The record-union., 1895-01-18
EXCURSION OF EASTERN VISITORS.
The PomoIogists Inspect Vineyards
and Orchards.
Papers Read and Topics Discussed at
Yesterdays Sessions-Ihe Re-
ceptiOn Tonight.

Yesterday morning did not open up
favorably for typical Sacramento day,
even in the middle of January, much to
the disappointment of the committee of
citizens who were looking after the COM
fort and pleasure Of the delegates to the
American Pomological Convention now
in session in this city. A sharp wind
came up from the southeast, leaden
clouds covered the sky and there was
just enough of suggestion of slight
touch of the finger of mythical Jack
Frost to lend an added impetus to the
blood of the visitors as they wended
their way to the depot to board the train
that had been provided to convey them
through the extensive orchards and vine
yards that lie between here and Folsom.
Six coaches were provided for the ac-
commodation of the party, all OF which
were comfortably filled The train crept
slowly out of the depot, and, gathering
headway, ran rapidly through the city's
outskirts with their vista OF backyards
and humble homes.
Passing through the long stretch of
vegetable gardens in the enVirons, many
of the visitors obtained their first view OF
California hopyard-not a particularly
pleasant sight at this period of the year,
with their long rows of bare scantlings
set on end in the deep, rich Ioam-w hIle
the huge drying-kilns in the foreground
looked bleak and lonely without their
summer establishment of green, trailing
vines.
Alter passing Brighton. with its outly
ing cottages, whose green lawns, bloom
ing roses and other flowers drew exclam-
aJions of delight from the excursiOniSts,
the orchard district was entered, here and
there lnterspersed with patches OF grape
vines and helds of growing alfalfa, with
scattered groups of grazing cattle. The
train passed rapidly until the handsome
country residence OF Hon. Russ Stephens
at Mayhew's Station was reached.
A brief halt ensued to allow the visitors
to inspect small olive orchard near the
depot Another short stop was made at
Routiers, that glance might be had of
the almond orchards in that vicinity.
a rapid run through miles OF broad
grain fields followed, and a prolonged
stop made at the Natoma vineyard, where
the members inspected the winery and
expressed their astonishment at the miles
of grapevInes stretching on either side of
the railroad.
At Folsom the visitors left the cars and
dispersed in various directions. a large
party walked through to the prison. in-
spected that institution and viewed the
dam and canal that are to furnish the
great water power which is to generate
electricity for this city.
President Berckmans and party were
conveyed to Orangevale in carriage by
George katZenstein and were shown
about the colony. Several visitors,
through the kindness OF citizens, were
escorted 10 different orchards and al
lowed to pluck oranges and flowers in
the surrounding grounds. Others exam
lned the mines about Folsom and wit
messed the operations of that industry.
AS the noon hour drew near the long
threatening rain began falling and par
Ties OF the e&CurSlOnlstS took refuge IN
Firemen's Hail, which had been heated
ana thrown open Tor the accommodation
OF all by thoughtful citizens of Folsom.
Promptly at noon lunch was served,
and by p. NJ. the return journey began.
y briet stop was again made at Routier
Station, where Mrs. James b. Patterson
distribut over 300 Dutton-hole bouquets,
which she had prepared from her garden
after the passage ot the train IN the morn
ing. This incident caused much COM
ment from the visitors on the spon-
taneous nature of California hospitality.
AS the train neared the city the storm
burst n all its violence. The rain beat
in sheets against the car-windows and at
times almost drowned the noise of the
train, while the coaches rocked with the
force of the wind.
The train reached the depot on its re-
turn trip at 2:l5 P. NJ, and the members
repaired Immediately TO the Pavilion TO
attend the afternoon session OF the So
ciety.
Despite the inclemency of the weather,
all the visitors expressed themselves as
more than delighted with their trip and
The treatment they received, not only
from the citizens who planned the excur-
sion, but from the kind people of Folsom.
President Berck mans, in speaking of the
trip, said: Il saw something to-day [
never heard of before in all my long ex-
hpNn IN ,f,l gto p-f.1
oranges growing side by side. Coming
from the antipodes, the two extremes
meet, thing not known in the United
States outside OF California"