The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-09-18
TUESDAY NOVEMBER A, 1873.
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS.

BOSTON, September II.
The meeting of the American Pomologi
cal Society at Boston has brought together
a fine body of men from all portions of the
Union. The display Of fruits is, of course,
magnificent. Those of our readers who
remember the exhibition of the society at
its anniversary in Richmond two years ago
need only be told that this years display
is still fuller in many departments. Our
own state, we regret to say, is not fully
represented. 1t is redeemed from total fail
IRE by the grand collection of pears from
Leighton, Weeks and other orchardsts, of
Norfolk, and the fine collection of apples
displayed by Mr.. Pattison, Of Henry
county. From Fairfax county, Gunston
Hall made such slight show as its yoang
orchards permitted. But even with this
meagre representation in point of numbers.
the Virginia table attracted and held
crowds of admirers. 1t was really too bad
that state with such resources should have
allowed herselfto be outdone by Kansas and
Nebraska, the youngest of the sisterhood.
We could have far surpassed those states in
quality and variety of fruit could our spec
linens have been collected and forwarded.
But our people are poor, and the expense
too great for the slim purses of our fruit
growers, most of whom are just beginning
their work. Kansas and Nebraska have
appropriated money to collect and exhibit
their fruits as the best possible advertise
ment of their lands. We hope another
year to secure similar provision from the
legislature of Virginia, and to come to the
next anniversary with collection worthy
Of our goodly state. Everybody who
comes to our table seems to feel kindly
interest in Virginia. and we tell them all
to come down and help US restore her old
time prosperity. Those of the Pomologi-
cal Society who were at Richmond two
years ago speak warmly of their hosptable
reception. and are loud in their praises of
our state and its people.
Yesterday reception at Fanuil Hall and
the welcome Of the mayor began our session.
The day was spent principally in business
discussions and election of officers. We
began to-day with the pleasant courtesy of
breakfast rendered the members by Mr..
William Gray, jr., at his residence on
Howard avenue, near Stoughton street,
ward 16. Some two hundred Of the
members accepted the invitation, and
were carried out in four of the open cars
Of the Highland road, furnished by the
courtesy of the managers, under the per-
sonal supervision of Superintendent Rugg.
The party reached the elegant residence
of Mr.. Gray about quarter to eight
O'Clock; were personally presented to
their host and received cordial welcome.
An excellent breakfast was served in q
purely informal manner, and then the
guests were shown over the extensive
grounds, which have been laid out with
the best of taste, and combine in their at.
fractions the beauties of nature and art.
The smooth, green lawns, dotted with
stars Of bright .parterres Of flowers, and
bounded by shaded winding walks, and
especially the forest trees, the oak and the
evergreen, all came in for a share of the
admiration of these people of cultured
taste. The occasion was most enjoyable,
all the more so from the absence Of for.
mality.
With such a beginning the day was de-
voted TO work, and great variety Of
topics passed the ordeal of discussion.
The practice OF giving money premiums
was quite generally condemned, and finally
abolished by decisive vote.
A committee was appointed to secure
more uniform and better rates of trans
portatiOn.
The discussion of new apples occupied
large space. Our readers will be favored
with its results in due time.
At four p. m. the delegates and their
ladies accepted an invitation to visit the
home of Mr.. Hunnewell, which is the
nearest approach to our idea of Eden that
we ever expect to see. This gentleman
resides about ten miles from Boston. on
the [shore Of one of the beautiful lakes
which gem the bosom of New England.
lie possesses large wealth and spends it
free upon his grounds. About five
hundred of us took passage on the Boston
and Albany line, a special train being
freely furnished for that purpose by the
officers of that road. On the arrival of the
train at the station in Wellesley half
hour later, they found coaches in waiting
to convey them to the grounds of Mr.,
Hunnewell, three-fourths of mile away,
On the arrival at the grounds the party
received no formal reception, but were az
liberty to stroll in such directions as
pleased them best, and whichever path
way was selected soon led through the
most delightful combinations of the at
fractions of nature and art. Though many
OF the party have made Horticulture and
forestry life study, there was an ,nyol-