THE DESERET WEEKLY. cerning the young and rising gen- the early sun. It was the first of its eration of Zion, for the Kingdom of kind I had observed during the God has got to rest upon their shoulders; they will have to carry present spring, and I felt to welon this work when their fathers and come that modest blossom, as I mothers pass into the spirit world. would a returning friend. Glancing perintendents and teachers prepare I found others; some just bursting Then let us as parents, Elders, su- then along the sunny hillside slope, them for the great and important mission awaiting them. from their buds, others in the full locks and ripened seed. pride and enjoyment of their flowery prime, and yet others with whitened PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON upwards of Sunday school children among the Latter-day Saints is a powerful testimony to the world in opposition to the charge made ag inst us that we are a corrupt people. This is in keeping with the great and first command. long since I read an article in one Not of the great journals of this country, from the pen of a gentleman connected with the Sabbath schools of New York City for 40 years. He expressed his regret that that Chris- said: It is very interesting to see so tian city with its big fine church on many people turn out on a Sabbath Fifth Avenue could not muster as evening to attend this meeting. It many as 100 Sabbath school chil- gives evidence of the interest in dren out of 1500 church members of the subject of Sunday schools. I am that district. It is looked upon by exceedingly thankful that we have many people in the world that the such an organization, and pleased giving of birth to children is de- at the results attained. Still, as has grading, but the killing of their off-been said, we can progress, and this spring or destroying the fountain of is our mission. The work of the life and breaking the command- Lord is ever progressing. We are ments of God are looked upon by this like a city set upon a hill and cansame people as being legitimate not be hid. and proper. They will come under great condemnation for doing these things. I rejoice that the Latter-day Saints are faithful to God with regard to their offspring and that instead of 100 children to 1500 members, we can produce between 600 and 700 Sabbath school children for every 1500 members. time and attention be devoted to Let more the proper training of the young and rising generation and God will bless us and them. PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF said: I am happy and thankful to God to meet with so many of the Latter-day Saints tonight. are engaged in a glorious mission. You We have an army of nearly 60,000 immortal souls, noble spirits sent from God and born of goodly parents. Here we have a harvest before us-a large field of mighty work. I feel that Brother Cannon has been spared of the Lord and he has performed a great and a good work in establishing the Sabbath schools in this Territory, as also those associated with him in his labor. each of the conditions named, and forthwith opened a conversation I plucked a few of the flowers, in with them, in the language which Nature understands so well-that of careful observation. I desire the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops to interest themselves in this work, and also to as-Stakes and Wards, take an extra You who are called to preside over sist in building up the Primary or- interest in the institutions and organizations and Mutual Improve-ganizations of your districts. Seek ment Associations, for they all need to qualify the members for useful-without their use; though perhaps Fig. 1. Dandelion Leaf. encouragement. These tooth-like lobes are not sisters who have charge of the truth. Superintendents and teach- we have not learned to recognize Encourage the ness and fidelity to the cause of Primary organizations. callings also, and the blessings of quently found a dandelion growing Having ers of Sunday Schools magnify your such in its fulness. I have freGod will attend all your labors. to the name by which the plant is A word first, however, in regard known to us. will be left to ourselves some day or of the French expression dent de It has been said by some that we lion," is in reality a changed form The word "dandeI have not taken that view of the other in a condition of isolation, but lion, meaning literally, lion's tooth; subject. That we have been assailed by the wicked is true. This the German name for the plant, has been the case from the very Löwenzahn. These titles have refand this same idea is conveyed in beginning, are such as to endure the attacks but our institutions Because this is the work of God, leaf, as made upon erence, without doubt, to the pethem. and it is designed to remain. And why? culiar shape of the leaves. Each was thought by many that the build- deeply cut, the lobes being inclined can be seen, is of an It elongated form, the margins are ing of a railroad here would solve the "Mormon" problem, but Presi- backward (Fig. 1), with a supposed poor religion that could not stand tions of the king of beasts. dent Young remarked that it was a resemblance to the dental projecone railroad. It would be a poor rerailroads. The Gospel will endure ligion that could not stand many all things. It will withstand saloons and the drunkard, the gambling den and everything brought in the midst of this atmosphere. against it. It will remain intact No rivalry can affect the Church of God. It will stand unmoved in the midst of all things. It is for us to remain true to its principles. Rely on the Lord continually; travel in the path that He has marked out sults. for us, and we need not fear the re charge of the smaller children they need to be sustained in their labors. Take a deep interest in all the organizations in your Stakes Wards and visit them as often as and possible. Minister to all the people in the Church of God as they require. Now I want to say a word regarding the training of the children of the Latter-day Saints. A question was put to the Prophet Josepn as to Smith. Clerk. The choir sang: Kind and Heav-amongst grasses and other plants enly Father." much taller than itself, with many Benediction by Apostle John H. chances seemingly of its being overLEVI W. RICHARDS, shadowed by its taller neighbors, to the total exclusion of sunlight. However, in such a case, when the grass stalks are blown by the wind against the dandelion, the toothlike hooks on the leaves, catch it, pelling it to assist in holding up the and thus prevent its return, comleaf to the sunshine. THE DANDELION. the time when the education of "Dear common flower, that growest beside children should begin. He said it the way, now." was at the time when the spirit Fringing the dusty road with harmless gold; acteristic of being able to compete The serve the striking difference between the receptacle. From the surface this is accomplished, fertile seed the form of the plant in poor soil, arise a number of small flowers (C), cannot be formed. If the pollen of and under conditions of rich fer- set closely together; though in po- one flower act upon the ovule of the tility. In the former case, the plant sitions of perfect order, and appear- same blossom, the process is called forms a rosette of short, spreading ing to the hasty observer as but one self-fertilization; and when the polleaves, apparently striving to cover large flower. Around the outside of len is conveyed from the flower upas much ground as it reasonably this floral bunch, are seen a number on which it was produced, to ancan, and thus securing a consider- of green scales, like very small other, acting upon the ovules of able region from which its roots can leaves, forming a cup-like cluster, the second, cross-fertilization is said absorb nourishment. In rich ground (B), technically known as the in- to occur. Now, it appears that crosshowever, a smaller quantity of soil volucre. fertilization is the more efficient contains all the needed nutriment, and the leaves in such cases are long, and less divergent in their course. The flower stalk, too, is short in the poor soil-just long enough to support the flower in such a position that it can receive abundant sunlight; but in a more luxuri. ant growth, the stalk may be two or more feet in length instead of but as many inches. The stalk upon which the flower is supported is hollow; and this feature adds to its strength and general stability. It is a well-known fact among mechanics, that for a given weight of material, a tube is much stronger than a solid bar. To demonstrate this fact, the following simple course may be pursued: Take a sheet of foolscap paper, divide it into equal halves; roll one as a solid bar, and the other as a tube. Tie a thread around each end to prevent unrolling, and support the ends of these paper rods on a couple of books. Now place weights on each -the hollow rod will support nearly double as much as the solid body, without breaking. So even the flower stems and the stalks of grass are formed upon a plan of consistent mechanism. Now let us examine the flower with some detail and attention. To clearly see its parts we may cut a blossom completely in half, using a sharp knife, and cutting from the stalk upward. This done, we will look attentively at the cut surface, by the aid of an ordinary pocket magnifying glass. And this is what we see (Fig. 2). Fig. 2. Dandelion Blossom, Vertical Section. A plump, cushion-shaped organ seems to form the termination of the stalk (A). This the botanist calls To look more closely into the method; the seeds resulting from structure of the blossom, we must self-fertilization being, as a rule, far remove one of these pretty florets less vigorous. Our thrifty dandelion (C) from the receptacle, and exam- seems admirably adapted to the ine it through means of a higher more desirable way of cross-fertilizapower magnifying glass. A com- tion; and this is brought about in a plicated structure is readily per- very beautiful manner. ceived (Fig. 3), all the essential parts of a larger flower being present, though in a somewhat modified form. 9. Fig. 3. Dandelion Floret. Let us return to the floret of our specimen, once again; each lit tle cup is filled to the brim with a sweet juice-a golden chalice of the purest nectar. Wandering insects readily succumb to temptations of this sort, and they eagerly accept the dandelion's invitation to tarry and indulge in a draught of honeyed liquor. To comprehend how an insect, in sipping nectar from the flower cup, can aid in the fertilization of the blossom, some farther attention to detail is requisite. Notice carefully the upper part of a stamen-tube in a freshly opened flower (Fig. 4). The pistil is entirely within the tube; the style is thickly set with short hairs, all directed upward; and upon these hairs is a large quantity of pollen, shed from the anthers. As growth progresses, the style protrudes carrying the pollen with it, still borne upon the bristle-like supports (Fig. 5). Fig. 4. Fig. 5. Protruded Pistil. Anther-tube. An insect alighting upon the blossom and seeking for nectar, would certainly rub off a quantity of polOne great object of flower life len from the outside of the style; appears to be the production of seed, the stigmas, however, are still hid. by which the species may be per- den within the tube, and consepetuated. That this may be effect- quently safe from self-fertilization. ed, the process of fertilization must The next step in the development of be brought to pass. Fertilization of the floral organs is the splitting of flowers is the mingling of the fluid the style, and the rolling back of the contents of the pollen with the ma-parts, so that the inner surfaces or terial within the ovules; and unless styles are exposed (Fig. 6). When an insect comes to a flower in this condition, after having perhaps visited a younger blossom, from Fig. 6. Style divided. Such may be learned from this humble plant. Surely the unmistakable marks of infinite care and with the seeds all ready for trans-9). Upon its surface may be seen nu- and downy hair. Not a fibre without its use, not a worthless cell to be found. As soon as the purpose is fulfilled for which a particular organ was designed, straightway that organ shrivels and decays. The bright economy of the flower that flying insects might be attracted, and fertilization secured. But as soon as this was effected, the golden flowerets dried and fell away. which pollen was taken up, some pollen will, without doubt, be rubbed The seed may be borne by the In fair weather the tiny flower off against the exposed stigmas, wind perhaps for many miles from cups of the full-blown dandelion are which become somewhat sticky at its parental home; but when it spread wide open to the air and sun, this stage, through the secretion of comes to earth, the barbed ovary and are conspicuous objects to the a kind of vegetable mucilage; so being directed downward will passing insect. But at night when that a grain of pollen once brought touch the ground first then by the dew is likely to fall, and during in contact with the stigma-surface, waving to and fro of the hairy damp weather when the moisture of will in all probability adhere per-pappus, the seed will be worked manently. But it may happen that no insect visits the flower, and in such a case, cross-tertilization cannot be effected. Here is another wonderful adaptation to circumstances. The stigmas, as already seen, continue to coil themselves, so that the inner surface is finally brought in contact with the pollen on the style, and self-fertilization is thus secured as a last resort. Soon after the fertilization of the blossom, the involucre closes, thus protecting the fruit during the critical process of its development. The corolla, style, and stamens, having discharged their functions, and being now of no farther use to the plant, wither and fall; the ovary swells to accommodate the growing seed within; its outer surface becomes hard, and, the slender neck, bearing the calyx bristles, (2 Fig. 3) grows in length, rapidly elevating the bristles (Fig. 7). Fig. 7. Fruit of Dandelion. Now, the involucre bends backward and exposes the receptacle deeper and deeper into the soil, The pappus hairs are worth a Fig. 8. Pappus Hair. Fig. 9. Receptacle. After all the seeds have gone, the convex cushion, or receptacle as we have decided to term it, remains (Fig. the air would likely dilute and spoil the nectar, the flower is tightly closed, and the precious juices preserved. Who can venture to suggest an improvement in the capacities of the dandelion! As it is in its sphere-specially adapted to the circumstances of its allotted life, so with all others of God's great works. Before we leave our subject, the economic purposes to which man applies the various parts of this humble plant should be alluded to. The young leaves form indeed an excellent salad-highly prized by those who have learned its merits. The green leaves are used extensively as a pot-herb, and the root is a valuable medicine. The milky juice pervading the whole plant, contains a caoutchouc, but not opium as is generally supposed. "Those whom Truth and Wisdom lead, May gather honey from a weed." J. E. TALMAGE. THE USE OF THE EYE. One of the most wonderful organs in the human system is the eye. The various parts that make up this useful and indispensable sense are so grand and complex, that we are led to exclaim, "How great and wondrous are the creations of God!" We might spend our whole life. time in the study of the peculiarities and arrangements of the different parts, and their adaptation to the uses of mankind, without ever being able to construct one on the same model. Paracelsus, the alchemist, once made an artificial rose, and spent months trying to give it an odor, by using the ashes of richly perfumed roses that he had burnt. A scientist once imitated a grain of wheat so perfectly that the eye could not tell the difference between the imitation and the genuine; but when he tried to make it grow, there was something lacking. In both cases there was an absence of the life principle; both efforts were failures. These facts, with many others of a like character, show that all mankind can do is to imitate; we cannot originate anything; we cannot make anything different from what we see, or think of new and different forms of life other than what we find around us. In early life our eyes are round pliment as to the beauty of her and full-we have no trouble in eyes. She replied, a Scotch ferryreading objects close to the eye. As man, who, while rowing her across age creeps on, we push our news- a river, caught sight of her shining paper farther and farther from us. orbs, and was so captivated that he Why? Because our eyes flatten; asked her to allow him to "light his and just in proportion as we grow pipe by the light of her eyes." All old, so we see distant objects with these considerations deal with the more distinctness. uses of our eyes, from a utilitarian standpoint; but many have "eyes and see not.” As long as we can read at from eight inches to a foot from the face, we are all right; but when we cannot see easily at that distance, we should obtain glasses of slight convexity, which will restore the sight, and enable us to read with our book just where we want it. But glasses should not affect the eye. We should read easier for using them; if they strain the eyes, they are too round. We should not put off the use of The eyes are so formed that they are intended to last us during the period of our natural lives. Who has ever seen an Indian using spec-glasses too late. When reading, altacles to help him to see? He has lived without having over-taxed the organs of sight. The white races of mankind are influenced by other aims and objects, and cannot pass through life without looking into and examining the wonders of nature that surround them; for this reason their eyes fail sooner than the races who never ways let the light come over your shoulder. Shield your eyes from direct light immediately in front of you. Take this rule: When the book you are reading begins to blur and look confused, lay it down and let your eyes rest. Never force them beyond this. Place the proper estimate upon the "windows of the soul," ," and try and imagine what Thousands of people travel and see but little. Like the gentleman who visited Mount Vesuvius, who said he went to Naples, saw nothing in it; visited the burning mountain; looked into the crater; "nothing in it." I have asked dozens of persons who have visited wonderful places and have been disgusted to learn how few could tell the truth about scenes of wonder. Ask them how high the mountains were, how deep the canyon, was it well wooded, what was the color of the rocks, and general characteristics. "Couldn't remember," was the general reply. The reason for this failure to use our eyes, is the disposition to slur over matters. We look, but we do not see; the images are not im look beyond their daily needs, and the world would be to you without printed on the brain. When we care but little for "sermons in stones, and books in running brooks." Without attempting to enter into a minute study of the different parts and uses of the eye, I may say in brief that it is a scientific lens or combination, receiving the images presented, and transmitting them to the brain, by the optic nerve. In the lens used by photographers, the images are transmitted in the same manner, as we make an arrangement artificially that serves the same purpose. As the brain is placed behind the eye, so is the sensitive plate behind the lens. In the last case, only one object can be imprinted on the same plate; but in the case of the brain, it can receive and contain the impressions of a lifetime. We can expand the iris of the eye so as to allow more light to enter the pupil, and close it to exclude an excess. We imitate the same arrangement by the use of diaphrams in the lens, but it is all a poor copy of the wonderful original. The vultures and eagles that soar aloft, have the power of seeing objects at a great distance; their eyes are controlled by the will, and enable them to expand and dilate the iris, so as to enjoy long and short sight as their needs demand. your sight. A man who was born blind, when asked what conception he had of light, replied by saying he thought it was "something he could feel." look at anything worth our time, we should learn all we can about it; for we can seldom forget those images that circumstances have printed on the brain. We can learn faster by the right Near-sighted persons are those use of our eyes than by our ears. whose eyes are very full and con- The power to distinguish fine shades Old age improves their eye-of color, is enjoyed by very few persight in the proportion that the eyes vex. flatten. If children are allowed to read too much by artificial light, they will become near-sighted, which proves a very inconvenient trouble; for the reason that, being unable to see objects at a distance, they are excluded from enjoying views of distant objects. Of course artifical aid can be obtained in the use of glasses that restore the natural roundness of the eye. sons. The ability to tell when anything is straight, is rare. Scores never see when a picture is hung crooked. How many are there who can guess lengths in inches, quickly, and yet we can see? How many of us can tell the number of different kinds of grasses that may be found in our lots, or name the varieties of trees to be found in our city? The writer once asked a gentleman from London, to gather some walnut leaves for a certain purpose. He replied, that he could not tell a walnut tree from any other; yet this man was of mature age. He had looked at, but had never seen the objects of beauty around him. There are too many young persons now wearing glasses to remedy this defect. Too much study is the cause. To fully enjoy our eyesight, we must preserve our health. The greatest of all our earthly happiness is the possession of this the greatest We can find out more about the of all blessings. The rosy cheeks rocks that compose the crust of our and sparkling eyes are very mag-earth, through our eyes, than we netic. can by reading books. Printed deThe Duchess of Sutherland was scriptions fail to convey to the brain remarkable for possessing eyes of surpassing brilliancy. She was once asked who paid her the finest com the sensations of pleasure we glean through the use of the eyes. The leaves, the weeds, the flowers, the "Certainly; and I nervously took the picture out of its newspaper wrapping, and placed it against a show-case, where it could be seen in the most advantageous light. fruits, all possess sources of wonder I found it hard to scrape pennies asked me to come into the store, at and beauty that must be examined enough together to pay for the sim- which I was somewhat surprised, critically and carefully by our eyes. plest kind of food and lodging. but followed him. After entering We often meet men of mark; and "Moody & Co., dealers in frames he said: 'You are an art student, when asked to describe them, are and artists' materials, at that Martin, by name?' 'Yes, sir,' I anperfectly at sea. True, we spoke to time kept a store on Eighth Street, swered. 'I know,' he said; 'Moody them, but did not notice them. where many of the artists, in em- has told me all about you. I like to There is a profound mystery of bryo, like myself, purchased our look at pictures; I buy them somefitness of arrangement in all things mill-board, canvas and paints; and, times; I see you have one with you. pertaining to this earth, and the by the way, this firm would buy Will you let me see it?' planetary system which calls for such from us, our painted copies, at a very close observation as enables us to small figure to be sure, yet still describe what we see; and demands enough to perceptibly lighten our that we should look well into every-expenses. Late in the afternoon of thing that it is our duty to under- a cold, foggy, drizzling day, I stand. stepped out of the art store, after "After looking at it for a few momaking a purchase that had cost me ments, Mr. Dobson asked if the more than I had anticipated, but picture was for sale. I answered still leaving me with a solitary ten-yes. I was on my way to Moody's cent piece in my hand; the silver to see if I could sell it.' dime looked wofully small, but as I dropped it into my pocket, I hoped it would at least be large enough 'to keep the devil out and hold good If the Psalmist said man by luck in;' and with this wish I faced "Well now,' said Mr. Dobson, 'I searching, could not find out the storm and strode up the street don't think for a moment, that Mr. God, he was right. We know but homeward; but I was suddenly Moody would underrate your work; very little of man, and less of the brought to a stand-still. William I do think it worth more than two worlds around us; we are only on the H. Dobson, at that time, kept a dollars. I like it, and I'll tell you threshold of the knowledge of the jewelry store four doors north of what, I'll give you ten dollars for it; Gods.-C. R. Savage, in Twentieth | Moody & Co. On a store box, in now what do you say?' Ward Institute Index. front of the jeweler's window, "What could I say? I was overwith all its display of gold, silver joyed, yet I honestly told him that and wealth of precious stones and the picture was not worth so much gems for a background, sat, shiver-money. Never mind,' said he, ‘it "He that hath pity upon the poor lendething, the most pitiable object I had is worth that to me, worth more, into the Lord; and that which he hath given ever seen. It was a little boy, not What a wonderful object of study is mankind! When we think that there is not a straight line in the human form, but that all is made up of graceful curves through the entire system; how much we should recognize that there is an immensity of knowledge before us. KINDNESS REPAID. will He pay him again." Proverbs. "And pray, what will Moody give you for a picture like this?' "Perhaps a dollar and a half, or one seventy-five,' I answered. deed,' and he placed in my hand a bright, new ten-dollar gold piece. possibly over seven years old; he Several years ago, while dining had lost both feet by some accident, "And now to explain: Two with half a score of artists, the and propelled himself about on his weeks ago, while looking through main object of our meeting being knees, on which he had strapped, the window, I saw you suddenly for the purpose of arranging for the or tied, pads of worn and dirty halt; this, with the expression on disposal of pictures donated by cloth; his clothes were worn and your face, drew my attention. It painters, for the benefit of the "Ar- patched, and soaked with the driz- was most interesting to me to mark tists' Fund," a charitable organiza-zling rain. the conflicting emotions flit over tion, instituted for the relief of des- "It was not the general appear-your countenance like lightning. titute and needy widows and or-ance of the boy, that brought me The struggle was as plainly written phans of deceased artists; of course up so suddenly; it was his face. Oh, on your face, as though given in our conversation was mainly on the sirs, I shall never forget the plead-speech. I knew you were parting benign influence of charity, with ing, imploring, beseeching look, the the blessings occurring, intermin- sorrowful, sad, despairing expression gled with kindred subjects of benev- of that child's face. Instinctively olence; one of the elder members of I darted my hand into my pocket, the party related the following little and grasped the dime, and thought, reminiscence from self-experience, alas! it was my last penny; I was as a proof that "the giver receiveth poor. No, no, rich; rich alongside of tenfold," etc. I give the story in this poor little waif; better the devil his own words, as nearly as possible: in the pocket than in the heart; and "It is needless to say, gentlemen, so thinking, I dropped the dime in that when an art student, I was pos- the little cripple's tattered hat, then sessed of a great deal of ambition, | hurried on with a heart as light but "That I was delighted to know but supplied with a very, very lim- not as empty as my pocket. that my generosity was so well reited amount of cash-in fact, a "Now, mark the sequel, gentle- warded, it is needless to say, and ten-cent piece, at times, assumed in men: Two weeks later, I was pass- this was not all; Mr. Dobson remy imagination, the proportions of a ing this same store of Mr. Dobson's mained my kind friend until the cart wheel. The circumstance I am with a picture under my arm, to day of his death, aiding me without going to relate occured, when near- sell, if possible, to Moody & Co. A stint, by a continuance of his suping the end of my three years' middle-aged gentleman was stand-port during my struggles for sucstudentship, and at a time when ing in the store door; it was Mr. cess.”—G. M. O., in Twentieth Ward money was so scarce with me, that Dobson, as I soon learned. He Institute Index. with your last penny, and I determined, there and then, that your good deed should not go unrewarded; and more, the little cripple, whom I had not observed, before your charitable act, I brought into my store, fed him and warmed him, and through my intercession he is now well cared for in the Orphans' Asylum, for he is an orphan, and was almost literally homeless.' |