The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-08-26
HUMANE SOCIETY TO MEET
 THIS AFTERNOON AT2P.M.

words of welcome. am unequal to the oratory we have just heard but I will say that I am glad we came to the south. and l hope we'll come again. to this most picturesque part of the United States I am glad that we came to the south. that the people of the north and south may get together to aid each other But not for this reason alone did we come. We came to see the laurel, the rhododendron and the ferns as they na- turally grow. Now we have seen them in nature in this. the most beautiful Land of the Sky So lovely situated In the Sunny South. I thank you MT. Barnard for your elegant words and for the Kindness that you have shown us. and assure you that we gladly accept of your hospitality"
 Next on the programme was the reading of the presidents address who was greatly missed by old associates, and whe symrathize with him and his family in the recent loss of his son. Then came the reports of the various officers and some miscellaneous business after which the auditorium was thrown open for the benefit of the public to view the exhibits. which were perfectly beautiful consisting of palms and ferns, with some rare specimens from the Fillmore estate; also banks of gladiolas in all colors of the rainbow. that with other florists sup plies and ribbons, rendered enchantment to the scene.
 Among the entertainments, a trip to Overlook mountain was greatly enjoyed, for the view is unsurpassed. An electric engine with several observation cars gradually wound their way to the sum init. which when reac ched makes the city beneath an interesting miniature with the mountains stretching away as far as eye can reach, so high as to make their summits disappear Into the heavens.
 A merry and gay party enjoged a water melon cut at this height. and did justice to that product Of the south Then began the gradual descent taking about one hour, and reaching the city in time to reach our various hotels in time for dinner.
 But the afternoon trip to the Wander bilt estate at Biltmore will ever remain a refreshing spot in the memory of those privileged to enjoy 1t.
 The whole society went out in car riages, and who could picture the beauty and the grandeur of every side. Mile after mile on a smooth carriage road with banks of rhododendron, natural ferns laurel, pampas grass and honeysuckle, when after a dis- tance of nine miles of this beauty, one suddenly comes upon that great mansion of beauty, strength and grace. We leave our carriages and saunter through the loveliness. and although such a large party, there was little noise, most Of us not findir g cur English language expressing enough for such sn occasion. The fouptains, the ponds filled with water lilies, the smooth green carpets of lawn, the ever beautiful English ivy, the ampelopsis, the palms against which a tall person looked small, the roses, the adiantum, all made fairy bower, backed by such natural scenery, as not to be surpassed even in the old world. Surely nature in this place has whispered her best secrets.
 We were thoroughly tired by this sme. an6 were taken by the gardener of this estate and his wife to a large stone hall. where the ladies were served with sand wiches. ice cream and cake while the gentlemen, after light lunch, freely en- joyed the beverage that made Milwau- kee famous" on the strength of which cheer after cheer resounded for the so- 1 ciety, the president and ether officers, for MT. Botiomly, the gardner, and MT. George vanderbilt, when one voice com menced. Should auld acquaintances be forgot" quickly followed by the entire crowd, until I think even MT. Vanderbilt, at Bar Harbor, must have caught the re- frain from those hundreds of threats singing For the Sake of Aul Lang Syne."