The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-18
INCIDENTS OF A
SUMNER OUTING.
Fine Crops Make Glad the Expectant
Heart of the Husbandman.
AN ENTERTAINMENT IN FLUVANA
Pleasant Affair az the Residence OF DIR
Hatcher-A Reason Why the Mud
Should Not BE Removed From
the Water of the James.

DR.. w. H. o. McGehee has returned
from his Summer outing, looking sum
burned and robust. and talks interesting
ly about the incidents OF his trip. one
Of the most enjoyable features Of the
entire round was the house party OF
which he was "A guest at the country
home Of Rev. Or. VIM. T.. Hatcher az
Fork Union in Fluvanna county. The
neat and commodious house with us ele-
CANT furnishings and pleasant surround
ings IS an ideal retreat from tee dust
and toll and care OF city life. inc tepie
was b0untifully supplied w1.h tho
choicest products Of "Oid Flu ana the
city markets. while the homelika 1eeilns
impaired 20 her guests by the gracious
hostess together with the charming en-
pertaining qualities Of Miss Hatcher and
her witty and vivacious sisters made the
occasion a week of unalloyed pleasure
and endowment other members OF the
partv were Misses Birdie Jones and Kate
Foster. OF Richmond. Miss Mamie May
Almond. Of Lynchburg; Professor Hunter
OF Richmond College; City Councilman
winston. of Richmond and Mr.. Tim
Smith. Of the United States Postoihce
Department at Washington.
JAMES RIVER VALLEY.
The route UP the James River Valley
revealed TO the young Doctors admiring
ewes what every Virginian recognizes as
one Of the finest countries on earth.
With the exception OF a narrow belt
about twenty-five miles above Richmond
extending into the counties Of Powhatan
and Goochland. which by a strange freak
OF nature is drouth-stricken and palen-
ed. the entire country presents smllnS
picture OF thrift and prosperity among
the farmers. Well timed and copious
rains throughout the season, without
those destructive freshets which so oiteh
carry destruction and desolatlon IN thelr
path. have produced crops OF unsurpass-
ed luxuriahce and the iace OF eNely
farmer wears a smile.
AT the State farm was seen the most
magnificent crop OF corn that city eyes
ever beheld. The Doctor inherited love
for rural life and pursuits from a long
line Of ancestors running away back 10
that period in the history OF the old
Commonwealth when she formed part OF
British possessions. and his friends need
not be surprised II some future day nnds
him actively engaged in the noblest OF
all calHngs. that OF the educated, en-
lightened and progressive agrlcuturist.
DON'T CLEAR THE WATER.
The Doctor grew facetious when anu
sion was made to the much-muddled
question OF our city water supply ~
Columbia he saw the Rivana pouring
into our drinking water her daily tribute
Of coloring matter gathered from the
classic hills around Piraeus, the gateway
10 the Athens Of America and thinks
II would be next 10 sacrilege 20 rob the
precious fluid Of such sacred dust either
BY filtration. sedimentation, coagulation
or otherwise. To clear the water OF the
James would be 10 remove a time-honored
and distinguishing landmark which but
adds 10 Richmond another feature OF
resemblance to her great prototype. i'm
nerial Rome for she not only sits mates-
s,~auv on her seven hills but also has
The yellow Tiber" rolling at her feet.
In Lynchburg the Doctor was pecn-
i,arlv Impressed with the rare combina-
tom az the beauties and comforts OF city
and country. At the palatial home OF
the kind friends with whom he was stop
nins The xnacinns grounds In frant vsrA