G>mplimentafy Banquet to Luthct Burbank 



bearing stage of the earth. To make the earth more fruitful 

 and its bloom more radiant has been part of the religious 

 life of the honored guest of the evening. 



We will not attempt to recount the achievements of Mr. 

 Burbank. That would be turning the accomplishment of 

 years into an hour-glass. He has done well in the past. He 

 is doing better now than at any former period of his inter- 

 esting career, and under the expanded opportunities now- 

 open to him will do his best work hereafter. We may in- 

 dulge sentiments of gratitude for the past, joy for the present 

 and hopeful prophecy for the future. We offer to him the 

 helpfulness of encouragement and the happiness of apprecia- 

 tion. 



Wherever in the civilized world horticulture is practiced 

 the contributions of Luther Burbank to the improvement of 

 familiar species and to the origination of new species, are 

 known. In the most distant lands his name is familiar. We 

 do him honor to-night not only on behalf of California where 

 his work should be best known and his personal worth most 

 highly appreciated, but we greet him in the name of the 

 thousands throughout the civilized world who would be 

 glad to join with us in honoring him. We have not awaited 

 the coming of the sad task of writing epitaphs and compos- 

 ing testimonials to his life services and his personal worth, 

 but are tendering to him the commendation of "well done" 

 while his heart beats in responsive gratitude to this well- 

 deserved commendation and our happiness may be intensi- 

 fied by the pleasure we are conferring. 



And now, gentlemen, it is my pleasant duty, on behalf 

 of this com^pany, to propose the health and success of our 

 distinguished fellow citizen, Luther Burbank. 



And may we drink this toast standing? 



