Agriculture

The Muse of Agriculture relaxes from her work with a shovel still in hand, surrounded by symbols of the seasons and fruits of the harvest. The flowering tree represents the promise of spring. The muse is crowned with wheat, which suggest summer when grain begins to ripen. The fruits and vegetables at the muse's feet are tokens of autumn's harvest. Given the uncertainties of farming, the muse's cloak is appropriately dark green, symbolizing hope.

Source: Michigan History Magazine (January/February 1999)