ation of
similar societies in many surrounding towns, much to the benefit of
all concerned. I made an elaborate report of my Florida observations
which was printed entire by the United States Department of
Agriculture, widely distributed, and stimulated many to benefit their
condition by securing comfortable homes in that land of fruits,
flowers and delightful climate.

That year the angel world sent us our bright-eyed, smiling little
Elizabeth, thus making our trio of sweet singers a quartette to share
our joys and lessen our sorrows, coming like the dews from that heaven
to which we all return when our mission to refresh and inspire the
earth life is ended. It is interesting to note the varying definitions
of the word, baby, which have floated down to us in the literature of
all nations. Here are some of them which I have culled from various
authors:

"A tiny feather from the wing of love, dropped into the sacred lap
of motherhood."

"The bachelor's horror, the mother's treasure, and the despotic
tyrant of the most republican household."

"A human flower untouched by the finger of care."

"The morning caller, noonday crawler, midnight brawler."

"The magic spell by which the gods transform a house into a home."

"A bursting bud on the tree of life."

"A bold asserter of the rights of free speech."

"A tiny, useless mortal, but without which the world would soon be
at a standstill."

"A native of all countries who speaks the language of none."

"A mite of a thing that requires a mighty lot of attention."

"A daylight charmer and a midnight alarmer."

"A wee little specimen of humanity, whose winsome smile makes a
good man think of the angels."

"A curious bud of uncertain blossom."

"The most extensive employer of female labor."

"That which increases the mother's toil, decreases the father's
cash, and serves as an alarm clock to the neighbors."

"It's a sweet and tiny treasure."

"A torment and a tease,"

"It's an autocrat and anarchist,"

"Two awful things to please."

"It's a rest and peace disturber,"

"With little laughing ways,"

"It's a wailing human night alarm,"

"A terror of your days."

And this final definition which exactly describes each of our
quartette,

"The sweetest thing God ever made
And forgot to give wings to."

To crown the honors which this year