112 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



in our minds, Are we doing the best that we can for our 

 children? Not, are we giving them the most? Are we giving 

 them everything they want? but — Are we doing what is best 

 for them. So many times, I think particularly we that live upon 

 the farm, if there is but little conies in we give it all to our 

 children. Is that right? We are laying up for them a harvest 

 that is going to cause them trouble in future years. They are 

 going to feel sorry that they have taken it all. I think in every 

 home the parents should give to the children and the children 

 should give to the parents. It should be mutual. Have your 

 children do for you, as you do for them. 



Another thing that I want you to cultivate in your homes, that 

 I am trying to cultivate in mine, the greatest plant of all. is the 

 plant of courtesy, — the plant of courtesy and love. We are so 

 apt to forget to be courteous to our dear one. How many times 

 our children will do some little thing for us and we will forget 

 to say " Thank you ; " we will forget to preface our requests by 

 a " Please ; " we will forget to say those little words " Excuse 

 me " when we have hurt their feelings, .when we would use 

 them to a stranger — and they are dearer to us than the whole 

 world. Let us not forget to be courteous to our dear ones, for 

 that is one of the greatest elements that goes to make the home 

 beautiful. It is said that courtesy is one of the qualities of God 

 himself, who of his courtesy giveth his sun and his rain to the 

 just and the unjust. Courtesy is the sister of charity which 

 quencheth hate and keepeth love alive. 



