82 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [l906 



how the influence of home, a few love-pats on your shoulder, 

 and the mother's words, " Never mind, it will all come right in 

 time, ' ' will come back to cheer you? 



My heart goes out in keenest sympathy to the dear old fathers 

 and mothers who have given the best years of their lives, when 

 the blood flows swiftest, the foot tiips lightest, and the hand is 

 the nimblest, to the care, protection and the education and the 

 making of a good home for their children. 



Many children never realize what a good father they had 

 until he is dead. Then their regrets come too late. He 

 worked as long as his strength held out, early and late and un- 

 complainmgly that they might enjoy life, and to provide a home. 

 The world is full of aged breadwinners, who must keep on 

 workmg, or rely upon these children for charity, or starve. 



There can never be an ideal home without love, and it seems 

 to me no home, no life, is ever fully rounded out, without the 

 delights, cares and trials of little children. 



I cannot help but think that in a very large proportion of the 

 many homes that I have visited, that the barns were more con- 

 venient than the houses, and that there were more barns with 

 running water for the stock than houses with running water for 

 the wife. 



Cleanliness is next to godliness. On it depends the happi- 

 ness and the welfare of nations; and as the home, the cradle of 

 the world, is the foundation of nations, it is of paramount im- 

 portance that the keenest foresight should be given to the fur- 

 nishings of the home, as well as the scrupulous care in main- 

 taining that cleanliness which is of so vital importance to life 

 and health. One does not have to possess the wealth of Solo- 

 mon in order to furnish one's home in a healthful and sanitary 

 manner. I would say to the young husband, and the old one 

 as well, never mmd if your back is almost broken, gather up 

 the pieces and have a front yard that is green with grass, a back 

 yard that is green with grass, and here and there the bed of 

 flowers and shade trees to gladden the eyes, to soothe the 

 spirit, and rest the body of the best investment that a man ever 

 had, the good wife and mother. So many men seem to think, 



