228 Wisconsin state agricultural society. 
Secretary Field then read the following letter from J. C. Plumb 
of Milton, Mr. Plumb being unable to attend from illness. Its 
perusal is commended : 
Milton, Wis., Feb. 3, 1874. 
Hon. W. W. Field, Sec. St. Ag. Soc ., Madison, Wis.: 
Dear Sir : I am compelled to say that a severe illness of three 
weeks has prevented the completion of my promised paper for the 
convention, and will also prevent my attendance upon the meetings. 
This is a great disappointment to me, as I have been looking 
forward with great interest, and with anticipation of much pleas¬ 
ure and profit to the annual convening of the most intelligent and 
practically useful class of men which compose the body politic. 
Please accept my apology, and the following sentiments—the as- 
thetic portion of my chosen theme : Horticulture as necessary to 
the farm as hat and bonnet to the head ; as spring and top to the 
carriage; as veranda and vestibule to the house. 
These are shade and comfort, relaxation and rest, which are all 
necessary to our happiness, as food and clothing. 
Horticulture is the wine of the feast, the poesy of the prcsy 
farm life. 
It is the silken haired, light hearted and joyous ones of the fam¬ 
ily circle. Pomona and Flora are sisters of Ceres, and the moth¬ 
ers of many virtues. Horticulture is the highest expression of 
rural art. Its value to the farm cannot be measured by dollars 
and cents—as well measure the mental and moral nature of the 
farmer by the bushels and pounds of the produce of his farm. Its 
practice calls out the higher qualities of the mind, draws largely 
on the faith and develops a spirit of inquiry in all who earnestly 
follow it. 
Farmers—cherish horticulture, not alone for the food for man 
and beast it may yield you, most healthful food though it be—but 
as a means of perfecting the scheme of productive industry in 
which you are engaged, of making the farm the paradise of the 
family, that sons and daughters may grow up with higher and 
more refined surroundings than mere farm life can give, that they 
may find the homestead so much a home, that only the calls of 
