200 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In the evening a banquet was given in Horticultural Hall. 

 The Hall was finely decorated and the arrangement of the tables 

 was ver}- unique — unlike anj-thing we had seen, but the effect was 

 charming, loaded as they were with the products of the State 

 most tastefully displayed. After a sumptuous repast speaking 

 was in order, which together with most excellent music held the 

 company to a late hour. 



After a good night's rest we took our train for Monterey, 

 situated on the southern extremity of the Bay of Monterey. A 

 short ride brought us to our first stop, at Del Monte, situated 

 near the Bay of Monterey. From the station we walked through 

 a beautiful avenue shaded with live-oaks and conifers seemingly 

 old as the hills, approaching the famous Hotel Del Monte, which 

 was built within two or three years to replace one that was 

 burned. This hotel is situated in the centre of a natural park of 

 two hundred acres. Here were some of the largest and tallest 

 pines we saw on the trip. Though native trees, by Nature 

 planted, the}' were grouped for the most charming effect, each 

 tree in its grandeur seeming indispensable to the others. Beneath 

 their shade was fine artificial planting of the Cacti in great 

 variet}', as well as all other desirable ornamental plants. The 

 roses, which seem to receive especial attention, were in full bloom 

 November 28. At this hotel we took our Thanksgiving lunch. 

 The dining room was well filled and ample justice was done to 

 the bill of fare. 



There is a " Labyrinth " here, planted with a species of cedar, 

 in hedge form, with intricate paths. Our company seemed to 

 have but little difficult}' in getting in, but there was a great deal 

 of noise and confusion in gettino; out. We were told of some 

 who failed to find their way out and had to remain over night. 



I have never seen a spot where everything seemed so entirely 

 wrapped up in Nature — in fact where Nature seemed so entirely 

 supreme ; where trees of gigantic growth have lived for ages and 

 still look vigorous and well preserved. The hotel with its sur- 

 roundings seems to have an air of royal and generous hospitality, 

 as well as an indescribable kindl}' rural aspect. Monterey is 

 favored with a beautiful contour of countr}' and ocean in close 

 proximity ; and the}' seem to unite most happily, with no rugged 

 waste in view. As we neared the beach curious shells were found, 

 of which many were gathered by our party. The harbor is crescent- 



