222 LUTHER BURBANK 



both sides as far as known, without exception 

 have been, and are, industrious, happy, prosper- 

 ous, respected, self-supporting citizens in their 

 several communities. Not one of them, either on 

 the Burbank or Ross side, have been deaf, blind, 

 imbecile, insane, incompetent, intemperate, or 

 addicted to the use of drugs or liquor; not one 

 of them has ever been in any way a public charge 

 or the inmate of any asylum; not one of them 

 has ever been in jail, but that some of them might 

 have been worthy of that position, I am not so 

 certain. 



Although my faithful father, good mother, 

 and talented sister, Emma Louisa, had always 

 been life's best inspiration, yet I had never 

 known the companionship, joy, peace, and happi- 

 ness of domestic life until I was sixty-seven 

 years of age, when Miss Elizabeth Waters 

 placed her heart and hand in my care for life. 

 Since we have walked together, life has foimd 

 a new meaning, and as friendly pals we romp, 

 play, and labor in perfect accord. What an 

 inspiration, help, and encouragement a good 

 woman may be has been exemplified in the 

 lives of millions of others, as well as my own. 

 Much of my best work has been accomplished 

 through her suggestion, counsel, advice, and 

 help. The world will reward my "Betty" with 



