then would I join with the venerable poet who sweetly sings of "The 

 Planting of the Apple Tree." 



What plant we in this apple tree? 

 Buds, which the breath of summer days ^ 

 Shall lengthen into leafy sprays ; 

 Boughs, where the thrush, with crimson breast, 

 Shall haunt and sing and hide her nest; 



We plant, upon the sunny lea, 

 A shadow for the noontide hour, 

 A shelter from the summer shower, 



When we plant the apple tree. 



What plant we in this apple tree? 

 Sweets, for a hundred flowery springs 

 To load the May-winds restless wings. 

 When, from the orchard row, he pours 

 Its fragrance through our open doors ; 



A world of blossoms for the bee, 

 Flowers for the sick girl's silent room, 

 For the glad infant sprigs ot bloom. 



We plant with the apple tree. 



What plant we in this apple tree? 

 Fruits, that shall swell in sunny June, 

 And redden in the August noon, 

 And drop, when gentle airs come by, 

 That fan the blue September sky; 



While children come, with cries of glee. 

 And seek them where the fragrant grass 

 Betrays their bed to those who pass 



At the foot of the apple tree. 



