202 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Indians and Mexicans. Through an interpreter we had an 

 informal introduction to the ofl3cials, and after some pleasant 

 interchange of compliments took our departure. " On our return 

 trip we stopped first at the residence of one of the Kimball 

 Brothers. There we went through the groves planted with the 

 orange, lemon, olive, and guava ; also through the grounds about 

 the residence, which were planted with ornamental trees and 

 flowering plants. Roses were in perfection, being in superb 

 bloom, the buds showing most exquisite form and color. After 

 passing through the grounds and mansion, and it being about 

 noon, each member of the party was presented with a basket 

 containing a very delicate and appetizing lunch covered with a 

 Japanese napkin, and on each basket was a houtonni^re of the 

 most exquisite flowers. Lemonade was freeh" served and par- 

 taken of ; it was made from lemons to the manor born and was 

 deliciously refreshing and dul}' appreciated. 



With lunch in hand we boarded the cars again for a trip to the 

 famous Sweetwater Dam, built by the San Diego Land and Town 

 Company at a cost of $200,000. It is designed to supply the 

 cit}- with water and also to irrigate lauds in the vicinity. The dam 

 presents a fine appearance. It is a strong, durable, and hand- 

 some structure, and the reservoir, which has the capacity of 

 6,000,000,000 gallons, covers an area of seven hundred acres. 

 Resuming our journey, we next stopped at some large orange 

 groves, which were under excellent management, the trees being 

 loaded with fine fruit, now approaching ripeness. On our arrival 

 at San Diego we were shown to the rooms of the Chamber of 

 Commerce, where we found an exhibition of fruits, vegetables, 

 and flowers. All were well arranged and showed the intelligent 

 care bestowed upon their cultivation. After some speeches we 

 repaired to the ferry boat and were soon lauded again at the 

 Hotel Del Coronado, where we took supper. Later on the 

 companj' met in one of the large parlors, for an interchange of 

 speeches of a complimentary nature, which proved verj* interest- 

 ing to us. We were really the guests of Messrs. F. A. and W. C. 

 Kimball, formerly of Massachusetts, and we acknowledged as 

 best we could our heartfelt gratitude for their kindness and 

 generous hospitality, as nowhere else in the State were we shown 

 more liberal and considerate attention. 



