256 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



i4 As the vine, which has long twined its graceful 

 foliage about the oak, and been lifted by it into sunshine, 

 will, when the hardy plant is rifted by the thunderbolt, cling 

 round it with its caressing tendrils, and bind up its shattered 

 boughs; so is it beautifully ordered by Providence, that 

 woman, who is the mere dependent and ornament of man 

 in his happier hours, should be his stay and solace when 

 smitten with sudden calamity; winding herself into the 

 rugged recesses of his nature, tenderly supporting the 

 drooping head, and binding up the broken heart " 



"The treasures of the deep are not so precious 

 As are the concealed comforts of a man 

 Lock'd up in woman's love.- I scent the air 

 Of blessings, when I come but near the house 

 What a delicious breath marriage sends forth 

 The violet bed 's not sweeter! " Middleton, 



May woman's presence ever shed its genial influence 

 over the grand work which the Union and Alliance are 

 destined to accomplish. 



A custom that has grown extensively since the 

 beginning of farmers organizations, is that of holding festi- 

 vals, picnics and mass meetings. While it is impossible 

 for the farmer to leave his business for a month in the 

 summer and visit the sea-shore or some fashionable water- 

 ing place, he can, however, take a day now and then 

 during the season, and with his family attend a gathering 

 of his brother farmers, for the purpose of pleasure and 

 relaxation. These meetings are always well attended, and 

 the mirth of the youngsters engaged in some innocent 

 amusement affords a pleasure to the older ones which they 

 are not slow to appreciate. 



It is usual at such meetings to have speaking and 

 music. One feature of these meetings which marks the 

 progress of intelligence among the farming class is, that 



