SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 185; 



wives were on hand for the drive from Torrington to Litch- 

 field. This was the first field day of the Society to be held. 

 in Litchfield County, and many were glad of the opportunity 

 to visit the famous old town of Litchfield, which, as everyone' 

 knows, is one of the most beautiful in the State. Arriving 

 at Fernwood Farm, it was soon evident that no finer place- 

 could have been ciiosen for the opening outing of the season. 



Beautifully situated on the hills overlooking the old town,. 

 Fernwood is not only an extensive estate, but is designed to- 

 be a successful farm and perfect country home as well. Much 

 of it is splendidly laid out and planted in an attractive man- 

 ner, while the natural beauties of woodland,, hill and meadow 

 are made the most of. 



The forenoon was occupied by the visitors in loi^king 

 over the home grounds, gardens, greenhouses and fine build- 

 ings (many of which are built of stone), under the guidance 

 of Superintendent I'utnam, whose excellent management was- 

 to be seen in every department. 



As the noon hour approached, all present were invited' 

 to gather in the beautiful grove, where lunch had been spread. 

 under the direction of the ladies of the local Grange. By 

 this time the attendance had increased to fully one hundred, 

 and every one of the number enjoyed to the utmost the ex- 

 cellent repast. 



The company was honored by the presence of the owner 

 of Fernwood — Mrs. Norton Goddard, whom we shall all" 

 remember for her unboimded hospitality and many kindnesses. 



After lunch the company lingered at the tables for a brief" 

 period of informal speaking, as is the custom at our field 

 meetings. Secretary H. C. C. Miles presided and called first 

 on our worthy president, Mr. Putnam. In his capacity as- 

 superintendent of Fernwood, and in behalf of Mrs. Goddard, 

 Mr. Putnam extended a cordial welcome to the visitors. 



He said he was more than pleased that so many of his 

 friends had accepted the invitation to Litchfield and had made 

 the long trip necessar\- to reach the meeting. He told his- 

 guests about the estate and how it had been built up and added; 



