58 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



are very large, and, as in the geranium, they are much more 

 enduring than the single ones. 



While the begonia may be somewhat exacting in its demands, 

 these are readily learned, and it fully repays all care. When we 

 take into account the beauty of the foliage, the great size, deli- 

 cate texture and exquisite coloring of the flowers, I know of no 

 plant more thoroughly satisfactory to the amateur. 



BOYS AND FRUIT. 

 Secretary Elijah Cook, Vassalboro. 



I am always glad to have an opportunity to speak a good 

 word for the boys before almost any audience ; and I am par- 

 ticularly pleased, to-night, to have the privilege of addressing 

 this large and intelligent audience upon a subject so dear to 

 my heart. We are anxious to increase the herd, to in- 

 crease the flock, to increase the products of the farm in 

 every way; and yet any one of these is secondary to our 

 duty to, and interest in, the boy and the girl. We are anxious, 

 to be sure, that they shall have broad, well-developed minds ; 

 that they shall have strong, vigorous bodies. But it is infinitely 

 more important that they shall have strong characters 

 as well. What advantage to the world though your 

 boy may have the mind of a Webster, and yet be controlled 

 by the lowest character? Environment does much for the proper 

 building of character in the boy and the girl. I shall have to 

 be careful to include the girl, for when we think of the grand 

 opportunities before the boy in this wonderful age, we must 

 remember that the opportunities are just as grand before the 

 girl. 



How many lives are wasted for the want of something to 

 encourage and inspire action, and how little it takes, some- 

 times, to accomplish the change which will make life a success ! 

 We cannot be too careful in regard to the environment, in 

 regard to the influence brought to bear upon the boy and the 

 girl. Be careful of their reading and teach them the way in 

 which the great characters of history were built up. 



