The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-06-02
5Eyeniing7laat,
A Beautiful Spot.

Recently few favored persons
through the courtesy OF the head OF
the agriculture department OF the
Fatrmont stsate normal school made
trip OF inspection over the grounds
OF the plant which is situated on a
high point of land In the West end Of
the city. The trip was a revelation
to some of US who had never been
over the grounds but heretofore had
contented ourselves with visiting only
tne building The plot surrounding
the large building is composed Of eigh-
teen and one half acres of beautiful
rolling land and situated at the top
OF the first incline is the main build
ing. The head OF the department
whose guests we were for that trip
first invited US to take a look at the
campus surrounding the front OF the
edifice. We noted many trees, shrub
berry, vines which have been set out
under his care and which when they
nave grown and matured well trans
form this spot into one Of rare beauty.
Surrounding the handsome balustrade
which confines the long flights Of
steps leading to the building have
been planted shrubbery of all kinds
and descriptions. Most OF this is
the Towering kind and when in bloom
will make picture which will be we'll
worth reproduction by the brush of an
artist. Among the varieties of shrub
berry which have been chosen for their
peculiar fitness in order that they may
enhance the beauty OF the spot are the
barbary, daphnia. snow ball althea,
forsythia, hydrangea, japomica matur.
ing.
To further enhance the beauty of
the balustrade vines of the trailing va
rieties such as the English ivy and
the Virginia creeper have been set
out and when these vines have spread
as they will do rapidly portions of
the building and the balustrade will
be completely envelcped in ivy and
creeper.
Groups of trees and single trees
have been planted at advantageous
points throughout the entire eighteen
acres of ground and these are growing
nicely and will not only add beauty to
the grounds but will afford a nice
shade when they have grown to any
size. These trees have also been Sc
lected with care as to their SUITABLE
lily to certain locations. A weeping
willow tree has been placed overhang-
ing a pretty stream of water and a
group OF trees which are peculiarly
suited lw crumbs has been placed at
the entrance t the railway entering
the building. Amng the many trees
which have been placed n the campus
and at the rear the building are such
varieties as sugar maple, cataipha.
red maple. hickry, palm leaf, wild
cherry, Japanese MAPLE laurel leaf
oak, sycamore, white birch pansy will.
low, schwelders maple. In allapprox.
imately fifty trees have been set out
most OF which give promise of attain
ns large and sturdy growth.
Af.er We had inspected the campus
our guide askesd us II we would like to
Climb to the top OF the hill which oe-
erlcoks the building from the rear
aEd so interested had we become in
, the grounds that we readily assented
10 the climb. The highest point on
he normal school grounds is said to
ne overtop anything in its near v!cini-
ty. and from this it is most gorgeous
| and wonderful view of the city and its
environments to be had. Here is
PAINTED the tree which was grown
from the seed of the famous old syc-
| amore which graces the centre Of the
mound On the old normal school cam
pus.
To the rear of the building we found
veritable hive Of industry. Students
4. large numbers we're busily hoeing,
Planting or wedding in large garden
which occupied seven acres. These
GARDENS were nicely and neatly laid off
and showed that they had had excel
lent care from skilled hands and al
ready thus were showing signs of
large output. In these gardens were
planted table vegetables of all kinds
and descriptions, many Of which find
their way to the culinary department
of the school where they are readily
turned into appetizing dishes under
the sldllful hands of the students.
About one acre is planted in potatoes
and approximately three acres in
corn.
Located at the extreme edge of the
large acreage is beautifully laid off
orchard. This orchard is an innova-
ton at the school but already a large
number of thrifty fruit trees give evil
dence of large crops within a few
years. Apple trees such as Grimes
Golden, Roman Beauties, Transpar-
ents, and many others are found ind