WARSAW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 319 



river bluffs, lying west and north of it; the lands slope gently east- 

 ward. Here Mr. Hammond has been planting and improving for a 

 third of a century, and while he has met with some failures and very 

 many disappointments, he has been one of our most successful hor- 

 ticulturists, and his fruits, ciders, vinegars, etc., have a wide reputa- 

 tion. His plantations of trees have reached up into the thousands 

 of apple, cherry, peach and pear, besides an unlimited number of 

 almost every variety^f the smaller fruits, most of which are as suc- 

 cessfully grown here as at any point in the United States, but many 

 of which have been practically discarded for the want of markets 

 and market facilities. At present Mr. Hammond is devoting most 

 of his attention to the apple, and its products, and to general farm- 

 ing. But when markets or transportation facilities will justify, Mr. 

 Hammond and his neighbors will be able i^ furnish as fine berries 

 and other small fruits as any other portion of the country. 



A recess was taken in a stroll over this model farm and in view- 

 ing the different plantations — '' the old family orchard," " the large 

 commercial orchard,'' and the more general variety, or "experi- 

 mental orchard," in which many hundreds of varieties have been, 

 and are still being tested. Here the practical horticulturists receive 

 a most valuable "object" lesson which no interested fruit grower 

 could afford to miss. 



The commodious dwelling of Mr. Hammond is centrally and 

 very conveniently situated, and the surroundings are handsomely 

 and tastefully improved with intermingling trees, plants, and flowers. 



At 12 o'clock M. our hostess and lady friends served the entire 

 audience with an excellent lunch, which was enjoyed by all present, 

 and Mr. and Mrs. Hammond were unanimously voted "royal enter- 

 tainers." 



Reports and discussions were had as follows: 



Mrs. G. J. Rogers — The Warsaw Ladies' Floral Society is now 

 in a flourishing condition; effective work is being done, its influence 

 is being felt, and is of practical value. 



C. C. Hoppe — On the whole the vegetable gardener cannot com- 

 plain. Our markets are supplied with good and wholesome products. 

 True, the weather has been unfavorable at times, but prompt and 

 intelligent work has given us fair rewards. 



