22 Missiftsippi Valley Horticultural Society. 



Kvorythincj is rondnoted in the most methodical and economical manner, 

 and yet, withal, imbued by the enterprising and liberal spirit of the propri- 

 etor. All of the plants are brought forward under glass, the place having 

 nearly two acres of hot-beds. The plants are set in the open ground as soon 

 as the weather will iiermit, and in that way these large crops are handled 

 like clock-work and go forward in round lots by the car load. 



All the packing, whether of fruits or vegetables, is done in the-packing 

 house, situated conveniently near the river. It is a two-story wooden build- 

 ing, 110 feet long and 40 feet wide, the lower floor being devoted to packing, 

 the upper to the box shop or factory. 



In order to keep the labor judiciously employed, the first half of the year, 

 from January to July, is devoted entirely to the market garden industry. 

 By the first of July the crops are all gathered and shipped and the whole 

 place sowed down in cow peas as a fertilizer. The only work carried on 

 during the summer is the propping up of trees, making hay and putting the 

 place in order. Then from the first of July to thy first of September, in the 

 language of the jovial proprietor, " we all take a holiday, a big rest, and go 

 wandering up and down all over the country, hunting up some fun." These 

 two months comprise the only period of repose in the calendar of the place. 

 By the first of September plowing the pea vines under is begun and Every- 

 thing got in readiness for the spring crops. About the first of October the 

 gathering of oranges is begun and finished by the first of January. 



The excursionists examined every point of interest on this admirable es- 

 tablishment, even to the two old houses facing the river in front, built in 1800 

 and 1802 respectively, and now used as quarters for the hands, the proprietor 

 residing with his family in the city. Every one was charmed with the genial 

 hospitality shown them. A bounteous lunch spread out under the shelter of 

 the beautiful orange grove was partaken of and washed down with a deli- 

 cious and jiurely Louisiana beverage made of the juice of sour oranges and 

 claret. 



When all had assembled about the festive board, the usual toasts were in- 

 dulged in, but Major Roundtree was nowhere to be found. Captain Sambola 

 was accordingly appointed a committee of one to find him. The Captain 

 finally found the Major and presented him to the guests in a few eloquent and 

 appropriate remarks, to which the modest host responded most briefly and 

 wittily, deploring, among other things, the want of a Mrs. Roundtree to assist 

 in doing honor to his guests. 



The ominous sound of the Bell's whistle admonished the excursionists that 

 the time for returning to the city had arrived, in order to get back in time 

 for the afternoon session of the Horticultural Convention. 



The returning party were all laden with souvenirs of their pleasant visit 

 in the shape of oranges, orange blossoms, orange wood canes, moss, etc., and 

 when the Bell made her return landing at the head of Customhouse street, at 

 precisely 2 o'clock, a unanimous regret was expressed that the delightful trip 

 had come to an end. 



