2 28 THE CONNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



STRAWBERRY FIELD DAY AT BRISTOL. 

 June 24, igoi. 



Messrs. E. Manchester & Sons of Bristol were the first to 

 extend a field meeting invitation for the season of 1901, and 

 accordingly the annual strawberry meeting of the Society was 

 held at their well known "Fernhill Farm" on Monday. June 24. 



Despite the oppressive weather the attendance was large, the 

 visitors finding restful coolness under the shade of a great oak, 

 which was made the headquarters for the day. 



The company as gathered under the old tree just after lunch 

 is shown in fig. 16. 



The forenoon was occupied with a tour of Mr. Manchester's 

 farm. The farm is fertile and well tilled ; much of it is devoted 

 to grass and pasture, since the dairy is one of Mr. Manchester's 

 specialties and his chief pride. 



However, there are many fruit crops growjn also; the apple 

 orchard was of special interest to the visitors, for here was 

 grown some of the fruit that received highest awards at 

 the Paris Exposition. The trees are young and thrifty and 

 give evidence of careful handling, including spraying. Plums, 

 peaches, raspberries and blackberries were seen, and a good 

 acreage of strawberries just ripening a bountiful crop of nice 

 fruit. Mr. Manchester's sons give special attention to the berry 

 crops. A fancy market is found for the fruit in nearby Bristol, 

 in connection with the milk from the farm. 



After all had partaken of the picnic lunch, for which the tables 

 were pleasantly spread under the trees, the gathering was called 

 to order for discussion and exchange of ideas. Mr. R. A. 

 Moore, Treasurer of the Society, presided very acceptably in 

 the absence of President Piatt. Unfortunately the host, Mr. 

 Elbert Manchester, was confined to the house by illness and was 

 unable to welcome his guests, but his son Edward filled his place 

 with much credit, telling of the work undertaken on the farm. 



Among those who addressed the meeting were B. C. Patter- 

 son, Master of the State Grange; J. M. Hubbard of Middle- 

 town, one of the pioneers in Connecticut agriculture and fruit 

 growing; Dr. Cressy of the Connecticut Farmer: F. L. Perry 

 of Bridgeport, of the Committee on New Fruits, who spoke of 



