The Garden Club of Philadelphia 
The Garden Club of Philadelphia held a meeting in October at 
which Miss Ethel Mather Baggs spoke on a plan which the Royal 
Horticultural Society of England has adopted for the reconstruction 
of the devastated regions of Belgium and France. The Royal Horti- 
cultural Society is now raising a fund to assist in the re-establishment 
of the fruit, vegetable and flower growing industries of France and 
Belgium, as soon as peace is declared and the troops have evacuated 
the regions now occupied. 
Before the war, each district of Belgium had its horticultural 
specialty; for example, Ghent was famous for its flowering plants, 
especially begonias, Brussels for its chicory and hot-house fruits and 
vegetables. Every mechanical device used in these industries has 
been destroyed by the war. Hot-houses no longer exist. 
It has seemed to many of us that this movement should interest 
the Garden Club of America. Outdoor industries will furnish occupa- 
tion and a means of livelihood for many crippled soldiers. No more 
constructive work can be done for these unhappy people than to help 
them in securing the equipment necessary for the re-establishment 
of their horticultural industries. Mrs. B. Franklin Pepper. 
The Garden Club of Princeton 
No report received. 
The Ridgefield Garden Club 
No report received. 
The Rumson Garden Club 
No report received. 
The Rye Garden Club 
During the past year there have been thirteen meetings of the 
Rye Garden Club. At two of these meetings papers were read by 
members and there were also special exhibits of flowers when in full 
bloom, such as gladioli, roses, and the perennials of July. 
The Bulb Show in May was a great success, but unfortunately 
owing to the prevalence of infantile paralysis, the Autumn Flower 
Show had to be canceled. The absence of many members because 
of the epidemic and the lateness of the season has made the summer 
a very unusual one, but in spite of these drawbacks, the Garden Club 
has had a successful year and has broadened its interests and its 
influence by undertaking some civic work, of which I shall write 
next year. The Club also had one Field Day when four gardens were 
visited. iffijj 
