The Florida star. (Titusville, Fla.) 1880-1917, 1900-12-21
THE FATHER m ! +
Of PROTECTION.
Some History Connected With
the Making of the Nc
Farland Tent.

credit for the discovery of America; not
Thomas efferson-although his hand
and brain framed the Declaration of In
dependence; but George Washington,
because it was through his genius and
energy that the hopes of the nation were
crystallized into form and practical
method of protecting the liberties of the
people was established and maintained.
1t is upon the same theory that the title
of the Father of Protection" is due to
be bestowed upon William H. McFar-
land
True, he was not the originator of the
idea of protection; he is not even alone in
devising means for the protection of or
ange trees from killing frosts; but 1t
was, unquestiOnably, his enthusiasm and
confidence in the citrus industry in that
section of the Florida peninsula above
the frost line, that aroused the growers
from the lethargy of despair, and which
caused them 20 again take heart and be-
gin anew the effort to restore their groves;
and today, while there are many meth
DDS not suggested by him, which are be-
ing employed TO prevent the killing eff
fects of low temperature, his method of
protecting trees is acknowledged by all as
practical, and is even endorsed by those
who have tried some other means of sal
walton from frost.
The splendidly equipped factory of the
Mcfarland Fruit Protection company, at
Titusville, which is now running at its
fullest capacity in order 10 fill the orders
for tents andprotecting material, which are
crowding upon the company, is monu-
ment 10 the genius and steadfastness of
purpose OF the "Father Of Protection"
It's history, if told in detail, would be a
revelation of the answering determine
ton of the man ard the tremendous
difficulties under which he labored TO
perfect his invention and organize a
company for its manufacture. Obstacles,
which would have appalled, ordinary
men, had no terrors for him. He determ-
ined that he would furnish protection 10
the orange growers of Florida, and he is
now succeeding in doing so.
THE INVENTOR AT WORK.
Beginning the very night of the freeze
of February, 1899, when all looked black
10 the orange grower, Mr.. Mcfarland
worked continuously through the spring
and summer to perfect tent that would
protect the trees from the cold, and, at
the same time, be so constructed that il
could be handled with rapidity, made of
durable material and at cost that would
render its general adoption feasible. He
labored night and day, seeming to take |
no rest, and, in fact, his disregard of the |
natural laws of physical endurance was
so frequent that his friends We're greatly |
concerned, for fear he would collapse |
Much time and money were spent IN ex-
periments that promised much; but on |
account of some unforeseen defect, had to |
be discarded. Several times. after max
ing tent that seemed To be all that was
required, Mr.. Mcfarland would exhibit
it to an admiring crowd, who thought
1t could not be excelled Even while he
was receiving the plaudits of his neigh
bors and friends, his keen eve discovered
some fatal error of construction or other
defect that would condemn it in his own
mind, and he would begin all over again.
The time came, however, when he RENE
died all defects and was able to produce
tent that seemed to answer all require
ments; even this he has since greatly
upon.
when Mr.. Mcfarland made up his
mind to invent and perfect system of
protection TO citrus trees, he was taking
his annual, winter vacation at his adopted
home in Titusvile; his business, that of
a circus manager, was one in which he
the highest salary. As the
time approached for him 10 20 upon the
road, although he was without funds and
dependent upon his salary for living,
he Cancelled his contracts and made up
his mind to devote his entire time to
the restoration of the lost orange indus
try in the state of Florida. He saw, with
prophetic eye, the future prosperity of