WAR DEPARTMENT 



WASHINGTON 



June 7, 1918. 



NATIONAL WAR GARDEN COMMISSION, 

 WASHINGTON, D. C. 



Dear Sirs: 



The War Department finds much satisfaction in the creation of War Gardens 

 at various army camps by the Conservation and Reclamation Division of the 

 Quartermaster General's office. Food production at these camps has been the 

 subject of some concern with the department. The large areas of tillable land 

 within many of the military reservations have been regarded as offering potential 

 food production on a large scale, and I feel that the army is to be congratulated- 

 that the utilization of this space has now taken concrete form. 



Camp War Gardens will serve more than one useful purpose. The pro- 

 duction of food at the mess door is of great importance in that it not only lessens 

 the army's demand on the usual sources of supply but eliminates transportation 

 as well. 



To the National War Garden Commission I extend the thanks of the Depart- 

 ment for its quick response to the appeal of the Quartermaster General's office 

 for co-operation. Not confining itself to mere compliance with the letter of the 

 request, the Commission entered fully into its spirit. At a time when funds 

 were not available through Government channels the Commission voluntarily 

 provided seed, fertilizers and equipment which made possible the establishment 

 of a War Garden of 300 acres or more at Camp Dix. For this generous contri- 

 bution and for swift action to overcome the handicap of a late start I take pleasure 

 in making this acknowledgment and in expressing the hope that the Camp Dix 

 War Garden of the National War Garden Commission will prove an unqualified 

 success. 



Cordially yours, 



(Signed) NEWTON D. BAKER, 



Secretary of War. 



UNITED STATES FOOD ADMINISTRATION 



Baltimore, Maryland. 

 September 14, 1918. 



NATIONAL WAR GARDEN COMMISSION, 

 Maryland Building, 



WASHINGTON, D. C. 



Gentlemen: 



We wish to express to you our appreciation of your helpfulness in our war 

 garden, canning and drying work in Maryland during the season of 1918. Your 

 book on canning and drying has been of great value, while the canning outfits 

 which you so kindly gave us made it possible for us to establish canning centers 

 throughout the State, with results of far-reaching importance which could not have 

 been otherwise accomplished. We are equally appreciative of your prompt and 

 willing response to our request for the services of one of your trained investigators 

 to assist in our war garden work. Your spirit of prompt and willing service is 

 cordially appreciated. 



Yours truly, 



(Signed) EDWIN G. BAETJER, 



Federal Food Administrator for Maryland. 



