104 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Intelligence now guides hev toiling hand 



And drudgery departs at her coniniand, 



While pleasant recreation for the mind 



And restful pleasures she can ever lind. 



The house plants that are every lady's pride 



In tasteful order ranged on every side, 



While luscious fruitage of a goodly hoard 



In great profusion decks the farmer's board. 



Tiie children of this modern household fair 



With their surroundings happily comjiare. 



Reared amid such influences bright 



They fill their home with happiness and light. 



You hear no longing for more distant scenes, 



And tViey dread not the time that intervenes 



Ere they shall leave their childhood's happy home 



In other lands, 'mid other scenes to roam. 



Home is to them the dearest spot on earth 



And sad the day they leave its sacred hearth. 



I've held to-night no picture to your view, 

 And told no tale that one may call untrue. 

 I look far back upon the page of time ; 

 I see some noble men in manhood's prime 

 Forming a band of earnest brotherhood, 

 Working together for the common good. 

 And soon societies all o'er the land 

 Originate from this the parent band. 

 Fruit culture now an impetus receives 

 And rich returns to thoughtful minds it gives, 

 While many a name to-daj" ennobled stands 

 For choice production by his skillful hands. 

 I see long trains of loaded cars to-day 

 Bearing the fruit of your old trees away 

 To cities, where huge transports waiting lie 

 To take the products of your industry; 

 Thence waited by stern winter's icy breeze 

 They reach the homes that lie beyond the seas. 

 I look around upon the grand display 

 Of apples fair this cold, raid-winter's day. 

 Bright hue, fair form and tempting as of old, 

 When Eve's desire to taste was not controlled. 

 I ask whence cometh this bright, fair array. 

 The gentle goddess, whose name you bear to-day, 

 Who hovers ever near with noiseless wings 

 An answer to our eager question brings : 

 "It is my work to guide the inquiring mind; 

 For in my kingdom j^recious gems you find. 



