sibly we may not as mortals, live long
enough in the material form to reap many of the benefits that are to
follow. But, being immortal; and having passed to a higher realm, where
we are endowed with a keener, broader, mental, and spiritual vision;
lost to the sense of time or physical pain, we may then behold the
results of our work, in the increased enjoyment of our children and our
children's children; while the centuries, like moments, glide swiftly by
and are lost in the endless procession of passing ages!

"Finally, as an additional source of encouragement to continue a work
which we may not live to see mature; let us consider carefully the
significance of the fact, that he who causes two blades of grass to grow
where only one grew before, is counted a public benefactor. Judged by
the same standard, he who causes two trees to grow where only one grew
before, is a benefactor of mankind, whose good works shall earn for him
the blessings of a hundred generations! By the same logic, it surely
follows, that the people, who cause a forest of trees to spring from the
arid bosom of desert earth, become the distinguished benefactors of the
human race, who offer shade, shelter, fuel, fertility and sustenance, to
a thousand future generations! They shall be thrice blessed! Having
arisen to the demands of a higher life of unselfishness, where the
solidarity of all life is recognized as a self-evident truth; they have
gathered a sufficient store of love and wisdom to admit them to the
domain of causation. Classed as worthy workers in that domain, they are
entrusted by nature, with the magical key which unlocks the climatic
gate, to her pent up floods of fertility.

"In conclusion, people of Solaris, I leave this presentation of the
subject for your earnest consideration until the recurrence of our next
annual festival. During the interval, I feel confident that you will all
join me in a closer study, of a topic which has already proved one of
such absorbing interest,--of such vast importance.

"Thanking you for your close attention, and for the frequent applause,
which has demonstrated your approval, I recommend that we do now
adjourn, to enjoy the waiting banquet which is to follow as the next
order of the day."

* * * * *

Great applause greeted Fillmore Flagg at the close of his oration.
George Gerrish arose and paid a glowing tribute to the wisdom and
eloquence of the orator; after which