REPORTS OF LOCAL SOCIETIES. 341 



potion the famous Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. And last but not least, 

 it is here that we tind the most wonderful spring in the world. 



In California and Southern Utah there are several streams which 

 suddenly sink and are lost forever to the sight of man ; but history 

 gives no account of such a tremendous body of water that wells up 

 from the bowels of the earth in the shape of a spriug. Could this body 

 of water be followed in its subterranean wanderings through mother 

 earth it might inform us of some great curiosities and hidden treasures, 

 that possibly may never be revealed to the eye of man. 



Who can say but what Southern Missouri may some day be fa- 

 mous as a pleasure resort? 



I have not yet spoken of the most important industry that in the 

 future will engage the attention of a large portion of the citizens of 

 South Missouri. I Tefer to fruit growing and will only touch the sub- 

 ject incidentally, as in a former paper I had expressed my views. 



And now, while writing at my home, near the most beautiful city 

 in all the grand old State of Missouri, in imagination I wander down 

 the Ozark range, way into old Arkansas and picture out, (horticultu- 

 rally speaking) one of the grandest empires the world has ever seen. 



An empire which is destined to supply future generations of a 

 great portion of the country with the choicest products of this favored 

 land. 



Situated in the centre of this empire, rising in majestic propor- 

 tions like the pyramids of old Egypt, we find that wonder of modern 

 time, the Olden fruit farm. 



We confess before visiting this farm to some misgivings as to the 

 final result. But now we believe it will be a success. 



It will not only be a success, but will stand as a nucleus around 

 which will spring up similar industries, until the whole surrounding 

 country will appear as one grand orchard. 



It may be asked, what shall be done with all this fruit? 



We answer, sell all you can, dry, preserve, can and jelly the rest. 

 Why not supply this whole western country with canned goods, in- 

 stead of shipping from Maryland asd other points in the east f The 

 starting of such factories might drive from the market the vile stuff 

 with which the country is flooded, that which, containing not a particle 

 of fruit, is sold as preserves and jelly. 



Success to the Olden fruit farm ; we believe it is doing more to 

 develop the resources of South Missouri and bringing more emmigra- 

 tion than any other agency. We think there are sufficient brains, money 



