which has later become through her generosity a Home for our bhnded 
soldiers. 
We visited many beautiful gardens, and had tea with Mrs. Ridgely, 
at wonderful old Hampton with its terraced gardens, ancient cedars 
and fine box. An account of this historic place was read by Mrs. 
Bruce. On the second day, we visited the far-famed Baltimore Flower 
Market and other attractive gardens, the members being particularly 
charmed by Mrs. Bouton's little open air theatre. 
In January, 1916, through the efforts of Mrs. Boardman, South- 
ampton Garden Club, the first exhibition of garden books was held 
at the New York Public Library. This was followed in March, when 
the Council of Presidents met in Philadelphia, by a loan exhibition 
of garden books in Philadelphia, arranged by Mrs. Wm. W. Frazier, 
Jr., under the auspices of the Garden Club of Philadelphia, where one 
bad the rare treat of examining Gerard's "Herbal" and other century 
old books. 
It was with peculiar pleasure we held the Fourth Annual Meeting 
at Lenox, Mass. (June 28th-29th, 1916), for here in the happy peace- 
fulness of midsummer, surrounded by the Berkshire Hills, we were 
inspired to bring forth in a truer and bigger way the objects of this 
association. After each of our business meetings we had the joy of 
seeing the great gardens of this wonderful country. Miss Kneeland 
welcomed us in her garden, designed and carried out by her own hands, 
and Mr. French's garden and studio showed us many charms never 
to be forgotten. Those who had the privilege of being received by 
Mr. Choate will ever remember his gracious hospitahty. We were 
hurried away from Mr. Clarke's picturesque garden, as well as from 
the charming gardens of Mrs. Parson, Mrs. Clarkson, and Mrs. 
Hoffman by the shrill whistle blown by Mr. Clarkson. 
Every member Club was represented at this meeting, and inspiring 
reports were made by the Presidents at the dinner at the Curtis House. 
igij — America was at War, and the Garden Club of America 
laid aside its pleasures and met its duties. Reluctantly we abandoned 
the privilege of holding the Fifth Annual Meeting as the guests of 
the Garden Club of IlHnois. 
At the meeting in March of the Council of Presidents the Clubs 
were called into the service of their country, and immediately they 
began planting vegetable gardens and established canning centers. 
It was strange to hold our Fifth Annual Meeting the middle of June, 
191 7, in New York City, but we met only to carry out the business of 
the Association. 
In July your President was called to Washington to represent 
this Club at a Meeting of the Woman's Committee of the Council of 
National Defense. It was interesting to find that out of 70 National 
6 
